How To Listen To Rock and Roll Whilst Riding a Bike
A Note from Fatty: The contest to win one of two copies of Windows 7 from my good friend Nick ends this Friday. And to make it more interesting to people who may not live to upgrade their operating systems (although Nick has a difficult time imagining how such a person could exist), Nick’s expanded the prize list. Now, two winners will get to choose from any of the following:
- Windows 7: Whatever flavor you want
- Office (Mac or PC): Whatever flavor you want
- Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 V3
- LifeCam NX-6000
- Any three Microsoft games for Windows: Halo 2 PC Vista, Halo PC, Rise of Nations Rise of Legends PC, Shadowrun PC Vista, Viva Piñata PC, Zoo Tycoon 2 PC, Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals X Pack PC, Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure, Gears of War PC, Flight Simulator X Acceleration Pack, Flight Simulator X Deluxe, Fable The Lost Chapters PC, Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna, Age of Empires III PC, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties, Age Empires III: WarChief English PC
To enter the contest, just donate any multiple of $5 at Nick’s LiveStrong Challenge page. For every $5 you donate, you get another chance at winning. I’ll select and email the winners this Friday at Midnight.
Hassle-Free Rock and Roll
Before we begin, can we agree to not make this an argument over whether it’s a good idea to listen to music while riding your bike? I know the pros. I know the cons. Nobody is going to be persuaded.
But the fact is, some of us sometimes listen to music when we ride. And I’m pretty sure that — for those of us who like to rock and ride, I’ve got what comes close to being an ideal solution.
The Foundation: The Second-Generation iPod Shuffle
First, you’ve got to start with an iPod Shuffle. The second-generation one, not the newest (third-generation) model. Why? Because the second-generation Shuffle is a perfect combination of form and function — you can get to all the controls just by feel, even with gloves on. It’s tiny enough that it’s never gets in your way, and even the low-end version with just 1Gb (this is the version I use, by the way) holds more songs (200+) than you’ll ever get through before the battery dies.
The third-generation Shuffle, on the other hand, seems like it’s a joke article from the Onion. No controls, at all on the main unit? Teeny tiny controls on the headphones? The same headphones which are the most likely part to break on the Shuffle itself? And the controls are so small they’re hard to work with normally, much less when you’re wearing gloves and are on a bike? And the controls are hard to even get to because before you can use them you have to capture them as they sway back and forth on your headphone cable? This is what they’re replacing the 2nd-generation shuffle with? Really?
OK, sorry. I seem to have started ranting. And using a lot of question marks.
Anyway: you’re going to need a 2nd-Generation iPod Shuffle. That’s going to run you $45 or so.
The Magic Part: Arriva Headphones
I wouldn’t be doing this post at all if my big revelation were “Hey, use an iPod Shuffle!” ‘Cuz, well, a lot of you have probably heard of iPods before and may not need my help with that.
The reason I’m doing this post is because Arriva headphones are pretty much the most perfect thing ever for cyclists. Check them out:
Confused? Don’t worry, it will all make sense in a moment. Your Shuffle docks right onto the headphones, like this:
Then — because the headphone cables are springy, you just pop the headphones on and the iPod rests at the base of your skull, beneath your helmet, like this:
And — since everyone asks me this — no, they don’t dig into my neck or pinch when I ride.
What I Love About the Arrivas
There are two big things I love about these headphones.
- No more cables. With this setup, I have no cables at all dangling from my ears and helmet, and I don’t have to hassle with routing the headphones under my jersey and to my iPod — whereever the iPod happens to be clipped (or pocketed).
- Incredibly easy access. With the iPod positioned like this, I always know exactly where it is — it doesn’t budge even during mountain bike descents — and can quickly and easily get to the controls. Obviously I never can see the controls, but since the Shuffle’s volume and Next/Previous buttons are raised in a ring around the Play/Pause button, I don’t need to see anything. Even with my gloves on, I have no trouble at all operating this thing.
So those are the main benefits — the compelling reasons, as far as I’m concerned, to get one of these. There are a few other things I like, too:
- I can hear what’s going on around me. The Arriva headphones are springy, and when you bend them, they retain that bend. I’ve now got my headphones so they’re positioned just outside my ears, not nestled deep inside. So I can hear my music, but — unless I’ve really got the Shuffle cranked up — I can also hear conversations and noise around me.
