A slight bit of noise reduction thru in-ear headphones isn't that bad. In some ways it almost feels safer, as horns and such will be less likely to startle you. That said, in most states you will be in the wrong if you're wearing headphones, and do expect insurance companies to take that into account if you ever get in a collision and is trying to make you somehow at fault.

https://www.amazon.com/MP3-Bike-Stere.../dp/B003DR12C2
https://www.amazon.com/SoundShell-Bic.../dp/B00439CQKQ
https://www.amazon.com/iLuv-iEA15BLK-.../dp/B002RL9WDQ

Wire-fraying issues reported in inline remote reviews are negligible on bikes since it'll usually sit in place (connect between ipod and speakers, keep zipper open a lil' bit and stick out the remote). Good sound quality for its size, lived through a monsoon in my area so it must be fairly hardy as well. Weight wise both these products are similar, the bike bag looks slightly sillier but is also much more useful. If you're not an audiophile by any means ("ipod earbuds are great!" "skullcandies are awesome!" "Sony anything!" ugh...), you'll be amazed by what this can put out. If you do care about audio quality, you should be caring in the comfort of your sound-treated listening room w/ custom speakers.

The difference is that the driver will survive 99% of the wrecks he gets into with nothing more than maybe a sore neck. The odds aren't so good on a bike. Most drivers you talk to have had a few wrecks in their lifetime. I've had 3 while driving. I hope to have a much better record than that on my bike.

I've tried speakers on the handlebars and found that they are not loud enough to effect my ability to hear traffic. I'm not so sure about headphones. They may be fine, but I haven't been willing to test that theory myself.

Well, there it is, no need to reinvent the wheel.

Wire fraying wasn't my concern, if it was my remark(s) you were addressing there. My issue was that the buds are yanked out of my ear when the wire snags a twig.
(I'm an audio-video engineer by trade. I don't expect studio quality with an iPod/mp3 player - ever.)

I hope this was just sarcasm that I missed.

I like my MP3 player when I am on long rides where the road is empty... am the same way when I drive in that, when I in congested traffic I do not like to have the radio or any music on as it is distracting and I like to hear what is going on around me.

I tuck the unused one under my jersey collar, never notice it. But I also inherit all the "broken" ones from the household, where one bud doesn't work - just snip it off and record your music in mono.

Even better, attach the earbuds and player to your helmet, and none of the wires are ever in the way.

I wear ear buds while riding. I avoid the ones that are too successful at 'noise canceling' and I suggest the OP do the same. I don't think listening to music at a reasonable level makes me less aware of my surroundings in any meaningful sense. Cars go by on a regular basis, I'm certainly not relying on my hearing them to make me safe. I take steps to ensure I am visible, and I take a sensible lane position.

From experience on groups rides and various events, I've found that riders who are very concerned about traffic coming up behind them tend to ride in a much less safe fashion than others. Visibility, lane position, and predictability - these things keep you safe.

It'd be cool if there was a speaker that would fit in your helmet so it'd be near enough to your ears that you could hear it with it a) having to be loud enough that everyone else could hear it too (like a bar speaker) or b) blocking your ability to hear other sounds like ear canal earbuds (the only kind I find comfortable).

Unfortunately, it'd probably c) get fouled up really quickly because of sweat and d) block vent holes causing more sweat and an increase in problem c).

But that's something I'd be interested in trying (especially if it had a mp3 player mount up there too so no cords to snag or rustle against my shirt/jersey or pick up wind noise).

I once had a motorcycle helmet like that. Drilled a hole in the back and mounted the speaker over the hole. With the helmet and visor mostly enclosed the sound was pretty good. For something like that with a bicycle helmet I think you'd have to rig up some kind of rigid flaps over the ears for the speakers. Although ... a small speaker on the skull bone right behind the ears is surprisingly loud ...

The player mount is simplicity itself: adhesive-backed velcro (home depot) on the helmet (back of helmet) and player.

This so preposteously stupid it's got to be a joke...right? Really. It is a joke, isn't it? Nobody in their right mind would seriously suggest to a group of experienced, seasoned bicycle commuters to ride against traffic if they're 'afraid'. You're killin' me...

I like the JVC Marshmallow earbuds. I no longer have verbal altercations with motorists, thus enhancing my safety.

I think I will go with the radio on the handlebars. I do have a few lights for being seen so I'm not completely unsafe.

Probably a good idea.

Should you be using an Ipod on a bike esp where trucks are whizzing past you?

Surely the answer to this question is no headphones at all.

I'd say the troll caught a fish.....

I listen to audio books, so my needs may be different. But, I really love the present my wife got me. She was worried about me wearing ear buds and bought me this stereo one earbud magic solution. I can now ride with my traffic ear free and my book in the other ear.

https://farendgear.com/xdu/

Search around online. I rode with a guy on a 400k who had his wee little mp3 player rocking through a lightweight speaker mounted to the rear straps on his helmet. It was just a little 0.5" diameter tube with a speaker jack, volume dial, and the speakers angled 45-degrees forward at the ends. It was maybe 1.5" long, to fit a AA battery.
I don't know if he made it himself, or bought it. Could be either; randos are notorious for home-cobbled solutions.

+1

These are great because the audio isn't completely horrible, you can still hear stuff if have them at a reasonable level, and they stay put. Not to mention cheap to replace when they break. I break ALL of my earbuds, doesn't matter the price range. I got tired of sending in $250 headphones in on warranty every month or two. If these break within 90 days, back to Walmart they go. If they last longer, sweet, they were only $12 or whatever and they still sound good.

Going strictly by the OP's question, I recommend the Monoprice 8320. Noise isolating, in-ear headphones for less than $9.00 shipped. That's right, NINE DOLLARS all-in for audiophile quality sound. Check out the review here.

I won't use them for biking, but they do block out most traffic noise while out for a walk. And they sound terrific.

If you want hear traffic, you could leave the right earbud in and not use your left earbud so you can still be aware of your (most) of your surroundings.

I was addressing the complaints in the reviews of the inline remotes. They truly are cheap devices, and even on a bike they start destroying itself after several months' use. I could see how runners and such would take issue, as it probably won't take more than a couple weeks to wreck these things if it was constantly moving around in one's pocket.

Thank you! I just received these from Amazon for $8.40 with free shipping and they ARE excellent!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_os_product

From the article: We also quickly established that HONDAS are remarkably soundproof.

FIFY

Agreed. This is a troll thread. Well... it began as a troll thread. Along the way, however, like most such threads, it picked up the assorted wisdom of numerous sincere posters who offer well meant but biased opinions. I have to say, I am saddened, but not surprised at the number, even in this small sampling of cyclists that think that using only one ear-bud is better than using two. Friends... its the distraction, not the reduction in hearing acuity! You will be just as distracted with Aerosmith pounding in one ear as two. Just because you haven't been killed yet is not an endorsement.

Hmmm. Given that this is a commuting forum and in these very pages we have heartfelt testimonials from cyclists that do not use mirrors, helmets, fenders, clipless pedals, gears or front headlights and there isn't much wonder why American cyclists have such poor metrics in the various categories measuring accident statistics and other indices of road safety and overall enjoyment of the cycling sub-culture. Rock on.

H

In counterpoint https://www.indiana.edu/~intell/mozarteffect2.shtml music may aid in focus and spatial awareness.