iHome iH85 Bike-to-Beach Speaker System for iPod (Black)

by iHome

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 9 inches ; 2.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000OCRCKA
• Item model number: IH85BY
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,871 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Pedal to the metal with the iH85B Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker for iPod, a water-resistant iPod speaker case that clamps to your bike frame. A handlebar-mounted remote control allows for safe cycling while listening to your tunes. This speaker case is perfect for the beach, poolside, and picnics, too.

Listen to Your iPod at Home or While Biking Anywhere
The iH85B is named "Bike to Beach" for a reason. The speaker case includes a mounting bracket and all necessary hardware for mounting to your bicycle frame. It's a tough, water- and impact-resistant polycarbonate case, ready for the puddles and potholes you encounter on your ride.

Of course, you don't have to own a bike or live near a beach to use the iH85B. If you have a docking iPod, you're set for poolside tunes, picnic soundtracks, or any other situation requiring ultra-portable music. The iH85B is powered by four AA batteries and charges your iPod while it's connected to an optional AC adapter.

Big Sound in a Small Package
Whether you're zooming through traffic, on a bike trail, or just hanging out at the park, the iH85B's Reson8 technology with passive speaker gives you full, rich sound.

Safety First
The iH85B includes a mountable wireless RF remote control. Powered by two CR2032 batteries (included), the control rests on your handlebars. Enjoy track skipping, play/pause, and volume controls without jeopardizing your safety.

What's in the Box
iH85B Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker, AC adapter, mounting bracket, hex-head mounting screws, remote control with mounting clamp and two CR2032 batteries (installed), three iPod inserts, audio patch cord, and carry bag.

Product Description

iHome Bike Speaker System lets you listen to your docking iPod at home or while biking. Features: Listen to your iPod at home or while bikingWorks with docking iPod modelsReson8 technology with passive speakers for full, rich soundIncludes handlebar-mounted wireless remote that allows user to change songs and volumeComes with mounting bracket and all hardwareTough water- and impact-resistant caseUnit requires 4 AA batteries

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best addition to a neighborhood bike ride, February 26, 2008

By 

Eric J. Jensen (Mesa, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iHome iH85 Bike-to-Beach Speaker System for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

My kids LOVE being able to share their music around the neighborhood with this speaker. The biggest drawback is that they can turn it up TOO loud :) The batteries so far have lasted well, I was surprised at how little of the ipod battery was drained. The remote is a nice feature and the cap for the speaker is a good idea. The biggest problem I foresee is remembering to take the ipod out of the speaker when the kids are done using it. Overall a very useful and fun item!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice, but not fully compatible with iPod Nano 3G, August 19, 2008

By 

M. Adelsberger - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: iHome iH85 Bike-to-Beach Speaker System for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

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 :)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bicycle touring in a new dimension, July 27, 2008

By 

H. E. Davis (Miami Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iHome iH85 Bike-to-Beach Speaker System for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

I love this thing! Doesn't interfere with my ability to hear traffic around me. The design seems very well thought out - sound is good, remote works well, water resistant design. I live in Miami and being a "night person" I've discovered the joy of long bike rides late at night, when the tropical air is cool(er) and there is very little car traffic. Having the ability to listen to music and/or podcasts as I ride - priceless :>) PS I
always wear a helmet and my bike has lights, front and rear, plus a mirror. PPS I paid over $60 for my first one, just ordered a second at the new low price. One more thing: I use my 3rd gen Nano with this unit. I think it was designed before the 3rd gen, but it works fine.