I ride with headphones quite often, and honestly don’t think it is that big of a safety issue. In fact I would argue that in many cases it is harder to hear traffic noises inside of some cars, depending on their level of insulation, engine noise, and stereo music. A diesel? Forgettaboutit. Luckily I have avoided serious collisions thus far by always expecting automobile drivers not to see me and even pretending that they are all out to get me. Paranoia? No. Effective awareness technique? Yes.

In any case, I wanted to come up with a solution that would allow a rider to listen to music without sacrificing safety or convenience. I would not be the first to tackle such a goal. As long as there have been freak bikes in Portland, there have also been mobile bike sound-systems. Often seen in-tow behind a double tall bike and powered by an old home stereo speaker set-up, a car audio amp and battery, they are usually constructed from used tag-along bike trailers – an excellent carriage for speaker boxes and receivers. Although bulky and drag producing, it is hard to imagine the large scale mobile dance parties that we enjoy so often here in Portland with out them. Local bike clubs and sound enthusiasts come together for almost weekly rides, and recent radio frequency/ Ipod technology allows some to play the same songs on multiple systems spaced throughout a pack of riders, allowing everyone to enjoy. Thank you “Thunder Twins”.  I have seen many variations on the larger scale models, including a brand new custom Bullitt Bikes sound system, multi person bike car sound mobile, and of course, the infamous disco trike.

After dissecting a smaller sound system prototype assembled by local bike builder/ Artist “Doc”, I thought I would give it a go. This original prototype used an 10 in x 15 in seal-able Tupperware container, a much smaller marine grade 12v battery (same strength as a car, but 1/8th the physical size) and two 4in car auto speakers attached to a regular car audio deck. The battery comes out and has to be charged after about 8 hours of heavy listening. The speakers were installed in the lid of the Tupperware, and the battery sits inside next to the deck. This audio deck specifically has an outlet for a headphone cord that is used to plug in an Ipod or similar device. This allowed for a much smaller semi weather-resistant sound-system that could be attached to a regular rear cargo rack and that has a re-chargeable power supply.

I ride with a basket on my bike, and wanted to design a similar model that would fit in the 9x 13 dimensions. This would allow for me to adjust and change the music without getting off the bike, or having to turn around and even while commuting. Also, speakers pointing at my face instead of behind me allow for a lower volume while riding. After searching for a container that would fit, I had to make sure that I could place the components on the inside and still close it. I had to turn the sealed battery on its side and space the speakers just far enough apart that I could fit the wiring bundle in between them. There is about 1 cm of room left over. I installed an on/off power switch on the front of the container, and cut a hole in the side, so that I could install the audio deck similarly to that of a car’s dashboard and still be able to insert cd’s or plug in. I sealed the speaker connection with silicone caulk to help dampen vibration and found a plug in cord with a mute button on it.

This system has worked great for the amount of abuse (vibration) it goes through on a bike and the only major downside continues to be the weight. At about 12 pounds the system is heavy enough to rotate the headset and fork to the side if you go hands free, say, at a stoplight or while parking. I love commuting with this system because other riders are always interested and every scenario including heavy “bike traffic” becomes an instantaneous joy parade. As a tour guide who sometimes works with large groups, I will be experimenting with a microphone so that I could use the Basket Speakers for a PA system. Also, a large number of our rental bikes have the same basket and I’ve thought about renting out the bike sound system with different pre-recorded audio tours. Fun!

Both of these system styles work great for multiple listeners, but what about the solo experience? The idea to install speakers in my bike helmet came from the ski and snowboard industry. Helmets with detachable speaker ear muffs are readily available for those sports at most retailers, and when I came across a pair of the speakers by themselves I knew just what to do.

Drilling in to your helmet is always a bad idea and certainly voids any warranty that it may have had. Most manufacturers suggest helmet replacement every 2-3 years, but the main materials that they are made of: plastic and poly-styro foam, are around forever. These materials are significantly weakened by UV exposure, and even the smallest cracks or impacts can change the structural integrity of this essential injury prevention device. The result: there are lots of discarded helmets to test on. After experimenting with different glues and tiny pieces of hardware I found that the best attachment method so far has been good old zip ties. This allows for a semi-permanent instillation (say for the winter season) as the speakers are embedded in an insulated ear pad that works great for keeping your head warm. The helmet strap is laced through a small loop of elastic on the ear-muff speaker to keep things together and the detachable cord with mute button plugs in to the back of one of the earmuffs and runs to whatever music player you are using. I run the cord under my riding jacket to prevent any cord snags.

The helmet sound-system has worked great so far, and I have noticed an improvement in my ability to hear peripheral noises. The best feature so far, continues to be the mute button, so that if you did feel un-safe or wanted to ask the taxi driver not to park in the bike lane, you could have a polite conversation at a moments notice.

I love working on projects like these and will continue to tinker with music while cycling to find the best solution for me. I’ll probably continue to switch between music solutions based on the intent of my ride, and I’ll see you at the next Loud and Lit Ride or Bowie vs Prince mobile dance- off.