[iambob]

Any suggestions for a decent set of headphones that will manage on an unamplified ipod output, leak a decent amount of sound so I can hear road noise and fit comfortably under a helmet? I've read good things about the igrado's but looking at them I wasn't sure if they would be wearable. My helmet comes quite low down the back of my head and it would be quite useful to know if they are likely to fit before I make a purchase. Failing that I quite like the look ATH-EM7 GM or KSC75 headphones but have no idea of the sound quality of either, my music tastes are mainly confined to different varieties or metal and I find cheap headphones with my ipod always end up sounding very 'tinny'

[FfWeapon]

I very strongly recommend the Sony MDR-EX71SL. They fit more loosely than other in-ear-monitors I've tried, especially if you use the smallest inserts (they come in two sizes), which means more ambient sound is let through and yet they won't fall out easily. They are also, by far, the most comfortable headphones I ever wore and that includes headphones 20 times more expensive. You simply forget they're there and just enjoy the music.

Their sound quality, especially the bass response, is impressive for just $25. I think they're unmatched within their price range and even somewhat above it. They have a short cable and come with an extension cord which provides more flexibility. The cable is also thin, light and yet sturdy which I think is a major pro if you're using them during any sort of excersise. They can also handle the iPod's output very well. They're actually the only headphones I ever tried which for which I can't find a single flaw and the only ones I'd recommend unequivocally.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-EX71S.../dp/B000092YQW

[Dodgyal]

Originally Posted by iambob

Any suggestions for a decent set of headphones that will manage on an unamplified ipod output, leak a decent amount of sound so I can hear road noise and fit comfortably under a helmet?

Probably a bit late now but have you seen these, Im getting a pair they are specifically designed not to block out ambient noise.

http://airdrives.com/lowkey.html

[yocky]

I started using some Koss phones with a behind the head band for my London commute and ended up wearing Shure SE420s which pretty much blocked out all ambient noise. It sounds more stupid than it actually was because by that time I'd stopped relying on my ears to tell me if anything was behind me due to how quiet some traffic had become (eg black cabs). I also found anything else would so badly compromise my listening experience I might as well not bother.

I don't listen to music any more on my ride because I was getting home after an action packed 25 minutes in the London mayhem to find I couldn't remember anything I'd listened to anyway.

[Derek S-H]

There are no decent cycling headphones as it is not something that is a good idea to do, especially in a busy town or city.
It's barely acceptable for car drivers to lose themselves in their surroundings, as they occupy a micro-environment that's cut off from what's going on around them anyway. Plus, they are surrounded by a steel cage for protection.
As a fellow cyclist, I wouldn't dream of listening to music as I can't afford that level of disconnection. I need to be 100% alert at all times.
If other people want to take their life in their hands and cycle whilst being distracted, then that's up to them. But please don't do it, it is reckless and irresponsible behaviour.
Derek