I'm a pretty casual rider but sometimes I like to go on a ride for an hour or so with some music on. I've recently bought the Bose SIE2i which I guess are pretty much the most comfortable headphones out there. They're great because they don't fall out and, because they're not jammed into your ear, really AUGMENT background sounds (i.e. traffic, people, birds) with the music instead of replace it. So NO, no safety risk at all. I mean that.

But that brings to me to the problem. While I have no problem with background sounds, that doesn't mean I particularly like the sound of wind hitting and smashing my ears all the time. I realize that I'm pretty sensitive about this but for me it's a problem nonetheless.

As you've probably already figured, earplug-like headphones are not an option for me since I want to be able to hear background sounds and I'm pretty sure they won't be as comfortable and 'natural' as the Bose SIE2i. So what I need is the kind of wind blocking solution that Cat-Ears and Slipstreamz offers. The problem with those solutions, however, is that they require a helmet and I don't have one. And TBH, I really don't want to buy one...

So what solutions are left? I've recently discovered that a really good benchmark is holding you hands perpendicular to your head in front of your ears. This is perfect because it seems to block all the wind noise, so the closer the solution is to that, the better.

Hoping for some suggestions... Thank you very much!

Hey, don't ride with headphones, even the open ones.
So Yes, yes, it's a safety issue.

It's legal to do this in some states, but illegal in others so check your states rules. -- Then again, if you're deaf youre allowed to ride bikes. Regardless, as long as you're paying attention and not putting anyone else or yourself in danger you'll be fine. Now this isn't the safety forum or anything, but... no helmet, headphones, and your hands are perpendicular to your ears?

There's no way to completely remove yourself from the elements. Your best bets may simply some noise canceling and a tight fit, louder music, or bicycling slower.

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/he...c61/index.html

I use a cheap pair of earbuds with loops because I also use them while motorcycling, they go under the helmet easier and you dont worry about them coming off as much. Headphones feel very bulky to me.