- They’re comfortable. It took a few rides for me to get these headphones bent just right, but now I don’t even feel them when I ride.
- They’re cheap. $35, free shipping. Not bad at all.
- They work with helmets. I had never seen anyone use the Arrivas with a helmet before and so I wasn’t sure whether they’d work with the Roc-Loc head gripper thingy at the back of helmets. As you can see from the photo above, there’s no interference at all.
What I Don’t Love
I personally have no problems whatsoever with these headphones, but I can imagine that some people might. Here’s what you may not care for:
- You will be assimilated. From the front, the Arrivas are darn near invisible. But you’re a cyclist; hardly anyone will ever see you from the front. From the side and back, these headphones make you look like you’re joining the Borg Collective. But really, would being part of the Borg be so bad? I hear the job security is great and they have a terrific benefits package. And don’t get me started about their retirement plan and 401K matching: wow! Anyway, if you’ve got a style issue with these headphones, there’s nothing I would even try to say to convince you to go with them.
- They don’t sound great. At their best, these headphones sound pretty good. But if you are an audiophile or even a music snob, the sound quality will disappoint you. Hey, I’m not a music snob and even I could tell that the sound quality on these is not the best. But they’re $35 headphones with specialized equipment from a small company in Telluride, CO. I didn’t expect these to sound awesome. For my listening while cycling needs, pretty good is good enough.
- They are utterly defeated by wind noise. At least for me and the way I have these headphones positioned, when I’m on a road descent, I can’t hear the music at all. I think this is partially because of the fact that I keep the earbuds themselves pretty far out of my ear, but also because of the way the cable goes in front of your ear — that’s bound to create some wind noise of its own. With the Arrivas, I turn off my music before I turn downhill.
Additional Info and a Question
Size Stuff: I puzzled and worried over whether I should get the Small or Regular-sized headphones, and finally decided on the Small. That turned out to be a good call. For comparison, I wear size Medium helmets.
If you do get the wrong size, the Arriva site says they’re good about exchanges. But I haven’t tried that out, so can’t vouch for how easy it really is.
Judgment Call from You: I kind of enjoy writing about stuff I use when I ride, and wouldn’t mind doing it more. But obviously that’s not what I started out doing with this blog. Let me know whether you would get sick of me writing these review-ish pieces once a week or so.
Full Disclosure: Since I’m starting to get free stuff sometimes, I figure I should let you know when I get stuff for free. In this case, I paid retail for the headphones on the Arriva site, and they don’t know I’m writing this. I don’t think that changes the way I feel about something, but who knows. In short, I have never had any communication at all with the Arriva folks.
Short version: I’m glad the 2nd-generation iPod Shuffle is still around, because combined with the Arriva, it’s the best cycling / music solution I could ever hope for.
Comment by Rantwick | 06.16.2009 | 11:02 am
Pretty slick setup, man. You’re pretty clever when it comes to recreating, aren’t you?
Comment by MTB W | 06.16.2009 | 11:07 am
Pretty sweet setup! Good combo of functionality and usability (hmm, are they the same thing?). I use my phone (crackbery) and just set it up on shuffle and let it ride. I put in 4GB memory and if its charged, I’ve never run into problems with power or repeating songs (longest ride so far is 4 hours). But, there’s no easy way to change it or adjust volume without stopping. The plus side is that I don’t have to bring a phone and a mp3 player and it beeps to let me know when I get a phone call (which is good or bad, depending on perspective and circumstances). But I do like the look of those headphones – Go Borg!
Anyway, keep up the reviews/stuff you use while riding!
Comment by Rob | 06.16.2009 | 11:08 am
The Ipod is mounted upside down? does it ever fall out?
That’s a great question. When on your head, the iPod is right-side up (ie, the volume up button is pointing up). To keep the iPod from disconnecting from the dock and falling, the Arriva has a notched post (you can see it in the picture where the Arriva isn’t connected to the iPod) that goes up into the iPod’s spring-loaded clip, locking it in place. Feels very secure. – FC
Comment by Paul | 06.16.2009 | 11:09 am
I don’t know, once I started sweating I’d worry it would complete a circuit with my spinal column and that Borg thing would be all too real.
