Classic & Vintage - What do you listen to when you ride????

Me, I listen to Scott Joplin, (Joshua Rifkins ragtime piano) or U2 Rattle and Hum.
And others....
Most have USA connections...

How do we exchange sounds?
Wouldn't that be cool?

Or Groove Armada 'Live at the river'....

I listen to the wind in my ears, the birds in the sky, and for the sounds of cars coming up on me.

The wind in my face and the sounds around me.
Riding with earphones is not only unsafe, it's illegal here.

my regina or suntour freewheel softly ticking over . . .

I have a variety of ambient soundtracks. Every once in a while I hear the troubling sound of "Get the @&#%$!# off the road", but that's pretty rare.

my regina or suntour freewheel softly ticking over . . .
I like to listen to the bicycle sounds too.
But sometimes its cool to listen to your own sounds, especially on a long trip.

A three speed has its own rhythm, but you can tune into your own sounds when you want a change of 'music', without being a purist, can't you?

A classic bike doesn't always need listening to, does it?
It's a joy to ride, presumably, and a change of background sometimes can't be bad, can it??

Same here, the harmonics that properly inflated tires give off, the sound of a smooth freewheel, and ear bleeding skreech of out of adjustment brake pads.
:D

The only time I listen to music when cycling, is when the weather forces me onto the rollers.

I listen to me talking to myself.

Nothing right now. I'd probably listed to a couple of podcasts, Beef Wellington, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Weezer, The Fugees, The Wu Tang Clan, Diana Krall, and possibly The Postal Service.

I'm afraid of blocking my ears. I'm thinking about the O ROKR Pro (http://oakley.com/orokrpro) because, while I find it a tad ugly, the design allows for interchangeable lenses, doesn't block the ears, and works with the MP3 player function on my cell phone. Truth be told, I have better places to spend my money right now.

and for the sounds of cars coming up on me.

I use my eyes for that part. Much more effective too. I can't hear if they are changing lane position. ;)

As for what I listen to, whatever the shuffle throws out at me.

I only listen to music when I'm on my mountain bike, solo. Headphones on a group ride is downright rude in my opinion. I can't even run on the street with my music, it freaks me out. But on my mountain bike it's nine inch nails, Arctic Monkeys, clash, gorillaz, Handsome boy modeling school, Joe pass, monk, honestly I throw my ipod on shuffle and listen to whatever comes on.

Riding with earphones is not only unsafe

Not for everybody. Some of us on the road know what we are doing.

Please don't be offended. Just a spirited debate.

Not for everybody. Some of us on the road know what we are doing.

Please don't be offended. Just a spirited debate.

Yes, for everybody. What are you, numb?
I'm not offended at all. When you get flattened it'll be evolution in action.
Do you text message when you drive as well?
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Carmina Burana as I drop the hammer! on the unsuspecting local flat-bar spandex clad fitness freaks. Oh wait, this isn't the roadie forum?

Actually, I don't ride with earphones, so I usually just listen to the sound of my labored breathing.

I like to listen to the classics like Sturmey Archer and who could ever forget The Ever-Threatening Commuting Traffic!:). Riding with headphones is an unsafe thing to do.I know what I'm doing on the road too but I'm not the one I worry about.How are you going to "see" behind you?City buses and large delivery trucks can be quite the menace.Some times they can really crowd you.I like to hear when one of them is coming up behind me.

People who need music to ride their bikes just do not get it. Your life is not a movie you do not need a soundtrack. Same thing goes for the boobs who have to get "pumped up" for a race by blasting metal on their car stereo in the parking lot while everybody is getting changed (I never see these guys at the finish so it must not work so good). While I'm at it you don't need a beverage in your hand every waking hour of day either. Drink your coffee in the morning then get on with it.

I like the idea of listening to music while I ride, but it does seem unsafe. Besides, after I made fun of my friend for getting hit by an RV while riding with his iPod, I can't justify the hypocrisy.

Then again, he was also riding without a shirt or a helmet. That was some gnarly road rash!

ride in too much traffic for headphones...that's a death wish

I ride a 1972 vintage bike. Portable music wasn't invented yet so that would be rather anachronistic ;)

Seriously though, I like the sound of nature and it is important to hear the traffic. Although both are sometimes obscured by the wind in my ears and my labored breathing. The wind in my ears thing is annoying sometimes though when I'm trying to hear the chain as I shift.

