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Reducing wind noise

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Old 03-13-16 | 06:48 PM
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Reducing wind noise

Anyone use the Cat-Ears product? They have a bunch of different versions, any suggestions on which ones are better or worse for not only noise reduction or comfort or anything else? Or maybe some other product altogether?

Cat-Ears, LLC - Reduce Cycling Wind Noise
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Old 03-13-16 | 07:27 PM
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I just ride slow and that takes care of it.
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Old 03-13-16 | 07:43 PM
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I use them. They work great.

Think I got the Classics II. Makes it far more pleasant, as well as easier to hear communication in a pace line
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Old 03-13-16 | 08:00 PM
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I have Slipstreamz Spoilers on one helmet. Slipstreamz - Products - The Spoiler

Kinda fussy to install, and reduce noise a bit, but I never bothered to outfit any of my other helmets.

It is neat to realize how much wind noise is part of the ride by eliminating it. I tended to ride harder with the Slipstreamz-- if I recall rightly; it was many years ago-- because it felt slower.
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Old 03-18-16 | 10:12 AM
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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada

One thing I forgot to mention is that strap mounted quieting devices like Slipstreamz and Cat Ears only work when they're aligned in front of the ear and into the wind, so for example, if you ride in a low position that angles the helmet straps more acutely in relation to the wind direction (e.g. in the drops), the devices won't be as square to the wind as if your head was more upright, and so the wind will come in over the top of the device onto the ear, making noise.

More upright positions, then, see the quieting devices perform better.

It's not a big deal, but being aware that they cannot work all the time (because of head movement and position changes) may recommend a different type of device if eliminating as much wind noise as possible is the imperative.
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Old 03-18-16 | 11:17 AM
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Next I'm going to get a muffler for my freehub...
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Old 03-18-16 | 12:38 PM
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I use two earbuds and music to block wind noise. Works well
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Old 03-18-16 | 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rmfnla
Next I'm going to get a muffler for my freehub...

I know a few that need one, OMG can some of those FW's make noise. I'd rather listen to a newbie cross chaining
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Old 03-18-16 | 01:27 PM
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Uses the Advance Search function and search for "wind noise" in thread titles. There are several threads discussing the issue, albeit some are dated.

E.g.: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...d-noise-2.html
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Old 03-18-16 | 01:30 PM
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Foam ear plugs work great. They cut the wind noise but you can still hear traffic.
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Old 03-18-16 | 03:12 PM
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I just turn my head sideways so the wind doesn't make noise going past my ears. Done and done. I do get slapped occasionally by women I am riding next to, but hey, you pays your money and you takes your chances.
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