suggestions for music on the road

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 11:47 AM

OK, I am FINALLY getting back to riding a bit on the road and I am finding that ALL of my rides are around 35 minutes or a LOT more. I am looking for a good, easy to use set up and some earbuds that will stay in my ears as well as cancel the wind.

I plan on using this on my VFR as well as my bicycle, so battery power is nice, and size would be an issue as well. be nice if I could plug it into my chatterbox too.

What are you guys running?

I'd like to keep the whole set up under 450-500 bucks.

I don't know if an ipod would work for me or not, but I do have the alpine highspeed hook up in my truck(maybe abtech could help on that one?

)

gt702 · 05-19-2008, 12:11 PM

People do run with earbuds and IPLODs or any other convenient MP3 player. There are also earplugs with speakers in them if you want to deaden more road noise while listening.

I have an Autocom system which is great for communications, has speakers to integrate into the helmet, and also has the ability to import music. For the music I just use an MP3 with a patch cord. Get something you can work (start/stop music, set volume) with a gloved hand for convenience and making it quiet when you stop. I also have a BoosterRoo to allow the player to run at lower volume to conserve it's batteries (basically adding another set of batteries for longevity).

You can get by cheap if you don't want to spend much cash, or if you aren't going too far as to need really good ear plugs.

f1_hurricane · 05-19-2008, 12:53 PM

I make a playlist on my iPod that will do me for the duration of time that i plan on being gone, fire up the playlist when i'm about to leave and tuck it into my inside jacket pocket and run the wires on my Skullcandy Ink'd earbuds which do cut alot of the wind noise and are quite comfortable to wear. The sound quality is very good on them too for the price (roughly 30 bucks at radio shack). Another option for ear buds that I have had success with are the JVC Marshmallow's

BizJetGuy · 05-19-2008, 12:59 PM

I use an iPod with Etymotic Research ER-6i earplugs. The Ety's are fantastic but not exactly cheap. I think I got mine from Amazon.com for about $80.

The Ety's come with four sizes of plugs to fit over the earbuds so you can find the right size for your canals. They isolate noise by creating a seal in the ear canal which means you don't have to fiddle with the volume while riding. I've found that I use the same set-up when traveling on the airlines and when mowing the lawn.

I also have a wireless remote for the iPod so I can skip through songs (when on shuffle), adjust volume and hit the pause button when needed. IIRC, the remote was somewhere in the $60 range and I consider it a luxury, not a requirement like the Ety's.

gthotchkiss · 05-19-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

I use an iPod with Etymotic Research ER-6i earplugs. The Ety's are fantastic but not exactly cheap. I think I got mine from Amazon.com for about $80.

The Ety's come with four sizes of plugs to fit over the earbuds so you can find the right size for your canals. They isolate noise by creating a seal in the ear canal which means you don't have to fiddle with the volume while riding. I've found that I use the same set-up when traveling on the airlines and when mowing the lawn.

I also have a wireless remote for the iPod so I can skip through songs (when on shuffle), adjust volume and hit the pause button when needed. IIRC, the remote was somewhere in the $60 range and I consider it a luxury, not a requirement like the Ety's.

Man, you beat me too it. Etymotics are the best earphones for riding. I just bought another set for myself 5 mins ago. If you order these order the 50 pack of filters for 9.99, you'll end up needing them!

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

I use an iPod with Etymotic Research ER-6i earplugs. The Ety's are fantastic but not exactly cheap. I think I got mine from Amazon.com for about $80.

The Ety's come with four sizes of plugs to fit over the earbuds so you can find the right size for your canals. They isolate noise by creating a seal in the ear canal which means you don't have to fiddle with the volume while riding. I've found that I use the same set-up when traveling on the airlines and when mowing the lawn.

I also have a wireless remote for the iPod so I can skip through songs (when on shuffle), adjust volume and hit the pause button when needed. IIRC, the remote was somewhere in the $60 range and I consider it a luxury, not a requirement like the Ety's.

Nice I will be looking into them for sure. I am going to be doing a lot of riding and cycling this summer and I REALLY don't want to make myself deaf(er) from just cranking it to hear over the wind noise.

What type of Ipod should I be looking into? I was thinking one of the videos but not sure. VERY green at this sort of thing.

ND4SPD · 05-19-2008, 01:10 PM

Get a custom set of earphones and be done with it. They won't fall out when you sweat. Ear monitors, plugs and hearing protectors - Sensaphonics

iPods are about capacity. They all function the same. Pick the features/size you want and buy.

DrHall · 05-19-2008, 01:14 PM

I have been using the JVC Marhmallow ear buds with great succes, they're cheap too!

I have an iPod Touch. I like it, able to access internet with any wifi. BUT, you cannot run it with gloves! I have yet to find a easy to use remote that works....

Satrted a thread on that somewhere...

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Get a custom set of earphones and be done with it. They won't fall out when you sweat. Ear monitors, plugs and hearing protectors - Sensaphonics

COOL...Nice link.

BizJetGuy · 05-19-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

What type of Ipod should I be looking into? I was thinking one of the videos but not sure. VERY green at this sort of thing.

