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swell6

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Fellow riders,

I'm looking to invest in a Bluetooth speaker for my commute. I've seen threads derailed here about speakers since its a controversial subject between those that think its moronic/selfish, and others who are more open to the idea. Lets try to keep this thread about actual products that people use, so that it may become a resource for those that choose to use speakers in the future. (The first two google search forum results I saw had about 60-100 responses and they were just arguments about the pros/cons of using a bluetooth speaker.)

For those that do decide to ride with speakers, what do you recommend? I've done a quick google search but was unable to find a product that was promising.

I'm also open to bone conduction headphones, and if you have experience using those, I'd love to hear about em!

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I've been using a JBL Flip 3 (got it on clearance sale), it's been terrific! Clear and able to get louder volume if need be.
On the other hand, some of my mates are using the bluetooth earbuds that emit the music via the skull, which allows them to hear external sounds while still enjoying their songs without causing any disturbances to other persons.


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#3 ·
Let’s make this another thread about NOT using Bluetooth speakers then. Just like the assholes on Harley Davidsons blasting music and ricers with POS Civic driving around around with a 1000watt s sound system how about you just DON’T.

Use some ear buds, no one cares what shitty music your in the mood for especially on a trail.
 
#4 ·
Yes. Your music sucks.
 
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#5 ·
I bought a Buckshot 2.0. I thought I might use it for commuting because lots of times I am the only one on the MUP. I ended up only using it once. It's just way too invasive. Not worth it for me. I no longer have any use for it.

As for sound quality, not surprisingly, there is virtually no bass response. Apart from that, it's a pretty nice little speaker. Inexpensive, rugged, light, waterproof, holds a charge for a while, etc.

For me, it's better suited for rafting and things of that nature, where there are lots of lulls in the action (and nobody in the immediate vicinity). I generally get enough stimulation from biking on its own (even on the MUP), and I am not into pissing off fellow riders (which is a certainty if you ride with one anywhere with other bikers, even on the MUP in "off" hours).
 
#6 ·
miamic70 said:
Let's make this another thread about NOT using Bluetooth speakers then. Just like the assholes on Harley Davidsons blasting music and ricers with POS Civic driving around around with a 1000watt s sound system how about you just DON'T.

Use some ear buds, no one cares what shitty music your in the mood for especially on a trail.
Click to expand...
This. I got to the top of a climb on Tuesday and some guys are sitting at the trail head blasting it.

If I wanted to hear other people's music distortedly blasted out of tiny speakers I'd go sit in traffic every afternoon instead of riding.

Wear a blue tooth headset/ ear buds. I do this and use only the right.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
tfinator said:
This. I got to the top of a climb on Tuesday and some guys are sitting at the trail head blasting it.

If I wanted to hear other people's music distortedly blasted out of tiny speakers I'd go sit in traffic every afternoon instead of riding.

Wear a blue tooth headset/ ear buds. I do this and use only the right.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I was going to add that when I bought my Buckshot 2.0, I had visions of using it riding. That was the primary intended purpose for which I bought it. But then, after being subjected to others doing the same thing, I quickly realized that I absolutely despise other riders involuntarily subjecting me to their **** blasting out of their BT speaker. That brings the rage pretty quickly. I didn't realize that until after I had bought it.

Skiing this winter was pretty bad too. Especially riding up the gondola or lift the odd time with a group of oblivious little a-holes who were cranking shitty music until I gave them a few looks (and comments in some cases). Good times.

OP - not trying to instigate anything (not even in the slightest) but does it piss you off to be subjected to other's music on the trails like it does me? Had I realized that myself, I would not have even thought about using my speaker riding.
 
