Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, Walking & Cycling

[Admin]

Hi guys, this isn't a direct cycling accessory... but it is something I've enjoyed while riding my bike. These are Bluetooth wireless sunglasses, with swappable lenses, that leave your ears open to hear surroundings but connect with your smartphone to take calls, listen to music, or listen to podcasts. They fit well, even with my helmet, and are fairly lightweight. The website says they can last up to 5.5 hours per charge, which fits with my own experience (they charge super fast). They come with a hard case, and you can get five different styles... but they only come in black. I prefer light colors, like white, to be more visible when cycling, that's my biggest complaint besides the price tag of ~$250 USD depending on the model you get. Here's my video review:

I'd love to hear if anyone else here has a pair of these or recommends a competing product? I just picked them up at Best Buy here in Vancouver. I'd love to get something similar in white or something that has some clear options by default vs. having to get custom cut lenses (since Bose mostly sells darker lenses as replacements or upgrades).

 

[FlatSix911]

Hi guys, this isn't a direct cycling accessory... but it is something I've enjoyed while riding my bike. These are Bluetooth wireless sunglasses, with swappable lenses, that leave your ears open to hear surroundings but connect with your smartphone to take calls, listen to music, or listen to podcasts. They fit well, even with my helmet, and are fairly lightweight. The website says they can last up to 5.5 hours per charge, which fits with my own experience (they charge super fast). They come with a hard case, and you can get five different styles... but they only come in black. I prefer light colors, like white, to be more visible when cycling, that's my biggest complaint besides the price tag of ~$250 USD depending on the model you get. Here's my video review:

I'd love to hear if anyone else here has a pair of these or recommends a competing product? I just picked them up at Best Buy here in Vancouver. I'd love to get something similar in white or something that has some clear options by default vs. having to get custom cut lenses (since Bose mostly sells darker lenses as replacements or upgrades).

Interesting product review!

 

[Deacon Blues]

I was thinking of getting a pair of these Bose glasses this summer. Presently, I'm using a pair of AfterShokz Aeropex bone conductor headphones, which I'm happy with, but if I'm riding on a windy day or in heavy traffic I can't hear the music.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I just went on Best Buy's website (Canadian) and I noticed they sell one for $200 (on sale for $50 off) and another for $303. They look to offer the same features.
@Court, do you know what the difference is between the two?

 

[tomjasz]

Looks like two versions, old $180, new $250.

 

[ki11a]

Very cool...maybe one day when I have expendable cash to have something that niche.

 

[fooferdoggie]

if your riding you want the sport ones they can handle rain. that's what my wife uses. https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/frames/bose-frames-tempo.html#v=bose_frames_tempo_black_us

 

[Mulezen]

Or you can sport a pair of Oakley’s and hook to COBI, your IPhone and I-watch via hearing aids

 

[tomjasz]

IPhone and I-watch via hearing aids

Halo hearing aids, a mere $3500. BUT iPhone and iPad apps stream to my HA's

 

[FlatSix911]

Another option... just wear one earbud so that you maintain outside awareness.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Another option... just wear one earbud so that you maintain outside awareness.

I have a pair of Jabra 65T wireless ear buds. It has a mode that allows the listener to hear what's going on around them. While listening to music, at a moderate level, I can converse with other riders in my group. I can also easily hear cars coming up behind me. The only downside is it also lets in more wind noise.

 

[FezUSA]

Do these have an intercom mode? My wife is petite and is boderline child size helmet wise, so not sure the Sena helmets will work (plus she really likes the helmet she has right now). Was thinking of either the Sena Headset or the Terrano XT. The latter can be bought in a 2-pack for a little savings. Then I saw these glasses, and she can get her prescription in them too! This will be primarily for intercom though, not taking calls or navigation prompts etc. or even listening to music except when I commute alone. Thoughts?

 

[ki11a]

Another option... just wear one earbud so that you maintain outside awareness.

Yeah, thats what I used to do before I had my bluetooth speaker.

 

[Dallant]

I have a pair of Jabra 65T wireless ear buds. It has a mode that allows the listener to hear what's going on around them. While listening to music, at a moderate level, I can converse with other riders in my group. I can also easily hear cars coming up behind me. The only downside is it also lets in more wind noise.

Apple’s AirPod Pros calls this Transparency mode.

 

[FlatSix911]

Apple’s AirPod Pros calls this Transparency mode.

I have to upgrade to the pro AirPods this year... safety first!

 

[fooferdoggie]

I have to upgrade to the pro AirPods this year... safety first!

they were ok riding but between masks and helmet straps they come out easily. these may be a better choice. https://www.bose.com/en_us/products...-open-earbuds.html#v=sport_open_earbuds_black

 

[Dallant]

I have to upgrade to the pro AirPods this year... safety first!

I just got a pair and like them a lot but haven’t used them during a bike ride. I’ve never been a big fan of riding with any music/earphones. Mine fit fine and, just to be safe, I got a lanyard so I'm less likely to lose one or both of them.

 

[FlatSix911]

I just got a pair and like them a lot but haven’t used them during a bike ride. I’ve never been a big fan of riding with any music/earphones. Mine fit fine and, just to be safe, I got a lanyard so I'm less likely to lose one or both of them.View attachment 80629

I use the same lanyard!

 

[GuruUno]

I used to use the VXi Xpressway II mostly for 1 ear listening and reduced wind noise talking on the phone while riding (if needed).
No longer made so now new ones are bulky.
AirPod Pros fall out of my ear.
So, I got these:

Shokz Bone Conduction Headphone - Shokz

Discover the innovative audio world of Shokz, designed for open-ear listening. Shop bone conduction headphones OpenRun Pro, OpenFit, and more. Perfect for sports, and work.

us.aftershokz.com

100% happy, nothing in the ear, uses bone conduction and helmet and glasses do not interfer.
I actually got the one with the mic, and have zero issues.

OpenComm

OpenComm is the first Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) Bluetooth stereo headset. Engineered with patented 7th generation bone conduction technology, the headset features an open-ear design, DSP noise-canceling boom microphone, and 16-hours of talk time to keep you connected at work or on-the-go...

us.aftershokz.com

Highly recommended.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have a pair of the AfterShokz headphones. I wear this headset everywhere, from walking the dog to working in the yard and also (why I bought them) for cycling.
They work great until I increase my speed to 18-20+ mph. Then the wind noise easily overpowers the music.