Pinkbike Poll: Do You Listen to Music While Riding?

Aug 24, 2018
by Daniel Sapp  
As one of our five major senses as humans, and one of our strongest connections to what is going on in the world around us, our sense of hearing is incredibly powerful.

Riding bikes and listening to music can both escapes to another world, each in their own way. We all know that the selection of and presence of music can make a video edit that much better, and at the same time the absence of music and only the sounds of nature and a bike with its rider connecting with the earth can create a totally different and equally strong sensory experience and feel.

Lil Trace ready to drop bombs.
Tracey Hannah getting in the zone to drop in on a race run.

For some, music can provide motivation to ride harder and finish a workout, get stoked, or just further achieve the next level of zen while listening to Phish's 1998 Maryland Heights rendition of Bathub Gin. For others, listening to a mix of Disturbed and Slayer fosters the right head space to get pumped up and smash down the mountain before skidding to a stop and high fiving the homies at the bottom, and we all know that it's a common sight to see racers warming up with headphones on before a race run.

As the sport of mountain biking continues to grow, there are more people riding for different reasons than ever before. Personally, I enjoy hearing the outside world and tuning in with the woods and nature around me or chatting with my friends and whoever else I may encounter on the trail...not to mention hearing how the bike sounds, for better or worse. For others, a ride may simply be a workout and the tunes add that extra element of escape or help drown out a rough day at the office.

Is there a time and place for music in nature and while on the bike, or does it further damage the already fragile connection we have with the earth, take away from our other senses and alienate us from those around us? Yes, it's certainly situational at times, but when it comes to music on the bike, how do you generally feel?

Do you typically listen to music while riding?



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359 Comments
  • 551 25
 Speaker folk must die
  • 134 3
 E-bikes need integrated Bluetooth speakers so their riders will be better embraced by all trail users, no?
  • 125 4
 Could not agree more. Speakers outside is such an inconsiderate mood. Headphones only when going uphill on fire roads. Otherwise I just like to listen to the freehub and scrub mix.
  • 9 36
flag gotohe11carolina FL (Aug 24, 2018 at 12:14) (Below Threshold)
 Dilly dilly
  • 13 39
flag Chapelain (Aug 24, 2018 at 12:16) (Below Threshold)
 Fist f*cked with sandpaper before
  • 58 3
 Honestly I prefer speakers to headphones because you can yell at a guy with a speaker to get out of your way.
  • 20 4
 But both are annoying
  • 25 3
 Good to hear others find this annoying and invasive, was starting to think I was the only one.
  • 115 5
 Nothing screams entitled douchebag harder than making other people listen to your shitty tunes. If you wanna have music on a ride and there's other trail users around, get headphones.
  • 19 113
flag easyslorider FL (Aug 24, 2018 at 12:22) (Below Threshold)
 Nah, I play music on speaker when riding with friends on the trail and on gondola, with some punk music on I also ride faster.
  • 82 8
 @easyslorider: ... and makes you look more like the douchebag that you probably are.
  • 21 13
 I listen to music from my phone sometimes when climbing logging roads. I don't really see how it is worse than logging noise or off leash dogs. I just don't care much for headphones. I wouldn't play music off my phone in a trail setting though... just seems different.
  • 37 16
 If you see less than 4 other people over a 30 mile ride, I dont see a problem with speakers. If it's a crowded trail system by a major city though I could see them being annoying.
  • 34 21
 @iantmcg: off leash dogs are way more annoying.
  • 25 6
 mother of god you guys are sensitive. it's all situational.
  • 17 0
 @westsideloc: Bone conduction is the way to go imo. They don't plug the ear canal which can create safety issues and impedes hearing in general.
  • 26 5
 I'm a very peaceful kind man until someone is riding with a speaker! Kill them all!!
  • 27 8
 The only thing worse than someone blaring a speaker on the trail, would be someone smoking a cigarette. F! Music on trails and smoking in general should be banned! (Old man shaking fist in the air!)
  • 4 0
 Comment of the day.
  • 12 3
 @Kitejumping: you better watch yourself. Expressing an opinion based on common sense is not what these comment sections are for!
  • 3 2
 @eatsdirtdaily: I agree. I use them when I'm riding.
  • 12 10
 Speakers are objectively better than earbuds when you're riding/running/hiking, you can actually be aware of what's going on around you while you have a speaker going (note: I don't listen to music at all when I ride, except when I'm blasting through the city. You can bet I'll have some offensive hip hop on blast through the Boombot.) Severely impairing your sense of hearing while sharing trails with others is just straight up dangerous and irresponsible.
  • 4 2
 I have an issue with unleashed dogs mainly because I have been mulled 3-4 times but non bike related. Most dogs in the trail are well behaved but always have to slow down. Honestly you can get some nice skull Candy headphones made for exercising. They are the only ones that would stay in street riding for me. That was years ago, like the sound of my tires squealing off an actual wall ride.
  • 4 3
 @Kitejumping: two wrong don’t make right...nor are these two things really related anyway.
  • 11 10
 I hate to tell you, but i've met some pretty awesome speaker folks! usually sending jumps twice as big as i am and usually pretty entertaining to talk too hahaha
  • 3 4
 No matter how awesome your music is (believe me, mine rules) no one wants to hear it. Get one of these. farendgear.com/shortbuds/?showprod=ECSV1#prodtop You can hear your tunes fine without annoying the crap outta everyone, but still hear everything around you. You're welcome.
  • 8 2
 Like a fat Harley screaming on the road with his ass hanging out...don't wanna hear it don't wanna see it...
  • 2 1
 @PinkyScar: hahaha nice
  • 3 8
flag groda (Aug 24, 2018 at 19:16) (Below Threshold)
 @theedon: what about smoking some good stuff?
  • 5 1
 And they usually have some shitty ass music on with some shitty ass speakers. I think it's the "I'm cool, look at me" guy.
  • 7 20
flag hank (Aug 24, 2018 at 22:07) (Below Threshold)
 @Kitejumping: You obviously don't have a dog and don't ride with them... Awesome experience. As an owner and rider... yer kinda annoying...
  • 7 9
 @theedon: ban smoking in general? Okay Hitler
  • 4 3
 @Kitejumping: that's even worse if you're further out in the wilderness. I don't mind *as* much of someone has speakers in a bike park, but if you are in the mountains away from civilization there is no place for them.
  • 3 5
 If this bothers you this much then wait a few mins and you won't hear them you have a choice to not ride with them you know @westsideloc:
  • 5 1
 What about stashing a vape mod or pen until you can have a nice Camel 100 no filter at home!? At least with them you can blow up a stump if you need to.
  • 1 0
 @PinkyScar: Also 3x Qualcomm 3.0 USB ports to charge gadgets too.
  • 4 0
 I enjoy listening to my tyres begging for mercy.
  • 1 0
 I've learned that i have a relatively weak ability to multitask, so if i have music blasting in my ear while riding thru a rock garden, i will surely be discombobulated and end up dismembering myself on the trail....so no music for me on real rides
  • 2 1
 @jaydubmah: Pretty sure a speaker for your bike comes stock with every BMW
  • 1 0
 AGREED!!!!
  • 3 4
 @ShempHoward: Dogs were in the trails long before you thought about riding your bike there. You are in there way!
  • 3 1
 @pinkdog321: It doesn't matter I'm the one with the peacemaker and a shovel. Trail is mine, love it or love it.
  • 6 0
 @Kitejumping: Hikers with earphones even way worse....
  • 3 1
 @Kitejumping: animals are trail users too...don't think they want to hear the latest trap tracks.
  • 3 1
 @ledude: I thought I saw this coyote doing some rocksteady breakin but I was also delirious from the heat.
  • 1 0
 @ShempHoward: that 'yote was def part of the b-boy crew.

