Ok, I know its not legal in most states. I still do it and I'm kind of addicted to it. I use Shure SE210 inner-ear headphones -- they act as both ear plugs and headphones and totally kick ass. The seal it creates in your ears isolates the sound and the bass. Best sounding headphones that I have ever used and totally worth the ~$150. I've head a number of headphones from Shure in the past and would highly recommend.
Maybe we should discuss the dangers in using headphones while riding and also maybe some people can say what they use.
I actually don't feel any more in danger with them in because I can't hear SHAT anyway due to wind noise and my loud ass termis. For long rides -- my headphones are a must! wt:
I use my iPod a pair of $15 Skull Candy buds. They block out the wind noise and stay in while putting on my lid. wt:
I think any type of ear plug requires getting use to them. After a while it's more distracting not blocking the wind noise.
Song of choice while cruising: "I am the Highway," Audioslave
"I am the Highway" is a badass song, I agree.
I've been jamming out to the new Tom Petty / Mudcrutch album. So good!
Quote from: ltnuke on May 08, 2008, 08:51:22 PM
"I am the Highway" is a badass song, I agree.
I've been jamming out to the new Tom Petty / Mudcrutch album. So good!
+1 I use V-moda headphones, Totally worth 110$
I've been rocking me some Black Rebel Motorcycle Club lately, nothing beats Whatever Happened to our Rock and Roll!
I don't do it and I don't like it. Then again I'm severely ADD and would t-bone a Hyundai by the second verse of the first song. I've only known one person to do it and he rides safe. I like to sing my a$$ off into my helmet!
-Dan
I want to do it...already own the shure headphones...but it doesn't feel safe to me, personally.
I do wear ear protection while I ride but they allow in a fair amount of sound and don't feel overly isolating.
Just my 2 cents.
If you think it's not safe don't do it.
It's not a distraction for me, so I listen to my iPod while riding.
I struggle to understand what is so different to being in a car with music playing.
Some people should not drive with music but every car etc comes with a radio and/or cd player.
Long term riding without earplugs will cause hearing loss.
Long term use of an iPod (anywhere) at excessive volume, will cause hearing loss.
An iPod at moderate level works for me, cuts wind noise and doesn't distract me.
Whatever works for you :wine
QuoteI like to sing my a$$ off into my helmet!
It's so loud even when you hum. And I will always have the most beautiful voice in my helmet wt:
I sing in my helmet. Some are actual songs, some are songs made up about things I see as I ride or what's I would like to do to the inattentive driver that just made an asshat move in front of me ~
JM
I sometimes play music if my ride is long and I am organized enough to power up the MP3 player. Before I get rolling I select the playlist to my mood and purpose. Its sweet when you got the right song, for the right mood, and the right road.
I've tried several different types of headphones to get the right comfort fit and it stays in place. Right now I am using low cost Sony headphones that I also use while I run. The ear piece loops around the ear and is sits very flat against my head. This makes it easy to fit the helmet over and it never pops out while I am riding.
I also only hook up my left ear and keep the volume adjusted so that when I am idling I can hear the music and can carry a conversation without distraction.
I am considering switching out my standard MP3 player and using my blackberry. I've read some reviews on the new generation of wireless stereo speakers that are compatible with the blackberry and this would get rid of the wire and reduce the number of devices I carry (and need to power up).
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 09, 2008, 05:30:50 AM
I sing in my helmet. Some are actual songs, some are songs made up about things I see as I ride or what's I would like to do to the inattentive driver that just made an asshat move in front of me ~
JM
Wow. Just wow.
I thought I was crazy, but... you know what, maybe we both are crazy - I do the same thing.
I sing pretty much everywhere...car, shower, helmet, on stage, to the kids at night...singing pretty much cannot be stopped. There are time I am sounding so good in my helmet I wish I had my guitar ;D
I was thinking of using my Ipod while riding. I have sony earphones that I bought and they are great. But I tried riding with ear plugs the other day and had to take them off. They were comfortable but it just did not feel right. I couldn't even hear the pipes (stock at the moment). I will give it another shot and hopefully get used to them.
How long did it take some of you to get used to riding with earplugs?
