Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning

Other products by Sony

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00020M1SW
• Item model number: ICFM88B
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,910 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 2, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Stop duct-taping your Walkman to the handlebars! The ICF-M88B is designed just for your bike, and it comes with a handlebar mounting kit. The ergonomic design makes it easy to use, and it was created to be durable and water-resistant. The Walkman comes with 15 station presets, easy jog lever operation, and an easy-to-see backlit LCD. But what's really cool is the built-in cycle computer. It will keep track of your current speed (MPH or KPH), total distance ridden, average speed, maximum speed, and more.

Features

• New Ergonomic Design includes innovative features and function controls for easy access, and represents the new generation of Sony Sports Radio Walkman players, created to be durable, stylish, and ready to go-anywhere.
• Water Resistant Design is made for outdoor fun with water resistant seals that help keep out water, moisture and dirt.
• 15 Station Preset Memory (10FM/5AM)
• Easy Jog Lever Operation
• 2 "AA" Batteries Operation
• Easy to See Backlit LCD
• Easy to Install Mounting Kit Included
• FM Sensitivity Local/Distance (DX) Switch

Product Description
Includes: handle bar mount & speed sensor. Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports FM/AM Bicycle Radio Walkman(R) - Make your bike riding more enjoyable with this AM/FM radio that is specifically designed for bicycles! In addition to the radio, it has a built-in bicycle computer. It keeps track of your current speed in MPH or KPH, total distance ridden, average speed, maximum speed, & more! Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included) Unit Weight - 10.1 oz. (including battery) Cycle Computer Functions Clock Display - shows a 12 hour setting Speed Meter - measures your current speed in either MPH or KPH. Odometer - measures total distance ridden since installation of computer. Trip Distance Meter - measures total distance ridden since last computer reset. Great for measuring miles per ride, week, etc. Ride Time - measures total time ridden since last computer reset. Great for measuring time ridden for day, week, etc. Average Speed - calculates average speed ridden since last computer reset. Great for fitness training applications. Maximum Speed - measures the maximum speed reached since last computer reset. Sleep Mode - automatically powers down the unit to conserve battery life. Freeze Mode Wheel Size Setting - adjusts for accuracy based on your bicycles specific wheel size.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice solution for this niche market, March 29, 2005

By	Noca (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is smaller than you think it is., October 13, 2004

By	Stan Baker "angrystan" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dream come true!, April 22, 2005

By	Heather Hoffman "proud parent" (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews

I've been cycling on city streets for over a decade, and I always listen to the radio, both AM and FM. Headphones are a bit dangerous when you need to listen carefully for cars or sirens, so I looked far and wide for a radio such as this one. I have been using this radio for about five months now, and it is amazing! The radio reception is better than my sony s2 walkman, the speakers are loud enough so that I can hear the radio in the middle of urban noises and traffic, and the cycle computer is great. I had mine installed at a bike shop, and the gentleman there had no problem with the length of the cable. I'm 5' 10" riding a hybrid bike, so I'm assuming there's enough cable for your average rider.

The cycle computer is very easy to use, it has a wonderful variety of displays, and it's easy to reset. The radio is easy to tune while riding, and wow! the battery life is outstanding. I ride about 20 miles a week, playing the radio the entire time, and after 5 months, the battery still works great.

Anyone looking for a bike radio - this is far and away the best you will find, and one of the few with digital tuning.

If I loose my baby weight by the summer, I'm giving credit to this radio!