Action camera
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Action camera
I am planning on buying an action camera to record my rides, but I'm trying to decide whether I should have it mounted to my handlebars or on top of my helmet. Any suggestions?
#2
Senior Member
Under your saddle, but ideally both rear and front. If I had to chose one, then just the rear.
#3
LET'S ROLL
This cam comes with a lot of different mounts:
I've only used the bar mounts so far:
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,206
Bikes: 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Peugeot PR10, 2002 Specialized Allez, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2013 Culprit Croz Blade
Mentioned: 64 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 720 Post(s)
Liked 683 Times
in
374 Posts

This is with handlebar mount.
I have a GoPro with both handlebar and helmet mount. On longer rides, I switch them back and forth to get different viewpoints. I don't like the feel of the helmet cam. It feels top heavy, but I like that it is vibration free, and quiet, where the handlebar mount transmits road noise and some vibration. I have an older model Hero2 which has an annoying rattle that doesn't happen with the helmet mount. The higher viewpoint of the helmet cam sometimes has the effect of adults riding small clown bikes in wide angle perspective. The ladies I ride with don't like the handlebar mount, and call it the "buttcam". I would recommend both to make the video more interesting. A friend of mine uses a chest strap mount, which might be the best compromise of angle and point of view, as well as being vibration free and quieter, unless you are a heavy breather.

This is with helmet mount.
Last edited by Slightspeed; 11-02-18 at 12:10 AM.
#6
Senior Member
I have a gopro handlebar mount. it works fine but I want to get a helmet cam so I can record more than just what is front of me. Go pro acessories are expensive and then I'll need a new helmet because of the way mine is shaped.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,152
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 841 Times
in
408 Posts
I prefer a helmet mount, because my main goal is to record other vehicles in case there is an incident. You can turn your head and record to the side or even behind you.
If you are looking to record nice videos of your ride, a handlebar or frame mount is better.
There are some 360-degree cameras out there, but they are expensive, at least the ones capable of recording license plates clearly. Maybe in 5 years.
Also those "follow me" drones would be awesome, providing a view from 20 feet or more up, but they are not practical, and probably illegal.
If you are looking to record nice videos of your ride, a handlebar or frame mount is better.
There are some 360-degree cameras out there, but they are expensive, at least the ones capable of recording license plates clearly. Maybe in 5 years.
Also those "follow me" drones would be awesome, providing a view from 20 feet or more up, but they are not practical, and probably illegal.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 24,862
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3722 Post(s)
Liked 851 Times
in
592 Posts
advantages & disadvantages to both options. I suggest you try a few mounts & decide what works for you. been hand holding mine lately for interesting parts of my ride. but last ride I just Velcro's it to my helmet cuz the screw mount is having issues. worked surprisingly nicely!


#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,212
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3634 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
41 Posts
Before you take all the above advice, it is pertinent to ask what you are specifically trying to record.
If recording for evidence if you are hit, mount it under your seat pointed backwards. If you are trying to record a group ride or race, I'd probably want it always facing forward on the handlebars. If touring or trying to get scenery, it is far easier if it is on your head.
If recording for evidence if you are hit, mount it under your seat pointed backwards. If you are trying to record a group ride or race, I'd probably want it always facing forward on the handlebars. If touring or trying to get scenery, it is far easier if it is on your head.
#10
SuperGimp
Are you recording your rides to make interesting ride videos later or to have footage in case you get in a scrape?
Handlebar mounts are more stable (ie less nauseating) but they're boring AF. You're riding by all kinds of scenery and all you see is the rider's butt in front of you... or the car, or the road, you know what I mean. Helmet mounts are more interesting but most people move their heads around WAY more than you'd think and the resulting video is awful.
I used to use my go pro under one of those k-edge combo mounts. Bought a battery pack from amazon that lasts about 5 hours or so, got a big SD card and it was set and forget for long rides.
Handlebar mounts are more stable (ie less nauseating) but they're boring AF. You're riding by all kinds of scenery and all you see is the rider's butt in front of you... or the car, or the road, you know what I mean. Helmet mounts are more interesting but most people move their heads around WAY more than you'd think and the resulting video is awful.
I used to use my go pro under one of those k-edge combo mounts. Bought a battery pack from amazon that lasts about 5 hours or so, got a big SD card and it was set and forget for long rides.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Are you recording your rides to make interesting ride videos later or to have footage in case you get in a scrape?
Handlebar mounts are more stable (ie less nauseating) but they're boring AF. You're riding by all kinds of scenery and all you see is the rider's butt in front of you... or the car, or the road, you know what I mean. Helmet mounts are more interesting but most people move their heads around WAY more than you'd think and the resulting video is awful.
I used to use my go pro under one of those k-edge combo mounts. Bought a battery pack from amazon that lasts about 5 hours or so, got a big SD card and it was set and forget for long rides.
Handlebar mounts are more stable (ie less nauseating) but they're boring AF. You're riding by all kinds of scenery and all you see is the rider's butt in front of you... or the car, or the road, you know what I mean. Helmet mounts are more interesting but most people move their heads around WAY more than you'd think and the resulting video is awful.
I used to use my go pro under one of those k-edge combo mounts. Bought a battery pack from amazon that lasts about 5 hours or so, got a big SD card and it was set and forget for long rides.
#12
SuperGimp
Most action cameras come with a variety of mounts - try the ones you get for free and then if you need to, branch out. Worth a shot anyway.
#13
:D
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 2,986
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times
in
331 Posts
Finding the smallest one that has great battery life along with durability is a unicorn, but that is what id want... Have been looking for one too.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#14
☢
Handlebar mounts are more stable (ie less nauseating) but they're boring AF. You're riding by all kinds of scenery and all you see is the rider's butt in front of you... or the car, or the road, you know what I mean.
Helmet mounts are more interesting but most people move their heads around WAY more than you'd think and the resulting video is awful.
I used to use my go pro under one of those k-edge combo mounts. Bought a battery pack from amazon that lasts about 5 hours or so, got a big SD card and it was set and forget for long rides.
#15
SuperGimp
Yeah, but I was using mine to make a ride video... and they're good for that. Plus, I already owned it. Sunk cost and all that.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,206
Bikes: 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Peugeot PR10, 2002 Specialized Allez, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2013 Culprit Croz Blade
Mentioned: 64 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 720 Post(s)
Liked 683 Times
in
374 Posts
My GoPro came with a strap helmet mount that adapts to most helmets thru the vent holes. I have never used the adhesive mount. I have another K-Edge handlebar mount with the Garmin mount on top and the GoPro screw mount below. Both work fine, though the helmet mount is a little top heavy with the camera. If your helmet has the bug screen or honeycomb liner (like my new Smith helmet) the universal strap mount won't work, and then you use the self adhesive mount.
Last edited by Slightspeed; 11-04-18 at 10:44 AM.
#18
☢