Best Headphones For Biking......

I am having trouble listening to my music on my commute down Lake under the El because of the train & cars speeding by. Anybody use the noise isolating headphones?? I was thinking Kliptch from Amazon or maybe the Dr. Dre ones? Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on August 19, 2012 at 9:01pm

It is illegal to ride a bike while wearing headphones in the city, it is also plain stupid

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on August 19, 2012 at 9:13pm

DO NOT WEAR HEADPHONES WHILE RIDING A BICYCLE!

I have several pair of these and use them mostly on the bus/train:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106241

They were on special for $14.99 when I bought but if I had to buy more I'd happily pay $17.99.

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Permalink Reply by Alkaline on August 19, 2012 at 9:15pm

It is not Illegal, stupid maybe but Illegal no.

http://www.mybikeadvocate.com/2009/11/headphones-are-legal-but-not-...

Or maybe so...

http://www.cityofchicago.org/cityinfo/cdot/bikemap/communicating.html

Michael A said:

It is illegal to ride a bike while wearing headphones in the city, it is also plain stupid

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Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on August 19, 2012 at 9:48pm

I recommend you check out the onegoodearbud line by Far End Gear. You can order them from Amazon.

A single earbud allows you to also hear traffic and ride more safely than with full isolating earphones.

There are several different models to choose from.

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Permalink Reply by TehDoak on August 19, 2012 at 9:57pm

Put me on the 'Don't ride headphones while riding in the city'

You have two senses that let you know how far away cars are. Sight and Hearing. Taking away one of them just isn't smart.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Aldridge on August 19, 2012 at 9:57pm

Yeah, when you're riding in traffic at rush hour with cars, taxis and busses, none of whom are looking for bikes, what you really need is something to distract you.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Schneider on August 19, 2012 at 10:00pm

Headphones are a bad idea from every point of view. I know I rely heavily on my hearing to know when cars are approaching fast from behind. Also, I've had many instances where I was passing an earphone-wearing cyclist, and I had no way to know whether or not they heard my "on your left".

Bicycling in the city is not especially dangerous - IF you ride responsibly, courteously, and defensively. Otherwise you may well be SOL.