"rocksteady breakin" - lol
  • 1 0
 @westsideloc: Amen
  • 2 10
flag patrickbatemanworldtour89 (Sep 1, 2018 at 17:17) (Below Threshold)
 You say that but I would break you.

I have a Giro cypher with tune ups. I ripped apart an old set of DJ headphones and installed them. They are simultaneously ear buds and a speaker: you can hear my music from the next chair on the lift, word for word.

No apologies. All are welcome to come "kill" me for offending them, but at the end of they day my taste in music is better than yours and I'm faster and stronger than you.

Have a great day!
  • 8 0
 @LoganKM1982: Ya ok I'll be the one putting you flat out lol, hear the birdies
  • 1 1
 @theedon: what the f man, why so offensive. They see me rolling they hating.
  • 1 1
 @mrti: well i just don't give a shitt, haters gonna hate
  • 226 1
 Nothing pisses me off more than coming up behind someone on the trails, calling out multiple times to alert them that you are going to pass to no effect, then they get startled and annoyed when you pass them all because they had headphones in and couldn't hear you.
  • 19 0
 THIS!
  • 10 5
 yup. happened to me yesterday with a hiker who was walking down a tech section that i needed to climb. the icing on the cake? her dog was wandering all over off leash.
  • 18 16
 I ride with headphones sometimes. See if you can catch ME!
  • 5 0
 @underhawk: you must be riding in Evergreen, CO!
  • 30 34
flag naptime FL (Aug 24, 2018 at 13:12) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah man I really hate it when other people are doing thier own thing in a free country an makes me have to be nice an polite
  • 4 1
 @underhawk: terrible suprised you didn't kill the dog and leave her tied up to a tree,just kidding but seriously,how often does that really happen?
  • 12 4
 @jo1212man: 1/6 rides per week I deal with an a*shole with headphones. 3/6 an off leash dog nearly causes me to crash.
  • 4 0
 @underhawk: same here quite often is stupid runners going up tech steep downhill section with heads down and headphones on.
  • 13 0
 We have signs that show someone walking with headphones in and a bear behind them. It asks, “are you aware of your surroundings”
Riding our town trails is a nightmare sometimes. You can yell at people (runners) for 10 minutes from behind and they are totally oblivious. Then of course when you get super close and they finally notice you, they tend to freak out for a second...as tempting as it is to rip their earbuds out and choke them with the cable, I normally end up politely asking them to either turn their music down or run with only one earbud in.
  • 2 0
 @LOTCP: Aaron, is that you??
  • 8 3
 I ride with a headphone in one ear only. Music + bike sounds + trail awareness. Best of all worlds and everyone is happy.
  • 21 6
 @shrednbreakfast: honest question: how do these off leash dogs almost make you crash? Are you surprised by them? Are you nervous they’re gonna sniff you? I ask cuz I ride with my dog all the time, she is an absolute shredder. I don’t want anyone to crash cuz of her, but I feel terrible leaving her at home. After all she wants to be out in the wilderness a lot more than any of us. She cries when I ride without her. How I can I take her on rides but not piss you guys off?
  • 2 0
 @shrednbreakfast: you must be writing Joaquin Miller in Oakland happens there all the time
  • 14 4
 @Purpledragonslayer: I'm with you! LET THE PUPPIES SHRED!!
  • 1 0
 Yes and those are the riders who checked the box above for “only by myself”
  • 10 0
 @Purpledragonslayer: you dog is accustomed to being around bikes by the sound of things, hikers dogs are not and some of them dart all over the place.
  • 23 0
 rbarbier12 - Oh, I hear you, but here's one that pisses me off even more than that. Last year I was coming up on a guy who'd crashed in a turn right after a drop. He was basically not visible from the top of the drop, and once you dropped, it was too late to stop before you got to him. He heard me coming (yay for loud hubs), yelled out, and I stopped. So I walked down, stashed my bike off the trail, and went to help him - but I was worried he might have a spinal injury (he was facedown in the trail and everything hurt), so I couldn't just roll him off the trail before we had him wiggle all his limbs.

I hear a rider approaching (again, yay for loud hubs), I yell out to make sure he doesn't drop - but he does. Because hey, he's wearing ear buds, and he couldn't hear me. Missed me by about an inch, ran right over the wrecked guy's ankle, then proceeded to yell at us for blocking the trail and rode off with even offering help.

The dude with the speaker blasting his music (it's almost always a dude...) - that's annoying, inconsiderate, and frankly pretty pathetic. But at least it's not causing the same sort of unnecessary risk to others. The dude (and again, it's almost always a dude) with the earbuds and the tunes cranked to where situational awareness is impacted? That's a hazard and a real a*shole move.
  • 4 9
flag hllclmbr (Aug 24, 2018 at 17:09) (Below Threshold)
 I listen to one Airpod playing podcasts or audiobooks.
  • 3 1
 @Purpledragonslayer: buy her a bike
  • 14 2
 @Purpledragonslayer: I think a lot of people think their dogs are absolute shredders, but actually their dogs are dogs, and dogs occasionally notice a squirrel across a trail down which another cyclist is proceeding at speed...
  • 5 0
 Just make sure you’re the guy doing the passing when wearing headphones
  • 6 0
 @shrednbreakfast: you crash 3 times a week because of dogs? Well, you dont give up... so good on ya!
  • 5 0
 @g-42: should've laid your bike across the trail before the drop. Because eyes.....
  • 2 1
 @Neechy: I go with one earbud too. Even with other people. I think it works.
  • 5 1
 @hllclmbr: typical condescending apple user. "Look at me! I only listen to one! I only listen to audiobooks! I only climb hills!"

jk Smile
  • 5 0
 @rbarbier12 I know you're not that guy but for the folks who are: there are earbuds out there specifically designed to let in outside noise. They're typically marketed toward runners but they work great for riding although they do get a little loud with wind noise sometimes. I've got a pair of Yurbuds (they got picked up and rebranded by JBL but appear to be the same product) and I can have conversations with folks on the trail at normal volume just fine with music playing. Hub sounds, on your lefts, dogs barking, it all comes through. People can pull the whole "no one can pass me so this isn't my problem" crap all day but when you're sharing the trail you have to be able to communicate and remember not all traffic is behind you. Also no matter how badass you think you are there's someone out there who can rip your legs off without breaking a sweat.
  • 1 0
 @ybsurf: Same I've actually stumble upon more unaware runners using head phones than riders
  • 2 0
 @Purpledragonslayer: I ride with my dog as well. He has no interest in bothering other riders, just charging the trail and absorbing a few sniffs along the way. Most riders I see give a me thumbs up regarding his shape and how he behaves.
  • 2 0
 @rrolly: To be fair, the AirPods are the only Apple product I own, and I only bought them because they are the best earbuds.

