City noise should be fine. Consider bose open for a much different experience than the bone conductors you mentioned. I use mine in the city too. It's not the same as jet engines. Many of us can't tolerate ear holes being blocked up by Earbuds for long periods of time. I find that really uncomfortable. Also transparency modes are active and will eat through battery and even the best never sound natural to me.

You don't need to say Transparency mode is the best thing ever in ten comments.

Transparency mode is not nearly the same as open headphones. Its fine for a quick conversation but isn't good at providing awareness of your surroundings. It has its place and is a great feature, but it's not going to cut it for people looking for open headphones.