dbg

During the off-season (northerner) I get used to using my treadmill and trainer with music -and really get inspired by it sometimes. Running outside is OK with MP3 player and headphones but it seems way too dangerous on a bike. On my last long road trip I tried using MP3 player and two small speakers duct-taped to the rear rack. It was OK for me but no-one else could hear it even in a tight pace line. Next trip I'm trying out an FM transmitter and small radios for whomever wants to hear. Not sure it'll be cool -- but we'll see. But I'm looking for ideas on inspirational music to play. I had an almost religious experience listening to Phil Collins' "take me home" blasting from somebody's van at the top of heartbreak hill during a Boston Marathon many years ago. (and normally I dislike that era of Phil Collins' work) Anyway other songs that come to mind: Duran Duran "Hungry Like The Wolf" (.."you feel my heat I'm just a moment behind.."), Pink Floyd's "Learning to Fly", ...

Anybody have favorites to suggest??

dbg

LordOpie

dangerous how?

squeegy200

I've tried it. I just get too uptight with paranoia. I get the feeling that I'm not fully aware of my surroundings.

I prefer riding without music.

SAB

When I ride with a group, or on the open road I generally do not listen to music. When I ride on a closed course, say a greenway with no cars, I do listen to my mp3 player.

dbg

I agree. My plan includes small "speakered" radios on each bike played at whatever soft volume the rider chooses.

dbg

dahvaio

You could just listen to the music with one ear plug. I know it doesn't sound that great but it still is better than mounting stuff on the bike.

Even better, wear the Oakley Thumps... They sound great, plus you can lift up the ear pieces...

my58vw

I want to hear what is out there... why do you think it is illegal in some states to drive a car with them...

Dangerous...

Now tapeing a set of speakers to a rack... now that may work.

ed073

and cost a ****load for a crap 128 or 256 MB worth of mp3 files.

phantomcow2

I cant get myself to listen to music while i ride. I tried it but i got afraid i might not hear a car or something like that. I need to be in touch with my surroundings, plus sometimes its nice when your outdoors to listen to the outdoors when you are not on the road.

03FinestAL

I listen to an MP3 player while riding. Just low enough to hear what's going on around me, but enough to cover the sound of me gasping.............

531Aussie

I prefer radio; it provides the element of surprise.

TheOtherGuy

Try an iPod loaded with 5000 tunes and an eclectic playlist.... That way you won't be surprised with some crap tune that you can't stand (or commercials)...

RedHairedScot

I've been in a "books on tape" kick lately. I'm trying to bring the endurance up and pace myself, so the high-energy stuff makes me peak too early, but if you're really into a book that you only read while on the bike it's very motivating to do an extra few miles to hear more...

531Aussie

I sometimes record radio sports programs, but it's difficult to concentrate on every word with all the traffic around -- I'm therefore always rewinding bits.

MrCjolsen

I've worn headphones on roads with minimal traffic. I can still hear cars as they come up behind me.

There's a stretch of my commute - the Yolo Causeway - where you are basically like a Hot Wheel going down the track. There is a concrete barrier on either side of you, one to keep you from falling 30 feet and another separating you from freeway traffic. It's wide enough for two bikes. The only way I can get across it is to blast really loud punk rock into my skull. I get over to the side really far so that if some guy comes up behind me and yells "on your left," it's a foregone conclusion. Besides, riding close to the barrier gives a greater sensation of speed.

BTW, White Stripes, Operation Ivy, and Thee Buff Medways work well for this purpose.

RedHairedScot

One thing I've thought about this week, riding in a new place:

Notice how helmets don't obstruct your ears? But they are relatively close, and the helmet isn't all that snug around the sides. Maybe a couple of large headphone speakers up there that didn't obstruct the ears might let you listen without causing a problem.

LordOpie

ya know, deaf people ride bikes too and they manage just fine.

tspinning

damn, someone beat me to this post.....anyway i like music when i ride, ive been tryin to rig up some little headphone type speakers to my helmet that kinda hang the cones down to the back of the neck, its there when you want it, easy to hear traffic and the cord goes down to my jersey pocket so the wire is outta the way, for more power while riding i go with techno beats....i'd reccomend some stuff but its a bit out there for many people, oakenfold is a good start if you dont mind the dreamy chill side with you on the long streches, sometimes can be monotonus on long climbs tho, lyrics distract me too much i think