Android phone, PC...
  • 122 2
 The only song I need is the buzz of the freewheel and sound of my tires in the dirt.
  • 26 1
 Hey that's one of my favorite songs also.
  • 7 1
 I prefer the dirt a capella version, I find the Freehub always takes away from roar.
  • 2 0
 Do you like to listen to i9s or hadleys?
  • 9 1
 @CullenHerring: i only ride fixed gear on pavement so this offends me.
  • 5 0
 Need to hear the sweet sexy sound of my i9's! And also so I can hear all the young punks coming up behind me so I can pull over. Uphill and down!
  • 1 0
 ill only listen to music when im alone and i stop for a while, besides that, bring the forest raw sound!!!
  • 4 0
 "snakes of the divine" by High on Fire = guaranteed PR
  • 5 0
 Shimano, making it even better with no freehub noise.
  • 1 0
 @CullenHerring:
Hadley's ????
  • 5 0
 @rickbanks89: Yea that is a great song, having loud cassette is crutial here with the tourists walking around head down on the phone.
  • 2 0
 This is the comment I came here to make.
  • 9 0
 The constant misaligned brake squeal and bottom bracket creak are my soundtrack of choice.
  • 2 0
 Thats not a song. You may be autistic bro.
  • 2 6
flag letsgoridebikes18 FL (Aug 24, 2018 at 22:10) (Below Threshold)
 @CullenHerring: I have DT Swiss hubs.
  • 1 0
 and the sound of my heavy breathing.
  • 1 0
 I also like to dance without music. Nothing like the sound of my shoe on some sand.
  • 3 0
 @Lugers: It's like Saturday night without the Fever.
  • 59 4
 I have to say it really bothers me when im getting out of the city to go for a ride and someone is blasting a speaker. Most of the time I want to say something but don't because im afraid of confrontation Frown
  • 51 47
 Sadly a wise thing in the USA, never know who's packing.
  • 6 2
 @bogdan75: We get alot of that in our trails, annoying specially if it's terrible music. More insensitive to hit the nitro button and bounce.
  • 19 68
flag honda50r (Aug 24, 2018 at 12:20) (Below Threshold)
 @bogdan75: I'm tired of the Canadian smack talk. Everyone has opinions, keep it to yourself
  • 43 18
 @honda50r: I dont think that was "smack talk", your confusing an opinion for a reality.. sorry we noticed you have a problem...
  • 15 31
flag Beez177 (Aug 24, 2018 at 12:49) (Below Threshold)
 @zion-i: Canada has the same problems as the US. Our population is 10x as big= 10x more problems . So hold the generalizations ..
  • 14 2
 @honda50r: people are entitled to opinions. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean he can’t air it. A statement like that just shuts down freedom of speech more. I love swearing as it allows me to be more descriptive, but you can’t always use it because people are frightened of words????!!!! The c*nts!

So if you catch my drift, just put a poignant argument back, maybe with swears in it if it aids your cause, but don’t ask him to file his opinion, he’s as entitled to his as you are yours.

Now: Fight! Ding ding! Wink
  • 22 3
 @bogdan75: yeah, because here in the US it’s super common for armed mountain bikers to shoot each other on the trails. Truly terrifying!

Be real dude. In Alaska (and probably many other states), tons of people are armed when recreating in bear country. And strangely enough, none of those people have shot me.
  • 7 2
 @zion-i: yeah, because mountain bikers murderinh each other is a “problem” here.... that’s not a fact, that is an ignorant assumption. In fact, I surely hope the original comment was only meant as “smack talk”, because if the poster actually thinks this is the case, then I feel bad for him. Plus, a little smack talk is fine, whereas making stuff up and passing it off as fact is annoying.
  • 7 0
 @bogdan75: Find it very hard to pack and actually ride specially in the summer. Cruising or winter fuggetaboutit.
  • 15 3
 @Beez177: Your talking per capita then, and that's incorrect. the US has 4.7 x more gun related deaths per capita than Canada.
  • 10 5
 @Beez177: even when you adjust for the population difference, the gap between gun violence is still exponentially larger south of the border. Keep thinking that way though!
  • 4 14
flag Beez177 (Aug 24, 2018 at 14:12) (Below Threshold)
 @mammal: and that's my fault? Do you feel superior now?
  • 6 18
flag Beez177 (Aug 24, 2018 at 14:13) (Below Threshold)
 @gtbiker87: ok Canada is so much better than the US, happy a*shole?
  • 5 16
flag Beez177 (Aug 24, 2018 at 14:15) (Below Threshold)
 @gtbiker87: glad they caught that serial killer in Toronto. What about the guy who mowed down innocent people there this summer, yeah it's so much better in Canada! Dickhead!
  • 4 13
flag Beez177 (Aug 24, 2018 at 14:28) (Below Threshold)
 @gtbiker87: talk to me January when it's -20 where you are and I out riding in a t-shirt and shorts and it's sunny and warm out. Yeah keep thinking that way though!
  • 10 0
 Nobody is happy about gun violence in their city, state or country. We try to grab up the youth and show them how building trails and riding has kept us out of trouble for a long time. There are unsavory characters everywhere, doesn't matter what country unfortunately.
  • 9 2
 @Beez177: I'll be out snowboarding in some of the best terrain in the world? I love the winter, not everyone is fragile and afraid of the cold Smile
  • 3 3
 @gtbiker87: oh, you'll be in Utah too?
  • 6 2
 Can't wait for winter this heat is getting on my nerves. Snow rides, pillow dropping in the Backcountry, snowshoeing, I think I get in better shape the colder and more snow that comes.
  • 4 2
 @ShempHoward: was looking at new boots today. Trying to find a nice set of boa boots for splitboarding but don't want to empty the wallet on the 32 Jones MTB even though they seem like the best out there. The 32's I bought last year fell apart before the end of the season.
  • 1 2
 @gtbiker87: K2 Aspect, full lace w/ boa, your welcome.
  • 1 3
 @Beez177: I was actually looking at those. Staying away from laces this time though. Always had boa boots, switched to laces last year and had one snap in the backcountry when I was transitioning from hiking to riding. Want to go back to a full boa system now.
  • 2 3
 @Beez177: I'd like to believe that the disparity in those statistics are not your fault, no. I was merely stating that what you said was incorrect. The ratio of 10 x bigger to 10 x as many problems that you posted is askew.
  • 2 2
 @gtbiker87: carry extra laces, if the boa fails it's worse. To each their own.
  • 1 2
 @mammal: it's was figure of speech, not an exact number. Kinda like if I said, cities are a million times worse than the country. It's cool I get it.
  • 5 1
 @gtbiker87: Yeah bro this the time to catch good deals. Looking at some new Rachle and Lange boots. The snow will be here before we know it. That may be a sore subject but some of us thrive and ride all winter.
  • 1 3
 @Timroo1: I've done lots of riding in the states, id never expect that from another rider anywere, but land owners and crazy bastards are every were. But some places more shit goes on per capita. Hey knda like the US!
  • 2 2
 @zion-i: yeah these “land owners and crazy bastards” are just mowing all us mountain bikers down with all their guns in the poor US.... haha good joke.
  • 3 3
 @Timroo1: last year a hiker assaulted an mtber in Golden CO when the rider was bothered by the hiker wearing headphones. He then threw the dude's bike off the side if the Mesa. Probably a good thing neither party was armed.

