Headphones for the trail...

[Danimal]

Anyone know of any types of headphones that can hold up to the bouncing about on a trail? I would like to listen to my iPod but my little ear buds don't stay in. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use?

Needs to fit nicely under a helmet too.

Thanks,

[berrywise]

Maybe not the answer you are looking for but I zip tie the ear buds to my helmet straps. It is like listening to music in your car. You can hear the music but also be aware of stuff going on around ya.

[Pandl]

hmm, how will you hear someone behind ya yelling On your left with your ear buds in? :banghead:

Scott's idea sounds good.

I haven't ever thought about it, since I have heard headphones are bad driving or riding. not that the car stereo can't get loud enough to not be able to hear anything outside or inside the car...:crazy:

[Paul Swenson]

Azonic makes a helmet with speakers built in:

http://www.azonicusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=52_28&products_id=215

[tedsti]

Headphones are illeagal while driving. If you are going to use headphones on the trail only put one in. Also, don't be upset when people squeeze you off the trail when they pass.

[TML]

Sounds like Dan needs one of these. I'm sure this lady would love to knit one for you. (google image find)



http://www.kniterati.org/images/12-05/helmet.jpg
I love this hat to pieces. It’s soft, warm and the earflaps are perfect. See, I wear headphones pretty much anytime I leave my house, and I hate the earbud kind, so I have a pair of well-loved Sony headphones that slip over my ears and wrap around the back of my head - you’ve seen them. Well as much as I love these headphones, they make for problems when I want to wear a hat - the edge of the hat gets caught on the band that goes behind my head and the hat doesn’t quite fit over my ears with the headphones on, etc, etc. So part of the goal with this hat was that if I had earflaps, that wouldn’t happen, hopefully. And true to sorta-plan, this hat is perfect for my headphones! To tell the truth, the hat is sort of enormous, but it’s no less warm for that and in fact, that’s kind of a good thing because it fits even when my hair is in a ponytail and I’m wearing headphones. And even if I look like a giant nerd wearing it (which I’m pretty sure I do), it’s functional and I lurve it anyway. (All my friends think it’s ridiculously adorable, confirming suspicions of nerdish appearance).
http://www.kniterati.org/images/12-05/helmetprofile.jpg
(No, my head is not normally that lumpy - my hair was, as per my usual, in a ponytail.)
I call him Helmut.

[bakkeb]

Anyone know of any types of headphones that can hold up to the bouncing about on a trail? I would like to listen to my iPod but my little ear buds don't stay in. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use?

Needs to fit nicely under a helmet too.

Thanks,

I use a pair of Sony's that wrap around the ear from behind the ear and the speaker sits in the hole of your ear not over the top of the whole ear. I have no issues with my helmet and glasses and they don't fall out of my ear. I hope that explains them. Got them at Best Buy for less than $20. I'm never worried about people coming up from behind cause they won't catch me when I'm listening to tunes.:etard:

[deepindakotacounty]

Anyone know of any types of headphones that can hold up to the bouncing about on a trail? I would like to listen to my iPod but my little ear buds don't stay in. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I could use?

Needs to fit nicely under a helmet too.

Thanks,

Not sure what you are doing, but when I ride trails I use the iPod earbuds and they never fall out. Maybe you have Vulcan ears?! :scream:

[fasterfoster]

Don't use ANY!

[Ish]

Not sure what you are doing, but when I ride trails I use the iPod earbuds and they never fall out. Maybe you have Vulcan ears?! :scream:

I agree - I have never had problems with the ipod ones.

Also, it's just like a few bad apple incosiderate mountain bikers give the rest of us a bad name - a few noobs listening to their ipods too loud give the rest of us a bad name. Don't hate on it, just hate on the folks that have them cranked up.:banghead:

[Trevize1138]

My vote would be to not use them at all.

... *sigh* ...

I SAID I WOULD NOT USE THEM AT ALL!

Jeez, you guys, turn the volume down so you can hear people. :crazy:

[Paul Swenson]

My vote would be to not use them at all.



Chris is right.

Instead get a radio to go on you handlebars so we can all enjoy your music. Like this:

http://www.musicfanboy.com/images/bikeMP3.jpg

[Ish]

My vote would be to not use them at all.


