Ipod's and MTB's: is it a good thing?

[STP]

Let's hear your thought's on this, as this is a subject that has been on my mind for awhile. I notice that more and more riders are 'plugged in' on the rides and even races.

I think that it'd be very nice to have your favorite tunes playing, while you're riding, but my opinion is that there are some serious concerns and I believe, what you can hear on the trail, can save your behind.

The variety of sounds that can make a difference on a ride are pretty important (to me at least). Here are some examples

1. That vrooming sound you hear just before your tire goes suddenly flat, as the sidewall of the tire drops. I heard this from my front wheel and was able to start slowing down quickly, without loss of control.

2. The scratching noise ahead of you on the trail, that means the rider ahead of you is applying the brakes on a fast section of trail.

3. The sound of the bike behind you or coming up on you, as you hear the typical chain slap and drivetrain sounds.

I'm sure there's others. Sure I'd love to have music on the ride, but call me a purist weenie for this. When I'm out there, it's great to hear nothing at all sometimes.

[Jordansrealm]

I would think for racing this would be okay, but really isnt mountain biking about exploring the great outdoors and taking in everything it has to offer? Doesnt that also mean the sounds of nature? I also think its rude to be plugged in if you are riding with others. How about not being able to hear a large animal around you? Or the hisssssing of a snake coming up? Or your coriders warning you of an obstacle ahead? Unless I was balls to the walls pushing my heart rates limit racing I would leave it at home.

[Fired Yo Momma]

I ride with music, it pumps me up for climbs and downhills as well. I know that riding with music is kind of a at risk thing. When I am riding with a group no music.

[OMR]

This is one of those "touchy" subjects that is a matter of opinion... there's really no right or wrong. Like most, I've done both and it just depends on how I feel. I'm more apt to ride with tunes when riding alone.. especially on a long +25 mile jaunt (think Paine Divide)... music can be a welcome riding partner.

But one thing I won't do is ride with tunes when I'm riding in a group... just seems to defeat the purpose of riding in a group.

OMR

[mechmann]

agreed... very touchy subject.

one way that i have worked out to get the best of both worlds was to only use one earbud. the ear without the earbud can still hear noises. it is still not the same as no ipod as some sounds don't filter through... but on really long suffering rides an ipod can really take your mind off the pain and keep you moving instead of weeping in a fetal position on the side of the trail.

[Kid A]

ride with my ipod almost all the time. Have earphone that you can adjust vol on (keep ipod in camelback) so basically have it on playiing real low when riding with friends so we can rap, err talk and i can hear my buds, err friends and any other riders, hikers, horses, etc. if in a trail section and @ speed that allow vol pickup, merely adjust on the fly and rock out

for the most part you can be aware of your surrounding well enough while MTB (imo), that said never really use them while boarding as too many knuckleheads in the park/trails that are f'n clueless - know others (including many guys i board with) use them in snow but not for me

[Permagrin]

I don't use music when I ride or trail run. When I'm running I like to hear the solitude around me and on the bike I enjoy the noise of the tires on the dirt. I also like hearing other bikes coming up behind me so I can get out of the way if I need too.

[foofighter]

when i do use it it's when i'm by myself and I only have one ear plug in the other ear for hearing around me. Just safer that way.

[denmother]

Music helps me relax and concentrate. I use my shuffle when I ride DH. I have the headphones velcroed inside the helmet so that they are not in my ears and I can hear other sounds around me. I use my Oakley Thumps when I trail ride. Same design idea, the speakers fit on the outside of your ear. I use then on group rides too, I just turn them off when I am talking to others.

Some of you might remember back in the day when walkman's first came out, they outlawed them at ski resorts because of injuries caused by people not paying attention. That ban has since been lifted.

I think it's all about personal preference and using your best judgement.

Oh, and I use them when I run and work out!

[Pilas]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

I would think for racing this would be okay, but really isnt mountain biking about exploring the great outdoors and taking in everything it has to offer? Doesnt that also mean the sounds of nature? I also think its rude to be plugged in if you are riding with others. How about not being able to hear a large animal around you? Or the hisssssing of a snake coming up? Or your coriders warning you of an obstacle ahead? Unless I was balls to the walls pushing my heart rates limit racing I would leave it at home.

