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Scala Rider Cardo-Rider Q2
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Be careful - Out of date product
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Scala recently updated the Q2 to include an MP3 in-jack (check out their website). Unfortunately, it looks like they're dragging their feet on getting the improvement to the US distributors. I just purchased a new Q2 and, sure enough, no MP3 jack.
From the looks of this advertisement, this is also one of the older units (otherwise it would mention the MP3 jack and the inclusion of an their MP3 cable). At bare minimum, they should make a point of flagging that it's the older unit.
I've been happy with the Q2 otherwise--works well with my Zumo 550. But I really wanted the MP3 feature, and now I'm going to ultimately need to buy a replacement down the line.
Rating: 
(3
out of 5) @ 2008-11-03
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Like it very much
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I bought this late April 2008 and would like to share some info with you.
It is a new feeling when driving because I sometimes only used mp3-player with earbuds before. When the phone now rings I do not have to stop and start grabbing the phone and getting rid of the helmet.......and most times miss the call.
My helmet: Shoei XR1000 (quite noisy if compared to Schuberth helmets & when driving fast)
My bike: Triumph Speed Triple 2001 (naked bike, fast)
My area: Germany on country roads and Autobahn (no speed limits)
Installation on the helmet
Is easy BUT the inside clamp goes between outer helmet shell and inside protection shell. That reduces the free space for your head, i.e. the ears. I will try to make a thinner clamp myself to make it more comfortable again from putting the helmet on and not bending / pressing to much on my ears.
In addition you will have the two speakers inside the helmet, which are fairly thin but reduce the space for your ears as well.
Speakers and cables are easy to fix and do hold on.
Set up of device
Is easy when following instructions. I connected it with an other standard Scala Rider and my Nokia E65 cell phone and it has not lost connection, so far.
FM Transmitter
Okay, it does not sound as good as mp3-player but I was very surprised about the quality of sound and that there was not much interruption to the tuned radio station (I was driving a tour of 170 miles in an area of maybe 80 - 100 square miles, cities and mainly hill country area).
You can preselect 6 stations.
Minimum loudness is still good to hear. If you want to turn it quiet you will have to switch it off.
Phone
Works fine. You can take a call by either pressing a button on the device or just saying a word (if your cellphone supports this). Voicedialing is possible but I have not been successfull - might be due to my cellphone settings.
Understanding both sides is well and easy.
People are just a little afraid when they call you and find out you are riding your bike and not standing still.
(Add. comment 26. July 2008
It is possible to listen to music from the phone, if using it like a flash player and connected via bluetooth. Same should be possible with music from a GPS device.
Do to permanent use of bluetooth this will shorten operating time of the battery.)
Second set Rider for partner
I have another standard mono Rider headset that I will fix on the helmet of my partner. From the experience with FM Transmitter and Phone I do not expect any problems. Just in case, that second rider does NOT come with the package of the Rider Q2!
Others
When listening to the radio and a call comes in it stops the radio and starts ringing like you cell phone setting. You can accept the call and talk. After you or the other end terminates the call the device returns to the radio.
The system is working with auto loudness, in a limited range.
Surrounding noise still good to notice, e.g. like amublance or police cars.
I have to say that around a speed of 70miles/hr and plus it becomes difficult to listen because of the overall noise - from the airstream on the helmet and the bike itself. You can turn the device louder but for me it than became uncomfortable.
For riding longer distances with higher speed (>100miles/hr) I usually put in ear plugs for less stress and protect my hearing.
Operating with gloves on
I was wearing summer gloves without lining and pressing the buttons went fine. However, with gloves with heavier lining it might be more difficult to reach the smaller buttons for the loudness / tuning stations.
Final comment
I like it very much,
will like it even more if I manage to get a little bit more space in the helmet to place my ears and
will like it even much more if MP3-player can be connected on top.
Rating: 
(4
out of 5) @ 2008-05-16
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