The size may have shrunk but the sound is just as big
Posted 10.15.2008 at 10:43 am
8 Comments
Cy-Fi
Blasting some music while riding a bike isn’t a terribly exciting or technologically novel concept. In the mid 80’s grown men would hoist a boombox pumping Run-D.M.C with one arm while controlling their beach cruiser with the other. The Cy-Fi wireless speaker ($199.95) is a long overdue evolution in cycle speakers and it's a bit easier on the back. While it offers no singular technology worth noting, the finished product is as simple as it should be, a feat rare in modern electronics. We tested the iPod speaker (there’s a Bluetooth model as well) on the local boardwalk in San Francisco. Run-D.M.C was replaced by The Killers but the gawking from innocent bystanders attempting to enjoy their sunset remained.
Open the box for the Cy-Fi and you’ll be surprised at what’s missing. There’s no CD with an online manual or synchronization software. There’s no USB chord or instructions in seven languages. There’s only a wall charger, two mounting clips, the transmitter and the speaker itself. Stick the transmitter into the bottom of your iPod press play and voilá; anyone with 20 yards is listening to your playlist. Even the mounting clip is simple and adjustable to various handlebars. The clip remains on the bike for future usage while the speaker clips easily on and off. The transmitter only adds an inch of length and the iPod can be stuffed in your pocket or, in my case, in the front basket of the attractive blond riding alongside on her own beach cruiser. The speaker itself has buttons for adjusting the volume, play/pause and skipping tracks. Our lone complaint was the buttons were a bit tough to push while controlling a bike and weaving through tourists.
The sound was impressive and clear for me and the blonde. According to the Web site the system uses Kleer technology to transmit the sound with low power consumption and 100 percent lossless sound. The transmitter claims a range of 30 feet, which seemed consistent with our trial. The rechargeable battery lasts six hours; adequate, unless you're training for next year’s Tour. Apparently you can even have four speakers pumping from the same iPod at once should the need arise. The product is Apple Certified and available online. So get one of your own, dust of the beach cruiser and leave the boombox in the garage.
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Brett,
I am glad you liked it. I invented the product as I wanted to be able to listen to my music safely while riding without having to use ear buds.
I also like to keep things very simple - as a matter of fact we will be getting rid of all that cardboard soon and replacing it with a carry bag for all the parts & accessories.
If you have any comments for the next version I would appreciate it. We are going to incorporate some pretty cool features in the next one due out for holiday 2009 and are always open to suggestions. We will look more at those buttons to make them more sensitive to the touch.
Jeff
I love this thing. Biker's needed a way to ride safe and enjoy music and this IS the answer. I was able to get a hold of one this summer and it was easy to use with great clear sound. Can't wait 'til they hit the shelves!
I saw an article about 6 months ago on this product and I have been waiting and waiting and I just received it two weeks ago.
I bought the iPod version and I love it. The sound outdoors is really amazing. I mean you won't confuse the sound with a Bose stereo but it is really great. I used to use my ear buds and those things were a pain inside my helmet.
3 of my buddies just placed orders last week after seeing and listening to it.
Awesome device! Just got mine and had to go for a ride along the beach No more earbuds becoming dislodged when riding my bike. I t will be real neat to use when the weather gets colder and I have to wear my hat (Cold Atlantic sea breezes!)
Again really neat device!
This is THE BEST iPod/phone accessory I have seen to date. Considering the size of the thing, the sound is incredible (REALLY great) and my unit works flawlessly. Bike mounting was just as easy as they said it was and removing the unit was a snap. Down here in Florida, where the drivers are, to say the least, suspect it is vitally important to be able to hear what goes on around you. Being able to hear traffic noises as well as the great sound is a big improvement to riding with headphones or those painful ear buds. It's worth the money just for the safety issues alone! Another nice thing about it is the range. It's a joy to be able to park your bike and walk away and still have the unit pumping out sound. I wish my blue tooth earpiece for talking worked as well!
I can not believe how great this product is! The sound is really clear and for once I am not yelling at my son about safety when he rides. It is lighter than it looks and very easy to use. No problem when changing songs while riding.
I am very excited to be able to use this for Christmas this year. Finally something "techie" that adds safety to its originality. The great thing is the music keeps playing even when you stop for a water break~
After seeing it, 3 people in my office ordered one.
Great Job
This looks like a great product. I really enjoy music on my rides, but since I ride in NYC, don't feel it's safe enough to wear earbuds. For your next version, I do have one suggestion. Is there a way to shape the speakers' acoustics to have highly directional sound so only the ride hears it? I remember seeing CD listening stations in a few stores that had a domed speaker above the listening station. This allowed for the person who wanted to listen by standing under it, but people standing nearby couldn't hear a thing. I think there are many cycling situations where this type of directed sound would be advantageous. Thanks for going for it and making this product, I'd be very interested to see the next version of this.
It seems cool, I want to buy one, where can I buy?