I've got a 30GB 5th gen video iPod but if I were to do it all over again, I'd probably just go with a Nano with the highest capacity. I find that I don't use the thing to watch videos so that's kind of a wasted feature for me. I've downloaded a lot of cd's and I still have more unused space than used.

Also, when riding, the Nano's size would fit nicely about anywhere. The video iPod, while still relatively small, can be a little bulky in riding jackets and suits.

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 02:14 PM

Just a question on the ipod.

I have close to 600 cds... looking to put about half of those into a format I can listen to, without tying up a TON of space on my computer. How hard is it to just download a cd I currently have and how long does it take? Is there a "random" button once I get it loaded?
how easy is the nano compaired to a regular one? works the same way?

ND4SPD · 05-19-2008, 02:21 PM

MP3 is the most common. As a general rule of thumb you're looking at about 1mb per 1min of audio at 'average' quality. If you want higher quality, file size goes up from there. Download iTunes(Apple - iPod + iTunes), it'll give you a general idea of use.

The menus between them all work the same way. The Shuffle will be different since there is no screen.

f1_hurricane · 05-19-2008, 02:31 PM

I have a third generation nano and love it. at 4 gb i have like 796 songs on it on the last update with some room left to spare.

ONEvcs · 05-19-2008, 03:59 PM

Listening to music while riding is dangerous. Just sing something...

DUX · 05-19-2008, 04:53 PM

I have been using a Pioneer Inno with XM for the past few years and LOVE it.

I take it everywhere. Skiing, biking, snowmobiling, running, etc...It's taken a LOT of abuse with no issues.

You can store your own MP3's on it if you partition the drive, and it also stores music from XM (I think I've got about 900 songs on it so far.)

When you hear a song you like, you just hit a button and it stores it. Since I don't get reception at work, sometimes I'll record a few hours at night and listen during the day, saving the songs I want.

Some people hook it up to an antennae on their bikes and listen live. I just keep it in my pocket and listen to the play-lists that it lets you set up (like an IPOD.) I'm so used to it, I can even control it in the pocket of my heavy jacket while wearing gloves.

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ONEvcs

Listening to music while riding is dangerous. Just sing something...

My singing is a LOT worse than the dangers of listening to music while riding trust me...

Dux, I'm going to look in to that. I have sirius radio in my truck and LOVE IT. I was really considering that aspect of things too, any other portable satelite radio players out there?

DUX · 05-19-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

My singing is a LOT worse than the dangers of listening to music while riding trust me...

Dux, I'm going to look in to that. I have sirius radio in my truck and LOVE IT. I was really considering that aspect of things too, any other portable satelite radio players out there?

Sirius has one, but it's junk.

I gave up after going through three of them and switched to XM. The Inno is a sturdy unit. I'm so happy with how much abuse it's taken that if it finally breaks I'll go right out and buy a new one.

Another option, if you also want GPS, is to go with the Zumo 550. You have to buy a $200 antennae, but the GPS unit will also act as an XM interface.

NorthernRR · 05-19-2008, 05:28 PM

Now that is a good idea. I have a RAM mount on the VFR already with a 12v too, I forgot to mention that. and GPS would be nice sometimes.

DUX · 05-19-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

Now that is a good idea. I have a RAM mount on the VFR already with a 12v too, I forgot to mention that. and GPS would be nice sometimes.

GPS is one of those things that I never really needed, but can't live without now.

05-19-2008, 11:47 AM	#1
NorthernRR Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 28 Bike(s): 1KRR, VFR, CRF450R, EX500 Posts: 1,392	suggestions for music on the road OK, I am FINALLY getting back to riding a bit on the road and I am finding that ALL of my rides are around 35 minutes or a LOT more. I am looking for a good, easy to use set up and some earbuds that will stay in my ears as well as cancel the wind. I plan on using this on my VFR as well as my bicycle, so battery power is nice, and size would be an issue as well. be nice if I could plug it into my chatterbox too. What are you guys running? I'd like to keep the whole set up under 450-500 bucks. I don't know if an ipod would work for me or not, but I do have the alpine highspeed hook up in my truck(maybe abtech could help on that one?) __________________ See you at Indy

05-19-2008, 12:11 PM	#2
gt702 Gear Driven Cams Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): Some Hondas and a Kwacker Posts: 1,159	People do run with earbuds and IPLODs or any other convenient MP3 player. There are also earplugs with speakers in them if you want to deaden more road noise while listening. I have an Autocom system which is great for communications, has speakers to integrate into the helmet, and also has the ability to import music. For the music I just use an MP3 with a patch cord. Get something you can work (start/stop music, set volume) with a gloved hand for convenience and making it quiet when you stop. I also have a BoosterRoo to allow the player to run at lower volume to conserve it's batteries (basically adding another set of batteries for longevity). You can get by cheap if you don't want to spend much cash, or if you aren't going too far as to need really good ear plugs. __________________ Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. Albert Einstein