Comment by MTB W | 06.16.2009 | 11:11 am
The other cool thing about your setup is that if you crash, it seems unikely to get damaged. Unless, of course, it is a big, nasty crash and then the ipod is the least of your worries.
Comment by Chris | 06.16.2009 | 11:12 am
I’m staring at a 1 GB 2nd generation iPod Shuffle that I’ve never used. Our son, Parke, won it at Cotillion [go figure] and gave it to me. I run more than I ride now, but have avoided using the iPod because I thought it would irritate me to carry all the stuff… even though it’s small. I wonder how your setup would work for a runner?
Thanks for the idea!
Looking at the Arriva site, it seems like the Arriva was created with runners and skiers in mind. I haven’t tried it for either, though. – FC
Comment by jatheodore@yahoo.com | 06.16.2009 | 11:16 am
Can you show us your tan lines at the end of the summer please?
I hadn’t thought about that. That is going to look freaky. Lucky for me, I don’t care. I’ll post a pic. – FC
Comment by JATinSeattle | 06.16.2009 | 11:17 am
oops. data entry failure.
Comment by MOCougFan | 06.16.2009 | 11:17 am
I’m gonna chime in with that looking really cool. I’d like to not think about cords. Love the shuffle.
Comment by leroy | 06.16.2009 | 11:19 am
I dunno. Still not convinced.
How will this work for books on tape?
If I could listen to Dr. Joyce Brothers or Joyce Carol Oates reading James Joyce’s “Ulysses” while I ride, I might consider the investment.
I mean, it is Bloomsday after all.
Books on tape work fine. I recommend turning off the “Shuffle” switch first, though. – FC
Comment by run-girl-run | 06.16.2009 | 11:19 am
Chris – exactly what I was going to ask… Does it work with constant jarring? And Paul, you raise a good question – especially for a runner (no wind to help cool/pull moisture away). Anyone have experience running with this?
Comment by Andrew | 06.16.2009 | 11:19 am
Nice! My ipod shuffle ends up a tangled mess when I ride. Those look great. Hey and my birthday’s next month, maybe I can wrangle someone into getting me some.
Comment by Pat | 06.16.2009 | 11:25 am
Cool product, saw it reviewed by David Pouge of the NY Times not too long ago. Yes, please continue to review things.
I think that’s where I learned about it too. Or maybe Gizmodo. Can’t remember for sure. – FC
Comment by Bandit | 06.16.2009 | 11:34 am
Occasional reviews = interesting. Music whilst riding = not interesting. j/s
Comment by Darren | 06.16.2009 | 11:34 am
I’m glad your mentioning what you pay for and what you get for free, and that some readers may like the disclosure. After the mountain bike shoe episode I did wonder about that a bit. I know you would never consciously bend your report but we are all human and the subconscious is a wonderfully complex place. I love your reviews….keep them up!
To be clear, the Sidis and the Specialized shoes and gloves were free. This was obviously one of the most awesome hauls of my lifetime. – FC
Comment by Steph Bachman | 06.16.2009 | 11:35 am
I-pods are pretty sensitive to water/liquid. How do you keep the sweat from running off of your head down into your i-pod?
The Arriva site recommends putting a strip of tape across the crack between the dock and the iPod. I haven’t done this yet, because I’m lazy and think it would be a pain to have to keep taping / untaping whenever I charged or changed music on the iPod. No problems so far, though the hot weather hasn’t really kicked in yet. – FC
Comment by bikemike | 06.16.2009 | 11:38 am
i would like a review (or at least a picture) of the unit mounted on the front instead of the back. thanking you in advance.
Comment by Linda | 06.16.2009 | 11:38 am
Wow, look…Stanley Tucci is wearing Fatty’s helmet, headphones and jersey.
Comment by chtrich | 06.16.2009 | 11:39 am
Looks like a really nice setup. I love the no cord idea. I too use a 2nd gen shuffle and agree it’s the best mp3 players for cycling or any sporting activity.
I just got fitted for my custom earphones (won at the triathalon last year) and if you were to add those to your current setup you’d be set!
