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Do you use a GoPro?

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Do you use a GoPro?

Old 08-05-15, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Chris516
That is a bad idea. Unless, A cyclist brakes and waits for the vehicle to pull out completely, then puts the vehicle in drive and pulls away. If a cyclist doesn't brake, they should pass the vehicle in the rear. By passing behind the vehicle instead of in front of it. You don't have to account for them not seeing a cyclist and suddenly putting the vehicle into DRIVE.
Your response was to a particular circumstance of a vehicle backing out of a driveway, your advice was just plain wrong for the circumstance, and contrary to what you're saying now. Once again, one can't use one solution for every problem.

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Old 08-06-15, 02:17 PM
  #127  
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GoPro users, what setting do you use for riding the roads? I frequently use my GoPro for reporting bad drivers and want to figure out the best settings for capturing licence plate information.

I've had good video and bad video and never paid attention to the resolution and frames per second. I normally go with the high resolution lower frames per second. For my new Hero 4 Sessions the max resolution is 1440 at 30 frames per second.

Here's a good example from the old Hero 2 (but this genius never captured setting info):


However, on this video (also Hero 2), I could get the plate info:


And to all the GoPro haters, please move along.
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Old 08-10-15, 05:08 PM
  #128  
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Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
It's a big square brick. It looks idiotic on a helmet, and is awkward to mount almost anywhere except the chest mount is pretty good actually.
I agree with you about such a shape. That’s why I use Drift Stealth 2. It's small and aerodynamic so you can’t feel it on the helmet.
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Old 08-10-15, 06:37 PM
  #129  
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
GoPro users, what setting do you use for riding the roads? I frequently use my GoPro for reporting bad drivers and want to figure out the best settings for capturing licence plate information.

I've had good video and bad video and never paid attention to the resolution and frames per second. I normally go with the high resolution lower frames per second. For my new Hero 4 Sessions the max resolution is 1440 at 30 frames per second.

Here's a good example from the old Hero 2 (but this genius never captured setting info):


However, on this video (also Hero 2), I could get the plate info:


And to all the GoPro haters, please move along.

What happens when you report bad drivers? are they ticketed?
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Old 08-10-15, 06:51 PM
  #130  
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Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
It's a big square brick. It looks idiotic on a helmet, and is awkward to mount almost anywhere except the chest mount is pretty good actually.

Any of the cameras that are narrower and longer (versus GoPro's wider than it is long) ratio is much better for mounting.

Honestly I don't know how GoPro is so popular other than marketing. I don't think you could possibly design a less suited shape for an action camera than a brick with buttons.
I can see how it might look like a big square brick. I wanted the Chest Mount Strap all along, and that is what I bought. Because, I still get a good video if I am in the drops.

Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
GoPro users, what setting do you use for riding the roads? I frequently use my GoPro for reporting bad drivers and want to figure out the best settings for capturing licence plate information.

I've had good video and bad video and never paid attention to the resolution and frames per second. I normally go with the high resolution lower frames per second. For my new Hero 4 Sessions the max resolution is 1440 at 30 frames per second.

Here's a good example from the old Hero 2 (but this genius never captured setting info):


However, on this video (also Hero 2), I could get the plate info:


And to all the GoPro haters, please move along.
I am also curious about this. I also agree that GoPro haters should 'take a hike'.
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Old 08-10-15, 07:23 PM
  #131  
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Originally Posted by LorenzoM
I agree with you about such a shape. That’s why I use Drift Stealth 2. It's small and aerodynamic so you can’t feel it on the helmet.
I really like the size, shape and specs of the Stealth 2. A few things keep me from buying one. 3 hours is pretty long but not quite long enough without a replaceable battery. The other is several similar and horrible reviews on Amazon, implying that while it's a great camera, the QC is very spotty and if you get unlucky, the company support is basically nonexistant.

Still, at $120 it's a great deal and if my helmet cam dies it'll definitely be on the list. I'll just have to charge twice a day on some days.
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Old 08-11-15, 08:33 AM
  #132  
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Originally Posted by howsteepisit
What happens when you report bad drivers? are they ticketed?
Nope. Nothing happens.
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Old 08-11-15, 09:28 AM
  #133  
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Originally Posted by Chris516
I also agree that GoPro haters should 'take a hike'.
I actually like hiking.

