My son gave me a JVC Adixxion camera (GoPro clone), and I've enjoyed using it, but the JVC handlebar mount has enough play in it that it actually amplifies road vibration, making video worthless if the road is rough enough (see attached clip). Unlike the GoPro, it uses a standard camera screw on mount, so that should open up lots of possibilities for a better mount, but the ones I've seen on Amazon all have reviews that talk about breaking and cheap construction.

Can anyone recommend a good handlebar mount?

On a related note, I've thought the video would be more interesting if the camera was lower, perhaps mounted on the head tube with some sort of strap on bracket. Has anyone seen such a thing, or would I have to make it myself?

BB

sounds like you have ruled out mounting on the helmet?

develop a Steadicam for bikes? https://www.steadicam.com/ its what movies do for fast traveling hand held shots..

FWIW, here's an example from this weekend's time trial. The shake isn't so noticeable on the uphill section (first minute or so), but if you forward to where I get to the bridge (around the 4 minute mark, you can see what the combination of a little speed and grooved pavement do to the picture.

https://youtu.be/n6HsYU73dao

No, but I want multiple mounting options. Of the video I've seen, I find the handlebar and frame mounted video the most watchable.

Maybe have a look at a RAM mount. I use one with my Contour HD 1080P. Very solid indeed, but not pretty.





Andrew

joeybike does a nice job with video ask him what he does

https://dx.com/s/bicycle+camera

Some individuals I know use a chest mount. Less vibration and it gets a perspective that includes the bars and front of the bike. Pretty common on mtbs. On a road bike, the camera will point a bit differently between the tops and drops.

I've considered that, but I'm a roadie 95% of the time, and I was wondering how I'd pick an angle that gave a useful view on the hoods, on the bartops, and in the drops.

After reading reviews of a bunch of roll cage mounts, I'm thinking of just constructing a mount from the flat mount that came with my camera, two hose clamps, and a couple of pieces of old innertube. It won't be pretty, but it might be functional. I think the trick will be making the clamps tight enough to be secure without putting too much pressure on the CF head tube.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I've gotten a few good ideas from this thread.

BB

I have a Contour and have experimented with helmet mounting, handlebar mounting and head tube mounting. Of the three I prefer the head tube. Helmet mounting is nice in that the camera sees whatever you are looking at. This also means that when you tilt your head down you see nothing but the pavement below you. I found that I didn't like the constant motion of the camera mounted on my head, but as always, YMMV. The handlebar mount wasn't bad, but the bars amplify any road vibration and cause a bit of buzz, especially on tar and gravel roads. And while the horizon line remains relatively constant, the view tends to sway from side to side a tiny bit with my pedaling motion. I know, I know, smooth out my pedal stroke. :-) The head tube mount is the steadiest of all, at least for me. I don't get the subtle vibrations like I do from the handlebar and any movement from pedaling is greatly reduced. The only thing I dislike about mounting on the the head tube is that I always see the top of my tire and the bottom of my brake levers. But the forward view is great.

Cheers!
K

So how are you ataching itto the head tube?

BB

it's called the Contour Flex Strap. It's a rubber strap with a camera mount attached. I wrap it around the head tub, adjust the angle and attach the camera. Works very well. The camera has a small safety cord attached as well just in case it comes loose from the flex strap, but it's a pretty tight mount so I don't see this happening.

Cheers!
K

Do you know if they make an adaptor for cameras that screw on?

Contour mounts are specific to Contour. Maybe a GoPro or Garmin mount could be adapted to work?

Anyone know of such a thing? I haven't found one yet.

Sugru Magnet kit might be another option for mounting the camera.

Andrew

+1 on a RAM mount. Little bulky, but you getting very solid, awesome quality mount.
RAM Mounting Systems, Inc.

What I found that seems to work great is a strap on helmet mount that I strap around the head tube. Here's some video I shot a couple of weeks ago: My Morning Ride 3 1 14 - YouTube

BB

after breaking 2 plastic mount for my point & shoot/video camera , I decide to try this one.
all metal handle bar mount.Robot Check

I haven't tried these so they may or may not work out but another option could the be the Minoura VC-100 camera mounts.



Andrew

I have a JVC Adixxion 2 mounted on our Co-Motion tandem. Love the JVC, the mount sucks. Got a Sony handlebar mount from Amazon. It works great even at higher speeds, 40-50 mph, no shake.

Don't the head mounts make the most sense? I mean, you're not going to swivel your chest or turn your bike if you see bike/car/etc coming broadside.

I'm sure they all have their own advantages, but a head mount - to me - provides the most flexibility and likelihood you will record everything you need before and after an accident. After all, a cam is pretty much useless if it isn't pointed the way you need it to be.

I guess it depends on what you intend to record. I'm trying to make a video someone would want to watch, not record surveillance videos for accident reports.

BB

I have used both and now have both my cameras mounted to the bike. I haven't noticed any significant advantage of the helmet mount versus the bar mount and have actually settled on the bar mount. I may add a helmet mounted camera to add to the front camera down the track but at the moment the bar mount has been more than sufficient.

Also if you get involved in a discussion with a motorist the helmet camera is often to high to be of value. It only comes into play really to show head checks and on the downside it can show your head down a lot when riding.

Andrew