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?

Under your saddle, but ideally both rear and front. If I had to chose one, then just the rear.

This cam comes with a lot of different mounts:
I've only used the bar mounts so far:

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.

If GoPro, ditch the cheap plastic junk! My GoPro took a tumble at 30 MPH from the HB's on a mtn descent. Get a good mount like K edge.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Both really - I want to record my commute for road safety purposes, but I also want to record my rides at the weekend to have a video of it

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.

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.

This. If its the latter then you need to cover all bases meaning you'll need at least two cameras. If you only have one camera then front mount it since that's the area of most activity. Frame mount gives the most unobstructed view, but body mounts are the most stable. Save the helmet mount for last. Same configuration as your bike light. True if you ride is packs and aren't in the lead. As for boring part, also true, but you can learn to edit and keep things interesting.Which makes them good only as supplemental video.Gopros are great cameras but they're functions are wasted just as incident footage cameras. For the price of one top level Gopro you can get 3 or more basic cameras just to capture footage.

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.

only GoPro

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.

I'm sorry but there are times when it really isn't necessary to go pro.