Wellsey's kit reviews - iPod remote and Sennheiser cx500 earphones.
During a recent long time off the bike with a bung knee, my wife pointed out how I am always buying new bits and pieces for or related to my bike.
It's true, I am a consumer. I can't ride for shit, but love having nice kit. As a result, I buy a hell of a lot of swag. So, I thought I might put together some reviews of a few bits other Farkers (that's right bitches, Farkers!) might find useful.
I picked these to start with, as they were the closest things to hand, and make my commute a hell of a lot more enjoyable.
The remote - Ever been riding along with your iPod in your Camelbak or pocket, and a song comes on that you really don't feel like at the time? Or suddenly the next song decides to be 1 million decibals? Or maybe someone is trying to talk to you?
This little jobbie cost me 99c plus 3.50 postage on eBay from somewhere in China I can't spell or pronounce. Apparently Apple make a genuine model of these but I have never seen one, the closest I have found is a Belkin one in WOW for about 30 bucks.
It features your standard remote functions, skip back and forward, play/pause, volume. Also, this one has an FM radio function that works really well (clear reception). They come with a clothing clip, however I removed mine and replaced it with adhesive velcro, so it just pushes onto the shoulder strap of my Camelbak. The cord is a good length, reaching to a perfect spot on the shoulder strap with just enough slack to allow for movement.
Downsides - Please remember that the one I have is a nasty Chinese knock-off. My iPod wont automatically turn off if the remote is connected. Fine while you're using it, just remember to disconnect when you are finished. Also, not it's not terribly weatherproof. This is my second one, the 1st died a horrible death at the hands of a light sprinkle. I have made this one a little raincoat from a zip lock bag.
All in all, for $5.99, a good investment, I really like mine and will be getting another when this one croaks. Will probably shell out for the Belkin version though.
The earphones - Sennheiser cx500. RRP around $145. These are the in-ear "canalphone" style that greatly reduce wind noise and let you enjoy your audio. At first I was worried that they would reduce my hearing too much for road riding, but this isn't an issue; you can still hear fine. They come with inline volume adjustment, three pairs of "plugs" to suit different ears, a little "thing" that you wrap them around to store, a removable clothing clip and a faux leather pouch to put it all in.
Bass and clarity is great, much better than any other earphone I have tried, although admittedly I have only tried one other set of canalphones (cheaper Phillips ones = shit). The Sennheisers are pricey, although you can get a cheaper version that doesn't have the volume control for just over a hundred. I have had these for twelve months with no worries at all, including heavy rain, copious sweat and farking hard yanks on the cord.
Downsides - Fuck all really. The plugs clog up with ear jam a bit, not really a problem unless you plan to share. The volume is redundant if you use with the remote - get the ones without and save some coin.
All up, smick, well made earphones that I think are worth the money. I am very happy with mine.
Hope this is of some use to people.