Interphone Urban intercom system

Tested by: Mau Spencer // RRP: £109.99 // Info: www.interphone.com

Interphone does a range of different products to suit individual tastes, but the one I’m reviewing here is the ‘Urban’ system which comes in a twin pack kit (including two microphones (making it suitable for either a full face or open face helmet). It offers ‘rider to rider’ (100m range) or ‘rider to passenger’ communication via Bluetooth connectivity; you can also receive calls during your ride commute, or follow the Bluetooth navigator instructions.

The Interphone Urban is designed to fit most of the major helmet brands currently on the market and was fitted to my Shark Evoline 3 flipup helmet with no problems whatsoever. It is compatible with all smartphones using Bluetooth technology and Bluetooth GPS navigation devices. And as well as being compatible with earlier Interphone models, it should also connect to intercom system from other manufacturers.

The problem with some intercom systems is the battery life, but the Interphone Urban allows a talk time of up to 12 hours (recharge time: two hours); this is pretty good in terms of most intercom systems – which is just as well because the battery has to provide the power for other features like the FM radio system (with eight pre-set stations) and allows the option of connecting to your smartphone to listen to the music of your choice.

In use it does take a little practice to get the hang of operating all the system functions correctly, but once you’ve mastered that, then using it is a doddle. Of course, attaching any intercom system (or a video cam for that matter) to the side of your helmet does increase the possibility of additional wind noise, but if you can live that then they are well worth the investment.