First off, please let me state that yes it can be very distracting, but if done smart and you can multitask.. its not bad. I'm sure some of you want to post up in here "omg its so dangerous" lets keep that out of here okay? I just need some simple suggestions...

What do you folks use for headphones when riding? If ear-buds, which ones do you suggest, the stock iPod ones fall out of my ear way too easy...

If you have any how-to's on connecting it to your bike in any cool way, or any way in general that you think is worthy, please post aswell...

 

Im also interested in some feedback

 

I'll chime in too... I have thought about this and think it would be nice to figure out how to dock your ipod, or Blackberry in my case, to your bike. I want to figure out how to dock and do a blue-tooth style ear buds. Mine is a little different since I use my storm for everything from music to navigation and am trying to devise that to the bike. If I actually figure it out I will post up pics but I'm really just looking for ideas right now

Micah

 

I picked up a set of thumpers from my local shop and they work very well, loud enough to hear but still can hear traffic etc. here is a link to some on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MotoC...QQcmdZViewItem

 

OMG don't ride with music!

That said, here is my more helpful input:

I personally use sony fontopia ear buds whilst riding - used them riding 3,000miles touring around Europe - but they did ache a bit after a while.

Another option is to use the flat panel earphones that come with the two way radio sets that velcro into your lid - much more comfy, but im not sure where to get ones with a standard 3.5mm connector.

One option of connection is to keep your mp3 player in you inside pocket - which is what I often do if just popping out, however I do also use my mobile phone as an mp3 player, with the added bonus of being able to use my itech clip:



What this does is recieves the audio a compatible bluetooth device sends - and the best thing is it has a 3.5mm jack port so you can use any headphones with it. This then means the mobile phone (ie your mp3 player) is not attached to you by cable... Which is good because.....


....it allows you to either:

• Stick your phone under your seat using 'Exibit A + Exitibit B' (I'll ill talk about these in a bit).

or

• Stick you phone in a waterproof dock thingy. For this I use an Otterbox (as it is water proof and will likey survive falling off the bike - as long as it isnt run over!) An Otterbox:

This method will also allow you to use 'Exhibits A & B' so I better talk about them...

Quite simply they are:

(Exhibit A) - A cigar socket that clips directly to your battery.


And a standard car charger for what ever device you use (this would be 'Exhibit B lol).

So in summary, this is how I am able to have my audio device under my seat, or docked on my handle bars charging whilst I happily listen to them.

You can also use the clip on cigar socket to charge a spare battery for your mp3 player/phone or even a second bluetooth iTech device.

Oh any I also forgot, you would need a bike mount for the Otterbox:



I hope this helps! - I also find this set up great for GPS - as my nokia 6220 has it built in (as did my previous XDA Orbit).

PS - I don't not condone riding and music - Me thinks it be BAD! ....Ahem

(I wish you could see how I ride when some AD/DC comes on lol).

 

My only issue is I dont feel like putting these big things all over my bike and stuff, I don't mind having the ipod in my pocket and such, its just the headphone thing I have a big issue with.

 

I painted a piece of Velcro black and put some on the side of my HESD(07 1k) and the other side on my mp3 player. I use ear bud type headphones, i got mine from Coke by cashing in caps. The important thing is that they have the rubber "bud" part that goes in your ear(most come with three sizes). also want to make sure the back is not to big. some at the stores have little humps that make them hurt. using the Velcro makes it easy to use while riding but may be a little risky if its illegal in your area.

 

I used the skull candy ear buds. You can pick em up @ target. Currently, I have a zune so the ear bud that comes with it is actually pretty good. I just put my zune in a carry case with a clip to the my belt loop. Never had any problem with it.

I preferred riding with music and the ear bud isolated some of the engine noise and wind noise. I can still hear the surrounding traffic and it makes for a more enjoyable ride.

 

I use a set of Panasonic noise-cancelling earbud headphones. I don't know which type offhand, but I don't have to have them excessively loud to hear the music clearly since they are noise-cancelling. I usually keep one in for riding in the city and put both in on the highway or riding out in the less crowded areas. Also, they were pretty cheap ($30) and are only slightly larger than the original iPod buds. (I'll see if I can find a link)

As far as comfort, this is the 3rd style of earbud I've tried and by far the most comfy. They sit in the ear and are essentially flush with the outermost part of your ear, so they don't snag when you're putting your helmet on and they don't get moved around if your helmet shifts here and there. They still get a little sore if I'm riding for more than an hour or so, but I think that's going to be pretty unavoidable for long rides.

Closest I've found is here, though my model is about 2 years old.

 

I dont even have an ipod but sometimes I use my sisters boyfriends. I just keep it in my pocket and put one ear bud in. Its kind of a pain to keep it in my ear while putting my helmet on though.