[Macworld]

Post your comments for iBikeConsole helps cyclists operate iPod nano here

[Bubowski]

Speaking as an experienced bike racer and triathlete, I have to say that bicycling on public roads while wearing headphones is an incredibly bad idea. Save the headphones for your static trainer, and leave your ears free on the road to hear traffic and the other sounds around you.

[sheilanolan]

I agree, surely most roads are so busy that you need all your attention on everyone around you and not be distracted by searching for your favourite songs!

[jpellino]

please don't cycle with headphones. and runners and skaters, please keep the level where you can hear cyclists warn you when passing. as for shock absorbing, did they miss the part about nanos being solid-state / no spinning HD?

[remedy5]

Many of us find that leaving the left earbud out is plenty to help you when riding on a bike path. You can hear others passing and still enjoy your music (albeit in one ear). On open roads, I totally agree with the 'safety posters'. Now, on to the product....
Cool idea. The flaw in this design is that most 'serious' bikers are so 'weight-conscious' that large knobs and cases are a no-go. IMHO, not worth $80+. Like most iPod accessories, it is way overpriced.
Friendly suggestion: Build a good, long playlist and deal with your choices unless you come to a stop or safe place to make changes in your pocket. If you can ride with no hands then this shouldn't be a problem for you.

[clintbradford]

It is also illegal in many states to use earphones/headsets while driving and/or riding a bicycle. In California, Vehicle Code Section 27400 states: "A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears" - with just a few exceptions (emergency vehicles, construction, trash pickup).

Clint Bradford
Mira Loma CA

[Speed_Racer]

clintbradford said:

It is also illegal in many states to use earphones/headsets while driving and/or riding a bicycle. In California, Vehicle Code Section 27400 states: "A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears" - with just a few exceptions (emergency vehicles, construction, trash pickup).

Others already covered that point. The key words are "both ears." It's legal to ride with one ear obstructed. Not that you can pay me enough to do that. Even when just walking on city streets, I prefer to be aware of my surroundings rather than zoning out with an iPod.

[linnefaulk]

I'm so glad that the majority of responses are against wearing earbuds and riding at the same time. Besides not being to hear everything around you, imagine falling on that ear. Sure helmets help but unless you have a full helmet like motorcyclists wear, your ears are left exposed. Ouch!

[longcoldstare]

From the blog: "Optional speakers are also available; these enable you to listen to the
iPod nano's music without blocking yourself from ambient noise"

From the manufacturer's page: "Optional NanoSpeakers deliver high quality stereo music without shutting your ears from ambient noise (highly recommended)."

[repi]

I fully agree that it is not wise riding a bike with headphones on in traffic where one needs to be fully aware of other participants on the road and off it. But not everyone rides bikes on roads with traffic (if you have noticed, the bike pictured is not a street bike). When swooshing through the forest paths and climbing up the hills I do love having music helping me squeeze that extra bit to make it to the top. So far I have made it with a good playlist and iPod in my back pocket, or sometimes with an arm band to have it more accessible. A gadget like this could be welcome for an off-road / mountain biker, but for the fact that it is quite expensive.

[heycurly]

A $52 ticket from a police officer for listening to my iPod while biking will certainly convince me not to purchase this item!
Oddly enough, I find that the bud earphones help to reduce the wind in my ears, making it easier for me to concentrate on the road--providing the volume is not to high.

[ukmacuser]

longcoldstare said:

From the blog: "Optional speakers are also available; these enable you to listen to the
iPod nano's music without blocking yourself from ambient noise"

From the manufacturer's page: "Optional NanoSpeakers deliver high quality stereo music without shutting your ears from ambient noise (highly recommended)."

Great.

"Are those jerks playing deep-bass music full blast from their car stereos making you feel inadequate...

...well now you too can p*ss off pedestrians and other road users. Like headphones at full blast, only less tinny and even louder!!!"

[MacGod]

Yeah, I came very close to learning the hard way not to ride with both ears playing music. I use Eytmotic noise-cancelling headphones, which means an ambulance can get within 10 metres of me before I hear it if my music's up, much less a regular car. And yeah, did it once, made an unsafe turn and came within about 10cm of a car that was running a red light through the intersection. That's enough to make me keep one ear open if I'm on a busy street.
For walking, though, or cycling along quiet, non-busy streets, I'll take the risk. Maybe not worth it, but it makes the ride much more enjoyable. Copy that for trail riding.

[BiknMacMan]

It's illegal in Florida to wear a listening device in even one ear:

316.304 A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.

This product is a very bad idea.