A caveat:
On the Trek Across Maine last year there was a tandem team with a handlebar mounted speaker system that was blaring out late '70 early '80 disco on a long, boring climb early on the second day. Just the ticket in that spot of space/time.
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I only listen to music when I'm on my mountain bike, solo. Headphones on a group ride is downright rude in my opinion. I can't even run on the street with my music, it freaks me out. But on my mountain bike it's nine inch nails, Arctic Monkeys, clash, gorillaz, Handsome boy modeling school, Joe pass, monk, honestly I throw my ipod on shuffle and listen to whatever comes on.

+1

When I was 18 or so I tapped my left pedal cap on the rear wheel of a car, while using a Walkman. Since then I don't put anything in my ears but wind, and the soild kachunk of a derailleur slipping into a gear.,,,,BD

What do I listen to when I ride?

The bike.

Traffic around me.

I've got an mp3 player, but have never taken it out on the road.

A caveat:
On the Trek Across Maine last year there was a tandem team with a handlebar mounted speaker system that was blaring out late '70 early '80 disco on a long, boring climb early on the second day. Just the ticket in that spot of space/time.
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They're still alive? :eek: Why???

I listen to "Passing on your left" or sometimes "Cool bike!" from other cyclists. From motorists it's usually "Ride on the sidewalk! ... Get off the road! ..." or much worse.

Honestly, when I ride and the road is long and boring I like to simply "THINK". While riding out in the fresh air I can usually work out a lot of complicated bike-build, gearing, or other bike related ponderings. It's much easier without the distractions of the household or other people interrupting me with their problems and questions. Otherwise, I just like to listen to my tires on the road, the wind, the ticking of the freewheel, and my breathing. Just ambient sounds as my eyes drift along just looking around and absorbing the world around me.

I don't need to always be accompanied by my personal theme music sound track. I don't mind participating in the external world around me so I don't need to continually isolate myself in a separate one of my own creation.

I know that some people, people who I know and like, do prefer to bring along music or even just a radio to listen to - basically all the same modern background sounds that always accompany them in their homes, and cars, and elevators, and at work. Or they need to have their cell phones with earbuds or head sets on so they are never too far from their homes, offices or friends. I once even passed a guy who had a small electronic poker game taped to his handlebar which he'd play with while riding, and then finally, just 2 weeks ago I saw someone literally watching what I assume was a DVD movie on a 5 or 6 inch portable player strapped onto the top of a handlebar bag, with ear phones on to hear the sound. Seems like some people really simply don't like to acknowledge where the actually are. So my question is: why not just stay home on a trainer and have ALL your junk easily at hand and people close by?

Cycling is my opportunity to get away from all of the modern distractions - including music - so I don't like to bring any with me. And, when riding in the city traffic I'm too busy listening for approaching cars to even let my mind drift peacefully elsewhere.

When driving a car I seldom even listen to the radio. I actually LIKE to hear the sound of a car's engine moving through the gears. And, I think there is still some value in motorists being able to hear other cars anywhere around them, hear brakes squealing, or hear emergency vehicles approaching them. To my mind, these are all far more important sounds for a bicyclist to be listening for, as well.

But, maybe I'm just a simpleton. To be perfectly honest, I can't even read while listening to Vivaldi.

I'm afraid I'd get snuffed by a train or something.

I've been involved in one collision and had several close calls. My eyes can't be looking everywhere at once, but my ears can pick up sounds from all directions.

I want to know when a car is coming up behind me. I want to be able to hear emergency vehicles before they roll through the lights in front of me, etc.

My head's usually pretty crowded with thoughts anyway.

I like to listen to the pure road and cars. That type of music makes me feel safe and sound. ; )

all the un-explainable sounds that my bike makes....

What in the heck does this have to do with "Classic & Vintage"? This is stupid in my opinion!

I listen to "Passing on your left" or sometimes "Cool bike!" from other cyclists. From motorists it's usually "Ride on the sidewalk! ... Get off the road! ..." or much worse.

