cplager

360 degrees, 100% of the time, huh? Not even my mother has eyes on the back of her head. So, umm, yeah. Sure.

Back in the real world...

daredevil

Didn't you say you use a mirror? I don't get it. It's there but you don't use it?

I did say something about some that haven't mastered the skill didn't I?

cplager

If you think you have 360 degree awareness all the time, you're simply delusional.

If you are saying that you are looking around and trying to be aware as you ride, well, yes, that's fine. Yes, I use my mirrors (personally wouldn't ride without them), but I certainly wouldn't describe my awareness of everything around me all the time as perfect. And I don't see particularly well around corners, blind curves, all sorts of places where having auditory cues are helpful.

Maybe you should start a school to teach your amazing skills.

daredevil

keep practicing, eventually you'll get it.

....and I'd be happy to teach you!

campngolf

Big fan of Cat-Ears. I found they reduce wind noise significantly. And are more facial hair than I could grow myself.

cplager

I get it now. I looked at your icon.

You individually don't have 360 view all the time. You and the two dogs do (very cute, by the way). So in your case, you just need to make sure you don't block your hearing so much that you can't hear them bark.

That makes sense...

daredevil

happy riding!

bigal51

google fuze ear buds. the best!

PDX Reborn

https://www.shure.com/americas/produc...s/se-earphones

I love my Shure($100 model) in ear buds. They fit snug and stay in place with no noticeable wind noise. I've been using them every single day for the past 2years and haven't had any issues other than the clear wire housing that wraps around my ear lobe, has turned green from sweat

Ray R

I've been riding for 49 years and have never been bothered by wind noise. The windiest place I've ever been is Cape Blanco on the Oregon coast. Wife and I had to lay our touring rigs down and pull them to the east side of the road to avoid being blown lock, stock, and pannier, over the cliff into the roiling Pacific. Even Wagner couldn't have helped us here. In less harsh conditions I want to hear what's going on around me.

California Vehicle Code prohibits wearing earphones in both ears while riding a bicycle.

daredevil

Glad I don't live in California. How exactly do they enforce that anyway? I would guess someone would have to be doing something pretty idiotic. Otherwise randomly pulling somebody over for that would itself be idiotic.

trestlehed

The original problem was that the OP said he has an iPhone and is on call 24 hrs per day. How about just buying a handlebar mounted iPhone holder
(there are a ton of them out there now) and keep the ringer volume on maximum so you will always hear it ringing while riding? Thai way there is no
searching for/trying out/spending lots of time/money on exotic earbuds and accessories.

As for earbuds I have only tried 3 different makes and found that yes indeed they suffer from way too much wind noise. Instead I use basic cheap
on-the-ears head phones $10 - $20 found at any Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc.

daredevil

I typically use over the ear open style cans as well. It doesn't block outside noise but that's not why I choose that style. Sennheiser PX 100's or Koss Portapros to be exact.

trestlehed

P.S. I only wear headphones on bike paths. Bikers/joggers/walkers nearly everyone is listening to music.
Johnny Law doesn't bother with us. They are too busy chasing down bank robbers and texting teens. All good reasons NOT to ride on any road at ANY time (for me anyway).

Ray R

Police see a driver or cyclist with earphones in both ears, they write a ticket. That's how it works, and rightly so. Distracted drivers and cyclists who can't be bothered to be aware of their surroundings are a menace. There's a reason why USA Cycling prohibits the use of listening or audio playback devices during races nationwide.

I find there is a distinct advantage to being able to hear when things are going wrong with the bike. If I puncture, I want to be able to hear it happen and react immediately. Same goes for listening to tell-tale drive train problems, spoke problems, or bearing problems. If I pick up a goathead thorn, I often have a few wheel rotations hearing the "tic-tic-tic-tic" sound before the thorn punctures the tube. If I have Napalm Death blasting in both ears, the first sign of trouble is likely to be the sensation of riding a flat tire on the rim.

When I'm riding a bike, I enjoy the entire experience. That includes hearing the reassuring sounds of a bike on which all components are functioning properly. Being able to hear clearly with no masking sounds is key to a complete experience on the bike.

daredevil

You're talking about mechanical difficulties. I understand the point but I'll take the chance on those things. And you are correct, riders unaware of their surrounding are a menace and being able to hear during a race is a no brainer.

I repeat my previous assertion, pulling somebody over for no other reason than having earbuds in is idiotic.

Ray R

I appreciate the efforts of San Diego Police officers who go out of their way to counsel or even to cite scofflaw cyclists who make us all look bad in the eyes of the public. Salmon, sidewalk riders, riders with no lights after dark, those who flagrantly disregard traffic controls, and even riders with earphones in both ears are all fair game. It is the responsibility of all road users in the state to be familiar with the provisions of the California Vehicle Code. Those who choose to violate these rules should be prepared for the consequences.

Living in California has its price. In my estimation, our urban centers are too crowded as it is, so I do appreciate the sentiments of those who prefer to live elsewhere.

daredevil

I don't disagree with a single thing you say. Hopefully your law officers are making the most efficient use of their time under such difficult circumstances.