Is there any bluetooth stereo headphone that fits inside a helmet? co::
anyone listen to music who runs just the udder? i'm not sure if i could do it because the damn thing is so loud, but so damn sexy...if not, i'll attempt it this weekend and let you guys know how it goes...if i don't loose my hearing first.
If I'm going a long highway stretch I'll bust out the iPod. I like the Shure's because they sound good and block the wind, but they tend to fall out (especially when putting the helmet on). So now I'm using some cheap Sony buds that have a plastic loop that goes over the ear.
Quote from: ltnuke on May 08, 2008, 08:42:46 PM
Ok, I know its not legal in most states. I still do it and I'm kind of addicted to it. I use Shure SE210 inner-ear headphones -- they act as both ear plugs and headphones and totally kick ass. The seal it creates in your ears isolates the sound and the bass. Best sounding headphones that I have ever used and totally worth the ~$150. I've head a number of headphones from Shure in the past and would highly recommend.
Maybe we should discuss the dangers in using headphones while riding and also maybe some people can say what they use.
I actually don't feel any more in danger with them in because I can't hear SHAT anyway due to wind noise and my loud ass termis. For long rides -- my headphones are a must! wt:
I was looking at the Shure's last weekend, but thought they might stick out too much to fit comfortably in my helmet. Sounds like you have no issues, though?
I always listen while I ride but wanted to be able to pause at stop lights etc., so I bought a Monster iEZClick bluetooth remote. It's an awesome design, perfectly suited for on the bike but it doesn't work worth crap and is more of a hazard, for example, pressing the volume up button once results in the volume ramping up to maximum; a real treat when you got your helmet on and can't get your headphones out of your ear.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 09, 2008, 05:30:50 AM
I sing in my helmet. Some are actual songs, some are songs made up about things I see as I ride or what's I would like to do to the inattentive driver that just made an asshat move in front of me ~
JM
Quote from: wbeck257 on May 09, 2008, 05:44:52 AM
Wow. Just wow.
I thought I was crazy, but... you know what, maybe we both are crazy - I do the same thing.
Yep, add me to the list... sometimes I wonder if they can hear me as I finally get to pass them after they ruined a good set of twisties. My bike's not quiet, but I can be pretty loud. :D
In reference to the actual thread... if it's a ride more than around the block I usually have my MP3 player strapped to my arm.
+1 on the skullcandy ear buds, they fit pretty well and are fairly loud.
Quote from: 748s on May 09, 2008, 03:05:30 AM
Long term riding without earplugs will cause hearing loss.
Long term use of an iPod (anywhere) at excessive volume, will cause hearing loss.
WHAT!?
Whatever works for you :wine
Amen to that! wt:
Personally I'll listen to some tunes if I'm doing a commute to work, but any sort of riding that I'm doing for "sport" I always stick to my ear plugs.
Quote from: MaxPower on May 09, 2008, 07:04:18 AM
I was looking at the Shure's last weekend, but thought they might stick out too much to fit comfortably in my helmet. Sounds like you have no issues, though?
I have no issues with the Shure's. They are made to be worn by wrapping around the back of the ear and stay pretty in place. Once in a while I wil lhave trouble with them falling off my ear when i put my helmet on but this can usually be corrected by putting the helmet more "straightly" on your head. Since they fit inside your ear they stick there once you get 'em in.
My biggest fear when using headphoens while riding is forgetting to put the "hold" on the mp3 player and thus the potential to accidentally up the volume by bumping it. If that happened you could either #1, damage your hearing permanently or #2 wreck your bike trying to get to the mp3 player to turn down the sound.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 09, 2008, 05:30:50 AM
I sing in my helmet. Some are actual songs, some are songs made up about things I see as I ride or what's I would like to do to the inattentive driver that just made an asshat move in front of me ~
JM
I just talk to myself a lot in my helmet. It keeps the other voices (in my head) away.