I'd be more likely to respectfully point out someone's asinine behavior if I wasn't worried about them packing. I hope others would too, and then the trails would be better for all.
  • 2 2
 @sspiff: sounds like an irrational fear based off of something less likely to occur than being struck by lighting. But I’m glad you found an example to justify your fear of respectfully talking to people.
  • 4 9
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 24, 2018 at 22:49) (Below Threshold)
 I ride with a paintball gun holstered on my bike. If i see anyone riding with headphones, speakers, dogs or even an American I shoot those MoFos. Seeriusly
  • 7 2
 @RollinFoSho: I'll make sure and take good care of any canadians I cross here in the tourist capital muhuhahahaa! Bluckashot! No paint mon just chalk! I think it's something in the water up there or terrible breeding habbits, either way who cares.
  • 2 11
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 25, 2018 at 0:44) (Below Threshold)
 sarcasm (särˈkăzˌəm)
  • 2 10
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 25, 2018 at 1:00) (Below Threshold)
 sarcasm (särˈkăzˌəm)

n. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
n. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
n. The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.

ha, chill out dudes!
  • 1 8
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 25, 2018 at 1:28) (Below Threshold)
 @ReeferSoutherland: well, since you brought it up, sounds like you should watch this:

The Untold History of the United States

The Untold History of the United States is a 2012 documentary series directed, produced, and narrated by Oliver Stone about the reasons behind the Cold War, the decision to drop the atomic bombs, and changes in America's global role since the fall of Communism.

fyi, love you Americans, but not your (and our) bankers...
  • 3 10
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 25, 2018 at 1:47) (Below Threshold)
 @ReeferSoutherland:

Drifting dirt roads or riding down mountains?
  • 5 3
 @ReeferSoutherland: Never been a fan of Oliver Stone but how about this race!
  • 4 9
flag RollinFoSho (Aug 25, 2018 at 2:17) (Below Threshold)
 @ShempHoward and @ReeferSoutherland:

You guys have special powers. The instant you posted these comments you get +5 upvotes, and i get -5 downvotes.

Strange!
  • 3 2
 I don’t listen to music while riding, I haven’t seen anyone being rude on trails. People are generally nice here.
  • 3 3
 @Beez177:

" Canada has the same problems as the US. Our population is 10x as big= 10x more problems . So hold the generalizations .."

I love me some irony. Well played.
  • 4 3
 @iammarkstewart: Population of what , giving you grizzly bears. California alone has a bigger population than Canada if you want to stay in reality.
  • 3 5
 @ShempHoward: I was just pointing out using a ridiculous, over-simplified correlation while in the same breath instructing others to hold off on generalizations.

As usual, nothing is that simple and there really isn't anything one could compare to the USA that is even apples and pears. USA population coupled with how that nation was created and the resulting culture means no one can, or should, do anything the way the USA does. And vice versa.

I wish the USA luck if they can poach some winning ideas from other nations but I honestly don't think they'd let themselves anyway. As The Hitman used to say, the USA is "the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."
  • 3 1
 @iammarkstewart: You speak english right or using a translator because nothing has made any sense so far?
  • 36 2
 i just get naked and listen to mumford and sons...
  • 2 0
 Made me laugh out loud at work. Well played
  • 35 2
 Unsafe to ride with headphone in the city or in the bush.
  • 27 1
 a turd in the headphone is worth two in the tush...
  • 8 0
 @rocky-mtn-gman: mind blown.
  • 9 0
 @rebel12: I second that for city riding, these people drive like they want to kill you. Sometimes a few seconds and hearing it makes a huge difference.
  • 40 17
 I don't see anything wrong with a party train and someone speakering it out... It doesn't bother me a bit, I don't ride with music or headphones, tried a few times, like to hear things I'm about to hit or going to hit me... but I am also not all sensitive about other folks having a good time, not like I follow them down the trail all up in their business. Relax and have a good time, or don't be jealous of others having one at least...
  • 13 4
 I like you
  • 4 0
 Yeah man, it only seems to account for normal XC / enduro (whatever you call mountain biking these days), for which I would never use them. But for a diet jam / skatepark, nothing beats tunes to ride to, it’s a must. So it’s very much tuned to the situation. Party on and each to their own!
  • 2 2
 Great perpective, and that's how I feel about it too. I love headphones in on my solo rides, and one particular friend of mine loves to bring the speaker for group "party rides". I think it's a great time rocking out to tunes in a group, and I don't get all worked up if it's some other group doing the rocking out. give it 5 minutes and they're out of ear shot anyway.
  • 2 2
 Surprised I had to scroll this far to find somebody not ready to roll on somebody for listening to music! I’m not ashamed to say it - no music no ride for me. If my brain isn’t impaired by the noise of something loud I’m not really feeling it. When you really start trucking nothing is loud enough to drown out the noise of the trail, which I’m actively trying to do. I struggle to imagine how people are so shut off to their surroundings with or without music, seems more an issue with ignorance than strictly listening to some tunes.
It’ll be easy for others to dismiss this “yeah right” but I pull em every time we stop, just hit play when we drop, keep the volume low on climbs (or off) when we’re talking about how intolerant people can be. I don’t think it impacts my mates when we ride too much. We used to ride totally deaf when out riding snowboards, we still had a good time together.
  • 18 3
 I think riding a bike - especially while commuting or in the city, yikes! - is far more dangerous for you and others if you have headphones on. You can't be aware of vehicles, humans, animals, falling rocks or trees, etc. and here you are, a vulnerable object at speed, ready to be crushed. Don't do it. Ever.
  • 2 1
 In many countries it's illegal to ride with headphones or IEMs just for those reasons.
  • 3 4
 I find I can't hear cars, bikes etc if I'm NOT wearing my headphones as the wind noise drowns everything else out.
  • 3 1
 @panaphonic: the physics totally checks out.
  • 17 4
 I've never understood people who seemingly have to listen to music during everything they do?

Blasting music on a bluetooth speaker is disrepectful to everyone around you. Riding with headphones in isolates you from your surroundings and can be downright dangerous. I don't see the appeal.
  • 1 0
 I don’t understand it either but if people wanna ride with headphones it’s their choice. Mostly it depends on the place and style. Hucking it DH ... it doesn’t make much difference until your too close. No one is about to hear anyone else inside a FF on a DH track with or without. On a mild XC type trail then it might depend on available passing (or not) .. climbing a fire road ?.
Speakers ... should be confined to DJ and such.. and to be fair when I go to DJ even though the music is usually decades too new for me and not something I’d ever listen to it does seem appropriate (ish)
  • 14 0
 I ride with a speaker but only by myself because of the unreal bear population in my area. I hate bear bells and I have to make noise somehow...
  • 5 0
 Agree, speakers over bear bells anyday.
  • 4 0
 @Kitejumping: Listen to enough bad 70s/80s 'classic rock', and you get both tunes and (cow)bells - problem solved Wink
  • 8 0
 I only do it when climbing logging roads, and usually only one earphone in. On the trails I's rather hear oncoming riders/hikers
  • 1 0
 Same here. I feel like my balance is off if I ride DH with earbuds as well.
  • 7 1
 I’m not a fan of amplified music on the trail. You don’t want to listen to my shitty playlist and I don’t want to hear yours! Unplug, disconnect from the silicon obsession and ride! Earbuds can also be annoying if you catch someone from behind who is zoned out and holding me up.
  • 4 0
 Shout really loudly at them.

I used to see people walking in the middle of the cycle route day in day out, same ones with big beats by dr Dre headphones. It’s a sign for people not to engage with them or talk to them, but as they were in the way and dangerously unaware, I used to shout MORNING!!! Really loud every day and make the jump out of their skin, still too dumb to learn...
  • 1 1
 So wait the 3 mins so you can't hear them anymore?
  • 6 1
 No, I don't listen to music while riding.

And to echo some of the others, I find it rude, and dangerous (both for the listener, and for the passerby) to use headphones while in the woods/ on the trails/ Etc.: I prefer to be able to hear what is going on around me, and I expect that other trail users can hear MY warnings. I can't tell you how many times I have called out to a fellow rider, or a walker/ runner as overtake them, only to have them FREAK out as I pass because they had ear buds in. Once a woman nearly knocked me over as she flailed in fear at my "surprise" passing.
  • 5 1
 I would love to ride with music, when I snowboard music in effect removing a sense increases my awareness of my edges and the handful of times I've biked with headphones I found a similar effect with getting my tires. But bears, moose, cougars, and other trail users require that I have all my senses for safety. Maybe if I rode at the resort I'd use headphones.
  • 1 0
 *feeling my tires
  • 2 0
 Yeah man, skiing to some Maiden or a bit of Dragonforce makes me go Uber quick!
:-)
  • 4 1
 @cunning-linguist: dragonforce...oh man, that brings me back to some funny times in college

I simply can’t get excited about resort skiing without music...but when shit gets real I’m usually going in dry.

