Topic: I'm looking for an mp3 player for my CB550, what are some good choices?

[scadaman29325]

I'm looking for an mp3 player for my CB550, what are some good choices?

I just about went crazy on my last road trip, so I’m looking for some music.

I’ve been looking at the Sandisk e100, e200 and Express. If there are others I should consider please let me know.

I’d like it to have an SD card slot vs extra onboard memory. I can always change the card when I get gas.

EASY controls for volume and track changing are a must, consider the blind gloved hand; I don’t like having to lean over and study a menu at 70mph.

An FM tuner with scan and presets would be nice (NOAA weather radio would be a big plus)

An available 12-volt adapter I would think is standard.

Oh yeah, and the most important requirement, INEXPENSIVE, I’ve seen them for about $20 plus shipping on ebay…

I’d really appreciate your input.

Thanks In Advance, Phil

[matchanu]

I have an IPod shuffle (the little one).

It's tiny and weighs nothing, holds around 250 songs or about 15-20 hours of music.

Just set up your play list, download, press play and ride on. all of the controls, (play, pause, up, down, volume) is on the single button.

You can't choose your songs on a screen or anything, but when your riding, why would you want to?


The battery lasts forever, but be nuclear or something. I played mine for about 2 weeks straight and never got below 30% on the charge.

It only costs around 70 bucks, probably less now, or you can find one on ebay or craigslist, (watch out for Criss Hanson ).


Get the ear buds that shove in your ears. Your biggest issue is going to be drowning out the outside noise so you can hear your tunes. They set up the MP3 players so you can only get so many decibles out now, not near enough for me, but a life time of loud clubs and playing with automatic weapons and explosives has made my hearing less than stealler.

No need to spend the big bucks on ear buds, you are not going to hear the "crystal clear" sounds of Enya anyway.

[csendker]

I've had a Sandisk SDMX1 for a couple of years now.  1 Gig that holds more songs than I can listen to, easy controls for volume & basic stuff - although it's a mini-joystick thing that might be a bit jumpy while running on a bike - I can't say because I don't use it while riding.  Uses a AAA battery - I run with a NiH rechargable that goes forever.   Mini-USB connection & it shows up as just another drive on the computer.  Cleanly interfaces w/Media Player.  As it's an older version, it may be a bit "less expensive".

[canyon750]

I second the iPod Shuffle.  There are less buttons to worry about and since it doesn't have a screen there will be less distractions.  It's also incredibly small so it will fit just about anywhere.

[martini]

I second the iPod Shuffle.  There are less buttons to worry about and since it doesn't have a screen there will be less distractions.  It's also incredibly small so it will fit just about anywhere.

x3

[Shiftredline]

x4

[S-Dog]

I was with you until you typed that you want to spend about $20 bucks.... Something decent will start around $50....

[Hope]

hmm... I ride with a Creative Zen Nano.   The Nano has an AM/FM radio on it.  It came with an arm band.  You can get a good deal on one if you look around.

Also, you can subscribe to Rukkus.com for free if you have an .edu email address.  I get unlimited downloads.

Great combination: free downloads + good quality, cheap MP3 player!!!!!

You can get one for $24.99 here: http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=84&subcategory=&product=15495&AID=10294476&PID=1225267&SID=sduidp0t605314



Good luck dude

[Rhonda750F]

Do you own a cell phone?  If you do and it's old, try upgrading it with a phone that plays mp3's, Theres a bunch out there that are cheap, plus you kill 2 birds with one stone.  While riding, why carry an mp3 and phone around when all you need is one device.  Just another alternative.

[GeoffT]

I Have a sony walkman e400 (I think). Loads more tunes than i can listen to in a day.
I'm with Rhonda on the phone idea. Only once took the MP3 player on the bike. Prefer to use the phone (Nokia 6131) with one of those mini memory cards. Just start it playing and go, or listen to the radio.
If the phone rings I can still be heard through the neck mike at about 30 mph (I only answer it if I'm in the town. Cant be bothered slowing down if I'm in the country). 

[xtalon]

I bought my girlfriend the Sansa.  I haven't tried it on the bike yet because stupid me bought her the pink one.   

It's a good player and fairly inexpensive.  Controls seem like they would be hurt to manipulate with gloves on though.

--xTalon

[boatsdickson]

Im proud of my first mp3 player too, but I wouldnt recommend riding with anything other than ear plugs, if you must. I know its boring sometimes without the tunes, but I cant force myself to ride with something that distracts from all the obstacles and dangers that should be concentrated on....

Dont wear chaps either... I hear youll take sh1t over it... 

[edbikerii]

Im proud of my first mp3 player too, but I wouldnt recommend riding with anything other than ear plugs, if you must. I know its boring sometimes without the tunes, but I cant force myself to ride with something that distracts from all the obstacles and dangers that should be concentrated on....

+1

[neil young]

i was wondering when someone was going to say it was dangerous.

[matchanu]

i was wondering when someone was going to say it was dangerous.

Meh, you keep it at a proper volume and there shouldn't be an issue.

I drive an eary Bronco with no top as a daily driver. No radio but I wear my IPod with ear buds. An open radio would not only be impossible to hear on the highway, I go to work at 0500 and having a blaring radio would make me even more of an A-Hole than I already am. I despise the assbags that have big booming steros or the ultra loud open pipes on their bikes.

Anyway, I can still hear and be very aware of my surroundings with an IPod playing music, not as much as without, but far more than the bone head texting messages on his/her phone, or other such buffoonery.

If you are riding, you need to be not only very aware of your own surroundings and riding, but be in tune with predicting what the moron in the car is going to do next.

Is it safer to ride without an MP3 player? absolutely! but you give and take risk with every option. Do you ride early in the mornings, did you sleep long enough the night before? Is your mind on work, relationship issues, other such stuff rather than riding? Did you do your walk around check on your bike before you ride everytime?


One thing I never understood were the people who use a "Blue Tooth" or other cell phone hook ups in their motorcycle helmets.

I mean, isn't the point of riding a motorcycle to escape that crap?

[csendker]

I mean, isn't the point of riding a motorcycle to escape that crap?

Amen.  It's my therapy...

[ProTeal55]

Buy a pair of Oakley sunglasses with the MP3 player built right in.
Two birds with one stone my friend..

[boatsdickson]

Sounds good. And expensive? I see Dog the bounty hunter wears them. Probably has nursery rhymes playin all the time.   

I never could drop the 100 bux for Oaks when the craze was on. Theyre probably cheaper now though.

My little mp3 player cost 35-40 bux at walf*ck walmart. Purty good deal.