Ok, first offload the disclaimer, I just got back from a pre-Christmas meal/do so excuse typos etc. I just checked my e mails (so I wouldn’t waste time checking before pre-work gym session) and I got an e mail from Active.com selling **Pearl Izumi’s MP3/Bluetooth-Enabled Cycling Bib Short! **
Now this product might be targeting the gym based stationary bike market (but there is no mention of it on the post) but I think actively ( pun subliminally intended) promoting this product is inviting accidents or just plain irresponsible.
It’s bad enough hearing about the large number of deaths and accidents that occur without someone making it easier to use the mp3 whilst riding and adding to the figures. WTF are we doing people?
I have kept my ipods but only listen to them when I am not riding or running. It’s too dodgy otherwise, as you can’t hear what is happening around you. Computer games are not my thing, I’d rather read a good book.
I would have agreed totally a couple of years ago, but I use my ipod when I am cycling home from work in the winter, the ride is all on cycle paths with approx 1m (3ft) of grass between me and the cars and there are very few junctions etc for a couple of hours. You can’t hear anything with a your ears covered and a helmet anyway from the wind noise!
However, who in their right mind would pay that much for an mp3 player that you have to put in the washing machine every time you use it and can only use when wearing cycling shorts? I’d rather have something I can use on the train without being stared at!
I use my MP3 player everytime I go biking except up Mingus Mtn (13 mile climb at about 6 mph) and my short climb day in town (6 1mile climbs in Sedona). All my other rides are out to the west, into the middle of nowhere, on a 4 lane divided highway with a 12 foot wide bike shoulder separated from the roadway with “rumble strips”.
I can’t hear the cars anyway, with or with the head phones. They are traveling at 65 miles per hour coming from behind. I have no idea what a car sounds like as it approaches you from behind, just before it hits you. So I’d have no idea whether he will hit me or not, so I don’t look back and don’t even worry about.
I’ve been hit once by a car that sideswiped me from behind on a narrow city street in Tampa, FL. Never heard him coming, didn’t know he would hit me and wasn’t wearing headphones. He didn’t stop either : )
I’ll continue to wear my MP3 player where I’m separated from traffic by a huge shoulder, and “rumble strips”.
Might be opening up another ipod while riding thread, but given time of year people might be too busy to get all worked up again over the issue. If I recall the last thread on the subject went on for quiet a while! Me I cant listen to music while training, even while indoors, I dont like to be distracted from feeling the burn!
On the subject of ipods and podcasting - gather EII’s speech will be podcasted. Got to find my self a copy, with a cup of tea and a digestive, it will almost feel like home!
Will be hooking up with Khai for a couple of rides starting sunday. Have a good one.
I missed the prior thread as well and was thinking the same thing…I gave up my nano for a PlayStation 3 however.
Do you have the controls built into your aerobars…how does that work? I wonder if I can mount a Wii on my bike…?
I have no idea what a car sounds like as it approaches you from behind, just before it hits you. So I’d have no idea whether he will hit me or not, so I don’t look back and don’t even worry about.
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Paul, try to imagine either screeching brakes, the sound of tyres losing traction or a over revving engine. These would be some of the indications, though not if it is inentional.
I won’t ride off road with music in my ears as it affects one’s balance and remember not all dangers are from cars.
Hey Simon, got a glass of port and your slippers ready for the Queen’s speech? LOL.
I only listen to my ipod on the turbo or in gym, where it’s as close to a controlled environment as one can get. It’s take too much of one’s concentration away to external influences out of doors. I’m off for a two hour off road solo ride over the purbeck hills now and another with my mechanic tomorrow morning (party hangover permitting).
Ahhh, good old port, I love that stuff, wonderful flavor. A buddy of mine turned me on to it years ago, quite potent as well. Gave a glass to a friend who is a Guinness devotee, even he felt it’s kick.
Quite so, Tom. I think they should have marketed them directly at the spinning market. Thatsaid you would still get some people crossing over onto the open road with them. Sadly, I think they are an accident waiting to happen.
