{"id":15821,"date":"2015-11-25T08:38:29","date_gmt":"2015-11-25T12:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=15821"},"modified":"2015-11-25T08:39:46","modified_gmt":"2015-11-25T12:39:46","slug":"the-best-radio-for-cross-continent-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/11\/the-best-radio-for-cross-continent-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"The best shortwave radio for cross-continent cycling?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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SWLing Post<\/em> reader, Pat, is an avid cyclist and is seeking a radio for his next cross-continent adventure. There are a limited number of products on the market that meet Pat’s requirements, so I thought posting his inquiry might\u00a0bring a few options out of the woodwork. Check out Pat’s requirements\u00a0and please comment if you have a suggestion!<\/p>\n

Pat writes:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m a professional ski coach from Colorado. When I\u2019m not on skis, I like to get on my bicycle and go explore the world. I\u2019ve ridden across the USA a few times, covering all 48 states in the Continental US. A couple of years ago I got my 49th state when I rode from Alaska back home to Colorado.<\/p>\n

Next year I plan to ride to Argentina, a journey of 12,000 miles over six months.<\/p>\n

One of the things that keeps me sane is to have a radio strapped to the handlebars of my bike. I used to have a cheap AM\/FM transistor, but have slowly improved the choice of radios on each trip.<\/p>\n

During my Alaska ride I used a Degen DE1123<\/a>, which was a great item. Not a great radio, but having an mp3 player built in made a world of difference. There were some mighty long distances without radio signal, so having the mp3 was great. But like I said, the 1123 wasn\u2019t the most user-friendly item. Plus, it ate up AA batteries, which were pricey in the Yukon. So I upgraded to the Degen DE1125.<\/a> Certainly an improvement, but still some things that could be improved. [See photo above.]<\/p>\n

For my Argentina trip I want to have something really good; something that works well and will hopefully last six months. Also, I really like the idea of having a radio with a mini SD slot. I\u2019ll have to download a lot of music and podcasts to keep me happy.<\/p>\n

Someone suggested the Melson S8<\/a>. I purchased one and it is a great unit, but way too big to fit on the handlebars.<\/p>\n

You obviously have experience with many different portables and I was wondering if you could give me your suggestions. Maybe something from Degen, ShouYu, Tecsun?<\/p>\n

Things that are important:<\/strong><\/p>\n