Digital Gee

I occasionally listen to my iPod when cycling (to keep this on topic!), although I haven't since getting Ruby Roubaix.

But still and all, I don't like the stock ear buds that came with the unit. They want to fall out of my ear too often. I have discovered there are a wide variety of aftermarket alternatives, but I'd rather not buy one and find out it's not very good.

So...anyone with a recommendation?

Tom Bombadil

How much are you looking to spend? It can range from $10 to over $300.

V-Moda plugs are excellent in the $80 range.

Shure and Etymotic are better known, but not quite as good.

Sennheiser CX300 are good at around $50, but again not quite as good.

kakman

not sure if you wear a helmet (they're compulsory here) but this is what I use - el cheapo headphones and an ipod shuffle all strapped to the helmet. very easy to take off and on. I don't like using ear buds when I'm on the bike - I like to be able to hear what's coming and this setup allows it. A bit of distance between speakers and ears so it's not real loud but it's a good compromise.

My previous setup had sennheiser headphones but the rain got into them Actually, if it rains I just slip the ipod into a waterproof pocket and continue on.

/k

FWIW, current top riding song, Straight Lines by aussie band Silverchair - worth about 5kph extra when it comes on.

maddmaxx 

Azonic makes a helmet with earphones built in. Unfortunately its a BMX or Skateboard style helmet. Its not very expensive though. Don't know anyone that's tried it.

BluesDawg

Keep your TV. Blow up your iPod.

RockyTopBiker

In my opinion, your ears are nearly as important as your eyes when cycling in traffic. Leave the ipod, iphone, walkman at home with the kids.

Ned

"Does stupidity count as a learning disorder?" Tony Soprano

gfspencer

+1

jaws

+2

farrellcollie

I use cheap sony earphones that loop over the ear - I hate the earbuds. In terms of sound quality = probably not the best - but when I am on the bike I usually am listening to books on tape.

oilman_15106

Riding with headphones is the DUMBEST THING YOU CAN DO.

Digital Gee

Allow me to clarify. I'm talking about new headphones for the iPod when on an airplane, for instance. Not while I'm riding.

Tom Bombadil

I see a few people riding with earbuds on, but can't imagine doing it myself. It isolates you from too much of your surroundings. I would think that would be less safe riding in a city. Although I might be more inclined to want to block out the sound of a city.

Yen

+1,000,000,000

Yen

... but I'm glad you asked because I don't like the stock earphones either. They don't want to stay in without a lot of pressing and pushing which hurts my ears. But even with the best earphones on earth, I wouldn't dream taking my iPod with me on my bike.... just one more thing to distract me and I want to hear a car approaching from behind.

BTW, suppose you are involved in an accident on your bike that is not clearly your fault (not the result of some crazy or negligent action on your part) and other people are involved. The witnesses notice an iPod strapped to your self with earphones in your ear. Seems to me, this would make it easier to pin more blame on you for the accident, whether or not it was your fault. I wouldn't want to take that chance. Just sayin'!

Digital Gee

One more time. This is NOT a thread about should I or shouldn't I take my iPod on my bike when I ride. I mentioned cycling to keep the post on topic, sort of tongue in cheek.

So let's try again. When I'm at home, in my living room, safe from oncoming traffic, and I'm polishing my swift, white bike, and cleaning the chain, and filling the tires, and so on, my iPod's ear buds are uncomfortable and they fall out. I'd like to replace them with better headphones, and I'm soliciting recommendations. Budget is $80 or less.

Is that better?

Tom Bombadil

https://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Vibe-Ea...3134601&sr=1-1

These are excellent.

And if you would rather have lightweight headphones, these are very good:

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PX-...3134684&sr=1-2

Digital Gee

Thank you Tom. Perhaps you're not so evil after all.

Yen

As long as you can hear the doorbell or phone in case someone calls or knocks in an emergency while you're in the comfort of your living room.....

Tom Bombadil

People frequently underestimate the power of their avatar. My previous one had me doing things against my will.

maddmaxx 

I told you it looked evil to me.



Oh wait, that was the new one.

stapfam

I too have a problem With the earpiece but in a way it is a blessing- With them not fitting properly I CAN and DO ride with the I-Pod running. Keep the level down low aswell so I can hear any traffic or noise on the bike with no trouble. Just a pity My riding partners can still hear me when I sing along to the tunes

Another question- If others can't hear the original tune- How can they tell that I am singing out of tune?

jisaak

DG - I bought a pair of Sennheiser neckband headphones, personally I don't like the ear bud types and I prefer these to regular headphones.
Should fit your budget as there are many models but the pair I bought cost approx $60 CDN - which is about $55 US.
For the record I don't ride and listen to music either - chewing gum is also a no-no.

kakman

yes, ranks right up there with shouting comments like this.

I ride with headphones and do so responsibly - as pointed out above. I'm careful I can hear what's going on around me, I can easily have a conversation with people and I can hear traffic coming. The sound from my ipod is often less than the wind noise I get when riding - perhaps we should ban helmets because they generate wind noise.

Sound is important which is why I make sure I can hear but it's nowhere near as important as commonsense - a trait sometimes lacking here. The way you make it sound it should be a crime to ride if you're deaf.

First day back to this forum after 12 months away and now I remember why I left - sheesh.

RoMad

If that is the case you should have asked this question over on the airplane forum.

trackhub

I also agree that you need your ears and eyes when riding. After all, when an attractive woman in very short shorts approaches you and asks for directions, you want to be able to hear what she has to say, right?