Comment by chtrich | 06.16.2009 | 11:42 am
oh, and I say keep up the reviews as well.
And I also wonder about the sweat issue affecting the iPod?
Comment by Canadian Roadie (posing as a mtn biker) | 06.16.2009 | 11:52 am
That looks sweet – I’ve been looking for wireless headphones for a long time now. I have teeny tiny little ears and need something that goes around them, otherwise the buds fall out. I think I just found my birthday present – thanks!
Comment by Anonymous | 06.16.2009 | 11:55 am
Photos look like the cyclists version of a mug shot.
Have you been run down by this man? Please contact you local Park ranger office.
The “mug shot” thing came to my mind too as I was cropping the photos. I even considered photoshopping in a height thing and a number placard in front of my chest. But then…I didn’t. Lazy. – FC
Comment by Cactus Fantastic | 06.16.2009 | 11:58 am
I’m a big fan of the iControl watch from Timex. I keep my iPod (6th gen Classic) in a sammich bag in my jersey pocket so I don’t have to worry about sweat/rain. It works very well.
I agree with you about managing ear bud cables, though. I picked up some Nike ear buds which took a little bit of time to get used to, but I hardly feel them now.
I say keep the reviews coming.
Comment by Corey | 06.16.2009 | 12:06 pm
Keep up the reviews, I am always fascinated by what other cyclists use/wear/mess_with while riding!
These *look* like standard iPod ear buds morphed onto their bendy thingy.
One of my riding buddies uses bluetooth stereo headphones with his crackberry.
Comment by josh | 06.16.2009 | 12:07 pm
For cycling I have to say I am a fan of ear buds that are just pretty good. I bought a nice pair of noise canceling ear buds used them once while riding, nothing is worse than not being able to hear what’s going on around you. Mix that with drivers not paying attention, let’s just say a side mirror got a little too close for comfort.
Comment by natebowe | 06.16.2009 | 12:09 pm
Howdy,
I have an alternative for those of us who hate headphones (or is it just me?) and who have a little extra room in your backpack. This ihome2go thing (http://www.ihomeaudio.com/iH85) is a battery-boosted ipod speaker that comes with a little wireless remote with play/pause/fwd/back/volume controls and a handlebar mount. The ipod fits inside of it protected from the elements and it’ll fit in a bottle cage if you’re on the road bike. Been riding with it for a few months and haven’t had to change the batteries yet. Only problem is that I wish I could have more handlebar mounts for the remote control so I didn’t have to move it from bike to bike. Can’t use a shuffle though…it has to be a docking model but there are these different sleeves you can use for whichever ipod you have.
Comment by Randoboy | 06.16.2009 | 12:10 pm
Dude, it’s a blog, so it’s your views on things. If we didn’t want to know what your opinion is on stuff, we wouldn’t read. If you find something cool — even if it’s shwag some megacorp sends you — tell us about it. Of course, full disclosure will keep you real, though.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 06.16.2009 | 12:22 pm
Reviews are good. When Arriva finds out you’ve been bloggin’ about ‘em and send you plenty-six other earphones, don’t forget the little people who made you famous and make ‘em a swell raffle prize! ;o)
Comment by Alex | 06.16.2009 | 12:24 pm
Keep the reviews coming. I’ve picked up a few of things you’ve recommended here.
I have a different solution to listening to music. I don’t like the idea of earbuds/headphones, so I found a small mp3 player with a built-in speaker. I use the Creative Zen Stone Plus with Speaker.
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=17437
It comes with a skin with a clip, so I clip it to the top of my jersey on the right side. So, that leaves my left ear clear to hear my surroundings. So, no stereo and not great sound quality, but it works for me.
I only do road cycling, so I’m not sure how well the clip would hold for a mountain biker.
Comment by Bryan (not that one) | 06.16.2009 | 12:30 pm
I like product reviews, especially from cyclists. So keep ‘em coming. That is a very nice setup you have.
I use the G-Tech Sound Bag (http://www.g-techworld.com/mainThisProduct.php?ProductID=5228) with my MP3 enabled cell phone. It’s an external amplified flat speaker that holds an MP3 player in a zip up bag.
