Wireless Earbuds
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
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Wireless Earbuds
What do you think are the best wireless earbuds for cycling? I have the Jabra 65Ts but the left one is not working from falling out of my ear several times. Trying to decide to get another set of Jabras or something else. I have no issue with them other than I have problems with the left one failing out occasionally.
#2
astro

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 52
From: Pennington, NJ
Bikes: Raleigh Sports, '72, Bianchi Volpe, '97 (no more, it died), Greenspeed GTVS6, '05, Trek 520, '13
What do you think are the best wireless earbuds for cycling? I have the Jabra 65Ts but the left one is not working from falling out of my ear several times. Trying to decide to get another set of Jabras or something else. I have no issue with them other than I have problems with the left one failing out occasionally.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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Likes: 199
Back Bay Audio makes great ones and boy are they durable and inexpensive.
They sound phenomenal at a fraction of the price. Boston company.
https://www.backbaybrand.com/
They sound phenomenal at a fraction of the price. Boston company.
https://www.backbaybrand.com/
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 158
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From: N. California
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL6, Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5+
Can only compare two sets
My first Bluetooth set were on sale cheapo from B&H. Think I payed $15 for them, No water resistance. Destroyed ‘em in four months + they wouldn’t stay in my ears either.
Replaced them with beatsX, now in their second season, and they work for me.
Replaced them with beatsX, now in their second season, and they work for me.
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Allen, TX
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
I picked up a pair of Jaybird Tarah Pros about a month ago and really like them. They’re the type that have a cord connecting them. With the correctly sized silicone ear pads they stay in place very nicely, sound great and the battery lasts about 14 hours.
I’ve had a couple of pairs of Jabra Elite 25e, which I like, but they are apparently not sweat-proof. I’ve gone through three pair (warranty) in one year.
I’ve had a couple of pairs of Jabra Elite 25e, which I like, but they are apparently not sweat-proof. I’ve gone through three pair (warranty) in one year.
#8
Senior Member


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From: Allen, TX
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
#9
Very Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Always on the Run
Bikes: More than last week
I bought several sets off the bay. Only paid $5.US from China for the first set. They worked for working out but I couldn't hear them when I rode my bike due to wind noise. Then I bought some for $10.US that are connected by the wire which also works as an antenna. The sound quality isn't the greatest, but I can work up to 50 feet from the player without losing signal. My last pair were $18.US from the bay and they do everything with just a touch and the sound is great, they stay in my ears, they silence the wind, and they came with a charging box that will charge them up 4 times without needing to plug in. The only drawback is the voice that tells you when your pairing or connected keeps reverting back to Mandarin. I did something the other day out on the bike and the Mandarin voice gave me a lecture. Not a clue what I did. I've had them about 6 months now and have used them in all kinds of weather. Water doesn't seem to bother them. I figure for the price I can justify replacing them every year if I have to and I'm still ahead of the game vs buying those $200.US ones that aren't getting the greatest reviews on Utube.
#10
As a former police officer and traffic homicide investigator, I think wearing earphones is a great way to shorten your life. In most places riding while wearing earphones is illegal, and this for good reason. I am especially against it because my brother was wearing earphones on a bike ride, and was hit and killed by a car. Had he not been wearing them, he might have heard the car coming.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
#11
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8,288
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From: Mich
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
It's tough finding ones that fit good & perform good. If they are meeting the two then they usually last a while. I used to use LG then noticed that they degraded after a few months. Then right after warranty ended, they acted up. 30 dollars to 50 dollars is the price point that seems like it'll be worth the experience. Make sure the specs are matching to your bt requirements & they have a hassle free return policy for at least a year.
__________________
-YMMV
-YMMV
#13
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,920
Likes: 4,820
From: Allen, TX
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
As a former police officer and traffic homicide investigator, I think wearing earphones is a great way to shorten your life. In most places riding while wearing earphones is illegal, and this for good reason. I am especially against it because my brother was wearing earphones on a bike ride, and was hit and killed by a car. Had he not been wearing them, he might have heard the car coming.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
I’d like to correct one statement you made. Riding with headphones is not illegal in most places. Not in the US, anyway. Perfectly legal in at least 40 states.
