Incorporating Music into Your Cycling Routine
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Turn up the volume—and your motivation.
Whether you’re cruising your favorite trail or powering through a sweaty home workout, music can be your ultimate cycling sidekick.
It helps set the pace, lifts your mood, and makes even tough rides feel a little more fun.
But not all tunes—or tech—are created equal. Here’s how to safely and effectively add music to your cycling routine, whether you ride outdoors or indoors.
Why Music Works on the Bike
There’s actual science behind why music can boost your ride.
- Distraction: It helps take your mind off muscle fatigue.
- Pacing: A steady beat can keep your cadence smooth.
- Mood boost: The right playlist can shift your mindset from “meh” to motivated.
- Flow: Music can help you stay in rhythm, especially during longer or solo rides.
If you’ve ever pedaled faster when Beyoncé came on, you already know.
Best Music Setups for Cycling
🎧 For Outdoor Rides: Stay Aware
Safety first, always. On the road or trail, you need to hear what’s happening around you.
That’s why open-ear or bone conduction headphones are a smart pick. They let you hear traffic, people, and your playlist—at the same time.
Try these Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones. They’re lightweight, sweatproof, and designed for sporty women who want both sound and safety.
💡 Pro tip: Keep volume low and use only one earbud if you’re not using open-ear headphones.
🎶 For Indoor Rides: Let It Blast
If you’re riding at home or in a studio, go wild with a playlist that fires you up. No noise restrictions here!
Need speakers? This compact Bluetooth speaker has solid bass and a waterproof build—perfect for sweaty workouts.
Building the Perfect Cycling Playlist
Choose music that matches the vibe and your cadence. Most cycling rhythm falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM).
Here’s a sample breakdown:
| Mood | BPM | Song Type |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 90–100 | Chill pop or R&B |
| Steady ride | 100–120 | Indie pop, upbeat classics |
| Intervals/climbs | 120–140 | Hip-hop, dance, rock |
| Cool down | 80–90 | Acoustic, lo-fi, mellow tracks |
Try searching “cycling workout” on Spotify or YouTube for pre-made lists. Or create your own with songs that make you feel strong and unstoppable.
Safety Tips for Riding with Music
- Lower volume in busy areas
- Pause music when crossing intersections
- Skip headphones in heavy traffic zones
- Use reflective gear and lights if riding early or late (these bike lights are highly rated and rechargeable)
Final Thoughts
Music and cycling are a power couple.
Whether you’re trying to stay motivated on solo rides, survive a spin session, or simply have more fun—adding the right soundtrack can change the entire experience.
So press play. Pedal to the beat. And let the rhythm carry you.