I never listen to music while I'm outside riding or running. I have plenty of opportunities to listen to my favorite songs during other times of the day.
I think that listening to music is particulary dangerous while riding on the road. I also think that listening to music while mountain biking takes away from the whole experience of enjoying the outdoors.
As far as racing, I'm not sure about the NORBA rules but I personally think that is wrong to be plugged in. During a race, you need to be very attentive not only at the course, but also at the other competitors, and that includes being able to hear and communicate with them.

[JoeTruth]

[SIZE=3]I plug in sometimes but seldom do I crank it to the point where I can't hear something or someone approaching. It all depends, I guess. If I'm riding solo, I plug in; otherwise, the shuffle stays in the pack. On climbs, I have it on but lower the volume and on the descents, I turn it up a little but not to the point where I can't hear things.
Throw in some Tool, Joy Division, R.A.T.M., S.O.A.D.,Interpol, NIN, Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Siouxie, Dead Kennedy's, Stevie Ray, Old Sabath, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Zeppelin, AC/DC (B. Scott era), NWA, Run DMC, Whodini, Dre/Snoop, Grand Master, and you're feeling real good!

Sometimes, when I'm not familiar with the turf or know there's going to be foot or rider traffic, I turn it off all together. Nothing worse then not being able to hear someone as they speak to you and if you're fortunate enough to hear them, you answer back with an obnoxiously loud voice. You sound like a retard and people look at you as if you were.

Overall, I think it's up to the individual. Personally, I enjoy sounds of nature as well as the sound of music. A happy medium works for me.

[/SIZE]

[ghixon]

When riding alone, I tend to have the ipod up and running. Group ride - leave it home.

I like to have the music going on a long ride to keep my mind occupied - A.D.D.'s a b*tch.

[nappyt]

Not sure how well this iHome Cycler works on the trail but I did get a chance to take a look at one and it seems pretty solid. I might pick one up since its only $99.

[allison]

Music on the trail is like anything else (everyone has different opinions and feelings on it). I bought a mono-bud a long time ago, and it's perfect. All the music from the iPod comes out of one earbud, leaving your other ear open to hear everything.

I've never had an issue with not being able to communicate or hear people when using mine.

Listening to an Ipod with both earbuds in at high level of sound = probably not a good idea.

I do the same thing at work. Usually I've only got one bud in and the volume is low enough that I can hear everyone else talking, phones ringing, and the intercom without any issues.

But, I'm not sure I could get through a 50mi ride with 8000+ft of climbing without *something* to keep my mind occupied for some of the time. Music helps keep you company when your climbing

[BrewMaster]

I don't ride with music. My biggest fear is the cars coming up behind me as I climb fire roads.

They have helmet with speakers in them. Not sure how good they are though. Here's one example:

Azonic Surround Sound Helmet

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I tried riding with tunes a few times but the sounds with the wind whipping wasn't good plus I found myself with something else I had to fiddle with and adjust that was distracting me from riding. Not to mention the safety issues other peeps have mentioned it's also anti-social on group rides.

Bottom line when I'm out riding it's because I want to get outdoors and enjoy nature and listening to the peace and quiet is part of why I like the great outdoors.

KeepsWhatHappens

[andino]

i ride with music sometimes...it helps on climbs and stuff as everyone mentioned above. i never have mine loud enough though that i can't hear people coming or things around me. it's only just loud enough so i can hear it

[Endo Verendo]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

isnt mountain biking about exploring the great outdoors and taking in everything it has to offer? Doesnt that also mean the sounds of nature?

Like what, all the elephants and tigers? You can't really hear 'nature' when you're riding anyway. Like I want to hear the thousandth lizard scurrying in the brush. No, I want a soundtrack to compliment my riding. It makes the ride flow better and can get me up a hill faster, or make me take it slow depending on the tune. On a busy trail I do like I do on my road bike, just wear it in one ear. I can hear fine and still have my background music.

[mtnbikerfred]

Camelbak makes a couple of packs with speakers and iPod controls. Personally, I wouldn't use it.

[Neccros]

Screw the iPod, just bring Andy aka Rut with you on your ride.... he is all the entertainment you will ever need!!!

He comes complete with tunes, beer, and motivation!!!