The Cycling Magazine Cadence - Windfree: Wind Noise Reducer

When moving at speeds higher than 15 km/h, the wind noise in the ears can become louder than what is comfortable for a bare ear. Windfree is a Swedish, new product inspired by the ears of fast animals, which are protected by fur to eliminate wind noise.

Out on a windy country road, I experienced that the sound level of the wind noise in the ears was significantly reduced with Windfree. However, there is another type of noise, which sounds more like a hissing. About a “shssssshsss” compared to the normal and stronger “whooshing” sound. Other sounds, from other traffic, can be good to hear when cycling, and you can hear them just as well with Windfree on your ears. The material closest to the ear is designed to be cool when it is warm and warm when it is cold, but it becomes a bit too warm around the ears compared to having the ears exposed. This was when the temperature was around 13-15 degrees Celsius. The comfort is also not good enough. I usually wear sports glasses when cycling, and Windfree presses against the temples behind the ears. A softer and more flexible material would be more comfortable. Even when bending the frame to fit perfectly, it feels strange with glasses.

If you have major problems with normal wind noise, Windfree could be a solution. A study on people with tinnitus would be interesting. Because if the discomfort from wind noise prevents you from cycling, Windfree might be a relief. LM/KB

Tested: Windfree
+ removes a lot of noise
– Not comfortable enough to wear
Approximate price: 399 kronor
Supplier: Windfree, 021-505 50, www.windfree.com

Cycling magazine Kadens 07:2011

Comment on the article
Since this review was published, we have improved Windfree by using a softer material and also made it more comfortable with more space for the ears.