What To Look For
In-ear headphones are the very best for cycling. Look for earphones that fit comfortably and not invasively into the entrance of the ear canal. They should rest comfortably there, making it more difficult for them to be yanked out of your ear by heavy wind. Look for earphones that are lightweight and fit snugly into the ear canal, but do not fit so tightly that you won't be able to hear traffic or other external dangers. Headphones that attach behind the neck are also good for cyclists.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid any headphones that sit on the exterior of the ears, have a heavy hand-band piece or are otherwise connected to any part of the head. These are often too heavy for cyclists or can fall off mid-ride, causing injury. Be sure to avoid any headphones with an excessively long cord, which can tangle easily during a cycling session, leading to collision or injury.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy headphones for cycling is at a sporting goods store, rather than a music store. Music store headphones place an emphasis on sound quality over anything else, and while that's certainly an important feature, it is more critical that you be able to cycle with ease and safety. Online retailers like BestBuy.com also have excellent selections.
Cost
You should expect to pay between $30 and $100 for a pair of good-quality headphones. Most headphones will have a warranty that should entitle you to a replacement pair should yours fail to work after a certain point. This is a worthwhile feature to pay a little extra for, especially if you plan to use your headphones regularly.
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