Always ride local trails with headphones...never had an incident in 10yrs, well not one that had anything to do with headphones.

Music is a part of the fun for me...and definitely need either some good tunes or a podcast/audiobook for lengthy grindy climbs; they’re unbearable for me otherwise.

Only place I don’t have headphones in would be in a bike park I don’t know very well..or riding with buddies of course, though sometimes we’ll dial in to the same part of same song so we’re all bombing together haha

On a loud speaker though? Nah that’s just obnoxious
  • 15 11
 Eh, bluetooth speaker on the backpack shoulder strap, usually on the lowest volume next to my non-traffic side ear, for the 3mi climb up to the local trail system.
Higher tempo songs or belly-laughing Bodega Boys on soundcloud for cadence on the climb.
Synth beats to give trail rides an 8-bit video game feel
Akira Yamaoka's Silent Hill soundtrack and some 80's goth for the doom-fog dawn patrol
Flamenco Guitar / Rodrigo & Gabrielle for flowy singletrack
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass' Zorba the Greek on repeat for intervals
WuGazi for grinding fire roads
Slayer's Reign in Blood for when I come across endurbros that looks super serious about being serious out on the trails
Silence / Nature / Hub & tire buzz for rides I choose not to have music
  • 2 1
 We should be riding together
  • 5 1
 When riding trails solo, I enjoy riding both with and without headphones, depending on my mood. I usually listen to podcasts, but occasionally I'll just listen to music. I use my on-ear bluetooth headphones that don't block out as much of the environment as buds or over-the ear headphones and they have the controls on them so I can pause and adjust volume. When commuting on the street, I'll usually just throw a single earbud in my right ear, so I can still hear any traffic coming up on me.
  • 6 0
 I like it when climbing up fire roads (Good music motivates me almost as much as chassing ebikers). Never on downhills.
  • 5 2
 On my ride yesterday there was this guy listening to music with his headphones in. That itself didn't bother me that much but it would've been really nice if he wouldn't be singing along to whatever tunes he was listening to. Could hear him from miles away...
  • 9 4
 So what?
  • 1 0
 What was he singing?
  • 8 3
 Ehh I think it's kinda cool being at a trail center and hearing music fade in, seeing a pack of people shred a line, then the music fading off into the distance.
  • 3 0
 There is a rhythm to my riding and there is a rhythm to the music (with a constantly changing pace, for the music I like to listen to). Either these don't match or the music would dominate the rhythm of my riding, which I don't want. And the music obviously won't adapt to my riding either. I love music and I love riding, but it is no good match for me.
  • 5 0
 Idiots with speakers need to fucking DIE! Idiots with earbuds never hear you yelling at them to get fuck out of the way.....and must DIE as well!
  • 5 0
 There are alot of bears in my area and I almost hit one in the middle of the trail a couple months ago so now when i'm riding in those areas I use a speaker
  • 3 0
 There’s a dude I see on a fat bike literally every time I ride in a certain area. He’s always got a speaker on, usually Grateful Dead, but not very loud. I find it impossible to hate him for it ‘cause he rides everything on a rigid steel fat bike and he’s chill af, always smiling, he follows trail etiquette, even always says “have a great ride.”

This is 100% unlike every other trail-douche I see with a speaker. Why do you need to turn up your crap music in the woods? Why would you? Nature is pretty damn silent, and you’re aurally shitting on everything else in the vicinity. Wear headphones or turn it down, you self-centered f*cks. Also, get off my damn lawn.
  • 3 0
 Please keep the blaring Bluetooth speakers out of the woods. They're annoying enough in the city. People have been going in to bear and cougar country for years without Bluetooth speakers and coming out just fine. I get it, you like music. Me too. A forest just isn't the place for it. I don't really understand this desire to either always be talking or always have some noise... Try disconnecting. You might just like it.
  • 2 0
 Yes, every ride, but I only use 1 headphone. The only times I ride with 2 are on training rides on fire roads where I don't have to worry about other people needing to ask to pass. I don't understand those with 2 headphones in. It's not safe.
  • 6 0
 I can’t imagine anything sounding better than tires hitting the dirt.
  • 2 5
 Metallica and tires hitting the dirt
  • 1 2
 @keller1052:
Lol. Enter
Sandman when I hit the dirt.
  • 5 0
 Your Metallica is other people's Rick Astley.
  • 5 0
 I use a speaker, but only on gravel grinds to get to the goods, and only if there is no one around.
  • 2 2
 Thank you for being considerate of others!
  • 6 2
 I can't stand when people have head phones in on the trail. I dont care if you're a biker, hiker, or equestrian you need be aware of other trail users.
  • 2 0
 I like it for long training slogs as it helps me keep my pace. Don't do it at times that I ever expect to see someone in the trails (if I see 2 people out riding, its a busy day).

But usually prefer the sound of tires trying to keep a grip over loose rock
  • 2 0
 During the week when I'm limited on time I will just my grab my road bike (with mountain bike handlebars of course) and go for a quick spin on side roads or those with little traffic with my earbuds. The other day my ipod wasn't working so I went without. It was probably one of the most enjoyable rides on my road bike in a long time. Felt secure and very aware of my surroundings. The only time I will wear them in the future is at the gym.
  • 2 0
 I tried snowboarding with headphones once; what a horrible feeling not hearing the edges on the snow, and how scketchy when encountering ice (you can hear it before you feel it).
As per mtb I haven't even tried, listen to the forest and the tyres is way better. I understand it if you're riding alone, or in a quiet place, but no way with other riders/hikers around.
For commuting is just stupid.
  • 4 0
 I hate listening to music! I want to hear what my bike is riding over, what it’s doing below me and I want to know my surroundings
  • 4 0
 Usually I get the last song I heard on the car radio stuck in my head - I switched from easy listening - Barbara Streisand,was ruining my rides.
  • 2 0
 Never. I prefer listening to the wind and birds and rushing water. And me sucking air as I labour to the top. Plus we have cougars and bears where I ride and I'd hate for one to creep up on me while I'm rocking out to The Backstreet Boys.
  • 3 1
 I use headphones while riding solo on the trails, and in the city on the commute. I dont crank em too loud, and can always hear whats happening around me. Just some background tunes to help me stay out there for longer and not get caught up with my own sometimes depressive thoughts. Keeps me riding longer, so ill keep em thanks
  • 2 0
 9/10 days I just want to hear the nature, tires on dirt, etc. - music is more conducive to a sesh environment anyway than a normal trail ride. Especially backcountry. Plus, if I'm really getting after it on a downhill I've stopped listening to the music anyway after a few turns. If I'm by myself and I really want to get amped before a downhill I'll listen to a song or maybe just the sick riffs to get the blood pumping before I drop in.

There was **one** day last season where I listened to earbuds for my whole morning ride. It was super fun for some of the flowy rhythm sections but I completely missed two people warning me about a rattlesnake up ahead. I courteously stopped on the trail and let two hikers pass, but they stopped and said something to me that, at the time, I assumed was a normal "good morning, thanks for stopping" exchange. My dumbass just smiled and replied "good morning, have a good one" since I couldn't hear what they said. Quarter mile later - rattlesnake. Never used earbuds on the trail since. If it's a lame fire road climb I'll stick my phone in a pocket close to my head on low volume, then I turn it off if I see anyone around. Bike park is one thing, but no one should be playing music on speakers on singletrack - leave the radio in the car.
  • 2 0
 if your are out in the Desert 20 miles away from the next person you can blast music through your speaker as much as you want but if you are on an anyways too crowded trail close to a metropolitan area like LA or SF that's not acceptable.