I have a couple of zip-ties on my handlebar and this clips right to it. (I added a second clip so two corners are attached to the bar.) The sound is amazingly good and loud. It’s water-resistent and easy to wipe down clean. They have a version that can control an iPod.
Another thing I like about it is that others on the trail can hear when I’m coming. Half the time I don’t even have to announce.
WIN!
Comment by MikeonHisBike | 06.16.2009 | 12:34 pm
I like the product reviews. Keep them coming. By the way, Geddy Lee would be proud of those pictures.
Comment by getinlost | 06.16.2009 | 12:36 pm
I can’t imagine anyone who listens to rock actually using the word “whilst” therefore, this post is by me now moved to the farce category. End of line.
Comment by Auris | 06.16.2009 | 1:00 pm
Check out the Motorolla S9 bluetooth headphones. No wires and they work perfectly with any bluetooth device and they have great sound. I can also answer the phone and talk while riding. Motorolla even makes a bluetooth adapter for non-bluetooth devices such as Ipod’s. I use mine with my blackberry but they work with any bluetooth enabled device.
Comment by Chris | 06.16.2009 | 1:03 pm
Is that a jawline is see? What is Fatty’s jawline threshold? (Jawline threshold is weight, in pounds, when ones jawline becomes visible/invisible)
Comment by GrannyGear | 06.16.2009 | 1:10 pm
For those who, like me, sweat a little more than others there is a “swim” ipod. See http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20070215/ipod-shuffle-goes-swimming/ as well as many other sites.
While I stick to the road, the wife is the fish of the family and swears by these during her training laps in the pool.
Win Susan
Comment by Steve | 06.16.2009 | 1:13 pm
Definitely agree on the 1st/2nd gen shuffle. I do more road riding and bought a cheap pair of over the ear headphones, then cut off the left earphone. I only ride with the right one in so I can hear traffic.
Comment by graisseux | 06.16.2009 | 1:38 pm
Agree with you on the 2nd generation; I bet they’ll change back on the 4th generation–at least they should.
Also, I like the reviews and after reading your review on the Gel-Bot I’m confident you won’t be swayed by getting free stuff.
Comment by Bragger | 06.16.2009 | 1:39 pm
I love the set-up, but in our state it’s against the law for cyclists to wear headphones. Do earbuds not fall into that category? I use a handle-bar mounted speaker system, and while I can’t imagine it, cyclists around me MIGHT not want to listen to MY music. Bunch of losers.
Comment by Aaron Cass | 06.16.2009 | 1:45 pm
Do the headphones make it hard to get the helmet strap under your ear or do you normally ride with the back of your ears pinched by the strap? Looks uncomfortable to me.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 06.16.2009 | 1:54 pm
I use the Shure ear bud style phones with the spongy pads. That way, no issues with weather, water, sweat or slippage. One ear works fine and the sound quality is awesome. Of course the price, is not.
Also, I have to lean toward my 8GB iPod Nano in a thin rubber case. 1850 songs–no waiting. Mood adjustable to the max! I run the wire out of the right jersey pocket under the jersey and over the top of my ear.
Never a problem!!!
A Father’s Day note: Hall Wines in Napa, CA is still running their 25% doantion for all purchased made at their site ( http://www.hallwines.com/shop-livestrong ) to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Makes a great gift!!!!
WIN
Comment by Julia | 06.16.2009 | 3:08 pm
Not to lord anything over you but what about those of us with hair? Do the Arrivas slip off? If you have long hair do you wear the Arrivas under or over your hair? What about ponytails?
Comment by Jason | 06.16.2009 | 3:19 pm
How does it work with your sungalasses? any problem?
No problem at all with sunglasses. I didn’t include them in the picture because they obscured the Arriva, but always wear glasses (I have prescription lenses) when I ride. – FC
Comment by Scott | 06.16.2009 | 3:51 pm
Thumbs up for the occasional review. You’ve already sold me on Camelbak water bottles and Dumonde Tech chain lube. If I had lots of extra cash lying around I’d copy your helmet cam setup. Really you should be getting sponsored by all these guys (or at least getting lots of Livestrong donations).
I’m always interested in what equipment and tweaks work for people, even if it’s equipment I’ll never use.
