Music while riding

[matt]

Do you listen to music when riding?
Should you listen to music while riding?
If so what do you use?
Bluetooth Ear bud / air pod thingies?Cardo/ senna type thing?
I'd like something to play music on and listen to Google maps if required.
Tried putting my ear buds in but always end up dislodging them with helmet. Maybe a buff thing would keep them secure?
Just bought a new scorpion helmet and you can buy a proper Bluetooth communication thing called scorpion exo that clips in to it . Anyone tried one? Are they worth it?
Or maybe you think it's unsafe to have the tunes on .

[MrLongbeard]

Yes
Yes, what's the worst that could happen
Cardo Packtalk Black

[Yorick]

I'd say OK on steady rides or touring.

But not on spirited rides or busy areas.

[Bustaspoke]

No don't listen,I like to keep things simple when I'm on the bike.I'm happy listening to the engine & exhaust note.Others obviously disagree.

[ChrisW]

I'm happy listening to music, same as I am when driving a car. I use a Cardo Slim - you get much less wind noise than with the normal bulkier ones. Also use Alpine Musicsafe Pro plugs with it which cut down on wind noise whilst letting the music / sat nav / phone etc, through.

[Taff]

yep, I listen to podcasts on my commute and have done for many many years.

I use a cardo G9x and a pair of sure se215 so I get all of the noise cancellation of foam plugs and great sound quality of the sure buds.

[Zimbo]

I've used these for the last five years or so
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284282494761 ... R6q_97rdYQ

Good for music whilst riding, which I like, plus instructions from your phone GPS, battery life is reasonable and they do work quite well. Easy to adjust volume and skip tracks whilst riding using the wheel. Will also work as an inter rider intercom to another similar set with a reasonable range, but it's either intercom or bluetooth, not both simultaneously. It will auto answer phone calls though, disconcerting when your phone is in your pocket and you've idea whose calling. First one lasted three years and then the clip holding the set to the side of the helmet broke, just bought another one. Reasonably easy to fit to my Shoei GT air helmet and has stayed fitted and not moved.
I've never used an expensive set so can't compare performance, but they work for me.

[ZRX61]

Nope.

[Skub]

Not for me.

Riding a bike is the experience,I don't want or need anything diluting the process.

When I listen to music,I'm not doing anything else,it's never on in the background. I'm either giving my full attention,or it's off. Much the same as riding the bike.

[Taipan]

Many years ago i thought it'd be great to listen to music or some sort of talk radio on my commute. I got a headset and radio thing but I found where I was concentrating on traffic I just didn't listen to what was playing.

Yesterday I used my AirPods to listen to sat nav directions. Whilst it worked the wind noise was most disconcerting as I always ride with earplugs in and aren't used to it. I'd need better earplusg before I considered it. Stil not sure I want to listen to anything though? I kinda like the solitude of riding? If I did end up with a hypermotard with an end can on, i'd not want to listen toanything else!

[asmethurst99]

I started doing when riding in town but it affected my concentration.
Bit different when out in the sticks I guess

[mangocrazy]

I couldn't do with having music while on the bike. As Skub says, when I'm on the bike my concentration is purely on that. Anything else would probably be a distraction. What I often find is that I've listened to some music previously, something 'sticks' and becomes an earworm. So I do listen to music, but it tends to be self-generated (if that makes any kind of sense).

[KungFooBob]

It only really works if you have a bike with cruise control, if not the effect of the engine breaking when you hand jive becomes an issue.

[DefTrap]

Nope, my bikes are always way too loud.
And I've never really ridden often enough and far enough to want to be distracted, the riding is too much fun.

[wheelnut]

Yes, sena and iPhone - tunes or audible.

[Mr. Dazzle]

I used to have ear buds under the helmet and an iPod...that's how long ago it was, they haven't made iPods for years AFAIK.

That was back when I didn't have a car so I was using the bike for everything, including long necessary (I.e. not just for fun) trips.

I don't find music a hindrance or distraction in general, not only when riding. My brain is one of those where music actually helps focus, not the opposite. I Snowboard WAY better when I've got tunes on

[Rockburner]

Riding in the UK is so boring now due to traffic and speed limits that music keeps me sane.

If i get a chance to open it up it's easy enough to just ignore the music while enjoying myself.

I have a Cardo Packtalk system with the"speakers" mounted on the helmet pockets, so i can wear foam earplugs and have some protection from wind noise.

[Supermofo]

Bikes are my getaway from everything so never wanted to listen to music/radio. I like the focus I have on the bike without distraction. But thats just personal preference. I can see it being a draw for others to have music though.

I do have a headset for Sat Nav as saves me looking at the screen so much and I just have a cheap scala rider solo for that. Works well for Sat Nav, speakers aren't great so don't think it'd be very good for music.

[Mr. Dazzle]

The main reason for not having music now is nothing to do with distraction or 'owt...it's 'cause I always find it a mission to get the headphones in! It usually took me 2 or 3 goes of taking my lid on/off and fiddling bits to get 'em so they weren't poking me uncomfortably. CBA most of the time.

I have actually considered getting those racing driver style integrated custom moulded ear plugs/headphones*. I wear ear plugs 99% time I'm riding anyway, so if you can get decent wireless ones now I'd be up for it.

* They always seem to spit on 'em before they stick 'em in too

[KungFooBob]

I've got a Cardo setup, the cheapest one, Spirit iirc.

I've got an Arai, so I took the cheek pads out, removed the covers, stuck the speakers in the ear cut outs and put the felt covers back on.

I wear ear plugs and can still hear the tunes perfectly.

I don't catch my ears on the speakers because they're under the lining.