One piece earphone while riding

[FerdieM]

Hi guys!

Anybody use an iPod or any other mp3 players while on the road? I personally believe that listening to music helps during my workout.

Though I haven't tried cycling on the road while using my iPod, would it be dangerous to wear headphones or earphones while riding as you will not hear traffic or cars approaching? But how about if i just use 1 ear piece instead of 2?? I was just curious if anybody else do this.

Thanks for the tips in advance!

[Nyimbo]

I think it works well with one earphone in fact in California where I am it's the law that you use one ear only.

[John Nelson]

Whether or not it's safe to ride with music is a debate that goes on forever and has no answer.

[BrianW]

Some people use those tiny Bluetooth external speakers while biking.

[staehpj1]

I do not often wear earbuds while riding, but will say that I have not found them to block my hearing much if the volume isn't cranked too high.  My rule of thumb is that if I can't hear the tires of passing cars well before they reach me on a low traffic road I wouldn't take the chance or would look for different ear buds.  I have worn them for many hours of trail running and always found that I could hear a faster runner approaching quietly behind me.

Most of the time I just play music in my head or even sing out loud when on tour if I want music, but there have been times when an audio book was a nice thing.  Crossing the emptiness of West Texas or Kansas I think that sometimes listening to something actually kept me more awake and alert.

People tend to have pretty strong opinions on this topic.  I do not other than to say that if it makes you oblivious to your surroundings you shouldn't do it.  If you are still alert and can hear cars approaching from behind I wouldn't consider it a bad thing.

[jamawani]

How can the gods hear you cursing the wind --
if you have the music turned up high?

[raybo]

I used to use a single earbud to listen to audio books and, occasionally, music when I ride. I wrote a review of the one I used called "One Good Earbud."

I felt it was a nice compromise between singing to myself and blocking off my ears. I've since switched to Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones that don't block my ears but do dampen my hearing.

[misterflask]

I'm riding with Cat-Ears to keep the wind noise down and Air-Shokz bone conduction headphones.  At moderate volumes the bone conduction headphones keep you pretty aware of your surroundings.  Don't know about the legality of the bone conduction headphones.  I think it's up in the air, but I am comfortable with the safety of them.

[Slow Lane]

The one earphone is the law I believe here in NYC.  I've noticed a trend toward bluetooth speakers inside bike bags or packpacks.  Personally, I like the one ear but I also never turn it up too loud.  I always want to hear the tires approaching from behind, to say the least. 

[walks.in2.trees]

Whether or not it's safe to ride with music is a debate that goes on forever and has no answer.

I personally don't like not being able to hear traffic around me... But for the most part it doesn't matter... You're Riding ahead, if someone's going to hit you, catching a glimpse of them behind you won't help at all. Riding on a busy street and needing to cut across traffic to take a left while in full winter gear, and no mirror? Yeah... Best leave the earbuds out, because you can't turn your head to look, and people don't let you cross if you signal... Most don't even know hand signals anyway.

Speaking of mirrors, does anybody know of one that's worth getting? On my first bike I had one that actually stayed put, but it was big and heavy. On later bikes I tried others but they never stay put out they fall off and break, or both.
I tried a helmet mounted mirror too but that also never seemed to point to where I needed it to, and that also broke in the first week.

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[canalligators]

There are many kinds of mirrors: bike mounted, helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted.  Quality varies, and they all have their plusses and minuses.  I summarized them in an article here:https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=tS&doc_id=5276&v=22

I encourage everyone to use a mirror.  I personally think they are far more important than helmets (which get lots of press).  Prevention!   Use whatever kind you like best, just buy and use one.

[walks.in2.trees]

There are many kinds of mirrors: bike mounted, helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted.  Quality varies, and they all have their plusses and minuses.  I summarized them in an article here:https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=tS&doc_id=5276&v=22

I encourage everyone to use a mirror.  I personally think they are far more important than helmets (which get lots of press).  Prevention!   Use whatever kind you like best, just buy and use one.

Last list update was 2011... Could do for a refresh?

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[johnsondasw]

No earbuds for me.  I'm kinda deaf anyway, so it wouldn't be a good idea. I like to hear the coming traffic and birds, surf crashing, etc.  I use a mirror, too.  Trying to stack the odds in my favor as far a safety goes. 

[canalligators]

There are many kinds of mirrors: bike mounted, helmet mounted, eyeglass mounted.  Quality varies, and they all have their plusses and minuses.  I summarized them in an article here:https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=tS&doc_id=5276&v=22

I encourage everyone to use a mirror.  I personally think they are far more important than helmets (which get lots of press).  Prevention!   Use whatever kind you like best, just buy and use one.

Last list update was 2011... Could do for a refresh?

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Yeah, it will bubble to the top of my priorities list one of these days.  If you want to do the research and pass the info, I'll update it.