Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 26
 great bicycling companion April 15, 2008
girl from TN (TN)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
For a small portable speaker, the sound is better than I expected. I also find the volume range to be substantial enough to make it listenable while riding - adding in wind, road noise, traffic, etc. I do like that my iPod is protected in the cannister, and the remote works beautifully. I wish the remote was smaller and could be clipped onto a shirt or jacket, similar to an iPod Shuffle, rather than the handlebar mount (which I just don't like cluttering up my handlebars). I also would prefer that the main unit fit into a standard water bottle cage, rather than having to attach theirs.
I am using rechargeable batteries to run, and will be curious to see the power lifespan.
When all is said and done, this is a nice way and a safe way to listen to some music or a podcast while riding/commuting - which is my primary mode of transportation. Safer than headphones for sure.
 Nice, but not fully compatible with iPod Nano 3G August 19, 2008
M. Adelsberger
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First the bad news:
The Amazon page for this speaker claims compatibility with "all docking iPods"; however, this claim is out of date. There are issues using the speaker with a 3G Nano. (As of this writing, the "better together" feature is recommending buying the speaker with a 3G Nano, so be aware of this issue!)
To physically carry different sized iPods, the iH85 ships with plastic inserts of various sizes. However, the Nano insert only works with the old (no-longer-available) Nano form factor. The Nano you can buy today (3G) is shorter and wider (presumably to accomodate the screen).
If you call them to discuss this issue, iHome will ship you a foam insert which you can use (in conjunction with the "thin iPod" insert that ships with the speaker) to house a 3G Nano. However, this is an imperfect solution. The iPod can still rock forward in the case, and I've found that in the course of my typical ride, the iPod gets knocked off the dock at least one or two times. Probably not good for the connector, and definitely a hassle to stop and fix each time.
This may be good enough if you just want to use the iH85 as a portable iPod speaker, or if you ride only on well-paved roads that don't cross railroad tracks, etc.
Beyond that, they offer no fix. I had some difficulty understanding what the support guy was saying, but I think he indicated that the iH85 is not really supported anymore (though it's still on their web site) as it hasn't, according to him, sold all that well. Per his advice, I will be attempting a DIY solution to better secure the iPod in the case.
The unfortunate thing is, the 3G Nano is the most logical iPod to use with the iH85 speaker. (The classic has moving parts and Apple recommends against using it on a bike or similar vibration-prone environment; the old Nano and the Mini are no longer available; the Shuffle has no docking connector, and according to iHome support, the Touch and iPhone are too large to fit in the speaker case.)
Now, that's a hassle; but other than that, it's a great system.
I had no difficulty mounting this on my road bike, or moving it back and forth between the road bike and my hybrid. It's easy to use though the remote is occasionally less responsive than I'd like. Battery life seems very good. No complaint at all about the audio -- it's perfectly clear to the rider, and apparently if you're riding close behind another bike they can hear it too :)
 cool gadget August 3, 2007
Plank (West Monroe, LA USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is one of the coolest gadgets I've bought in a while. It works great on a bike and also as a stand alone player. The sound is loud and clear. The bass is o.k., but that is to be expected. My iPod Photo fits snuggly inside and is well protected. The remote works well. Finally, I have freedom from my headphones while riding my bike! (and safer too)
Nice biking companion February 18, 2008
Acajou (Zuerich, Suisse)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The sound is good enough to be heard on the road, whatever the traffic conditions are. With the remote control attached on the handlebars, the iPod can be used very easily, provided you had previously selected a play list, an artist or a music style. Battery life is also pretty good. I've been riding for more then 8 hours on different days, and they are still playing.
The IH85B holder is however a little bit larger then the regular bottle holders, so watch out if on your bike the two positions are too near.
Worth the money even if you don't have a bike! July 9, 2008
S. Vollmar (Fremont, Ohio, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this to go with my brand new Trek Soho 1.0 Hybrid. I use my bike for commuting and exercising, and headphones always make me feel like I am going to be clipped by a truck and I won't even hear it coming, so this product got my attention instantly.
Positives:
-Great, loud sound from a single speaker. Even for audiophiles.(I am one)
-Secures your iPod...in fact, it basically hides it so the common person wouldn't even realize there is an iPod inside
-Wireless remote is extremely handy...mount on your bike handlebar when biking, take it off and use it elsewhere when not biking. Simple but amazing design.
Negatives:
-Size of unit doesn't fit in standard bottle cage; requires the included cage. This means two things if you are biking with it. 1: Your bike has to have two sets of bottle cage holes, or you wont be able to have both on your bike at once. 2: your frame has to be big enough to fit the unit inside the center triangle of your frame. I am a short guy (17.5" frame) and the middle triangle is not big enough to fit my standard water bottle and the unit. Therefore, I had to tie wrap the included cage on top of my top bike bar. This works good for sound while riding, but if I have to stop on a dime, I would slide forward and come to rest on top of the unit, which may prevent me from having children in the future.
-iPod cannot have a case around it: its a pain to remove the hardshell case from around my iPod Video every time I put it in.
-Cannot change playlist while iPod is inside. Minor inconvenience. Just make a large enough playlist and you will be fine.
Bottom line: I use this unit in my apartment just as much as on my bike. Working out in my room, taking a shower, this unit is loud enough to replace a small boom box I normally would use. Combined with the limitless amount of songs on my iPod, it is even better than that. So if you like to ride your bike long distances and listen to music, but don't like the closed in feeling of unsafe headphones, this unit is for you. If you want a $40 portable battery operated iPod speaker to take with you anywhere, this is also for you. A great buy. Do not pass up!
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