Your helmet is a shell of silence unless you add an appropriate intercom. Once you do, your helmet transforms into a command center. CHUANYUE offers the ability to command that center space for under what many riders pay for a tank of premium gas. And the specifications read like CHUANYUE raided the top tier of products and simply copied the specs. Triple noise reduction, 43mm speakers, music sharing, FM radio, and IP67. All those features are wrapped around a product that weighs approximately as much as two AA batteries. Please check the current price here on Amazon, then continue reading.
Specifications and Build Quality
First of all the weight. CHUANYUE specifies a weight of 2.1 ounces, roughly 60 grams. Compare that to the large bricks of intercoms mounted on some helmets and you will understand why build quality matters after riding a 400 mile day. A heavy intercom will pull at your helmet shell and that will become very tiring. However, this one you will forget is even there until you need to use it.
The speakers are the major selling points. The 43mm speakers are located within the ear pocket most helmets have. That is larger than the 36mm and 40mm units found in several products in this price range. Larger diaphragm size equals greater airflow moving past the diaphragm, which means cleaner bass without distorting. The velcro backing provides a simple installation. Simply peel off the backing, place in the desired location, and press firmly. Done.
As stated earlier, waterproofing is provided in accordance with IP67. As such, this unit will withstand full exposure to rain, spray, snow, etc., as well as being submerged underwater. The charging port is hidden beneath a rubber flap. To maintain functionality during inclement weather conditions keep the flap sealed.
Installation utilizes a conventional bracket method. The bracket attaches to your helmet shell. The unit slides on and off, allowing you to recharge it indoors or store it in a pannier. Compatible with full-face, modular, open-face, and half face helmets. When holding the unit in your hand it feels sturdy. There was no creaky plastic nor did it appear to be loose once attached to your helmet.
The control unit is operated via a single rotary knob. This type of control is glove friendly, which may seem like a minor detail to many riders, however it is significant because it allows you to operate the controls with ease when wearing gloves. You rotate the knob for volume control, click the knob for track skip, and press and hold the knob for calls. Using winter gloves, it is easier to find and operate the knob versus pressing buttons you cannot feel due to cold hands. Music, calls, volume, Siri and Google Assistant all route through that one dial.
Audio and Microphone Performance
This is another area where low-cost intercoms tend to fail miserably compared to high-end products. Instead of stacking multiple layers of noise cancelation technology, CHUANYUE combined three types of noise cancellation technologies including DSP for signal processing, CVC for voice processing, and ENC for environmental noise reduction. The combination of these three technologies produces a microphone capable of separating rider voice from wind noise rather than creating a jumbled mess.
Multiple buyer reviews describe the speakers' performance as excellent. Many reviewers described the speakers' performance as having clear, full-bodied sound with noticeable bass, unlike lower-priced models that produce muffled tones. Additionally, at highway speeds the speakers remain audible despite windy conditions, providing sufficient volume without requiring maximum volume.
Intercom clarity receives similar praise from reviewers. Multiple reviewers state their riding partner could easily hear them at speed, indicating the effectiveness of CVC and ENC.
The unit includes both a boom microphone compatible with full-face and modular helmets along with a wired microphone designed for use on open-face and half helmets.
Music sharing is a convenient feature. Both riders receive simultaneous music playback, ideal for couples who wish to share playlists.
FM radio coverage provides local traffic information without draining the cell phone battery.
Four EQ settings provide riders with bass, rock, pop, and flat settings. Only requires two clicks to switch between settings.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
There are currently sixty-six customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars on Amazon. While limited in number, the reviewer comments are consistent. Therefore, this review focuses on the pattern of feedback.
The majority of positive feedback centers upon value, sound quality, and ease of setup and installation.
Value. Several reviewers expressed surprise regarding the amount of product received for the price paid, stating they would recommend this product to others who desire an affordable yet functional intercom system.
Sound quality. Reviewers praised both speaker volume and clarity, noting superior performance relative to higher priced units.
Ease of installation. Reviewers stated they were able to successfully install and configure the unit relatively quickly using minimal effort.
Universal pairing. Reviewers repeatedly complimented the unit's ability to connect with other brand units without issue, which is beneficial if you frequently ride with friends using different units.
Negative feedback is limited and largely scattered throughout the reviews. Only a few reviewers suggested additional clarification in regards to pairing procedures in the user manual. Other complaints centered on FM radio reception issues, as well as decreased range when traveling uphill or in urban environments. None of these concerns resulted in reduced ratings based on the overall average rating.
Who Is This Intercom For?
Based upon the unit's design focus, two-up riders and commuters will benefit most. Commuters will appreciate benefits derived from GPS directions played back through the unit while navigating while riding to work or school, music streaming while riding home, and receiving incoming calls while riding without having to pull over to answer.
Weekend riders who travel with a friend or buddy will appreciate its affordability compared to more expensive systems offering similar functionality, and universal compatibility with various other brands and models.
Additionally, solo riders seeking music and/or GPS directions may find this product desirable as well.
Avoid purchasing this product if you require a six-rider mesh-network style product for group rides. This is a 2-way communication system. Therefore, if you seek a multi-rider solution browse our list of other intercom reviews. Also see how this model compares to other premium name brands such as Cardo Systems, which is generally considered the benchmark, however Cardo charges significantly more money for functions used by most two-up riders seldomly use. And if you are still weighing options, our blog archive has the full rundown of intercom reviews to compare against.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up two CHUANYUE units for two way communication?
Turn on both units simultaneously. Follow manufacturer instructions for entering pairing mode. The units automatically link together by completing a short button press sequence on the primary unit controlling communications. Several reviewers reported success with connecting units, although one or two mentioned difficulty understanding manufacturer instructions related to pairing procedure. Should initial attempts fail, try powering both units down and restarting again. This normally resolves connection issues.
Will my helmet accommodate a CHUANYUE intercom?
Compatible with full-face, modular, open-face, and half face helmets. Speakers fit into standard ear pockets utilizing velcro-backed installations. Boom mic installation accommodates full-face and modular helmets, while wire-mic installations are intended for open-face and half helmets lacking attachment locations for booms.
How far away can I communicate with another rider using CHUANYUE?
CHUANYUE indicates up to 1000 meters (approximately 0.62 miles) possible distance between users on flat land without obstructions. Range will decrease in mountainous or hilly regions and urban environments due to physical constraints imposed upon radio signals. Riders expect less range than indicated in areas with physical barriers (trees, buildings, etc.) obstructing direct line of sight between antennas.
Does it work with intercoms from other brands?
Yes. Universal pairing is a selling point here and reviewers confirm it connects to other brands. That's convenient if you ride with someone on a different unit. Full feature intercom calls between CHUANYUE units are the main use, but cross-brand pairing for a two-way call works.
Is it really waterproof?
IP67 rated. Dust tight and protected against immersion. Rain, spray, snow, all handled. Keep the charging port flap closed and the unit takes a proper storm. Reviewers report riding through real downpours with no problems.
How is it controlled while riding?
A single rotary knob handles volume, track skip, and calls. It also triggers Siri and Google Assistant. Designed to work with gloves on, which is the whole point. You adjust without taking a hand off the bars or stopping to fiddle.
If you ride two-up, commute daily, or just want a riding partner you can actually talk to, this is a smart buy. See the current price and full listing details on Amazon here.