#9 ·
Shadow4eva said:
I've been using a JBL Flip 3 (got it on clearance sale), it's been terrific! Clear and able to get louder volume if need be.
On the other hand, some of my mates are using the bluetooth earbuds that emit the music via the skull, which allows them to hear external sounds while still enjoying their songs without causing any disturbances to other persons.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I forgot to add on that it's quite common to play music on bluetooth speakers here in my country.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
I have a Bose portable bluetooth speaker. The sound is great for what it is. The only reason it might come anywhere close to my bike would be if I was doing a parade or bike party type thing. But I haven't done such a thing with it.

It pretty much just gets used for camping and/or picnicking, and really not very often even then. Occasionally, I'll use it to stream Pandora from my Amazon Echo Dot at home, which has a terrible speaker.

A BT speaker on the trail is annoying and pisses me off. But music on a commute with auto traffic? That's downright dangerous and stupid. You've gotta be 100% tuned in to your surroundings. And even then, you're still vulnerable.

There's good reason why the threads you've found have 100 negative replies about the concept. It's a bad idea. You can live without music for that small part of the day when you're on your bike.
 
#11 ·
Harold said:
...A BT speaker on the trail is annoying and pisses me off. But music on a commute with auto traffic? That's downright dangerous and stupid. You've gotta be 100% tuned in to your surroundings. And even then, you're still vulnerable...
Click to expand...
Not sure if this is directed at me but thankfully, my daily commute is about 99% traffic free. And like I said, after trying it once, my BT speaker has not been used again. Not because of safety concerns, but as a matter of decency.
 
#13 ·
mtnbkrmike said:
Not sure if this is directed at me but thankfully, my daily commute is about 99% traffic free. And like I said, after trying it once, my BT speaker has not been used again. Not because of safety concerns, but as a matter of decency.
Click to expand...
Towards OP, who wanted to commute, too (did not specify where). I agree that decency is the primary concern for your case.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
#16 ·
Nah. Questions like this apparently need continued emphasis here to reiterate that there is a reason the search results turned up what they did. I think you bring an especially valuable perspective since you tried it and decided after that it was a bad idea.
mtnbkrmike said:
Thanks Harold.

In hindsight, I probably should have steered way clear of this thread...
Click to expand...
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
#17 ·
swell6 said:
I've seen threads derailed here about speakers since its a controversial subject between those that think its moronic/selfish..
Click to expand...
I've been thinking about this for a bit. I can remember specific instances where music was played in shared spaces and how it was received. I've been in a group who were playing the music, usually loud, and I've been on the receiving end. On beaches, mountain bike trails, loch-sides, parks, car-parks, etc.

I can't think of a single instance where the terms 'moronic' or 'selfish' did not apply to the person or people playing the music. Either the noisy are ignorant of the upset and annoyance they are causing other people or they are aware and do not care. If you play loud music around other people you are one or the other.

Assuming the former, let me help educate you. No one else wants to hear your music. Ever! It doesn't matter what the music is and how fantastic you think it is, to other people it is just noise. You do not need to wonder about whether or not you are annoying other people, you are.

That only leaves the second option. If you are fully aware that your noise is upsetting other people and are too selfish to care then I can't help you. And selfish you have to be when you could use earphones and hear your music without disturbing anyone else.
 
#18 ·
No way on the trail! There is too much going on to begin with, not to mention the fact that its impossing on others.

The only time I have music, is on my gravel bike [emoji3] where I'm not near traffic, very little people, even less bikes. Once on the streets with traffic, my headphones come out.

I hear those speakers on ppl's camelbacks. Its never what you want to hear!

Sent from my LGMS210 using Tapatalk
 
#20 ·
https://aftershokz.com/collections/wireless

im a big fan of these (titaniums, air wasnt out when i bought mine). been using them daily for well over a year now. certainly not audiophile quality. but great for what they do. id say i lose little to nothing in surrounding audio perception. i do keep the volume on the lower end still.

i can still use hearing protection for work with them. and they last a full 8 hour work day no problem. nor do they interfere with my bike helmet/strap. being in the wet side of pnw, ive had no problem with them in rain.
 
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