Usability is excellent: the controls are easy to use with gloves; the persistent Scottish rain had no effect; battery life is very impressive, giving us two full days of use between charges; and recharge time is very fast - 30 minutes provided sufficient charge for two days use.
I felt no need to use the other functions offered by the system, but nevertheless tried each in turn. The FM radio is very clear and fast to tune, so long as the signal is strong; when the signal is weaker, the reception will drop out regularly to be replaced with a static hiss, which makes for an uncomfortable listening experience. The Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone works well, as did the hands free answering. However, whenever a device was connected to the Interphone via Bluetooth, I noticed a reduction in the audio quality of the intercom - sometimes to the point when it became inaudible when it would otherwise have worked fine. This was also the case when I paired the Interphone to my Garmin.
If the rider wants to maximise the functions of the Interphone, they will eventually have to venture into the instruction manual. It’s an intelligent system, prioritising inputs when using more than one. For example, if a rider is listening to the radio the system will drop the volume when the intercom receives an incoming signal. There are a lot of other clever features: phone call sharing with a passenger, as well as voice call and speed redial; noise dependent volume control; the ability to listen to music in the background of intercom speech; you can even share music with your riding partner. There is now I phone app through which you can configure all the device’s setting; sadly it was not available when I tested the system, as an good app interface for anything where settings are hidden or hard to access (think GoPro) is a major plus in my opinion.
It’s a clever, feature-packed system indeed, but in reality I didn't want or need anything beyond the intercom. Much that I like the idea of whiling away long hours of highway riding with music, the sound quality at such speeds is poor. On roads demanding more of my attention, I don’t want the distraction of music - or anything else. No phone call is important enough to brake my concentration when in the saddle - that is what voice messages are for. GPS voice prompts may be useful for some, but I find them distracting and vague most of the time, preferring the map. However, we are all different; if you want the bells and whistles, I was pretty impressed with what the Interphone has to offer.
So am I a convert to intercom? There were times I wished it wasn’t there, notably when I was immersed in finding the perfect line through a series of absorbing bends, but that is an issue for your riding partner and you to resolve; just because you can speak to each other doesn’t mean you must. But overall, I think the riding experience is enhanced with intercom and I suspect Pau, who invariably is riding behind me, was very grateful for it - no more waiting for me to look in my rear view view mirror to see her telling me stop so she can don some warmer clothing or adjust a loose pannier. I think it will stay attached to our helmets for our next trip.
For riders who need less features, or want to spend less, check out the Sport and Urban models of the Interphone.
RRP UK
Pair of units - £379.99
Single unit - £219.99