GoPro: Silly shape for an action cam. Silly mounts need a dozen "elbow" attachments to level the horizon. Silly tiny buttons. Must carry a level with you, and a zip-loc bag in case it rains. LOOKS like a camera so the cops might take offense. Expensive. I could go on. and on.

Contour: Great shape, Great mounting system, huge on/off button can be activated with full ski mittens, rotating lens with laser horizon alignment so can be used effectively even upside-down, waterproof right out of the box, does not LOOK like a camera, bombproof. $49.99US (refurbished).

Roam - Contour

I have sold both cameras at retail. And dealt with customers after the sale. So I know things.

GoPro sucks. Except for their maketing. That is A++. They have made me a ton of $$.




Look at my cool new GoPro!

Photo Credit

Last edited by JoeyBike; 08-11-15 at 10:08 AM.
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Old 08-11-15, 12:03 PM
  #134  
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
I actually like hiking.

GoPro: Silly shape for an action cam. Silly mounts need a dozen "elbow" attachments to level the horizon. Silly tiny buttons. Must carry a level with you, and a zip-loc bag in case it rains. LOOKS like a camera so the cops might take offense. Expensive. I could go on. and on.

Contour: Great shape, Great mounting system, huge on/off button can be activated with full ski mittens, rotating lens with laser horizon alignment so can be used effectively even upside-down, waterproof right out of the box, does not LOOK like a camera, bombproof. $49.99US (refurbished).

Roam - Contour

I have sold both cameras at retail. And dealt with customers after the sale. So I know things.

GoPro sucks. Except for their maketing. That is A++. They have made me a ton of $$.




Look at my cool new GoPro!

Photo Credit
I am still glad, I got my GoPro. I looked at the Contour, and DriftStealth(after I was given my GoPro). I am still glad I was given the GoPro. I don't care if the police do take offense. It is my right to use a camera.
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Old 08-13-15, 06:18 AM
  #135  
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Originally Posted by howsteepisit
What happens when you report bad drivers? are they ticketed?
The Buick video, the local police contacted the driver with a warning. It is rare to ticket a driver based on video, it happens, but it's rare.
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Old 08-13-15, 06:23 AM
  #136  
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
I actually like hiking.

GoPro: Silly shape for an action cam. Silly mounts need a dozen "elbow" attachments to level the horizon. Silly tiny buttons. Must carry a level with you, and a zip-loc bag in case it rains. LOOKS like a camera so the cops might take offense. Expensive. I could go on. and on.

Contour: Great shape, Great mounting system, huge on/off button can be activated with full ski mittens, rotating lens with laser horizon alignment so can be used effectively even upside-down, waterproof right out of the box, does not LOOK like a camera, bombproof. $49.99US (refurbished).

Roam - Contour

I have sold both cameras at retail. And dealt with customers after the sale. So I know things.

GoPro sucks. Except for their maketing. That is A++. They have made me a ton of $$.




Look at my cool new GoPro!

Photo Credit

I like GoPro, you don't, cool. I don't recall seeing a recent post requesting suggestions for an action cam, just questions for GoPro owners. We can start a new thread for GoPro-hater to talk about their suggestions, would that help? Otherwise, live and let live.
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Old 08-13-15, 07:01 AM
  #137  
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
...just questions for GoPro owners.
I did not interpret the OP as a "GoPro" only thread. GoPro has become synonymous with "Action Cam" and the OP was simply asking how many of us film our rides, and would the resulting footage of poor drivers interest the cops. Why would that footage have to be captured by a certain brand of camera?

I figured that anyone reading this thread is interested in filming their rides. Why not get a camera that does the same thing and is easy to use and cheaper? Just trying to help out the next guy who thinks the only company making action cameras is GoPro due to their aggressive marketing campaigns.

There are three ways I generally attach my action cameras. GoPro will not easily mount any of these ways.

I don't hate GoPro. I just hate using them myself. I enjoy viewing the footage from any action cam brand.
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Old 08-13-15, 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
I did not interpret the OP as a "GoPro" only thread. GoPro has become synonymous with "Action Cam" and the OP was simply asking how many of us film our rides, and would the resulting footage of poor drivers interest the cops. Why would that footage have to be captured by a certain brand of camera?

I figured that anyone reading this thread is interested in filming their rides. Why not get a camera that does the same thing and is easy to use and cheaper? Just trying to help out the next guy who thinks the only company making action cameras is GoPro due to their aggressive marketing campaigns.

