[prac843]

Big audio fan, have a couple of nice systems set up at home. Never been much into headphones but I have recently gotten into biking. I am currently using an iPod with some cheap skull candies and looking to buy a mid-grade set of headphone. These will specifically used for biking outdoors so I had some concerns.

Budget is around $500, I have been looking at B&W P7 as my main contender. However, with the leather has me worried being outdoors. They don't need to stay prestine but also do not want them falling apart.

Also looking at Phiaton Cord MS 530. Never had over headphones, should I be looking at these or in ear only? I do not ride vigorously, just a stead pace to work and back.

Any other suggestions on specific brands or types to be looking for?

 

[bubsdaddy]

Is hearing what is going on around you for safety a concern? Will you be wearing a helmet?

 

[prac843]

I have walked to work using the same path day in and day out for the last 4 summers.  Always had my cheap skull Candy's in and never had an issue.  Small town, pretty isolated area so I should be fine without the need for surrounding noise.
 
Just started this week so hadn't put much thought into a helmet yet.  Biking trips are strictly back and forth to work, 2 miles at a slow to moderate pace.  Straight shot down paved road with minimal traffic.  Not doing anything crazy by any means as I am to old for that so don't think I will need a helmet.  May wear a knit cap if cold but that will probably be it.

 

[Hapster]

Meh, I've never been able to do headphones while on a bike, maybe open headphones, but I prefer my iems so I can put just 1 in. It's just not safe, and a little weird sometimes. walking is differenr, as long as you look both ways, you're good .

I'd honestly try looking at the grados on-ear series if anything.

 

[bubsdaddy]

I have biked with Bose IE2 in ears as they aren't isolating and work with a helmet. I have also used Koss KSC75s for the same reasons. 

 

[tinyman392]

Big audio fan, have a couple of nice systems set up at home. Never been much into headphones but I have recently gotten into biking. I am currently using an iPod with some cheap skull candies and looking to buy a mid-grade set of headphone. These will specifically used for biking outdoors so I had some concerns.

Budget is around $500, I have been looking at B&W P7 as my main contender. However, with the leather has me worried being outdoors. They don't need to stay prestine but also do not want them falling apart.

Also looking at Phiaton Cord MS 530. Never had over headphones, should I be looking at these or in ear only? I do not ride vigorously, just a stead pace to work and back.

Any other suggestions on specific brands or types to be looking for?

 
The 530 will help with wind noise quite a bit due to it's ANC.  My suggestion would be IEMs though, and if you're wearing a helmet, the HiFiMan RE-400/RE-600 should do well for that (size-wise).