What was that? I didn't hear you. ;)
Another good reason to wear them :D

[gopherhockey]

I sometimes use one headphone when riding, but haven't had much opportunity to listen to music because I usually do group rides now. Using one and keeping the volume at a sane level seems to work well.

On a shared use bi-directional trail I'd probably hesitate to even use one...

Funny how this discussion comes up about once a year.

[xbobeahenx]

I've been swiped off the trail too many times when I try to pass someone who is 'in the zone' with their tunes playing. I find it super hard to yell, "on your left", when they can't hear me anyways. If someone is going to use headphones, use one and keep it loowwwww. And if you're getting a helmet that plays music for all to hear, make sure it doesn't suck:D Better yet, just ride. Who really needs music constantly? I mean, I'm a musician and love to listen to my ipod on my trainer. But don't we ride mountain bikes to get away from distraction and noise? I'm just saying. Keep it safe on the trails. peace

[Trevize1138]

Another good reason to wear them :D

You win this round, Ish.

[Danimal]

WOW, another can of worms opened up by a thread of mine:)

I wouldn't be listening to them loudly, too many people pass me so I NEED to hear the "on your left yell". Just looking to up my pace a tad on the trail, like music. Thanks for all of your posts.

[Trevize1138]

WOW, another can of worms opened up by a thread of mine:)

I wouldn't be listening to them loudly, too many people pass me so I NEED to hear the "on your left yell". Just looking to up my pace a tad on the trail, like music. Thanks for all of your posts.

I suppose that's OK if you don't have--

I SAID THAT'S OK AS LONG AS THEY'RE NOT TOO LOUD!

:)

[newp]

Here are the phones I use. I've tried the ipods, but keep on falling out. Mine have an adjustment so that you can swivel the ear buds.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/+INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDRJ11G&Dept=audio&CategoryName=pa_PADepartmentAccessories_Headphones _Lightweight%2fSport%2fVertical

[deepindakotacounty]

I've been swiped off the trail too many times when I try to pass someone who is 'in the zone' with their tunes playing. I find it super hard to yell, "on your left", when they can't hear me anyways. If someone is going to use headphones, use one and keep it loowwwww. And if you're getting a helmet that plays music for all to hear, make sure it doesn't suck:D Better yet, just ride. Who really needs music constantly? I mean, I'm a musician and love to listen to my ipod on my trainer. But don't we ride mountain bikes to get away from distraction and noise? I'm just saying. Keep it safe on the trails. peace

I find that I use my iPod on the first half of my ride, and then end up turning it off for the last half. I like to get amped up in the beginning, but then cool it down and listen to the wind blow and the squirrels do their thang.

[transplant]

I suppose that's OK if you don't have--

I SAID THAT'S OK AS LONG AS THEY'RE NOT TOO LOUD!

:)


Reminds me of this character:

1382

Do ya heah what Ah'm sayin, boy?

[Thewavebb]

I did all my riding at Holzinger in college and always listened to tunes. I was lucky if I saw 3 people on the entire ride. Most of the time I was on my own. Up here if its busy I do the One ear bud thing that others are talking about. I almost never use them at Leb or theo...just too darn busy.

[Manto]

Or, you could do like this guy did and strap a ghetto blaster to the back?

[Heuy]

Or, you could do like this guy did and strap a ghetto blaster to the back?


Strap the ghetto blaster on and let the Milly Vanilly BLAST!!
:laugh:

[Thewavebb]

Matt,
music like that isn't going to attract more ladies to the sport.

[gus man]

Don't use ANY!

Why. I found a new way to ride. I like it becuase it gets me pumped up. :banana:

[bakkeb]

Here are the phones I use. I've tried the ipods, but keep on falling out. Mine have an adjustment so that you can swivel the ear buds.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/+INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDRJ11G&Dept=audio&CategoryName=pa_PADepartmentAccessories_Headphones _Lightweight%2fSport%2fVertical


Yep, I use those kind as well. They don't stick out or fall out. Perfect for snowriding as well.:etard:

[2BOutside]

here's a safe alternative I just found...
the "Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker"... put it in your water bottle holder, and enjoy (and share) your tunes

http://www.ihomeaudio.com/products.asp?product_id=10186&dept_id=1007

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/DANIEL%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpghttp://www.ihomeaudio.com/gallery_medium/10186_57_3.jpg


....and so begins "bike music rage" = receiving comments from other riders who do not share your musical taste...

