New to EBR, 2 thumbs up for Sena R2 Helmets

[LovinEbike]

Just bought new helmets for my wife and I to go with our new eBikes. Key feature desired is communication between us two riders. I am a research nut and quickly found Sena was one of the main providers of these types of helmets (definitely a few others that also looked interesting). We ended up buying the R2 model. They are fantastic for always on communicating between riders. Surprisingly makes our rides even more enjoyable! There are a few more features that would be nice to have, such as a beep notification in the helmet to indicate an incoming phone call. And I have not yet been able to get voice dialing a phone contact to work but that could be a user error.

 

[6zfshdb]

Just bought new helmets for my wife and I to go with our new eBikes. Key feature desired is communication between us two riders. I am a research nut and quickly found Sena was one of the main providers of these types of helmets (definitely a few others that also looked interesting). We ended up buying the R2 model. They are fantastic for always on communicating between riders. Surprisingly makes our rides even more enjoyable! There are a few more features that would be nice to have, such as a beep notification in the helmet to indicate an incoming phone call. And I have not yet been able to get voice dialing a phone contact to work but that could be a user error.

My wife and I have been using the older X1's which lack the mesh technology, Communication is limited to just 4 people which most of the time isn't an issue.

I was about to buy a pair of the Sena R1 Evo's when they were abruptly discontinued and replaced with the R2 and R2 Evo's (mesh technology). I didn't like the new design with the speakers in the straps instead of in the helmet so I changed my mind.

The Sena's are great products though and have been praised in other threads here at EBR.

BTW, Welcome to the forum!

 

[Comfortably Numb]

Just bought new helmets for my wife and I to go with our new eBikes. Key feature desired is communication between us two riders. I am a research nut and quickly found Sena was one of the main providers of these types of helmets (definitely a few others that also looked interesting). We ended up buying the R2 model. They are fantastic for always on communicating between riders. Surprisingly makes our rides even more enjoyable! There are a few more features that would be nice to have, such as a beep notification in the helmet to indicate an incoming phone call. And I have not yet been able to get voice dialing a phone contact to work but that could be a user error.

You know the rules.....PIcs, or it didn't happen.
CN

 

[Deacon Blues]

LovinEbike, do you listen to music, podcasts, etc when you ride? If you do, I was wondering how you rate the sound quality/volume.
How can you tell if you have an incoming phone call?

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Just bought new helmets for my wife and I to go with our new eBikes. Key feature desired is communication between us two riders. I am a research nut and quickly found Sena was one of the main providers of these types of helmets (definitely a few others that also looked interesting). We ended up buying the R2 model. They are fantastic for always on communicating between riders. Surprisingly makes our rides even more enjoyable! There are a few more features that would be nice to have, such as a beep notification in the helmet to indicate an incoming phone call. And I have not yet been able to get voice dialing a phone contact to work but that could be a user error.

My wife and I, and a married couple that we ride with have been using the Sena helmets for a year and half now. Total game changers. Biking is so much more fun, and we crack each other up the whole time. Plus it makes the ride safer as the lead rider can call out dangers and obstacles.

 

[LovinEbike]

Ok CN, here are some pics...mine charging and wife's on her noggin.

Sound quality is excellent for person to person live chatting (no phone required). I'm not into listening to music or podcasts when riding. If music or podcast is your thing then from what I read you'll get better music quality from earbud(s).

I thought they were a bit pricey at 150 each, but they really are a game changer for person to person chatting (extremely easy to start and quality of voice is excellent)

 

[SPeas]

@LovinEbike, I've just started looking at these helmets as well, but it seems that as of April 2022 the R2's are hard to find. Are your speakers in the helmet or in the straps? I was a little confused by the follow up comment by @6zfshdb.

Apparently the R1 Evo's are still in stock though.

 

[Bicyclista]

My girlfriend and I have been using the older R1's (non-mesh) for nearly two years. We love them. We only use them to talk to each other. No phone, no music, nothing else. I agree that they make the ride more social, you don't have to ride abreast, and you can warn each other of hazards.