There are three ways I generally attach my action cameras. GoPro will not easily mount any of these ways.

I don't hate GoPro. I just hate using them myself. I enjoy viewing the footage from any action cam brand.
Sorry, I'm venting a little, I shouldn't have targeted you with the quote.
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Old 08-13-15, 07:06 AM
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I think mainly those of us who have gone non-GoPro routes are just trying to counter the massive GoPro marketing engine. Since this is a bicycle forum and we're talking about action cams, I know from talking to people that many people in the world think that GoPro is the ONLY option around for an action cam. I just want to make sure people know that there are options, and many people find that options besides GoPro are valid, and in fact for some uses better than the GoPro, not just a cheap alternative.

I'm not trying to hate on GoPro, I'm pointing out that *I* had issues with mine and found that for my purposes, other cameras suited me better. The GoPro Black is a very nice camera, if you need that kind of video quality, there are few that can touch it. But most of us are looking for evidence cameras and do not need cinematic video quality, so buying GoPro may not be the best option for many people.
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Old 08-13-15, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
Sorry, I'm venting a little, I shouldn't have targeted you with the quote.
It's all good. I have thick hide. As long as the mods aren't bugging you feel free to call me out on anything around here.

Cheers.
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Old 08-13-15, 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by kickstart
Your response was to a particular circumstance of a vehicle backing out of a driveway, your advice was just plain wrong for the circumstance, and contrary to what you're saying now. Once again, one can't use one solution for every problem.
I said going around the rear of the vehicle. Because the driver already has to be aware of other motorists on the road. That are coming from the other direction. That allows cyclists' to pass, where the vehicle is already looking for traffic.
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Old 08-19-15, 03:52 PM
  #142  
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Here is the video from my new Hero 4 Sessions on a wrist mount (The Strap):


I have contact the local PD. I am pleased both the the new camera and the new mount, I wanted to get away from helmet mounting and this allows a mount I can use with all bikes without changing the mount. Also some ability to point the camera, but it didn't work with for this one, I clipped the video cause the 'pointing' was terrible. I need to learn to not flab my hand around with the wrist mount, it gets all Cloverfield.

PS - as I was typing this, an office called me back. He will contact the driver of the vehicle with a warning (my request).
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Old 08-19-15, 04:30 PM
  #143  
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After the fact rant....

So the officer talking with me ended the call by telling me that biking on the roads is taking your life in your own hands ??!!?!?!? I've never liked this small town, but I ride through it often since it connects to many great places to ride. Clearly the local police are clueless about bikes. I never know if I should try to educate the cop or not. I did tell him about my professional driving training and clear understanding of defensive driving/riding. But you know you have little support for the PD when you hear this kinda thing.
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Old 08-19-15, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
So the officer talking with me ended the call by telling me that biking on the roads is taking your life in your own hands ??!!?!?!?
He speaks the truth. When you throw your leg over the top tube and pedal off into traffic you are ACCEPTING a certain level of risk. Or at least you SHOULD be accepting it, because this risk is very real.

But you know you have little support for the PD when you hear this kinda thing.
OK...now you know something most of the old-timers on A&S have known for a long time. So now that you are AWARE that what you are doing is potentially life threatening, and the cops have better things to do than worry about people who KNOWINGLY put themselves at substantial extra risk in traffic, what are you going to do?

Keep on keeping on...

...or hang up the bike.

What's it gonna be?

The lions are lurking in the tall grass and the sharks are swimming in the oceans too. An easy way to avoid being eaten is to avoid those dangerous places. If you leave the beach, it's really all on you.

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Old 08-20-15, 06:54 AM
  #145  
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
After the fact rant....

So the officer talking with me ended the call by telling me that biking on the roads is taking your life in your own hands ??!!?!?!?
So, he's admitting that the police department is unable to maintain order and safety on the roads for all legal road users, which is one of the things they're supposed to be doing.
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Old 08-20-15, 08:44 AM
  #146  
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
He speaks the truth. When you throw your leg over the top tube and pedal off into traffic you are ACCEPTING a certain level of risk. Or at least you SHOULD be accepting it, because this risk is very real.
this:
Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
So, he's admitting that the police department is unable to maintain order and safety on the roads for all legal road users, which is one of the things they're supposed to be doing.
Originally Posted by JoeyBike
OK...now you know something most of the old-timers on A&S have known for a long time. So now that you are AWARE that what you are doing is potentially life threatening, and the cops have better things to do than worry about people who KNOWINGLY put themselves at substantial extra risk in traffic, what are you going to do?

