magohn

I made the cardinal sin last weekend of visiting REI on a whim. Then I made the mistake of looking inside the glass, locked cabinets that hold all the cool and expensive "stuff". Cut a long story short, I talked myself into a shiny-new GoPro Hero 960 ($180) video camera to use to video some of my more major sponsored rides (STP, Chilly Hilly etc).

I just got back from testing the camera on a 20-mile, rolling hills route near my house. I am very happy with the camera and REALLY like the 170 degree view as it shows the riders arms/handlebars etc instead of just forward scenery with no rider reference.

Battery life seems excellent as the camera ran for 90 minutes before it filled my 8gb memory card. If I used a larger card I would guesstimate at least 2.5 hours battery on a single charge with the camera running non-stop. I need to buy a larger card (supports up to 32gb).

I used the chest mount for this video ($39 extra) but the camera comes with helmet mount and other mounting scenarios. The chest mount was extra but I felt goofy with the helmet mount as it was so obvious sticking off the top of my helmet. The chest mount can be "hidden" under a light cycling jacket etc.

In the box you get all kinds of neat accessories including a fully-waterproof casing that integrates the mounting system and can be mounted almost anywhere.

Anyways, here's a few minutes of the first part of the ride. For the video I also used software that import data from my Garmin. I think this will be a neat setup for my next big ride. The colors are very vibrant and the HD is amazing. I had to dumb the quality down for YouTube due to my slow upload speeds over DSL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3m_J4ZBXjE

P.S No comments on the hairy arms...
P.P.S I think the clicking noise on the video is the zipper on my jacket hitting the camera casing.

Biggziff

I've used GoPro for years. You'll get about 2-2.5 hours out of a charge so buy a second battery if you think you'll need it.

Not for nothin'...you can buy these little 808 "remote" cameras on ebay for $10. Pop an 8gb card in them and they take HD video and work almost as well as the Go Pro!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-808-Car-Ke...item3a6a6c5fb3

caphits

It would be cool to have the HR and cadence on there. I love how the Garmin overlays the video. Looks great!

iforgotmename

I really enjoy my gopro...have fun.

Biggziff

Does the Garmin do the overlay or is that another piece of software?

magohn

Thanks all.

The garmin overlay is made possible by a piece of software called Dashware. Its syncs your ride data to the video.

Also, I tried one of those "remote" cams last year. Great for the price but the battery life was 30 mins at best, narrow field of view and not weatherproof. I ruined mine by forgetting it was on my helmet during a ride and the rain started and got into it.

Normally the HR and Cadence is on the overlay. I was riding my Trek and the cadence sensor is mounted to my other bike. I didnt put the HR strap on as it was only a 20 mile ride.

I dont really need a GoPro - I just love new toys

Biggziff

I thought that was dashware..thanks!

I used a TicTac case to weatherproof my 808s. Add a jelly lens to get the wide angles. Somebody online had a thread showing how they fit well in the cases. I prefer my GoPros, but the 808s work great for multiple views on my motocross bikes. I do get more like 1.5 hours out of the batteries on mine though...I think mine are #6 models.

Everybody likes toys!!!!!

freighttraininguphill

Cool! I like that chest harness view! You also won't have the muffled audio problems in the rain that you had with the Playsport. If you desire better audio pickup in dry weather, there is a skeleton back available from GoPro which lets in more sound. The camera is NOT waterproof with the skeleton back, so you would only want to use that in dry weather. If I had gone with the GoPro instead of the Contour I would have purchased the skeleton back.

Look forward to seeing your future sufferfests.

magohn

Thanks much.
It actually comes (in the box) with a second door for the weatherproof enclosure that can be used for "light rains". It has cut-outs specifically designed to let more audio into the casing. As you state though, its not fully-waterproof with the second door attached and as we were expecting rain yesterday, I did not want to take the chance of breaking my new toy.
I also have a GoPro handlebar mount that is movable while riding. I will see if I can use that for the next ride
Thanks again.