Use headphones or go ride (or hike) down the stairs in the mall if you can't live without constant bombardment of noise but the trails are the only quite and natural place many of us have to relax and ride after a long hectic day in the city. Trails should be place away from the noise...

Btw, i know everyone's taste is different but in my opinion the worst is actually not music on a speaker, its Drake on a speaker. No that's not music Wink
  • 2 0
 If I have music I cannot hear the dirt hitting the trees after roosting a corner. Also it would cover up the brap I make with my mouth on every jump...... must be a timing thing didn't realise I did it on every jump until I wore a go pro and watched it back.
  • 2 0
 Used to ride with earbuds. Ate total shit once when phone rang and scared the beejezus out of me. Realized quite painfully that music was distracting from the riding experience. Haven't used them since. I love the sounds of nature as well as me and my bike getting effen rad on dirt. Total zen experience! Unplug and enjoy ALL of what is happening around you!
  • 2 0
 Can't imagine how someone could ride whilst listening to Disturbed, Slayer absolutely for sure. Disturbed's all too "wuukkaa wuukkaa chuukkaa buukkaa aaaaawwwwwooooowwwww" you'd swear your fork/shock/tyres are having a meltdown.
  • 1 0
 I always listen music but on certain situations... when commuting to work (road riding with some little flat trail shaped shortcut here and there) and when going uphill (only on roads) during my enduro laps on the hills.

Mostly because I care about another rider yelling at me to clear the trail...
  • 1 0
 I tried earbuds on a relatively empty trail enjoyed the music but earbuds started popping out as I got going on the downhill sections realized as much as I love music I need to hear another biker atv or dirt biker coming at me
  • 1 0
 I think there is a lot of people who anser those polls influenced by the words above, myself included. Most likely the answers to the poll are pretty similar to what the introduction above suggests people to think. I now try to first answer the poll, then read the words the editor has to say about the topic and then see it as some kind of an inspiration what i can do better in my life. That way I can be more onest to myself and I can see things I usually would try to avoid to see.
  • 5 1
 I like to hear the rubber of my tires scream for mercy... best soundtrack ever.
  • 5 2
 How am I suppose to hear if riders are approaching behind me if I have dang headphones in? Completely irresponsible to ride with headphones.
  • 4 0
 The headphoned riders I see commuting or trail biking can't ride worth a good goddamn.
  • 1 0
 If I ride with headphones in mountain biking it throws off my equilibrium and also I cant hear my tires start to slip so I never ride MTB with music/headphones. BUT when I hop on the rode bike for training I always have headphones/music!
  • 1 0
 id like to but i think headphones are unsafe on road and on mtb you should be aware of your surroundings. i sometime listen to phone on speaker when theres nobidy around me and i mute it when someone passes me (because i hate others music too) id like to try headphones like aftershokz
  • 1 0
 Headphones in while doing a turbo sesh or blaring in the car on the way to the trails to get me pumped but when I'm riding it's either chit chatting with my buddies cos I don't see them enough without wives or kids being around or if I'm on my own just enjoy the serenity of the wilderness.
  • 5 0
 yeh i love listening music while riding... there called hope hubs
  • 1 0
 I never listen to music when riding but I find the trail I'm on gives me earworms that bounce around my brain! I find hard climbs often gets Salt'n'Pepa's "Push it' or 'Straight up' by Paula Abdul in my noggin as I try to work harder.
Why I rarely get good song in there, I have no idea...

That did happen when I climbed 'Into The Mystic' a few weeks back and couldn't get Van Morrison out of my head for the entire climb!
  • 1 0
 I'll play music through my phone speaker when I'm riding solo and there's really nobody else on the trail, like a Tuesday at 10am and no signs of people at the trail head. Pocket the phone where I can easily turn the volume down if I encounter others, typically a chest pocket, and turned up just enough for me to hear, and only for the climb. Willie Nelson "One Step Beyond" is a great album to climb to, or maybe some King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard "Flying Microtonal Banana" if more motivation is needed. No sense in playing music for descents or flowing single-track or when riding with friends.
  • 1 0
 I like listening to music during the climb to help break the endless mental monologue. Once I'm at the top, I usually find myself present in the moment; the earbuds go into a pocket and I focus on the sounds of the trail without my brain trying to rehash the day or whatever.

In groups, I find its usually hard to both talk to each other and maintain a higher heartrate. Might as well fan out, then put the music away when you regroup.
  • 3 0
 Usually always have music..... In one ear only,and at minimal sound level .
Need to be able to hear that stick in the derailure/dog chasing me/ hippy trying to pass ect...
  • 1 0
 On mtb nature is all the music I need. On my Bmx in the skatepark however I always ride with headphones. The explaination would be that as im riding mtb the level of focus is much higer because riding in the wild is just wild, man. Shit naturaly changes. Concrete and wooden skateparks, not as much. I just find my lines an go.
  • 7 6
 Wow. What a bunch of irritable donkeys! If someone rides past with some tunes blasting(crappy or not) and that makes them happy then whatever. We all need to be more tolerant of others preferences and right to experience things as they want....plus my music is f^%$ing awesome so suck it up.
  • 3 2
 No
  • 1 0
 Headphones: RIGHT EAR ONLY!!!

I love music while riding.

I need to know if my bike starts making weird noises or if someone wants to pass on singletrack. (Also cars on roads)

I haaaaate when I'm trying to pass and dickwad won't pull over cause they can't hear me.