Comment by Ryan | 06.16.2009 | 4:25 pm
Awesome post Fatty! I’ve been an Ipod-nano-in-the-back-left-jersey-pocket-with-the-wire-running-up-underneath-my-jersey guy and am overdue for an upgrade, so I just bought this setup on the spot. When the Arriva people send you a big thank-you for helping them beat their 2nd quarter projections, make sure to publish it!
Comment by Lisa B | 06.16.2009 | 6:00 pm
Interesting setup. Did you make the bendy bits bend so that the iPod sits at a particular point on the back of your neck? Or is that the way they come? Wondering if that would make it useable by people with hair.
Also, a note to say that me and the Mr. rode the Flying Wheels Century up here in Redmond this weekend and saw several FC jerseys, as well as an FC cycling cap on the head of one of the “Deadliest Catch” boat captains. You are *so* famous Elden! :)
Comment by Kendra | 06.16.2009 | 6:04 pm
Could you please see how it works for gals who wear ponytails and helmets. Two different styles one ponytail and two ponytails. I think my ponytail would knock the headphones when I ride, and I would hate to purchase something that doesn’t work. In advance Thanks.
Sorry, but ponytails — whether of the single or double style — are in short supply here at the Nelson household. – FC
Comment by kger | 06.16.2009 | 6:55 pm
Feel free to continue writing about gear you use. I enjoy reading about it, and recommendations from another cyclist are valuable.
Comment by donbiker | 06.16.2009 | 7:15 pm
Very interesting. And I don’t even listen to music when I ride.
Comment by WheelDancer | 06.16.2009 | 7:37 pm
I pretty much only listen to music on my commute and wrestle with the iPhone cord so this looks like it could be a good alternative.
Please keep up the reviews along with the full disclosure.
Comment by CostalRider | 06.16.2009 | 10:38 pm
Keep reviewing stuff, couldn’t care less about full disclosure, just be honest.
Comment by Kathleen | 06.16.2009 | 10:41 pm
I too love my 2nd gen shuffle for all the reasons you listed.
Yes, reviews please. Love your style.
Thanks for the tip – I wear my shuffle clipped to the back of my shorts when I run to avoid the dangling wires of the headphones – your solution is even more elegant.
Comment by Tim D | 06.17.2009 | 1:22 am
Can I ask that you do a prescription sunglasses review next?
Ooooh. I LOVE that idea. The “Expensive Free Stuff” quotient would be OFF THE CHART! – FC
Comment by buckythedonkey | 06.17.2009 | 1:31 am
Keep the reviews coming.
Until Arriva does an in-ear headphone, I’ll stick with my Sennheisers. It’s a damned good idea though! IMNSHO, the worst thing about iPods in general is the shape of those early ear buds…
WIN SUSAN!!
Comment by ChefJT | 06.17.2009 | 6:48 am
The few times I’ve ridden with music, I’ve left out the left earbud to try to hear oncoming traffic What interests me is the use of and mounting of the shuffle. I’m wondering how stable it would be if it were only in the right ear…could the left side just be a wrap-around.
Tip of the helmet to Auris also. I may look into the S9 by Motorola. Then I could load my playlist onto my iPhone and avoid the cable.
Hope you and the family are well.
No, they don’t hold in place well if you don’t have both buds place. I’ve tried. – FC
Comment by DallasBikr | 06.17.2009 | 7:00 am
buckythedonkey, Arriva has an in-ear version in black.
I just bought the white bud-style version and mentioned fatcyclist.com in the “instructions to seller” section :)
Win Susan!
Comment by Lazy Bike Commuter | 06.17.2009 | 7:32 am
I’m gonna have to disagree with your selections.
I like a Cowon iAudio 7 on a lanyard around my neck (tucked into the front of my jersey, usually with a set of Koss KSC75s.
The KSC75s are the ultimate portable headphones…Awesome sound, and since they don’t go IN your ear but sit outside like real headphones do, you can hear the sound around you. They clip onto the ear so they have no problems clearing the helmet (I usually put on the headphones and then the helmet, that way if I need to hear something I just pop the headphone out and it dangles right there until I want it again—-yeah, classy. They don’t have much wind noise, either.
