what kind of revs for road riding

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D-Rider · #46 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 8:38 am

That's fine then - no need when commuting for me then. Without stops the journey time would be about 5 mins. Stops=less than 30 mph so no worries.

I think years of heavy metal concerts in "me yoof" probably did a lot more damage .... and all those formative years of riding bikes when the concept of riding with ear plugs hadn't even crossed anyone's mind ....

It's also not so simple as a universal "30mph rule" - it will also depend on the helmet you wear.
Last year I had a discussion with a European manufacturer of helmets that was building some very interesting technology into their (prototype) lids.
One of the things in there was, of course, bluetooth audio.
I asked how well you would hear the speakers with ear plugs in. The answer was there will be no problem as they have done such a good job in protecting the ear from noise that you don't need to wear ear plugs.
I only tried the helmet in a static situation so I can't completely confirm that this is the case at all speeds ... but I wouldn't be surprised.

#47 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:03 am

Without wishing to sound a killjoy, I'm absolutely with Pete on this one. I too attended lots of gigs in my yoof, rode bikes from 1967 through to 1989 without thinking about earplugs, worked in a consistently noisy computer room for best part of ten years, and then went and compounded the felony by going to dance music all nighters at an age when I really should have known better (and the music there was LOUD).

Consequently I now have advanced hearing loss. It was officially confirmed to me by a specialist at the local hospital a few years ago. You should wear earplugs each and every time you go out on your bike. It should be as routine for you to put earplugs in your ears as it is to put a helmet on your head or gloves on your hands.

And if you're feeling brave, go and get your ears tested, Andy. From what you say, you probably have damaged hearing without even realising it.

D-Rider · #48 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:50 am

Oh I've no doubt my ears are not in the nick they once were - though can't see much point in them testing that - they'll only confirm it and won't be able to rebuild them (they don't have the technology

)

As for ear plugs - well I can never seem to remember them. I try to do so for long runs (but do tend to forget 'till I'm half way there) and it's not worth it for the pootle to work .... I think I must exceed 40mph for all of 5 seconds ....

Certainly not suggesting that others shouldn't use them though.

#49 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:57 am

D-Rider wrote:Oh I've no doubt my ears are not in the nick they once were - though can't see much point in them testing that - they'll only confirm it and won't be able to rebuild them (they don't have the technology )

I'm still holding out hopes for stem cell research - apparently Sheffield Uni were doing some trials on 'breeding' stem cells to repair hearing: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4033383.stm

In 2004 they said it would be at least 10 to 15 years before it was made public. I've heard nothing since, but I'm still holding out hopes for it...

herbacious · #50 Post by **herbacious** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 7:46 pm

mangocrazy wrote:
D-Rider wrote:I've heard nothing since, but I'm still holding out hopes for it...
is that a pun ?

#51 Post by **mangocrazy** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 8:10 pm

Er no - a genuine mistake... Well spotted...

D-Rider · #52 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:06 pm

Pardon