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submitted 16 hours ago by Damaskox@lemmy.world to c/bicycling@lemmy.world

Good day!

I'd be interested in buying earphones that can block wind while in a call and bicycling.
For Android, and preferably under 60 euros.

Any ideas?

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[-] jlow@slrpnk.net 4 points 8 hours ago

Have you checked if that's legal in your country? I feel like having headphones on while cycling is forbidden in mine - and sounds super dangerous even if it is not illegal since you can't hear what is happening around you.

[-] calamitycastle@lemmy.world 2 points 9 hours ago

I use in ear Bluetooth headphones when cycling. In Europe. Maybe in America you have to worry about hearing the sound of cars, it doesn't really seem like a huge issue to me. Drivers can't hear shit and it's fine for them, same for me, I can hear enough to know what's happening around me. I'm not cycling for hours with nothing to listen to.

Anyway, I would just not bother calling someone if I was moving, especially if I only had 60€ to spend. Pull over if it's urgent to speak

[-] banause@feddit.org 2 points 9 hours ago

Headphones are not meant for bicycling. I would get a pair of headphones for the calls and an actual bicycle for the ride.

[-] Damaskox@lemmy.world 1 points 10 hours ago

Thanks for pointing out!

To be clearer: so the one I'm calling wouldn't be bothered with the wind (so they couldn't hear the wind blowing on my microphone).

[-] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 4 points 14 hours ago* (last edited 13 hours ago)

Ignoring the safety concerns, your criteria are unclear. Are you trying to block wind noise that you hear while riding or wind that your caller hears? Regardless, wind noise is a super tricky issue.

In the case of wind noise you hear, laminar and turbulent flow over the earphones will be conducted to your ear canal. Your best option is to use something like Cat-Ears, made by Airstreamz, to disrupt the laminar flow over your ears.

Wind noise heard by the caller is handled by mechanical means (something like a windsock or "dead cat," yes that is what they're called), advanced microphone design, and DSP. These are features poorly implemented (if at all) in budget headphones or earbuds. The Cat-Ears can help with this. Coupled to an open design (such as Sena headsets, very spendy) or bone conduction headsets (as mentioned by Seb the goblin), you can get very good results.

I use an OpenRun headset + Cat-Ears for listening to audiobooks on long rides, but never tried a phone call. My partner and I use Sena Nautitalk headsets on our sailboat, and those are pretty good (not perfect) in storms. The mic is on a boom with a windsock to help block wind, plus there's a whole lot of DSP going on. We wear bump helmets when sailing in gnar, however the fit with the helmet straps is a bit fiddly though.

Edit, edit: holy hell, typing on mobile; apologies

[-] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 12 hours ago

Interesting. I have never heard of those cat ears things before but ride with bone conduction all the time. Does it make a notable difference using them?

[-] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 2 points 10 hours ago

Makes a huge difference. I do touring and long distance bicycling (specifically randonneuring, unsupported timed rides up to 1200km). The reduction in mental fatigue because of less wind noise is invaluable. Also, if using bone conduction headphones, you can run a lower volume further reducing mental fatigue. The lower volume and reduced white noise also lower the threshold for situational awareness.

The Airstreamz site has a guide on how to "finger test" if Cat-Ears will be effective with your ear shape and helmet design.

[-] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 27 minutes ago

That is interesting, thanks for the info. I never felt I had a problem but on long rides it can be somewhat fatiguing like you say to have the bone conduction up loud enough to hear whilst also paying attention to the sounds of what is going on around you + wind noise.

I'll check out what their site says and the item is fairly inexpensive, I may have to try them out!

Thanks for the recommendation!

[-] seblin@lemmy.world 0 points 15 hours ago

Probably not a good idea. A big part is being able to hear when something (like a car) comes up behind you. Bone conductive would be better for that, and can still wear a hat to keep your ears warm, but still hear if there's any danger. Sanoto is the common brand, Open Run could work as well, but it depends on your location and what's being sold.

[-] HubertManne@piefed.social 1 points 12 hours ago

bone conduction has never been loud enough for me to handle a lot of outside noise. It works well if its relatively quite.

[-] theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 12 hours ago

I have used aftershokz bone conduction for years and years on the bike, running, around town etc and it has always been possible to hear except for in extreme conditions like 70kmph gusts of wind or something.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
5 points (77.8% liked)

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