- Portable, bike-mount radio with single speaker and drift-free, digital-synthesized FM/AM tuning
- 15 FM/AM presets (10 FM, 5 AM) with convenient jog-level selection
- Ergonomic design includes innovative features and function controls, designed to be durable, stylish, and ready to go-anywhere
- Water-resistant design made for outdoor fun with water-resistant seals that help block water, moisture, and dirt
- Built-in cycle computer offers clock display, a speed meter, an odometer, a trip-distance meter, and shows ride time and average/maximum speeds
This radio is almost exactly what I was looking for. Its water resistant design is sleek and reassuring. The speaker is loud enough for normal riding conditions. The backlit LCD and digital tuning are very nice. The bike mount is well designed it is very simple to quickly detach the radio to take it with you. The FM antenna forms a hard rigid handle on the bottom (not shown in picture) which is nice for carrying.
That said, I have a few complaints. First, the FM reception is pretty poor compared to my car radio (in the same locations). I haven't tried working with the AM band much, so I can't say if it is any better. I would be willing to endure a larger model or more batteries to get better reception.
Second, there's no line-in jack for attaching an mp3 player. This might have been a conscious decision to preserve the water resistant design, but I would have liked to see it just the same. Of course, if you get a radio transmitter for your mp3 player, then you're golden.
Third, $50 is expensive for a portable radio. I would have been willing to forgo the bike computer functions for a less expensive bike mount radio.
Fourth, the wire going to the wheel sensor is kind of short and there's no way to extend it short of splicing the wire.
Buy Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning Now
This is great product. let me start off by saying that. I love the digital tuner, the speedometer and odometer features. The backlight makes me feel as if I am riding on something more expensive at night. My gripe with the product is the sound.
Where is the sound? I gave up my Pyramid bicycle radio because I thought I was getting a "SONY" radio. Just the fact that Sony would make a bicycle radio made me buy one w/o hearing it first.
If you are in a park or a quiet surburban block, it is great. Just do not ride in traffic and expect to hear anything. My older Pyramid in my mind seemed louder. I wish Sony would have done something with the sound. I am seriously thinking it is only my radio and I am willing to listen to another one to see if it is just my particular unit. Headphonejacks would have made this better as I would mount external speakers or something. Other than the low quality sound which I am trying to adapt to, the reception is great, the odometer/speedometer feature is awesome and the backlight makes me feel as I am riding something expensive at night.
Just a hint, when you are configuring the speedometer sensor, a little RTV (Silicone) in my opinion should be used behind it to keep it from sliding out of position on the fork along with tailored tie wrap straps Song provided with the kit. (When you buy it you will understand what I mean)
Do not let the sound factor discourage you, because I have seen the bicycle stuff out there, and this is the top of the pile. It is that they all seem to sound the same. If somone else can show me a compact bicycle radio with bigger sound email me at:
ianshannon97@verizon.net
Read Best Reviews of Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning Here
This is the perfect compliment to my hybridized mountain bike. Something was missing from my jaunts about town, and I was thinking of getting a cycle computer anyway. I tend to ride in the wee small hours of the morning when traffic is not much of an issue. It looks kind of silly on my bar, but I'll live. I've lived with it for a week and can tell you that the computer functions work well, the speaker really is loud enough at any speed I am likely to obtain, say 25 downhill with the wind, and the buttons and dials feel quite secure. The mounting mechanism is top notch.
As much as I enjoy the air and the easy traveling the bike allows, I didn't like missing my favorite radio programs especially in the morning. I wasn't going to wear a headset as it just isn't safe, not to mention illegal. Now this is no longer an issue.
Reception could be better on both AM and FM. FM fade is much more significant than, say, on my car's radio. I can't seem to pull any but the highest of the high-power AMs from adjacent markets. This may not be for you if you don't intend to ride within 20 miles or so of your favorite station's transmitters, which I do.
Frankly, I am infatuated with this little radio. Although a few subtle improvements could be made, especially considering it's a Sony who make really swell mundane radio sets; I recommend it to anyone either addicted to the radio or whose biking jaunts could use a little more entertainment.
Want Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning Discount?
This product was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a digital tuning bike radio that didn't require a headphone and this was literally the only one I could find. I have found all of the other bicycle computer features really helpful, too.
The only complaint I have is that the cord to connect the wheel sensor isn't long enough for a large bike such as mine, so it goes strait from the handlebar to the fork, instead of going down the goose neck to the fork or along the brake cable. It hasn't been a problem in 2 months of weekend riding, however. It doesn't look as 'clean' as I like to have things installed.
This item was purchased as a gift for my wife. It is easily mounted and instructions are pretty straight forward. The odometer, timer, speedo and radio work fantastic. This seems to be a well built unit and my wife enjoys it very much. Saw this item and compared it to others and am totally satisfied. The only thing that had to be done was to cut about 2" off a 1/2 rubber hose and slice it in half to to fit the anemic handle bars. The handle bar clamps were to big and did not tighten enough. The item arrived quickly and in perfect condition.