Honestly, when I ride and the road is long and boring I like to simply "THINK". While riding out in the fresh air I can usually work out a lot of complicated bike-build, gearing, or other bike related ponderings. It's much easier without the distractions of the household or other people interrupting me with their problems and questions. Otherwise, I just like to listen to my tires on the road, the wind, the ticking of the freewheel, and my breathing. Just ambient sounds as my eyes drift along just looking around and absorbing the world around me.

I don't need to always be accompanied by my personal theme music sound track. I don't mind participating in the external world around me so I don't need to continually isolate myself in a separate one of my own creation.

I know that some people, people who I know and like, do prefer to bring along music or even just a radio to listen to - basically all the same modern background sounds that always accompany them in their homes, and cars, and elevators, and at work. Or they need to have their cell phones with earbuds or head sets on so they are never too far from their homes, offices or friends. I once even passed a guy who had a small electronic poker game taped to his handlebar which he'd play with while riding, and then finally, just 2 weeks ago I saw someone literally watching what I assume was a DVD movie on a 5 or 6 inch portable player strapped onto the top of a handlebar bag, with ear phones on to hear the sound. Seems like some people really simply don't like to acknowledge where the actually are. So my question is: why not just stay home on a trainer and have ALL your junk easily at hand and people close by?

Cycling is my opportunity to get away from all of the modern distractions - including music - so I don't like to bring any with me. And, when riding in the city traffic I'm too busy listening for approaching cars to even let my mind drift peacefully elsewhere.

When driving a car I seldom even listen to the radio. I actually LIKE to hear the sound of a car's engine moving through the gears. And, I think there is still some value in motorists being able to hear other cars anywhere around them, hear brakes squealing, or hear emergency vehicles approaching them. To my mind, these are all far more important sounds for a bicyclist to be listening for, as well.

But, maybe I'm just a simpleton. To be perfectly honest, I can't even read while listening to Vivaldi.

Jesus. I was trying to edit something out of this post that wouldn't apply to me, but everything is 100% spot on.

When I ride on trails, I like to keep my ears open so I can hear people passing. Not everyone calls out a "passing on the left" warning. Some people are just plain rude and will pass with no warning at all. Sometimes I can't even hear them with nothing in my ears. If I had the ipod, forget about it. As a matter of safety, I don't want to block off a single sensory organ if it is avoidable.

Riding is also MY time. I listen to music when I read for school, while I cook, drive in the car, etc... But bike time is MY time. I get to just relax, and think about everything. It's therapudic to unplug, and just...exist. Me. My bike. The wind. The mechanical ticks, and "pftatatatata-chuck" when a gear changes. Same reason I won't listne to music while hiking. I ride to be outdoors in nature with my thoughts. I don't want to mess with that.

Cars. And man are they loud. Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh. The world will be a better place when they are banished to little windy car paths in the parks.

When I'm out riding I get to hear myself think. Some days that's the only time it happens. I save the mp3 for when I study. You wouldn't believe how loud a library can get! ;)

What do I listen to when I ride??

Mostly the sound of kids pointing and laughing.

http://www.nostalgic.net/pictures/1583.htm

I'm with the others. I like to hear whats going on around me especially if im pushing it hard. I'll go onto streets blindly if I can't hear a car. One of these days another bicycle rider will probably take me out. Also have figity friction shifters that I like to hear the chain rolling smoothly if I dont shift it just right..

I do however find myself playing songs in my head when I get real tired. Mostly Black Sabbath.

To go along with the Classic ride,Classic Grateful Dead works for me.....Try April 14th 1972 From The Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen, Denmark!!! Available at your favorite Bitorrent Site!!

To go along with the Classic ride,Classic Grateful Dead works for me.....Try April 14th 1972 From The Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen, Denmark!!! Available at your favorite Bitorrent Site!!

Somebody said that 'life without music is a mistake'.
I rest my case.

Not for everybody. Some of us on the road know what we are doing.