#14
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Menomonee Falls, WI
Bikes: 1984 Schwinn Supersport, 1988 Trek 400T, 1977 Trek TX900, 1982 Bianchi Champione del Mondo, 1978 Raleigh Supercourse, 1986 Trek 400 Elance, 1991 Waterford PDG OS Paramount, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1985 Trek 670
Whatever brand, I’d want them in both ears, so as to not hear that diesel dually before it drills me. I like surprises! Of course we’re being trolled, unless talking indoor trainer. However, common sense has become the uncommon virtue, so who knows.
Tim
Tim
Last edited by tkamd73; 07-05-20 at 07:51 PM.
#15
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,856
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Road bike, Hybrid, Gravel, Drop bar SS, hard tail MTB
What do you think are the best wireless earbuds for cycling? I have the Jabra 65Ts but the left one is not working from falling out of my ear several times. Trying to decide to get another set of Jabras or something else. I have no issue with them other than I have problems with the left one failing out occasionally.
I paid 35 for refurbished, $20 is a steal!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079X5JL7G
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 318
It can’t answer the op question, but I have an opinion. I really don’t like wireless earbuds, just one more thing to charge or die in the middle of using.
For cycling I like to use a stereo to mono wired right ear bud. That way left ear is free to hear everything. I set the volume so that anything speed over 18-20 I can’t hear the music.
As for the earbud falling out ever wonder why the pros have theirs taped in?
For cycling I like to use a stereo to mono wired right ear bud. That way left ear is free to hear everything. I set the volume so that anything speed over 18-20 I can’t hear the music.
As for the earbud falling out ever wonder why the pros have theirs taped in?
#18
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
Likes: 1,739
From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
What do you think are the best wireless earbuds for cycling? I have the Jabra 65Ts but the left one is not working from falling out of my ear several times. Trying to decide to get another set of Jabras or something else. I have no issue with them other than I have problems with the left one failing out occasionally.
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 4,278
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From: Heart Of Texas
Bikes: '85, '86 , '87 , '88 , '89 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman.
I use the ones that are connected to each earbud by a volume monitor. I clip that to my sport shirt. There's no wire to my phone. About12 bucks. I don't know what you call them, (maybe semi wireless).
But I won't invest in the complete wireless earbuds for fear of one falling out like yours did.
I think the ones I use are best for cycling because I press the buttons for volume, mute, power off/on, answer phone, and I can just take them out with out fear of losing them. I just hang them over my shoulder while I listen to my bike.
But I won't invest in the complete wireless earbuds for fear of one falling out like yours did.
I think the ones I use are best for cycling because I press the buttons for volume, mute, power off/on, answer phone, and I can just take them out with out fear of losing them. I just hang them over my shoulder while I listen to my bike.
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,856
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Road bike, Hybrid, Gravel, Drop bar SS, hard tail MTB
It can’t answer the op question, but I have an opinion. I really don’t like wireless earbuds, just one more thing to charge or die in the middle of using.
For cycling I like to use a stereo to mono wired right ear bud. That way left ear is free to hear everything. I set the volume so that anything speed over 18-20 I can’t hear the music.
As for the earbud falling out ever wonder why the pros have theirs taped in?
For cycling I like to use a stereo to mono wired right ear bud. That way left ear is free to hear everything. I set the volume so that anything speed over 18-20 I can’t hear the music.
As for the earbud falling out ever wonder why the pros have theirs taped in?
As for hearing, Over the Ear flush mount earbuds have been the best thing ever for my cycling! the biggest perk is Less wind noise, which equate to better hearing while riding (even with music on). And it also means less hearing loss over a lifespan of riding bicycles.
My assumption on earbud tape is to keep them from falling out. Most of us mortals just stop to adjust or put back in, but for a pro that move would be devastating in a race. I know I have came to love my over the ear memory wire ear buds. I no longer have to worry about cables sticking to my sweaty skin and pulling them out.
#21
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
I commute and listen to spoken word podcasts, one ear, curbside. I purposely use "wired" ear buds and run the right one under the chin strap, so that if it slips out of my ear, it doesn't drop to the street. I also tuck the cord again so that the microphone is by my mouth . One click of the button on the cord lets me make and answer calls, texts (voice to text/text to voice) send myself reminders, and google stuff.
I don't feel comfortable listening to music while biking in traffic, not even one ear.
In the car...no problem listening to music over the speakers, but definitely not earbuds or headphones.
I don't feel comfortable listening to music while biking in traffic, not even one ear.