So yeah, one earbud only. For your safety and mine.
  • 1 0
 I listened to music while riding bikes the last 12 years and stopped doing that this spring, because my ipod stopped working a few times. now i think it's cooler and more fun to ride enduro and trails without music. when doing xc laps i'm still listening to music, but with a low volume.
  • 1 0
 Jaybird X3. Reliving that Pinkbike video moment with that rad soundtrack hoping to mimic that kind of riding. Expectation vs Reality.
Sometimes I just plug in and not playing any music.
When a call comes thru and the caller asks me where am I? I'll answer with some Claudio's track commentary. Kik kik kik.
  • 1 0
 For years I had to have music when riding. At some point I didn't have headphones that worked or fit in my helmet and had to ride without for a little while. Its been a few years now since riding with music. I've tried but I no longer like it.
  • 2 1
 I must be weird bc I seem to be the only one who sees other riders dh wayyy before I hear them, and I always rock headphones and still hear people behind me. I guess I'm just lucky bc 15 years of riding and I've never had a crash due to music in spite of all the posts talking about how reckless it is. I also could really care less about the 3 seconds I'm exposed to someone's speaker passing by. It must suck to constantly have your ride ruined by that.
  • 1 0
 I like to have a bit of background music but I hate not being able to hear people around me. I use bone conduction headphones so I can hear the music in my head but my ears dont have anything inside them so I can hear everyone and everything around me. Also no one else can hear it so it doesnt bother anyone.
  • 1 0
 Ear bud right ear only on road to hear traffic in the states, left ear in Australia! Still one ear bud on trail... I mean, a bear could be charging you from behind or you could get a mechanical so having one ear unplugged keeps you aware of the external enviro and the other keeps the jams rolling so you can imagine your in a sick pinkbike video shredding the gnar. ????
  • 2 1
 Helmet speakers, I can hear music to help turn my brain off and relax and ride. But can also still hear what’s going on around me because they aren’t noise canceling headphones. And no one else has to hear a blasting speaker. Win win in my opinion
  • 1 0
 Even Though I really enjoy Snowboarding with music which is now pretty much a necessity, I am the complete opposite with riding my bike. I need to hear the bike and the surrounding. In a way, it's the Bike creating the music, the compression of the suspension, the brakes, the rear hub and the noise the tires make on different surfaces is really a big part of riding a bike. I think a movie that really capture this was Life Cycle...I never get sick of watching it and it must be because it sounds just like when I am riding my bike...
  • 1 0
 Only reasons I don't have headphones in is firstly because I like to be able to hear the noises the bike makes, gives me reassurance in mechanical function / safety and secondly ( while trail riding) it keeps me more aware of bears/moose to be able to hear.
  • 2 0
 I only listen to music on the really long fire road climbs. It is nice to have a distraction from the grind. Never on singletrack though.
  • 4 0
 Only while climbing...my buddies like it too.
  • 1 0
 I’m recording my Hope and Halo hubs so if I ever have to use a hub without music I will feel at home.
Now all it takes is a lottery win and someone to make a way to ditch the loose bearings and I’ll be XTR all the way.
  • 1 1
 I never ride without music, Bluetooth earbuds installed in helmet. Speakers and douchy, being that my tunes are in my
Helmet has nothing to do with anyone else.
Plus I don’t want to hear the pain and suffering that my bike is going through as I pound park laps.
  • 6 2
 Only when riding in the city or on fire roads
  • 2 1
 I don't ride with headphones for the same reason you wouldn't drive your car with headphones. Speakers are ok for dirt jumps or the skate park but I wouldn't be caught dead on the trails with one.
  • 2 1
 Head phones, but only when solo on uphill fireroads. Was recently in Park City, and people had them on on two way single track. I personally think that is a disaster waiting to happen.
  • 1 0
 I love the sound of trail, traction and semi-traction make awesome music. I use to play music everywhere and all the time so I understand and try not to care when 'they' ride by making noise pollution.
  • 3 0
 ride around bears a lot.. i play music through my phone speaker for the climbs when alone
  • 1 0
 I feel like listening to headphones in areas with bears/moose is a good way to get mauled/trampled. I’d rather hear the angry moose with calves running up behind me while I’m taking a drink of water.
  • 2 0
 Unplug as far as possible, but MAN it gets at me off when people invade the outdoors with their choice of bad tunes strapped to their bars. Revel in the moment!
  • 1 1
 i don't know,seems like listening to favorite jambs would be helpful in putting game face on,probably not for race runs,especially how rythmic mtn biking is,might help beginners to remember to pump the legs and be more relaxed,
  • 1 0
 I like riding with my AirPods,makes me push harder on the rides ,but when going down fast I put them off cause they can let you unfocus,it’s almost like riding with a full face helmet ,it will make the terrain look easy
  • 2 0
 Whats really annoying is the speaker user always has the must annoying shitty music playing. If I rolled up on some sweet jam grass I'd probably throw up the deuces!!
  • 3 0
 Headphones and faster than me, no problem. Slower than me, you're a jerk. Same with dogs.
  • 1 1
 If I wear earphones, I'll only leave one side in but lately I've just been using my phone and keeping the volume low when riding solo. I definitely am not one to carry one of those portable speakers and listen full blast like I've seen many times but it honestly doesn't bother me unless they can't hear me.
  • 1 1
 Sometimes my group does party rides where we use a speaker. It makes it fun. All riding together and listening to the same music is fun. This is only done if the trail is clear of people and for short periods on the ride. ultimately its all situational. there's a time and place for everything. If you like headphones be considerate. Use them when riding you're alone and be aware of other riders. If you use a speaker make sure that you're not forcing your music on others. Overall don't let it take away from your riding and time with other people. and don't let it inconvenience others.
  • 1 0
 Good ol' Dillinger Escape Plan in my headphones when uphill. Gives me the powaaaah!!! No music for the downhill, but those guys still scream in my head, good mix with the noise of my bike achin'...
  • 3 0
 I listen to speaker when im alone digging in the woods, not while riding tho.
  • 3 1
 You may pass good sir.
  • 3 0
 Keep your shitty music to yourself....no one wants to hear your gay Marron 5 in the woods
  • 1 0
 My riding friends like to play music on a speaker on the transitions from stage to stage at enduro races. Other than that we don't because we the only trails around us are multi-use, and hikers don't like bikers.
  • 1 0
 Ive never even thought to listen to music while biking. However im listening to Alice In Chains new album Rainier Fog at this very moment, and for what its worth its a freeking good album.
  • 1 0
 I prefer to just listen to music while pedaling up, going down having the sound of the bike with me helps me understand some of my riding and what I'm doing right and wrong. Tire sound is really helpful
  • 1 0
 Sometimes i play some dance music with my phone's speaker when I'm facing a big climb on tarmac/gravel so I get distracted from the suffering hahaha never do it in the woods tho
  • 1 0
 I bought a hope wheelset intentionally for the loud hub noise...just to drown it out with ear buds that blare industrial metal music. Then I try awkwardly to greet others as I pass by them.
  • 4 2
 I usually just throw rocks at the music listeners when I need to get their attention.
  • 2 2
 I'll use the speaker on my phone while going downhill. I feel like its more noise for other to hear...and wildlife. Running into a moose gives me a heart attack every time. Utah probs.
  • 1 1
 And someone with no humor downvoted...
  • 2 0
 I like to ride with music. I use one head phone and i dont turn it up to loud so i can still hear whats going on around me
  • 1 0
 I like podcasts for the climbs, and music on the downhill, but I only ride with one earbud in so I can hear what's happening around me.
  • 1 0
 In New York City the cops will stop you and ticket you if you have both headphones in your ears while riding. Speakers reign supreme in the streets haha.
  • 4 0
 With one earbud in only.
  • 1 0
 yes! single earbud, and only while climbing, which around here can be hours...still get stoked from sweet jams, and still can hear whats happening. People that ride with both earbuds in are idiots.
  • 3 0
 Podcasts for repeated gravel climbs only.
  • 1 0
 Agreed!
  • 3 0