Please don't be offended. Just a spirited debate.
Then you know it is illegal to use them on a bike as well as in a car then?
Each week I encounter dozens of people riding on the road, walking or running in the bike lane or on a bike trail while plugged into their PODS.:mad:
Very few hear any warning that I am coming up from behind on their left whilest making noise as well as loudly announcing myself until I'm right beside them and forcing me to leave what little bikelane there is and go out in traffic to pass when they could have moved 2 feet to the right if they had not had the POD.:mad:
I'm sure every one of them feels just like you that they know what they are doing? Were you one of them?:rolleyes:

I listen to Toots and the Maytals, Jurassic 5, Wu Tang Clan, or some other funk/old school hip hop tracks when I ride to work on the rail trail. Music gets my day started...it's a very personal experience and I can't imagine it otherwise. Very often, on the busier roads, i will drop the left ear bud out so that I have a better idea of what is behind me. I still slow down, ding my bell, and "passing on the left" when I come upon other users.

When I do recreational rides on the road and in the woods, I don't bring any tracks with me though.

Then you know it is illegal to use them on a bike as well as in a car then?
Each week I encounter dozens of people riding on the road, walking or running in the bike lane or on a bike trail while plugged into their PODS.:mad:
Very few hear any warning that I am coming up from behind on their left whilest making noise as well as loudly announcing myself until I'm right beside them and forcing me to leave what little bikelane there is and go out in traffic to pass when they could have moved 2 feet to the right if they had not had the POD.:mad:
I'm sure every one of them feels just like you that they know what they are doing? Were you one of them?:rolleyes:

And then they yell at you because you startle them.

I listen to the curses of motorist as I run lights or generally ride like a jackass :D Actually, I need all my senses available - even just to hear "passing on the left"...by some geezer.

I have to agree - it angers me when I see riders wearing headphones. There is no way that is safe, and a rider endangers him/herself and other traffic by doing so.

I listen to the birds, the cars, and the occasional "get on a bike trail!"

Being able to hear is kind of crucial on a bike if you are on the road with cars.

Now, now folks, let's calm down.

In some instances, listening to some tunes is just fine. I used to listen all the time when I rode a trainer indoors. Since I no longer have to ride indoors (retirement is great!), I only put the buds in when I ride what I refer to as my 'Crit Course'. I never listen when on the open road.

My crit course is a 1 mile loop with good visibility and mostly my 'right of way' on the turns. It is in a subdivision and most everyone there knows that some crazy old guy rides fast through there in the late morning. No one swears, they all wave.

On the open road, I can barely hear the cars for the wind in my ears. I sure don't need music there, that's what my brain is for, to tap out the rhythm of the road.

The best sound is the chain going over the cogs. I do like music when I'm hammering on the 'Crit Course', but never on the open road or when riding with partners.

I think ther was a scene in 'Breaking Away' where all you hear is the chain.

In any case, it is almost always Blues or Jazz. Give me J. B. Lenoir singing 'Feelin' Good' and if I wasn't, I am in short order.

Hmm, how about listing music that makes us want to ride instead. I've been wanting to buy a copy of "The barber of Seville". Just a few notes of it makes me want to jump on a bike and ride like the wind. Also one of my best memories as a youngster, when it was the riding music in Breaking Away. I'll listen to anything from Rap, Country, Blues, Jazz, even Classical(no modern crap though, lol). Mostly whatever I happen to feel like hearing at any given moment.,,,,BD

I listen to me talking to myself.


Me too.....and sometimes I actually agree with myself....but mostly I argue..even yell at myself.
There's been times when I've nearly ridden up to myself and grabbed my bars and forced myself to take a spill, but usually I give myself a good hard punch to the head as I sprint past myself...truly.
I sometimes wonder what other riders think....maybe that's why I ride with just the 3 of us..me, myself and the other guy...the loony ;)

I listen to my crankset creaking and spokes popping when I ride...

;)

-Kurt

I like liking to the same old tired argument over and over again. The sound of endlessly beating a dead horse is pretty entertaining too.

A caveat:
On the Trek Across Maine last year there was a tandem team with a handlebar mounted speaker system that was blaring out late '70 early '80 disco on a long, boring climb early on the second day. Just the ticket in that spot of space/time.
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Dude, on long boring climbs, I like to sing! That seems to be just the ticket to cause the group to split. My personal favorite is Purple Haze, really loud.

the voices...inside my head...or ARE they?!
What do they mean by "Kill, kill them all"?
I don't understand them yet, but I'll keep listening...;)