[destrago]

and enjoy (and share) your tunes
....and so begins "bike music rage" = receiving comments from other riders who do not
share your musical taste...

Exactly. I like to listen to very aggressive heavy metal (e.g. In flames) when I'm working out - I'm not sure others would enjoy hearing what sounds like screaming demons of hell coming from somewhere down the trail.

As for headphones on a bike, I ride to work with a pair of sony MDR-EX51LP headpones. I find that I can still hear traffic, other people talking, and everything perfectly even with them in at a reasonable volume. If you want something that WILL NOT fall out unless you take it out and will prevent you from hearing anyone or anything (even when they're not hooked up to anything) check out the Etymotic ER-4Ps. They sound great (I'm not sure they're comfortable enough for long duration listening though). but they go in, stay in, and sound great. Never mind the $200+ price tag.

-Tony


-Tony

[ninjanick]

I avoid useing the ipod durning busy trail times or when out with others. I pretty much never use them at leb. I find I'm checking behind me more with them, and that causes problems. Now, for my typical mamoth ride, I use them, I usually don't see people out there, and If I do they are going the other way. I keep the volume pretty low too. Regular earbuds work fine for me. I put them in before the helmet goes on and the straps help hold em in, until a face slapper snags one and rips it out.

The two hour rides helps me get thru the always updating umphrey's mcgee podcasts, which are a pain to listen to piece meal, because their podcasts are only one track.

[DMonkey]

I think the best alternative would be the new CamelBak M.U.L.E. SC10

It has the speakers and controls built into the straps.

It's #3 in this link.
http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-1-8-14764-1,00.html

(here is another link with a little bigger pic)
http://crunchgear.com/2006/12/01/camelbak-and-skullcandy-team-up-for-some-backpack-convergence/


I'm sure the speakers are not that big/loud, but they are close to your ears so you'll hear the music. They also should not be that loud that you will not be able to hear other stuff around you.

[jitterjepp]

Or, you could do like this guy did and strap a ghetto blaster to the back?whats wrong with that? It even has a tape player. Can I get one with an 8-track so I can play the old AC/DC, Dean Martin and Black Sabbath digs.

I just realized my age. 8-tracks from Jr. High? Crap.

I'm even listening to Dean Martin right now. Dang.

[Mountain Jam]

The two hour rides helps me get thru the always updating umphrey's mcgee podcasts, which are a pain to listen to piece meal, because their podcasts are only one track.

Right On! Another Umphrey's fan it is difficult to listen to those podcasts but tearing up some singletrack to some groovy tunes is the only way to roll. Boo ney sayers! :etard:

[Danimal]

Out at Leb last week I saw some nit-wit with no helmet and a pair of huge Bose headphones on his noggin. Looked rediculous.

[bakkeb]

Out at Leb last week I saw some nit-wit with no helmet and a pair of huge Bose headphones on his noggin. Looked rediculous.

I also saw him...I laughed. Thats taking the music thing while riding to a whole new level.:etard:

[soupboy]

Why are the sounds of nature and your tires scrubbing in corners not enough for folks? Save the headphones for a spin class where you might need something else to get you amped.

The ride should be sufficient stoke. Riding with headphones is like riding without a helmet only worse...you could endanger others due to your elective lack of awareness.

[Ish]

Why are the sounds of nature and your tires scrubbing in corners not enough for folks?

Why not have both?

I agree with Mountain Jam - why all the hate?

[bakkeb]

Why are the sounds of nature and your tires scrubbing in corners not enough for folks? Save the headphones for a spin class where you might need something else to get you amped.

The ride should be sufficient stoke. Riding with headphones is like riding without a helmet only worse...you could endanger others due to your elective lack of awareness.

I do it on certain trails when I am by myself. Trails that have hardly anyone on them or early in the morning. I also ski/snowboard with music as well. If you have the right music it can be quite the experience. Kinda like be apart of your very own Warren Miller film or NWD dvd. It's not anymore dangerous than without them. What, you might not here some crabby bastard come up behind you. Whatever. If anything, I find that I am more aware. Most people who use headphones look back to see people coming, including me and I have yet to have anyone catch me when I do have them on. You should try it once Sean...but then again, you would rather listen to the sounds of nature:eyeroll:

[manual63]

Why are the sounds of nature and your tires scrubbing in corners not enough for folks? Save the headphones for a spin class where you might need something else to get you amped.

