erm... maybe because I don't have any problem believing that you can hear LOUD things just fine. Really, its not up for argument, as was already mentioned, its often the subtle cues that give you a head's up that help you avoid something nasty. Disaster doesn't always announce itself with sirens blaring. There is an intersection near me that has a hedge that obstructs vision from one side. In the three years I have lived in this location I have seen three major wrecks there. I've never heard any horn or screech of brakes beforehand. Just a sudden BOOM and I know that someone's (multiple someone's) day is ruined. I go through this intersection nearly everyday. It has a stop sign on one side. I am usually on the side controlled by the stop sign. I hear the car that might wallop me, if there is one, coming to the intersection. If I needed to depend only on seeing it... I might actually have to stop at the stop sign... ... Modern cars are not loud. You can't hear one with music playing. Even in one ear, even softly. Don't kid yourself. You can't.



You missed the question, because you (like most) always put yourself on the power side of any equation that involves you. What I am saying is that if you blow a stop sign you are much more likely to be hit by someone with the right of way, than you are likely to hit anyone else. Given that, would you rather be hit by an SUV, wearing only street clothes, on a bicycle, or rather, getting hit by an SUV, when you are also in an SUV. Is that clearer?

H

The heck it's not up for argument. You're dead wrong

And I'll also strongly dispute this "subtle cues" business (even tho you can hear them better with an earbud than inside a sealed car with loud music). What exactly are you listening for? Engine variations in a solid line of cars passing? You know a car is behind you or you don't. Out of the ordinary, threatening noises are loud. There are no "subtle cues".


Same answer as before. Being involved in a collision (hit or being hit notwithstanding), it's not "better" to be distracted in a more destructive vehicle than in a less destructive one.

ps, I've got about a week to argue this since I'm not riding right now, maybe even get into helmets ... gotta do something ...

Should Slim be the main antagonist in an argument this pointless?

I wouldn't mind hearing what Slim has to say about it.He's usually level headed.

BTW I ordered the earbuds someone recommended earlier on this thread "Monoprice Noise Isolating Earphones" on Amazon, sure enough under $9 shipped, and they're actually pretty good. For $9 headphones. I may switch them out on my helmet, to drown out some of the inconsequential traffic noises.

Which helmet I don't have to replace incidentally, it having not touched the pavement during my little spill ...

KOSS Sporta Pro - great sound. They sit outside your ear. They fold back behind your neck. I wouldn't feel comfortable with an ear bud type thing, although I've never tried 'em. Seems like they would block out the environment sound too much. But I've gotta have my music!

Best headphones? NO headphones. It is much safer.