 

[minigrrl]

We have had the R1s for a couple of years and love them. Makes riding together so much more fun. Though right now I do use them for music when riding alone, the sound is crap. I'm planning on buying some Aftershockz (shockz) to use instead.

 

[6zfshdb]

@LovinEbike, I've just started looking at these helmets as well, but it seems that as of April 2022 the R2's are hard to find. Are your speakers in the helmet or in the straps? I was a little confused by the follow up comment by @6zfshdb.

Apparently the R1 Evo's are still in stock though.

Sorry if my post was confusing. AFAIK, the Sena R1 and R1 Evo (mesh) have the speakers in the helmet. The R2 and R2 Evo's have strap mounted speakers. The Sena website is not specific on this point though so my statement is based on reviews both here and on other websites. Perhaps someone else who owns one can verify.

Please note this is a very minor point. There is nothing inherently wrong with the strap mounted speakers. Since they're closer to the ear, I'm sure they work as well or even better than those mounted in the helmet. In my case, it's a personal matter. I just don't like the bulk they add to the straps and I question the longevity of the wiring due to the constant flexing. I often hang my helmet by the straps when I take it off and worry about possible damage.

If the R2 Evo's were the only choice available, I certainly wouldn't let this be a deal breaker. They are an amazing product for those who want bike to bike communication, regardless of where the speakers are located.

 

[Deacon Blues]

We have had the R1s for a couple of years and love them. Makes riding together so much more fun. Though right now I do use them for music when riding alone, the sound is crap. I'm planning on buying some Aftershockz (shockz) to use instead.

I've been riding with Aftershockz bone conductor headphones for over a year and really like them. I also use them when I work in the garden and take my dog for walks.
The only downside is the wind noise at higher speeds while cycling usually drowns out the music.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I've been riding with Aftershockz bone conductor headphones for over a year and really like them. I also use them when I work in the garden and take my dog for walks.
The only downside is the wind noise at higher speeds while cycling usually drowns out the music.

or traffic noise I had to give up on them.

 

[6zfshdb]

I've been riding with Aftershockz bone conductor headphones for over a year and really like them. I also use them when I work in the garden and take my dog for walks.
The only downside is the wind noise at higher speeds while cycling usually drowns out the music.

Listening to music was a problem for me as well until I found these "Cat-Ears":

Cat-Ears.com | Cat-Ears, LLC | United States

Cat-Ears is the leading manufacturer of aero-acoustically designed passive wind noise reduction products for serious cyclists. Tested and recommended by respected publications and professionals, Cat-Ears / AirStreamz are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed and Made in the USA.

www.cat-ears.com

The product gets mixed reviews and won't work for everyone but they make a big improvement for me.


At $16, they're pricey for what you get though.

 

[Whybuywine]

My wife and I just purchased Sena R2 helmets in early June thru Amazon. Our speakers are in the helmet not in the straps. We like them so far. My only complaint is that I can't be listening to music and then have music interrupted by the intercom if she wants to talk to me. It's either be connected to your phone and be able to listen to music, or be connected via the intercom feature to another rider or more. These helmets don't allow you to do both simultaneously. It would be great if they could.

 

[fooferdoggie]

My wife and I just purchased Sena R2 helmets in early June thru Amazon. Our speakers are in the helmet not in the straps. We like them so far. My only complaint is that I can't be listening to music and then have music interrupted by the intercom if she wants to talk to me. It's either be connected to your phone and be able to listen to music, or be connected via the intercom feature to another rider or more. These helmets don't allow you to do both simultaneously. It would be great if they could.

ya that stopped us from getting them. plus the sound quality would turn my wife off.

 

[KnobbyGuy]

Ok CN, here are some pics...mine charging and wife's on her noggin.

Sound quality is excellent for person to person live chatting (no phone required). I'm not into listening to music or podcasts when riding. If music or podcast is your thing then from what I read you'll get better music quality from earbud(s).

I thought they were a bit pricey at 150 each, but they really are a game changer for person to person chatting (extremely easy to start and quality of voice is excellent)

Looks like Red Rock Canyon! First time we rode ebikes (in a guided tour)!