The Chainlink

Music On The Bike

I don't think it wise to bike and listen to headphones or earplugs - I feel we really need to pay attention to our environment to bike safely with the already dangerous odds stacked against us.  However, there are times I'd find it enjoyable to listen to music when biking through the park, on small roads, or on bike lanes, when I don't think having music available will seriously jeopardize my attention - but what do you think?  I was thinking of attaching speakers somewhere on my bike (maybe on the handlebars), but if it becomes a major pain in the tuchus to attach or manage I won't.  Also, while car driving using Bluetooth is still legal, I think studies have shown that even that lowers drivers' attention and ability to drive safely, as much as talking to passengers does - we just can't do more than one thing at a time well.  What are your thoughts on music while biking?  What have you done?

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 23, 2013 at 1:51pm

I would love something lightweight and low-muss-low fuss on the bike that sounds good, but it doesn't really exist.  I wish someone would come out with something you can hang around your neck for the same effect, but again it probably wouldn't sound good enough to be worth the bother.

I personally would never ride in traffic with earbuds in.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on June 23, 2013 at 2:38pm

On my list of hardware experiments to conduct is modifying an earbud to run clipped to one's helmet strap so near, but not in one ear. It wouldn't be very good for music as there would not be any low-end, but I only listen to yammering on NPR anyway. 

h' 1.0 said:

I would love something lightweight and low-muss-low fuss on the bike that sounds good, but it doesn't really exist.  I wish someone would come out with something you can hang around your neck for the same effect, but again it probably wouldn't sound good enough to be worth the bother.

I personally would never ride in traffic with earbuds in.

Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on June 23, 2013 at 3:42pm

This seems like an interesting design: a handlebar bag that holds your stuff (wallet, keys, sunblock), mounts your phone for music control, contains a 12-volt amp & speakers and lifts off the bracket when you lock up.  Audible Rush Jam-Pac Premium Plus even recharges your phone as you ride.  About $200.  Cool.

https://www.audiblerush.com/

Permalink Reply by Bez on June 23, 2013 at 4:30pm

I use a single bluetooth ear piece and an app to force stereo audio through it.   BT goes on the right ear so that my traffic ear is open.   I turn it down so that it's background, much like when in my car,  and I  set up a long playlist before leaving so that I don't have to switch songs. 

Sound quality isn't the best,  but I am not looking for superior sound while biking  anyway.  It's just there to calm my nerves and such. 

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 23, 2013 at 5:06pm

Reminds me-- I came across a small group of young-uns on 18th street near Western having something that looked like a miniCM last Friday night and one of them had a sound bike (may have been a trike).  Will try to remember to pull the helmet cam video...

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on June 23, 2013 at 10:16pm

I've used this wireless, rechargeable speaker from Jensen, and I put it in my front basket. I charge it daily. The battery lasts 2-4 hours (I've never done a good timing test). It connects to any smartphone with Bluetooth. Make a playlist, hit play, and you've got a supreme ride. 

I got it for $50 and signed up for an Amazon credit card to get it for free ;)

Permalink Reply by El Dorado on June 23, 2013 at 11:00pm

I use some noise cancelling Bose type headphones. I frequently commute down Lake street and do not like listening to the rumble of the Green line or the delivery trucks. I'm in my own world and find myself enjoying my commute much more.

Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on June 24, 2013 at 7:05am

My bag has a cell phone holder and I use either one of my playlists or Pandora on my regular commutes played over the phone's speakers and it works great.  The cell phone holder is positioned roughly between my right shoulder and my chest and I can hear it all just fine.  Sonically, it leaves a touch to be desired, but if you have ever listened to a stereo on a motorcycle, you will quickly realize that acoustic perfection against rushing wind is an impossibility. 

Permalink Reply by Andy J on June 24, 2013 at 7:45am

Something about being on the street and having your hearing compromised just doesn't "sound" right to me - regardless if the music is coming from an earbud or boom box, if it keeps you from (or delays) hearing that hulk of metal, plastic, and petrol hurdling toward your toothpick-thin conveyance, the difference can be life or death.

On a trail? Maybe, but I'm sure many will argue otherwise, and definitely not my cup of tea.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on June 25, 2013 at 9:08am

Could this fit your needs?

Permalink Reply by Nançois on June 25, 2013 at 9:55am

If you don't mind hearing the same song over and over, ride behind me some time. I like to sing on the bike.

Permalink Reply by yai danche on June 25, 2013 at 10:38am

I put this handlebar mount for my clip on speaker on this morning and the vibration from hitting the various dips and potholes is messing with my iPod connection.  And I suspect all this jiggling will damage both the iPod and the speaker in the long run.  Previously, I clipped it to my bag, but it's getting too hot to wear my bag.  Have you used yours for a long time?  Maybe all your other stuff in the basket dampens the vibrations. 

 

Steven Vance said:

I've used this wireless, rechargeable speaker from Jensen, and I put it in my front basket. I charge it daily. The battery lasts 2-4 hours (I've never done a good timing test). It connects to any smartphone with Bluetooth. Make a playlist, hit play, and you've got a supreme ride. 

I got it for $50 and signed up for an Amazon credit card to get it for free ;)

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