In the car...no problem listening to music over the speakers, but definitely not earbuds or headphones.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: Giant Toughroad SLR1 and Motobecane Sturgis NX
I have a few pairs of these. they are great after i tried different types. i use them at work almost 100% of the day, while riding, and while doing whatever (podcast addict :-). unlike other models they:
- they turn on and off quickly and connect reliably
- last over 12 hours easily (never timed them, they claim 16 hours)
- good microphone when making calls
- good controls (I use "Player FM", which lets me program the skip button to fast forward... that way I skip commercials in podacsts and doing that with the button is easy when riding)
- stay reliably in the ear, or magnetically attach around my neck when not used. that way you don't lose them.
I haven't tried out the IPX rating on these specifically, but older models dipped into my coffee, or accidentally went through the washing machine and worked.
Other models had much less battery (3-4 hours), took some more seconds to connect.
I also tried the "just buds" without wiring. But they suck when making calls, have shorter battery life, are easily lost and require the charging pod. and when you don't use them, you can't just hang them around your neck. Just didn't seem practical.
There are days i have them in for maybe 16 hours on and off.... trust me, if they wouldn't be usable and comfortable, I would look for better alternatives. And at the price I have a separate pair at work so i never forget the one at home.
As for riding and safety, when no one is around, i put both in. when I'm on busy trails, I only insert one.
- they turn on and off quickly and connect reliably
- last over 12 hours easily (never timed them, they claim 16 hours)
- good microphone when making calls
- good controls (I use "Player FM", which lets me program the skip button to fast forward... that way I skip commercials in podacsts and doing that with the button is easy when riding)
- stay reliably in the ear, or magnetically attach around my neck when not used. that way you don't lose them.
I haven't tried out the IPX rating on these specifically, but older models dipped into my coffee, or accidentally went through the washing machine and worked.
Other models had much less battery (3-4 hours), took some more seconds to connect.
I also tried the "just buds" without wiring. But they suck when making calls, have shorter battery life, are easily lost and require the charging pod. and when you don't use them, you can't just hang them around your neck. Just didn't seem practical.
There are days i have them in for maybe 16 hours on and off.... trust me, if they wouldn't be usable and comfortable, I would look for better alternatives. And at the price I have a separate pair at work so i never forget the one at home.
As for riding and safety, when no one is around, i put both in. when I'm on busy trails, I only insert one.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 93
Likes: 65
From: Rhode Island
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced 2, Giant Talon , Specialized Sequoia, Fuji Crosstown
As a former police officer and traffic homicide investigator, I think wearing earphones is a great way to shorten your life. In most places riding while wearing earphones is illegal, and this for good reason. I am especially against it because my brother was wearing earphones on a bike ride, and was hit and killed by a car. Had he not been wearing them, he might have heard the car coming.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
Of course there are fools out there who say it's no ones business if you want to wear earphones while riding, that is,until you manage to get yourself hurt or killed. Then it becomes the business of lawyers, insurance companies, law enforcement, and your family when they come to visit you in the hospital or in the morgue.
What it is about people that they must be entertained at all times? Have they really become that infantile? Perhaps instead of carrying phones to stare at every two or three minutes, and listening to a constant barrage of music, we can simply implant devices into our brains.
One thing I like about riding my bike is that I get to unplug for little while. "Silence is Golden," especially today when you are bombarded constantly by audio and video information, listening to prepackaged music, listening to propaganda and advertisements disguised as news and entertainment.
How about getting on your bike, and listening to nothing? You might find the sounds of nature relaxing. You might enjoy the sound of the chain turning the gears, and your tires on the pavement, and you might hear the tires of a car as it swerves out of its lane because its driver is distractied by a text message or email.
#25
Newbie racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,404
Likes: 1,574
Bikes: Propel, red is faster
Bone conducting models............end topic there. If you're outdoors running or cycling and need to hear your surroundings, it keeps the ears open. Then you can pop in the included ear plugs for max indoors isolation.
I love my Aftershox. Not the absolute best sound quality, but that's a small compromise for open ear use and good rugged use for sport.
The person asked for tips here, so there it is. I run and bike in silence, but.........if someone doesn't then that's my recommendation.
I love my Aftershox. Not the absolute best sound quality, but that's a small compromise for open ear use and good rugged use for sport.
The person asked for tips here, so there it is. I run and bike in silence, but.........if someone doesn't then that's my recommendation.