 i bump supernaut by sabbath from the truck before dropping in only.
  • 1 0
 @billymac1770
You've got damn good taste sir! I guarantee I've rolled up to the trailhead with Volume 4 in my stereo a time or two...
  • 2 0
 The occasional boring quiet road section in the middle of nowhere on my own I might slap some Bob marley on
  • 2 1
 May seem weird but I listen to books while I ride, especially longer grinds. Doesn’t reduce awareness the way music seems to, and I get to kill two birds with one stone.
  • 2 0
 Stop drowning out the silence of my new XTR Scylence freehub with your shitty music!
  • 1 0
 I’m so waiting for the aftermarket products for Scyience ...
  • 3 0
 Only when doing long climbs then take it out at the top
  • 3 0
 Podcasts only, one earbud, only when solo.
  • 1 1
 I definitely would if I found a good set of earbuds that fit comfortably inside my Giro Cipher full face. Tried some laps at Whistler with em in but the pain started real quick
  • 1 1
 Headphones every ride every time solo or group, provides focus and less expended energy not hearing my huffing and puffing...,would never use speaker find it very disrespectful to others on trail....
  • 2 2
 I dont mind speakers. Sometimes people bring one on the big group rides that they do around here. When you have 15-20 people in a group, silence and nature just isn't an option...why not have some classic rock going?
  • 1 0
 Personally I usually don't listen to music and just enjoy the outdoors, but with really sucky fire road climbs sometimes you just need some Bon Jovi to enjoy the ride
  • 2 0
 How everybody and I supposed to hear all my dirt bike mouth noises if we’re all listening to music?
  • 1 0
 I'll listen to headphones for a climb, never when it matters. I'd prefer you run speakers in the city, so I can sing along.
  • 1 0
 Not while riding trails or dh but at the skate park, dirt jumps or street when I'm not around cars or people I rock the buds !
  • 1 0
 Only headphones, only occasion, when solo. People who use speakers should go ride in traffic, f off with that noise in the forest.
  • 1 0
 How could anyone mountain bike without being able to hear what the tires and bike are doing? Seems like that would make for a lot of crashes.
  • 2 0
 If you have headphones in, please only use one so you can hear when someone is behind you...
  • 1 0
 Had a big crash listening to Van Halen. Can’t listen to Van Halen anymore. I feel like this was the worlds way of telling me I shouldn’t listen to Van Halen.
  • 1 0
 Long training rides, road rides, occasionally on fire road climbs. I only run on in my right ear and at low volume, it’s mostly background noise.
  • 1 0
 I'd love to listen to music while riding, but it hurts my head... Trying to put down the power going up hill, I cant even hear the music over the pain!
  • 2 0
 Nothing annoys me more than a riding buddy not being able to hear me because he's got music blasting in his ears.
  • 1 0
 Depends on what I'm riding, and if I'm riding with people or not... Race Prep, Solo Park Laps, and XC then music in... Anything else probably no music.
  • 2 0
 Lost 4 friends because of earphones. I love music but not at this cost. Unplugged always.
  • 1 0
 I have used aftershokz while climbing. DH never - I want to hear others over my loud hubs. That's either to let them pass or so I can hear people for various other reasons.
  • 1 0
 I ride by myself 99% of the time. I rarely listen to music but I always listen to podcasts and audiobooks. It sure makes the uphills less obnoxious.
  • 1 0
 No,..it is wrong on 2way blind trails. Go play in traffic on the road with your ear buds. You will fit in well with the drivers who text.
  • 1 0
 Where I ride we have trees falling all the time so no music for me plus I like to hear nature.
  • 1 0
 I find turning up the volume magically makes all the creaks and rattles from my bike go away.
  • 2 0
 Sweet friday night fights is back
  • 1 0
 Lol.
  • 1 0
 distance rides = music by headphones, downhill = no music because I want to hear my tyres for sounds of slipping ect
  • 2 1
 I rely too much on my sense of hearing and sound to give it up to what would amount to a distraction (for me).
  • 1 0
 Non-e-bikes riders can just duct tape the speaker to the handlebar. That's good too.
  • 1 1
 I used to listen to the earther soundtrack, that was my playlist for about 5 years, then I learnt to ride without music and it got even better
  • 4 3
 this article really helps reinforce how cool and socially correct we all are. thanks!
  • 2 0
 The only song I need is the buzz of the hidden motor in my seat tube Wink
  • 2 0
 Only on the climb. Never on the descent.
  • 1 0
 Only for the downs and only one headphone in so I can hear if there is someone behind.
  • 1 0
 Everybody (who wants to) use bone conduction headphones. Put the volume as high as you want. Boom : everybody is happy.
  • 1 1
 Other Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I do what I feel like in a free country an if people have have a problem with that that they can FK off an deal with it
  • 1 0
 The real question is what is Tracey Hannah listening to??? Beyonce? Slayer? Neal DeGrass Tyson?
  • 1 0
 Many times, when I cycled through foreign country and couldn't speak their language 2000km all alone
  • 1 0
 well its feels like so f**D to have a system of a down when you crash .....
  • 2 1
 If you ride while listening to Bodywork by Pusha T, Juicy J, Meek mill and French Montana you will ride 25%faster. Trust me
  • 1 0
 Only on longer rides on my lonesome, UK Hardcore all the time! Keep that cadence up!
  • 2 0
 I'll have earphones in on the way up, always take them out on the down.
  • 1 0
 Cross country I use My Treks aftershox bone conducting headphones. My ears are wide open. When I ride DH I do not.
  • 1 0
 I bike alone with blue tooth earbuds and sometimes the bears can probably hear me singing. Peaceful and enjoyable..
  • 2 0
 I listen to headphones on the road bike, but never in the woods
  • 2 0
 Speaker on solo rides is a great way to keep bears away
  • 1 0
 Earbud in the right ear, left ear open for other trail folks, cars and mtn kitties.
  • 1 0
 same.
  • 2 0
 What? Am I the only one who has a soundtrack playing in my head?
  • 1 0
 Right on brother!
  • 1 0
 I listen for cougars and black bears,but ya the sounds of shredding nature are enough. Battery life should be better by now!
  • 1 0
 Music/podcasts on the way up when I'm riding solo. And always silence on the way down
  • 1 0
 Riding BMW I'll wear headphones - DH bike, not a chance. Need the feedback from the bike
  • 1 0
 No I dont and I hate those Douche Speakers blasting douche shit so called music.
  • 1 0
 I’m offended you put disturbed in the same sentence with Slayer. For Christ’s sake have some dignity.
  • 1 0
 I wear headphones while I’m climbing, i pedal with the beat of the drums and it keeps my mind off how out of shape I am
  • 1 0
 chillax bros and ride your freaking bikes.. let people do what they want to do, its not a personal assault against you
  • 1 0
 I listen trough phone speaker while i´m riding solo. No animals or humans armed with slipknot \m/
  • 1 0
 When Bikepacking, alone: yes music on speaker
Every other occasion(mtb/training/track/with others): no music.
  • 1 0
 Full time whistling some random song. Kids shows are the worst though.
  • 1 0
 Only when fatbiking in the snow in winter!
  • 1 0
 I do with bone conducting headphones so I can still hear
  • 1 0
 Use speaker when mt biking if bear sightings have been frequent.
  • 1 0
 Where is the spotify pinkbike playlist?
  • 4 3
 sounds like a.... session
  • 1 0
 Yes crunchy snow, crispy loam and squishy mud.
  • 1 0
 Only with one earbud in, when I'm riding alone, and only on the climbs.
  • 1 0
 Just my i9's clickin and clackin
  • 1 0
 As long as it's not Slayer I am playing I will be safe.
  • 1 0
 Only for the uphill when I am riding by myself
  • 1 0
 Where is the f*ck NO option?
  • 1 0
 Massive Attack Mezzanine when I shred.
  • 1 0
 This thread is just pitted, like so pitted.
  • 1 0
 Yes, with speaker but only while road biking
  • 1 0
 When I commute, because its so boring!
  • 1 0
 I used too. Then snapped a rear derailleur and cost me £50
  • 1 0
 One headphone in one ear, the other ear I can hear my surroundings
  • 2 3
 Always ride with music, have been using over the ear headphones for a while now. Also use a timberbell.
  • 2 1
 Don’t be stupid
  • 1 2
 In Jackson Wyoming you want to hear the moose, bears, and Mtn. lions in your vicinity.
  • 5 7
 Commuting or city riding with headphones always, NEVER on the trails.
  • 4 1
 I like to hear the screech of the car tires skidding towards me in the city. Or the dealers shouting "Chuneed?" Being deprived of a crucial sense seems victim to me.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: if you know what you are doing on the streets you shouldn't be in that situation lol. but you cant see whats coming on a tight blind corner on a trail, but you can hear it.
  • 1 0
 I can't imagine not being able to hear the traffic while commuting. Classic Darwin situation.
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