And a shuffle? Sorry, but some of us like being able to choose from a wide variety of music as we ride. If I want to ride a long distance at a relaxed pace, I can pick Johnny Cash. In a hurry? Throw on some Nightwish. I spent pretty much the whole winter listening to audio books because everyone else abandoned the bike path and there was no one else to talk to. BTW, with the headphones you can still hear an audio book clearly at 35mph, though you do have to turn it up a bit.
Also, the headphones are very, very cheap, and (fairly) well known for their incredibly good sound quality for their price and size.
http://www.amazon.com/Koss-KSC75-Portable-Stereophone-Headphones/dp/B0006B486K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245245288&sr=8-1
Pingback by Stones Cry Out - If they keep silent… » Things Heard: e72v3 | 06.17.2009 | 8:22 am
[...] Rock your tunes … on the bike. [...]
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 06.17.2009 | 8:32 am
I’d definitely be worried about sweat. Otherwise, these would make an ideal solution to boring meetings-the unit would fit discreetly under my hair. Now if they only made flesh colored buds…
I like your reviews, I think it’s necessary to incorporate disclosure on whether you received stuff for free or are being compensated. And I think you’d have to include a no-gripe-to-me clause for people who purchase stuff you recommend and then don’t like it.
Comment by Kiwi | 06.17.2009 | 8:46 am
Okay,
At first look good….BUT what if you have hair?
Now fatty I know that is not a prob for you
but I have a long pony tail!
WIN SUSAN
Kiwi
Comment by Philly Jen | 06.17.2009 | 8:52 am
W00t! Seattle blazes past 125, closing in on 130…
Comment by SYJ | 06.17.2009 | 9:02 am
It looks like the in-ear model would probably address both the sound quality (+1) and wind noise (+1) issues, while negating the “i can hear everything around me” advantage (-1).
Net score, +1
SYJ
Comment by run-girl-run | 06.17.2009 | 9:34 am
you’re killing me! I’m such a gadget geek that I almost bought the headphones AND a shuffle after reading your review…. but we already own about 7 ipods in our house – including 2 shuffles filled with hannah montana. just… have…. to… resist…!
Comment by Flying Ute | 06.17.2009 | 11:05 am
I like the reviews but they should send you two of everything and you can have one and raffle off the other.
Comment by Jenni Laurita | 06.17.2009 | 11:18 am
Actually, in hindsight, I’d never wear one of these. It looks like an extremely dangerous place to have an object should I crash. Yeah, never. Ever.
Comment by Arriva CEO | 06.17.2009 | 11:34 am
Hello Elden-
Thanks for posting this blog post that I discussed with your agent. The final payment should be deposited into your Swiss bank account by the end of business today. Let me know if you’re still interested in negotiating for a similar entry about our yet-to-be-released product that dangles a Kindle right in front of your eyeballs for hands-free use while driving, riding, skiing, performing surgery, etc.
All the best,
Arriva CEO
Comment by Kt | 06.17.2009 | 11:45 am
I enjoy your reviews of things. They’re honest, even when you got the item for free. Keep it up.
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[...] « How To Listen To Rock and Roll Whilst Riding a Bike [...]
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[...] this week, I gave a very positive review of the Arriva Shuffle headset. Well, Ben of Arriva emailed me and said that by way of thanks, [...]
Comment by Kt | 06.18.2009 | 11:30 am
I checked the Arriva site– they also have similar headseats, wired for use with other MP3 players. And they have a good, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Oh, and lots of pics of people wearing the shuffle-version with pony tails and other hairstyles.
Comment by Adventure Nell | 06.18.2009 | 3:34 pm
Headphones, cute :) Reviews – excellent
Comment by Les | 06.22.2009 | 12:38 pm
Just got mine in the mail and took them for a test ride. Works great! Thanks for the review-keep them coming.
Comment by joe | 02.19.2011 | 9:34 pm
UNSAFE whilst riding a bike! If you MUST rock out with your cockout at least keep one ear open and the volume down for safety
Comment by Tommy | 11.27.2011 | 12:29 pm
Thank you very much for the reviews on the “Arriva/iPod Shiffle” set up. I’ve been in a desperate search for a “wireless” configuration for my Shuffle and you helped me find it. Your detailed review help me tremendously. Amazon.com has it for $25 w/free shipping. It’s on its way now!
Best, Tommy