The problem to the answer
Being able to communicate with other people and other riders is far more than a convenience. It’s a serious safety issue. There’s some very high-tech equipment available, but it’s not difficult to find what you need.
When you’re travelling big distances with one or more other riders it makes sense to be able to contact each other while you’re riding.
It’s not a social issue – although a chat can make a long ride far more pleasant – it’s a big safety concern as well. On a dirt-road or desert ride bikes might be spaced a kilometre apart to allow the dust to settle between riders. Even a small group can end up strung out over several kilometres, and the sweep rider can be left high and dry for a very long time before the group realises he’s in a ditch somewhere or struggling with some kind of bike failure. Going back the other way, the lead rider may well find a very dangerous situation and need to let those behind him know before they fall victim, one after the other.