On visits to various cities to collect photos I'll usually rent a bike and ride around to shoot. Most times the bikes (city, upright) have a front basket but occasionally not. All of my current bags are backpack style which I don't like to use if I'm doing a lot of shooting, nor is putting it on the rear rack a good solution. Both of these take too long to grab a camera.

When I've not had a basket in the past I've just kept one or two camera's on me using Black Rapid straps (very much my favorite system). Riding around with these hanging at my side isn't great, though it does allow me to grab shots quickly (sometimes with many apologies to the person behind me). Each camera and lens is about 5 to 8 lbs.

Any ideas for better options?

Get a handlebar bag with a quick attachment system that would let you use it with the types of bike you usually rent?

Of note: Ortlieb offers a drop in DSLR padded insert for Their HB bags.

and they make a dry bag and harness to keep the camera at chest height as well ..

I have a co worker who regularly rides with an SLR camera and he modified a small camera case (small meaning just fits the camera/lens) that he has strapped to the shoulder straps of his back pack. He can have the camera out in seconds and has used it on some pretty technical trails with no issues, he does complain that it bounces a lot but on pavement that should not be a problem.

I've struggled with similar issues, and not found a perfect solution. Given you don't know what might be available in terms of a ride, I've decided to use a sling pack instead of a backpack. It keeps the camera secure, and allows me "quicker" access, because I can swing the pact around to the front and the camera opening is along the side of the pack, which now is facing straight up. While not perfect, it is quicker than a full backback and provide a level of protection I can accept. I'll be following this thread to see if others have different solutions. Thanks for starting this one.

That is a DSLR shoulder bag repurposed as a front bag. It is mounted via a front rack and a VO decaleur. In DSLR mode, I can get a camera with lens and one or two additional lenses in it. I am very happy with the setup.


P4170268 by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr

For mid-size cameras (full 35mm SLR, DSLR) a handlebar bag has always worked well for me. Ortlieb or equivalent for water protection.

For larger cameras, an Oyster Bucket pannier with cubed foam hanging off my front rack gave quick access to a Mamiya Universal with 70mm roll film back for landscapes.

I've generally used a messenger bag on the bike, because I can swing it around and fish the camera out pretty quickly. Bear in mind I usually use a messenger bag for walking-around shooting too, so I have lots of practice. I don't know if I can do it while moving, because I won't try it.

Consider the "Cotton Carrier". Here's a cheesy promotional video: Cotton Carrier Camera Systems Action Video - YouTube

I have it, and yes, I have used it while biking. I was going to photograph a bike race and I thought it would be rather stupid to drive there - plus parking would be nonexistent. To be honest, I find the Cotton Carrier less than ideal if you're using the camera under "normal" circumstances; like you, I have Black Rapid straps. However, I was concerned about bumps and rattles while on the bike if I put my cameras into my basket or in panniers or strapped to the back rack. I figured if it was strapped to me, my body would provide the best shock absorption. I wasn't too keen on putting all my gear in a backpack because if I fell, I'd likely end up on my back or side, crush all my equipment, and likely hurt me in the process.

So, I split up my kit: camera on me via the Carrier; and accessories in a messenger bag. For you reference, I carried a Nikon D3s with a 70-200 f2.8 - a pretty large and bulky setup. It was a bit awkward, but it worked fairly well overall. The Cotton Carrier is a bit geeky, but for these circumstances, it worked well: my hands were free, and it was centered nicely on my body.

Good luck!

It's an interesting system. Being a member of Club Tombay, I'd worry about landing on top of my camera.