Radio for Bicycle
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 35
Bikes: Early 1980's Norco Pinnacle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Radio for Bicycle
Okay this will sound wierd to some...but do they still make radio's for bicycle's? I see some riders with ipod's but I would be scared not to hear traffic etc...with ear buds in my ears. What about a lightweight little radio that mounts on the frame some where or handlebars? Don't get me wrong...I am not looking for a Peewee Herman Radio Flyer, I just think some days tunes or weather reports or news might be nice to hear while commuting.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 197
Bikes: 08 Giant OCR C2, 05 Specalized Hardrock Sport Disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any small portable radio would work. So would a cheap scanner that could pick up wide band FM.
Or you could pick up a pair of amplified computer speakers, and plug them into your MP3 (yes, even the ipod/iphone) headphone jack, and there you go.
I would start here and move up in options.
1. Look for a Centon Craze MP3 player. They look like USB thumb drives, and are really cheap. I bought a 2 gig Centon MP3 player years ago (for $20 new), and it still works. It will play just about any audio file (WAV,MP3, OOG, etc). It is powered with a single AAA battery. Since it is also a USB drive, you can put music on it (and use it as a stand alone player) and also put your favorite spread sheets from work on it. It is also a voice recorder and a FM radio. The earbuds it comes with suck - but who cares. You will be throwing them out anyway.
2. Get some inexpensive external computer speakers, if you do not already have a bunch of them from old computers.
3. The MP3 player can be attached to your bike with velcro, the speakers can be attached with nylon tie straps.
Or you could pick up a pair of amplified computer speakers, and plug them into your MP3 (yes, even the ipod/iphone) headphone jack, and there you go.
I would start here and move up in options.
1. Look for a Centon Craze MP3 player. They look like USB thumb drives, and are really cheap. I bought a 2 gig Centon MP3 player years ago (for $20 new), and it still works. It will play just about any audio file (WAV,MP3, OOG, etc). It is powered with a single AAA battery. Since it is also a USB drive, you can put music on it (and use it as a stand alone player) and also put your favorite spread sheets from work on it. It is also a voice recorder and a FM radio. The earbuds it comes with suck - but who cares. You will be throwing them out anyway.
2. Get some inexpensive external computer speakers, if you do not already have a bunch of them from old computers.
3. The MP3 player can be attached to your bike with velcro, the speakers can be attached with nylon tie straps.
#3
mutant...
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: bell gardens, ca
Posts: 487
Bikes: skinny benny single speed/fixed gear, fuji carbon fiber road bike...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
my phone is pretty loud... loud enough to hear my music wile riding the river trails...
but my buddy also has this little battery powered ipod dock with speakers he takes when we go long distance... iwouldn't want my cell phone to die on us way out there...
but my buddy also has this little battery powered ipod dock with speakers he takes when we go long distance... iwouldn't want my cell phone to die on us way out there...
#4
Senior Member
You can pick up a decent shortwave receiver for not a lot of money. Check your favourite radio forum. I use a Degen 1103 for bicycle touring. It's too big to use while cycling and is not waterproof. I think this is the biggest issue you'll have. I'm sure there are waterproof radios out there.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 197
Bikes: 08 Giant OCR C2, 05 Specalized Hardrock Sport Disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Shortwave receiver? That's pretty sick. But I guess if you want to hear BBC World Service or Radio Korea or even hams talking about antennas and amplifiers there is only one way to go!
For my purposes, the cheap Centon MP3 player and small powered speakers works well. But I would only put all that stuff on for rather short (less than 20 mile) slow group rides on my MTB. For a faster pace ride, or a longer ride, I think it would all just get in my way.
For my purposes, the cheap Centon MP3 player and small powered speakers works well. But I would only put all that stuff on for rather short (less than 20 mile) slow group rides on my MTB. For a faster pace ride, or a longer ride, I think it would all just get in my way.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 798
Bikes: Jamis Coda
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I use a Creative Zen Stone Plus w/ Speaker. Built-in fm radio, too. I zip tie it to my bar (reusable zip tie). The speaker is loud enough to be heard at speed, though heavy traffic will drown it out.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,501
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5216 Post(s)
Liked 3,555 Times
in
2,325 Posts
my MP3 player has an FM receiver which I use on some lunchtime walks. was tempted to use the radio on my last weekend joyride but didn't - maybe next time
#8
cyclepath
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: "The Last Best Place"
Posts: 3,550
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
With the benefit of a mirror, one can ride with their eyes instead of their ears and enjoy the full benefit of stereophonic sound with the ear piece of one's choice. For me, Sennheiser PX 100's. Sorry to be the dissenting voice but you must admit, I am on topic.