The ride should be sufficient stoke. Riding with headphones is like riding without a helmet only worse...you could endanger others due to your elective lack of awareness.

I would say I have to agree with Sean 100 percent on this. Why wear headphones while on the trail. Kinda defeats the whole point of going outdoors and enjoying yourself.

On that note, it's really annoying when I come across a rider with headphones and they can't hear me coming, nor can they hear me call out to pass or warn them I am going to pass. Usually at the point I just do a BMX pass.....if there is contact involved....it's not my fault...:D

[bakkeb]

Kinda defeats the whole point of going outdoors and enjoying yourself.

How so??? I'm outside and enjoying myself. In fact I'm gonna go right now and hit M-H, with my i-pod on, and put everyone in danger, while going outdoors and enjoying myself.:eyeroll::etard:

[Paul Swenson]

Kinda defeats the whole point of going outdoors and enjoying yourself.


Insert tasteless Theo Wirth joke here.

[gopherhockey]

Seems like we cover this one every year... and every year there are those that say not to wear them at all.

And every year I say something like this:

Go ahead and wear them, but how about trying just one ear... then you can hear behind you and still listen to your tunes.

If you can ride and enjoy tunes without disturbing others then go for it. The minute you are in someone's way because you can't hear its time to re-think... (unless you happen to be riding your own privately owned trail, in which case go for it...)

If you are on a group ride, leave the tunes in the car... unless all the others on your ride are doing the same.

I use one on the road (non traffic side ear) otherwise I'd be bored to death. I stopped using em' on mountain bike trails a while ago... although if I ride alone at night at Leb I sometimes like to drown out the zoo noises that scare me. ;)

Past Thread:

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12475&highlight=headphones

[Ish]

I would say I have to agree with Sean 100 percent on this. Why wear headphones while on the trail. Kinda defeats the whole point of going outdoors and enjoying yourself.

Why ride a rigid single speed? Kinda defeats the whole point of enjoying yourself.

OK - my point is different strokes for different folks. If people ride responsibly with them, I don't understand all the negativity.

[Ish]

exactly John! Can you make this a sticky?:cool:

[bakkeb]

Had a great ride at M-H today with my ipod rollin. Nobody passed me nor did I pass anyone. I did run into a few people at the X loop entrance where I apologizied for putting them in danger. I'd like to thank the member's of Staind, Nirvana, American Headcharge, Corrosion of Conformity, VH w/DLR, Dinosaur Jr., Primus, Sevendust, Testament, The Cult, TOOL, Clutch, Jane's Addiction, Counting Crows, Godsmack, Whitesnake, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden and Rob Zombie for being there with me to enhance the experience we now call Murphy. The trail is really fast and dusty and I loved the rock garden section in the X. Another great job by the builders.:etard:

[Pandl]

Hey Bryan, can you get speakers so I could listen to that too?

[bakkeb]

Hey Bryan, can you get speakers so I could listen to that too?
I wish I could.:etard:

[charliebrown]

When I ride by myself which is most of the time, I usually have my iPod with me, since I am pretty slow I make an effort to just look over my shoulder to see if anyone is coming up on me and I move over and let them through. I usually get passed by a lot of riders during busy times at Lebanon, but checking over my shoulder to make sure I am in no ones way seems to work well for me...

eric

[bigwheel]

It was nice to see Ryan B. NOT wearing his headphones last night. We were actually able to talk to him on the trail, and he seemed to be riding better than usual, without any crashes. He also would have also been able to hear other riders coming up behind him, had he slowed down to the point where someone could catch him.

[bakkeb]

See now, Leb is not a place I would use the headphones. Too much traffic and lots of people there to talk to. I wouldn't be worried of people coming up from behind, it's just a well traveled trail and not like some other trails where you hardly see anyone. That's when I pull out the i-pod to keep me company. It wouldn't make sense to wear headphones on a group ride.:confused:

[Yammer]

I wish I could.:etard:

I wish I could :etard: too!

:D