One of the great benefits of cycling is connecting with nature and enjoying the sites and sounds of the great outdoors. However, sometimes we just need that extra distraction when we are suffering up a climb or want to clear our head of any other thoughts, so we turn to headphones.
As cyclists, we already take risks when we share the road with vehicles. As a dad, I don’t want to add to that risk by blocking out any sound I may have from hearing an approaching car by wearing earbuds or over-ear headphones.
The best headphones for cycling are bone conduction technology, which allows you to listen to music, a podcast, an audiobook, or take a phone call all while leaving your ear canal open to your surroundings. The Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones stand out as exceptional choices in this category. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the differences between these two models, explore bone conduction technology, and explain why they are perfect headphones for cycling.
Understanding Bone Conduction Technology
Before we delve into the specifics of the Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro, let’s first understand what bone conduction technology is and why it is an excellent fit for cyclists.
Bone conduction technology works by transmitting sound through the bones of your skull directly to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. Unlike traditional headphones that rely on speakers placed inside or over your ears, bone conduction headphones sit just in front of your ears, leaving your ear canals open. This design allows you to hear sounds from your surroundings while still enjoying your music or taking calls.
Why Bone Conduction Is Great for Cycling
Maintain Awareness: Cyclists need to be acutely aware of their surroundings – approaching vehicles, fellow cyclists, pedestrians, and more. Bone conduction headphones enable you to hear ambient sounds like honking horns or approaching sirens, ensuring you stay safe while enjoying your ride.
No Ear Canal Blockage: Traditional in-ear headphones can block out external sounds, making it risky for cyclists who need to hear what’s happening around them. Bone conduction headphones don’t obstruct your ear canals, preserving your ability to hear important cues from the environment.
Comfortable Fit: The ergonomic design of bone-conduction headphones ensures a comfortable fit during long rides. They don’t put pressure on your ears, reducing the risk of discomfort or ear fatigue.
Setting Sound Expectations for SHOKZ OpenRun
Bone-conduction headphones are not going to win any awards for sound quality. They cannot compete with traditional headphones and you should not expect them to. These serve a specific purpose, which is to keep you safe while on the bike by being able to hear your surroundings. If you cannot sacrifice sound, then these are not for you.
I am not an audiophile and do not notice much difference between my SHOKZ OpenRun bone conduction headphones versus my AirPods. I use my SHOKZ around the house as well since it allows me to hear if my wife is calling for me!
Shokz OpenRun vs. OpenRun Pro: What Sets Them Apart?
Note: Dads Riding Bikes uses the OpenRun not the Pro version, but the Pro is a better version of the base model, so if you want to spend the extra money for the increase in performance you should.
1. Sound Quality – Winner: OpenRun Pro
| OpenRun | OpenRun Pro |
|---|---|
| Powered by patented 8th generation bone conduction, Bluetooth 5.1, and PremiumPitch™ 2.0+, OpenRun delivers clear sound, powerful volume, and a rich bass. | Powered by 9th generation bone conduction technology, Shokz TurboPitch™ Technology. Two added bass enhancers allow you to experience every note, beat, and chorus of your favorite audio, resulting in premium sound quality. |
2. Battery Life – Winner: OpenRun Pro
| OpenRun | OpenRun Pro |
|---|---|
| Offers an 8-hour battery life with a charge time to full of 1.5 hours. For us Dads who are short on time and rides sometimes are spontaneous they offer a quick 10-min Charge for a 1.5 usage life. | Offers a 10-hour battery life with a charge time to full of 1 hour. For us Dads who are short on time and rides sometimes are spontaneous they offer a quick 5-min Charge for a 1.5 usage life. |
3. Connectivity – Winner: Tie
Both models support Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing with your devices. However, the OpenRun Pro features Bluetooth V5.1, which offers a more stable and energy-efficient connection, ensuring uninterrupted audio during your rides.
4. Water Resistance – Winner: OpenRun
| OpenRun | OpenRun Pro |
|---|---|
| An IP67 rating makes these completely sweat and waterproof to welcome intense workouts and extreme weather. A moisture detection alert ensures safe charging. Not intended for swimming. | An IP55 rating that weathers dust and moisture, so they are durable enough to withstand rainy runs, sweaty rides, or other gritty conditions. |
How to Wear SHOKZ OpenRun
First off these headphones are extremely light, you will barely notice them. I have ridden with them on for 5+ hours and had no discomfort. With that said, I believe there is a proper order of how to wear them when cycling.
- Put your helmet on and strap it
- Put the headphones on over the straps and around your ears
- Put your sunglasses on
That’s our method and we are sticking to it!
How to Use Them
SHOKZ has a detailed page on all the commands that can be performed with the multi-function button on the left side. However, I wanted to cover a few of them here
- Pairing: Start with your headphones powered off. Press and hold the volume+ button on the right side for 3-5 seconds until you hear “Welcome to AfterShokz.” Continue holding the volume+ button for an additional 2-3 seconds until you hear “Pairing” and the LED will flash red and blue, indicating pairing mode. Note: every time I turn mine on it pairs to the last device. You cannot go to a new device and ask it to pair you need to first disconnect it from the other device and then ask it to pair.
- Accessing Phone Assistant (Siri): Press and hold the multifunction button for two seconds, prompting your device’s intelligent personal assistant. You’ll hear one beep.
- Song Selection multifunction button clicks:
- 1 click – pause, resume, answer a call, and end a call.
- 2 clicks – skip song
- 3 clicks – go back to a song
Verdict
In conclusion, the Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones are the best headphones for cyclists seeking a safe and enjoyable audio experience on their rides. While both models provide impressive benefits, the OpenRun Pro stands out with its enhanced sound quality and longer battery life. The base model the OpenRun wins waterproofing and price, which is why I chose them. Sounds quality was not a #1 priority for me. Whichever model you choose, you’ll be equipping yourself with headphones designed to enhance your cycling experience while keeping you safe on the road. Stay aware, stay safe, and enjoy your music on your next ride with Shokz bone conduction headphones.