I sing this to myself as loud as i make the beast with two backsing can. Especially at red lights with the visor up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRJNiBgWovo
People crack the make the beast with two backs up when i do it through the chatterbox. 8)
It all depends on the ride. If I'm riding in town (San Francisco), or a group ride, then it's just ear plugs. If I'm out on a ride by myself, then I have my iPod. For commuting, the tunes are a must!! An hour down the 101...mind-numbingly straight and boring...the tunes are a huge bonus. If I'm going to do a big road trip, then the auxiliary battery pack comes along too! mo:t:
I use the Shure sound E2C ear buds. They are comfortable, decently priced at $100, and durable as all hell!! I had a pair for a year, then got deployed to Afghanistan with them, and they finally gave up the ghost about 3 months after getting back. My newest pair is still going strong! Sound quality is fantastic, and you can keep them at a decent volume that allows you to hear traffic, etc, and still clearly hear your music. wt:
Ultimately, it's an individual choice. We can argue the pros and cons of it all day. While it is a safety issue, so is boredom on the road. And, depending on your musical selection, it can lead to an increased chance of speeding tickets. :leo: I figured if I'd switched to Mozart for the commute it would keep me a bit more mellow. I just wound up peacefully speeding along! :e:v ;:|
I listen to music at time via the MP3 player in the Zumo GPS. I use foam earplugs to block wind noise and helmet speakers, set as loud as possible, to be able to hear with the plugs in.
I find and "ear bud" very uncomfortable even after a short time and to have them being pushed into my ears by the helmet...I know I wouldn't be able to handle that.
My method works for me but some songs just don't have enough volume to overcome the ear plugs.
I also use the Shures. Great sound quality and great noise isolation as well. I listen to music on the highway at the same volume as in my garage.
I do get distracted by music for aggressive canyon riding. Then I just use earplugs. But music is great for commuting and traveling.
I use a apple shuffle with some $15 dollar sony earbud headphones... does the job great...
Quote from: ltnuke on May 09, 2008, 09:14:03 AM
My biggest fear when using headphoens while riding is forgetting to put the "hold" on the mp3 player and thus the potential to accidentally up the volume by bumping it. If that happened you could either #1, damage your hearing permanently or #2 wreck your bike trying to get to the mp3 player to turn down the sound.
Ipods have a volume limiter that you can set.
I have Shure e2c's and they work perfect. I love it especially on my ride to work (25 min). Great thing about shure is that I had a problem with the cord during the
two year warranty, and they sent me brand new replacements. That's what you call standing by your product.
I just rigged up my lid with an extra set of phones stuck in an open section of the padding. I can hear the music at a low level, but still hear the world. I don't personally like earphones in my ear for long periods and at any rate can't get mine to stay in consistently when putting the lid on. This way they're always in and if I don't want to deal with tunes I can just tuck the chord up under the padding.
Quote from: ltnuke on May 09, 2008, 09:14:03 AM
I have no issues with the Shure's. They are made to be worn by wrapping around the back of the ear and stay pretty in place. Once in a while I wil lhave trouble with them falling off my ear when i put my helmet on but this can usually be corrected by putting the helmet more "straightly" on your head. Since they fit inside your ear they stick there once you get 'em in.
+1 that was my biggest issue with my Shure's. I found that the $15 Skull Candy buds actually limit external noise better than my Shure's, do not fall out when putting on my lid, and stay in place during the ride. Granted, the sound "quality" is much better with the Shure's.
I almost always listen to music when I ride. And I only sing when the RPM's are over 3k so that I'm sure no one else can hear me.
I've tried a whole bunch earphones - from $5 to $95.. The best I've found is the setup I'm using right now. I have the $35 set of earphones from helmetaudio.com. They fit perfectly into the padding in my Arai and I've actually put the helmet fabric over the earphone to hold them in place. I have CF Arrows and I actually can't hear the music at all, even with the volume all the way up, unless I also wear earplugs. I've been riding with the music and earplugs rated at NRR 28. The setup works perfect - I can hear the music, the exhaust, and I'm still not going to go deaf.
I recently purchased a zumo 550 gps which has a mp3 player built-in. The zumo speaks the directions and i wanted to use that feature so i dont have to take my eyes off the road very often. To take full advantage of the zumo, I wanted to get a pair of headphones that were comfortable, would block outside noise and had decent sound quality.