Keep on keeping on...

...or hang up the bike.

What's it gonna be?

The lions are lurking in the tall grass and the sharks are swimming in the oceans too. An easy way to avoid being eaten is to avoid those dangerous places. If you leave the beach, it's really all on you.
Life is risk, hanging up the bike is a risk, since you will become part of the sedentary nation. People are dumb sheep, fearing sharks but cows kill more people every year (why don't we have cow week on Animal Planet??).

The officers comment was to tell me about horrible collisions and injuries to bikers. I was too slow to ask about the horrible collisions and injuries he's seen with autos. However, as a society, we all accept the risks of driving without much thought at all, but biking .... OMG THAT'S DANGEROUS!!!

For the record, I'm no n00b at road riding, transportation biking, or A&S. I've biked for transportation since the early '80s and have been involved with A&S groups in Minneapolis since 2010. However, this incident happened in a small town west of Minneapolis (Wayzata), that is full of old, rich people, as a result, local government and PD are of the 'car-only' types.

In summary, I will keep riding, recording, and reporting with every intention to help make the roads better/safer for all road users.
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Old 08-20-15, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
He speaks the truth. When you throw your leg over the top tube and pedal off into traffic you are ACCEPTING a certain level of risk. Or at least you SHOULD be accepting it, because this risk is very real.
You know every time you sit behind the wheel on the road or step off a curb onto the road you are taking your life in your own hands? Just checking.

-mr. bill

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Old 08-20-15, 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mr_bill
You know every time you sit behind the wheel on the road or step off a curb onto the road you are taking your life in your own hands? Just checking.

-mr. bill
Not necessarily. In a modern automobile driving on surface streets in my city (35 mph or less speed limits), the odds of being KILLED by another motorist is fairly slim (unless you drive like a total @$$). Lots of armor and air bags between me and the texters out there. LOTS of room for error.

Stepping off of a curb with due caution is a fairly simple act of waiting until nothing is coming and then proceeding. Cars are not roaring up behind me. Pedestrians get clobbered because they don't pay attention when crossing mid block, between parked cars, etc. Cars jumping the curb and killing people on the sidewalk does happen. I lost a friend that way who was not only an avid cyclist but OWNED a bike shop. Life's little ironies.

In life, we can make choices that reduce, or eliminate our risks. I do not like getting stung by jellyfish. Since I have completely given up swimming in open waters I have reduced my chances of jellyfish stings down to ZERO. If I drove a car to work, risks of clogged arteries aside, my chances of being accidentally KILLED would be substantially less than riding my bike to work, I believe. If I were not willing to accept the added risk (just barely) I could ride the bus and walk four blocks which would drop the odds of me getting killed on my bicycle to ZERO and killed by any other road users down to a "statistical zero" at least.
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Old 08-20-15, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Hypno Toad
After the fact rant....

So the officer talking with me ended the call by telling me that biking on the roads is taking your life in your own hands ??!!?!?!? I've never liked this small town, but I ride through it often since it connects to many great places to ride. Clearly the local police are clueless about bikes. I never know if I should try to educate the cop or not. I did tell him about my professional driving training and clear understanding of defensive driving/riding. But you know you have little support for the PD when you hear this kinda thing.
I lived in the City of Duluth for four years(2002-2007). I once did a day-long ride, south on the Willard Munger Trail. I passed through several small towns. I was going to go to a small town south of Minn.-St.Paul, but blew a tube in Sandstone and my spare was ruined. I was ill-prepared for that trip.
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Old 08-20-15, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeyBike
If I drove a car to work, risks of clogged arteries aside, my chances of being accidentally KILLED would be substantially less than riding my bike to work, I believe.
OK, risk of being killed while biking is zero, but you can not remove/ignore the risks of the sedentary life. Additionally, with over 30,000 US traffic fatalities every year, using the roads is still risky. Tragically, most people in the US totally ignore health risks, but think biking is high-risk. There is a balance in all risk analysis, but you make poor choices when you only consider some of the risk factors.

I recently read that a more accidents happen in your home than any where else, so I'm going to move.
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