05-19-2008, 12:59 PM	#4
BizJetGuy Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): Aprilia RST 1000 Posts: 779	I use an iPod with Etymotic Research ER-6i earplugs. The Ety's are fantastic but not exactly cheap. I think I got mine from Amazon.com for about $80. The Ety's come with four sizes of plugs to fit over the earbuds so you can find the right size for your canals. They isolate noise by creating a seal in the ear canal which means you don't have to fiddle with the volume while riding. I've found that I use the same set-up when traveling on the airlines and when mowing the lawn. I also have a wireless remote for the iPod so I can skip through songs (when on shuffle), adjust volume and hit the pause button when needed. IIRC, the remote was somewhere in the $60 range and I consider it a luxury, not a requirement like the Ety's. __________________ "Ix-nay on the Illbilly-hay"

05-19-2008, 01:10 PM	#7
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,009 Images: 25	Get a custom set of earphones and be done with it. They won't fall out when you sweat. Ear monitors, plugs and hearing protectors - Sensaphonics iPods are about capacity. They all function the same. Pick the features/size you want and buy. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

05-19-2008, 01:14 PM	#8
DrHall A Redneck Who Has Truly Arrived Join Date: 08-21-2007 Location: SW Florida Age: 49 Bike(s): DUC MTS 1000sDS, RC51 Posts: 998	I have been using the JVC Marhmallow ear buds with great succes, they're cheap too! I have an iPod Touch. I like it, able to access internet with any wifi. BUT, you cannot run it with gloves! I have yet to find a easy to use remote that works.... Satrted a thread on that somewhere... __________________ the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

05-19-2008, 12:53 PM	#3
f1_hurricane Trust me, I'm a ninja Join Date: 01-06-2007 Age: 20 Bike(s): 1998 GSXR 750 Posts: 686	I make a playlist on my iPod that will do me for the duration of time that i plan on being gone, fire up the playlist when i'm about to leave and tuck it into my inside jacket pocket and run the wires on my Skullcandy Ink'd earbuds which do cut alot of the wind noise and are quite comfortable to wear. The sound quality is very good on them too for the price (roughly 30 bucks at radio shack). Another option for ear buds that I have had success with are the JVC Marshmallow's

05-19-2008, 02:14 PM	#11
NorthernRR Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 28 Bike(s): 1KRR, VFR, CRF450R, EX500 Posts: 1,392	Just a question on the ipod. I have close to 600 cds... looking to put about half of those into a format I can listen to, without tying up a TON of space on my computer. How hard is it to just download a cd I currently have and how long does it take? Is there a "random" button once I get it loaded? how easy is the nano compaired to a regular one? works the same way? __________________ See you at Indy

05-19-2008, 02:21 PM	#12
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,009 Images: 25	MP3 is the most common. As a general rule of thumb you're looking at about 1mb per 1min of audio at 'average' quality. If you want higher quality, file size goes up from there. Download iTunes(Apple - iPod + iTunes), it'll give you a general idea of use. The menus between them all work the same way. The Shuffle will be different since there is no screen. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X

05-19-2008, 02:31 PM	#13
f1_hurricane Trust me, I'm a ninja Join Date: 01-06-2007 Age: 20 Bike(s): 1998 GSXR 750 Posts: 686	I have a third generation nano and love it. at 4 gb i have like 796 songs on it on the last update with some room left to spare.

05-19-2008, 03:59 PM	#14
ONEvcs Bull Fighter Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Ft. Worth Age: 40 Bike(s): '05CBR1000RR. Posts: 2,455 Images: 99	Listening to music while riding is dangerous. Just sing something...

05-19-2008, 04:53 PM	#15
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 37 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 655	I have been using a Pioneer Inno with XM for the past few years and LOVE it. I take it everywhere. Skiing, biking, snowmobiling, running, etc...It's taken a LOT of abuse with no issues. You can store your own MP3's on it if you partition the drive, and it also stores music from XM (I think I've got about 900 songs on it so far.) When you hear a song you like, you just hit a button and it stores it. Since I don't get reception at work, sometimes I'll record a few hours at night and listen during the day, saving the songs I want. Some people hook it up to an antennae on their bikes and listen live. I just keep it in my pocket and listen to the play-lists that it lets you set up (like an IPOD.) I'm so used to it, I can even control it in the pocket of my heavy jacket while wearing gloves. __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

05-19-2008, 05:28 PM	#18
NorthernRR Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 28 Bike(s): 1KRR, VFR, CRF450R, EX500 Posts: 1,392	Now that is a good idea. I have a RAM mount on the VFR already with a 12v too, I forgot to mention that. and GPS would be nice sometimes. __________________ See you at Indy

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Home Gym Suggestions	TCD	Off Topic	40	09-24-2008 10:12 PM
Back to school suggestions.	Fig	Off Topic	24	04-08-2008 12:43 PM
F4i fork build up .. suggestions!	JohnnyDiablo	Honda	8	11-15-2007 02:24 PM
Off to Dearborn, MI. Need Suggestions	Crash	Off Topic	9	10-01-2007 06:31 PM
any suggestions?	quick26	Off Topic	7	02-01-2007 08:05 AM