I did some research and decided that i wanted to try using custom ear phones. I decided on a model made by westone called the cr-1's. Supposively they have good sound quality and also provide 20-25dB of attenuation. I just got the impressions made this week so i havent had an opportunity to test them. I expect to see them in 2-3 weeks. When i get a chance to test them i will write a review. I dont have the final bill, but i believe the whole package will be just shy of $200.
I am in Australia and I can't believe that it is illegal in some US states for you to listen to music - scary [leo].
I have a Starcom system on my bike and have custom moulded ear plugs that reduce noise by between 30-35db. In the system I have a radio, MP3 player and my phone automatically links to the system via Bluetooth (my phone has TomTom loaded too so I can use it to get me places as well). So whenever I start the bike if I have my phone in a pocket it is linked.
When I go on rides with a bunch of other Duc riders I also add in a portable CB and we chat over that - helps us when the leaders spot a [leo] so that we can all remain safe.
I listen to Music when commuting but generally don't when really going hard.
Ciao, R_usty
I typically use ear plugs when riding for any length of time. The few occasions that I have used the IPod on a trip were when I was going to be non stop for an hour without any other riders. It's not that I object to listening to tunes, I didn't find myself distracted at all. It's just that when riding with others we tend to stop frequently, and that means taking the helmet off, stoping the tunes, making sure the ear buds are in properly and don't get pulled out as the helmet goes back on, etc.
Granted, this would all be a lot easier if I didn't wear full gear every time I was on the bike. But you only have to go down once to appreciate it. 8)
Quote from: R_usty on May 11, 2008, 02:34:34 AM
I am in Australia and I can't believe that it is illegal in some US states for you to listen to music - scary [leo].
I have a Starcom system on my bike and have custom moulded ear plugs that reduce noise by between 30-35db. In the system I have a radio, MP3 player and my phone automatically links to the system via Bluetooth (my phone has TomTom loaded too so I can use it to get me places as well). So whenever I start the bike if I have my phone in a pocket it is linked.
When I go on rides with a bunch of other Duc riders I also add in a portable CB and we chat over that - helps us when the leaders spot a [leo] so that we can all remain safe.
I listen to Music when commuting but generally don't when really going hard.
Ciao, R_usty
I checked out the website for Starcom. Pretty amazing stuff, are there any other systems like it out there? R_usty, maybe you could write a review of the system some day? It might be pretty useful info.
Music on longer trips is a MUST [thumbsup]
I've got the Etymotic (sp?) E-6 or something or 'nuther. Great sound, block out a bunch of noise, comfy ;)
Plain ol' earplugs around town...
I listen to music for long commutes as well. The only concern I have is that I tend to turn the volume up a lot more than normal to compensate for the wind noise. I hope I don't go deaf from this.
Quote from: Cotton on May 12, 2008, 06:58:44 AM
I listen to music for long commutes as well. The only concern I have is that I tend to turn the volume up a lot more than normal to compensate for the wind noise. I hope I don't go deaf from this.
Yeah, that doesn't sound too good for you. Are you tired after your ride? It's weird how noise makes you exhausted.
Maybe you should get some noise isolation earphones.
I don't turn mine up louder than normal. The Etymotics do a great job of blocking out the noise [thumbsup]
I use 'em myself for longer commutes.
Quote from: Cotton on May 12, 2008, 06:58:44 AM
I listen to music for long commutes as well. The only concern I have is that I tend to turn the volume up a lot more than normal to compensate for the wind noise. I hope I don't go deaf from this.
Huh? What was that again? Sorry, having a little trouble hearing today. :P
I have used a pair of Shure EC2's for some time now. I wear a Shoei RF1000 which fits very well, but makes any kind of on ear/in ear headphone system difficult (it is tight on my head). So, I ordered an autocom helmet speaker system, which purports to be much easier on your ears (they recommend wearing earplugs too). I am getting it this week, riding with it this weekend, and will post back this time next week.
Quote from: chill on May 12, 2008, 11:56:18 AM
I use 'em myself for longer commutes.
Huh? What was that again? Sorry, having a little trouble hearing today. :P
I see how reading and hearing can get you confused sometimes...
I see what you did there.. [evil] [coffee]