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Riding w/ Bone Conduction Headphones - Good or Bad Idea?

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7.9K views 20 replies 16 participants last post by  nOOky  
#1 ·
To stay safe on the roads, I am not a fan of wearing ear buds or having anything else in my ears that might preventing me from hearing impending danger before I can see the danger. However, I'll admit that on longer rides, especially if I'm on a trail, it might be nice to be able to listen to an audio books, music, etc.

I purchased Aftershokz bone conduction headphones for some family members for Christmas gifts and that got me wondering if they might be a suitable solution. They don't go in your ears, so technically you can still hear noises around you.


  • Do any of you own bone conduction headphones and ride with them on?
  • Are you able to hear traffic and other noises adequately?
  • Do they handle perspiration well?
  • Do they interfere with your helmet at all (i.e., cause discomfort)?

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#4 ·
I've got aftershokz trekz air headphones. I use them for running primarily but have done a few rides with them. They handle sweat and rinse off with water. Work great, pretty good sound and they don't block regular sounds. The rear loop on mine can sit low on your neck so the helmet doesnt interfere. But I can imagine it might for some depending on how you fit helmet and helmet brand. So I suggest you bring a helmet to best buy and check.

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#8 ·
I've got aftershokz trekz air headphones...
Thanks for the feedback, goodboyr, that's exactly the info I'm looking for.
They sound like crap, you don't get any bass out of them. I would recommend the Jabra Elite 65 or 75T...
Good to know, ljvb. We use Jabra devices at work and they're typically pretty nice. Bass probably isn't high on my list of priorities as I figure no headset is going to be able to duplicate the four 10" subwoofers I used to have in my VW GTI when I was a kid :p I also am not a fan of in-ear devices... my ears are weird like that (which obviously doesn't bother other people.)
 
#7 ·
They sound like crap, you don't get any bass out of them. I would recommend the Jabra Elite 65 or 75T, they have a pass through that passes audio from the outside world through. I can hear myself typing when I use them, or you can disable the option and it is passive noise isolation.
 
#10 ·
I always listen to music when I ride solo, not with a group but solo rides. I dont want to look back everytime a car passes me and feel watching behind you is less safe then staying right and trusting the cars. Plus if someone is going to hit me it is unlikly that I could avoid it and I dont want to see it coming.
 
#12 ·
Bone conduction is great with transiting voice, but it just does not work for music, you lose all bass definition, the mids and highs are drowned out like you are trying to listen to stuff under water. They are terrible for music, but great for conversations. The technology developed out of hearing aids and military comms.
 
#14 ·
I have thousands and thousands of miles on my bike and motorcycle with ear buds and they are the kind that block out the outside noises so that you can hear all the music properly. Folks, they are just not the problem that most people think that they are. You learn how to use them and your brain does all the rest. It is just like riding in a car with the radio on. Not a problem.
 
#15 ·
Deaf people can safely drive. Most people with headphones on or in a car with the music way up don't drive like deaf people.

A car gunning it behind you, a dog starting to bark in a yard. The hiss of a tire starting to deflate from road debris so you can start to stop while you still have more control.

If you can't hear the outside world, you are increasing your risk. Your choice, but don't try to claim that not being able to hear anything but music makes no difference. There are too many scenarios where hearing gives a bit more time to react than not hearing.

Really though, there is a middle ground. Buds with the volume low. You might not hear the tires hiss on the pavement, but you will hear a dog barking and running at you.
 
#16 ·
I have the AfterShokz Titanium. I bought them for a specific purpose that being using them at work with earplugs in. I can hear the music and hear what is going on around me including conversations while still protecting my hearing. They are very good for that.

Whether or not one should ride with them aside, if you do choose to there is a chance that wind noise will be pretty bad. That may end up being a function of where your helmet (including helmet straps) and eyewear allow their placement. That is why I say there is a possibility, you may be fine or it may suck. I have had wind negatively affect the quality when out for a walk.
 
#17 ·
I have the Aftershokz Air and I use them for MTB and RB. I like them and they allow me to listen to music and listen to my surroundings. They work well with all of my helmets and sunglasses.

Sound quality? Good enough to enjoy. I always use them at low volume, mainly for distraction and rhythm on climbs. Even when listening through a good sound system, I prefer volumes that allow me to hold conversations without raising my voice.

I haven't noticed any increased wind noise from having them on. Once you're rolling quickly enough, wind noise would require a volume that's high enough to drown my surroundings. As others have stated, awareness can make a difference in minimizing risks and consequences.

If you end up buying them, I hope you enjoy them. I do!

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#21 ·
The wife loves her Aftershoks, but she listens mostly to audiobooks. I wear BT earbuds sometimes, but usually only on gravel paths or trails, not where I ride with vehicles on the same road. Sometimes when it's windy and cold I like having something in, or covering up my ears anyway. But I have tried them all and I do know that for sound quality wired buds beat BT buds, and BT buds beat bone conduction generally.