__________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
#9
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Having ear buds in your ear does not necessarily mean that you can't hear. Nobody says you have to crank the volume up so loud that it drowns out environmental sounds. If you turn the volume up to where the apparent volume is the same as if you had a speaker on the bars, it should be no different one way or the other.
Some people use MP3 players with built in speakers, such as the Zen Stone.
I listen to NPR and audiobooks on my commute, and with one bud in my right ear, by my actual testing, my ability to hear approaching cars is not at all diminished. I can still hear them before I can see them (on long sparsely traveled country roads) and can hear them at least 15 seconds before they get to me (in town).
Some people use MP3 players with built in speakers, such as the Zen Stone.
I listen to NPR and audiobooks on my commute, and with one bud in my right ear, by my actual testing, my ability to hear approaching cars is not at all diminished. I can still hear them before I can see them (on long sparsely traveled country roads) and can hear them at least 15 seconds before they get to me (in town).
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#10
mutant...
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: bell gardens, ca
Posts: 487
Bikes: skinny benny single speed/fixed gear, fuji carbon fiber road bike...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Having ear buds in your ear does not necessarily mean that you can't hear. Nobody says you have to crank the volume up so loud that it drowns out environmental sounds. If you turn the volume up to where the apparent volume is the same as if you had a speaker on the bars, it should be no different one way or the other.
Some people use MP3 players with built in speakers, such as the Zen Stone.
I listen to NPR and audiobooks on my commute, and with one bud in my right ear, by my actual testing, my ability to hear approaching cars is not at all diminished. I can still hear them before I can see them (on long sparsely traveled country roads) and can hear them at least 15 seconds before they get to me (in town).
Some people use MP3 players with built in speakers, such as the Zen Stone.
I listen to NPR and audiobooks on my commute, and with one bud in my right ear, by my actual testing, my ability to hear approaching cars is not at all diminished. I can still hear them before I can see them (on long sparsely traveled country roads) and can hear them at least 15 seconds before they get to me (in town).
i just got some ear buds for my cellphone... i can hear my music, and if i get a phone call i'll be able to answer without reaching for my phone... but i hardly use them since i ride with a buddy and we're always talking about fish tanks and stuff...
#11
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Yes, I have several pair like that. There's a simple solution - get some that don't.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#12
mutant...
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: bell gardens, ca
Posts: 487
Bikes: skinny benny single speed/fixed gear, fuji carbon fiber road bike...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
those suck though... i can't hear the bass guitar on they...
but i don't commute much in traffic... mostly river trail riding...
but i don't commute much in traffic... mostly river trail riding...
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,501
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5216 Post(s)
Liked 3,555 Times
in
2,325 Posts
cheap Phillips earbuds amplify ambient sound. I can walk down the street and hear insects. SERIOUSLY!
#14
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
What I'm saying is, for $10 or less, you can get some open air headphones for use on the bike, and if you keep the volume to the point where it has the same apparent volume as you would have turned the radio on the handlebars up to, it will GUARANTEED sound better than some crappy speaker on the handlebar, it'll be cheaper, and you'll still be able to hear the surrounding sounds as well.
Or you can spend more money on speakers and have worse sound.
If you really want good sound, buy some Koss PortaPros. Those sound better than any earbuds. Unless you're looking for artificially enhanced bass. Personally I listen to my music as recorded.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#15
mutant...
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: bell gardens, ca
Posts: 487
Bikes: skinny benny single speed/fixed gear, fuji carbon fiber road bike...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You think you're going to hear the bass guitar on a radio with 2" speakers mounted on the handlebar?
What I'm saying is, for $10 or less, you can get some open air headphones for use on the bike, and if you keep the volume to the point where it has the same apparent volume as you would have turned the radio on the handlebars up to, it will GUARANTEED sound better than some crappy speaker on the handlebar, it'll be cheaper, and you'll still be able to hear the surrounding sounds as well.
Or you can spend more money on speakers and have worse sound.
If you really want good sound, buy some Koss PortaPros. Those sound better than any earbuds. Unless you're looking for artificially enhanced bass. Personally I listen to my music as recorded.
What I'm saying is, for $10 or less, you can get some open air headphones for use on the bike, and if you keep the volume to the point where it has the same apparent volume as you would have turned the radio on the handlebars up to, it will GUARANTEED sound better than some crappy speaker on the handlebar, it'll be cheaper, and you'll still be able to hear the surrounding sounds as well.
Or you can spend more money on speakers and have worse sound.
If you really want good sound, buy some Koss PortaPros. Those sound better than any earbuds. Unless you're looking for artificially enhanced bass. Personally I listen to my music as recorded.
they have alot of bass...
#16
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
And "a lot" too, I'm sure. Bose is pretty good, though certainly overpriced and not the best at anything they do, in my experience.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 260
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
cyclepath
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: "The Last Best Place"
Posts: 3,550
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^^^^well let's agree then that they are pretty affordable, nice sounding cans. The Porta Pros that is.
__________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
#19
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
I think that for the $35 that PortaPros cost, you really can't get much better sound. I think that at ANY price level, cans sound better than buds, but I have never spent $100 on buds. If I get into the real money area, I'll pick up some Sennheiser cans. A friend has some $450 Sennheisers and they're excellent.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 175
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just purchased one like in the below link used on CL for $10. It is branded under many different names like Emerson, Sunlite, Lundin ect. The light is useless, the built-in horn is pretty timid but it could warn a walker you are behind him/her without shocking them too much. The Radio works pretty good, surprisingly both on am and fm. At least it does so here in Miami. Volume isn't too bad. New I see them locally for around $30.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Deluxe.../dp/B0011FWPA6
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Deluxe.../dp/B0011FWPA6
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I know this is an old thread, but I'm going to reply. It might help someone else.
I wanted an AM/FM radio on my bike for listening to baseball games and sports talk radio, but I wasn't impressed with the small number of bike-specific products that I found (like the aforementioned Sunlite radio). I decided that what would probably work best for me would be a small pocket radio mounted somewhere on the bike. I ended up buying a Sony ICF-S10MK2 radio ($10) and an Arkon SM427 mount ($7.50). I haven't been able to ride with this yet, but it seems like it will work nicely. The mount is not made to be completely secure, but simple things could be used to make it more secure (rubber bands, elastic straps, etc.)
I wanted an AM/FM radio on my bike for listening to baseball games and sports talk radio, but I wasn't impressed with the small number of bike-specific products that I found (like the aforementioned Sunlite radio). I decided that what would probably work best for me would be a small pocket radio mounted somewhere on the bike. I ended up buying a Sony ICF-S10MK2 radio ($10) and an Arkon SM427 mount ($7.50). I haven't been able to ride with this yet, but it seems like it will work nicely. The mount is not made to be completely secure, but simple things could be used to make it more secure (rubber bands, elastic straps, etc.)
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: On the outskirts of Mordor
Posts: 112
Bikes: Santa Cruz Heckler, EZ Sport AX, Lightfoot Rambler, Electra Townie 24D "The Holy Grail of Beach Cruisers"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I have a couple of homemade Walkman/iPod holders that I made many years ago and they work great. However, I just found this gadget holder and ordered it out of curiosity. Very well made and thoughtfully designed. Requires no tools to mount to handlebars. Can be found at Thinkgeek.com
Note: On the website opening pic it doesn't show the 2 fold out arms which support your gadget from the bottom (in conjuction with the 2 side squeeze pads), the pic shows the gadget holder with the 2 bottom support arms folded in/closed. If you click on the "customer action shots" it shows a pic with the bottom support arms folded out.
https://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tra...adget%20holder
Think Geek also has an aluminum tube speaker which comes with a handlebar mount for your bike. This could be a good solution for those wishing to hear music without wearing headphones, (I did not order this one yet):
https://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics...tube%20speaker
And no, I do not work for or have any affiliation with Thingeek or their suppliers...
Attached are a couple of pics of my homemade version gadget holder:
Note: On the website opening pic it doesn't show the 2 fold out arms which support your gadget from the bottom (in conjuction with the 2 side squeeze pads), the pic shows the gadget holder with the 2 bottom support arms folded in/closed. If you click on the "customer action shots" it shows a pic with the bottom support arms folded out.
https://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tra...adget%20holder
Think Geek also has an aluminum tube speaker which comes with a handlebar mount for your bike. This could be a good solution for those wishing to hear music without wearing headphones, (I did not order this one yet):
https://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics...tube%20speaker
And no, I do not work for or have any affiliation with Thingeek or their suppliers...
Attached are a couple of pics of my homemade version gadget holder:
Last edited by trestlehed; 02-02-11 at 04:26 PM. Reason: .
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bath, England
Posts: 7
Bikes: Trek 7300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This one has really good reviews on amazon, and is about the size of a 3x5 card. It should be mountable with one of those generic gadget mounts:
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-S10MK...1423677&sr=8-1
I have been thinking about doing the same thing. One downside of commuting by bike has been that I miss the news in the morning. I'll let you know if I get one.
-Greg
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-S10MK...1423677&sr=8-1
I have been thinking about doing the same thing. One downside of commuting by bike has been that I miss the news in the morning. I'll let you know if I get one.
-Greg
#25
cyclepath
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: "The Last Best Place"
Posts: 3,550
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
load up a couple podcasts and you're good to go.
__________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche