If you’ve decided to install a camera on your bike or ebike, it’s a great decision! From recording epic rides and stunning views to providing an extra measure of safety, installing a camera can make a world of difference to your riding experience.
Where should you mount it? Your choice of location can have a lasting effect on the type of footage captured and the stability of your shots.
In this article, we will discuss the best mounting spots for your camera, their benefits, and drawbacks, providing useful advice to ensure optimal results.
Handlebar Mount
Mounting your camera to your handlebars is one of the most accessible and widespread solutions. This provides an unobstructed frontal view that captures every aspect of your ride—be it road or trail ahead. This option gives a clear shot of your ride, showing what lies ahead!
Positioning the camera directly in front of you makes it super easy to make mid-ride adjustments, as the lens is within easy reach.
But if you're riding over rough terrain, expect some shaky footage, as every bump and rock you encounter will be included. The GoPro Hero 4 Black still provides an effective forward-facing angle suitable for road cycling or smoother trails.
Helmet Mount
Want a first-person view that captures everything as it happens? A helmet mount provides this unique viewpoint with dynamic videos that follow wherever your gaze goes - perfect for fast rides and technical trails!
On the downside, moving your head more than your handlebars may cause footage to become slightly jagged during rougher rides.
Another factor to consider when selecting a camera is weight. Wearing a heavy model on your helmet could prove uncomfortable during long rides; therefore, opt for lightweight models in this configuration.
However, this may be an excellent solution for creating immersive footage that puts viewers directly into your shoes—or, rather, a helmet.
Chest Mount
For an immersive rider's perspective, a chest mount offers a lower and steadier shot that captures both handlebars and the road ahead—ideal for mountain biking or more technical trails.
Your body naturally absorbs much of the shocks from riding, making this position smoother than a helmet or handlebar mount.
Locating the ideal angle is paramount; your camera should show enough of the trail and handlebars without too much of your knees or chest.
Once the angle is right, chest mount cameras can provide some of the most engaging and stable footage, giving viewers the feeling that they're right with you.
Seatpost or Saddle Mount
Looking to record what's happening behind you? A seatpost or saddle mount provides the ideal way to do so. Ideal for group rides when showing who's following behind or just capturing beautiful landscapes as they fade into the distance, this position gives riders a rear-facing perspective of events unfolding behind.
Although this mount offers an intriguing viewpoint, its lightweight nature may make it more susceptible to road vibrations if you're riding over rough surfaces.
This spot works best on smooth roads, providing incredible trailing footage that adds variety to your videos.
Frame Mount
A frame mount provides creative photographers with more freedom in terms of camera angle. Simply secure the camera to various points along the bike frame and capture unique shots!
Whether pointed forward, backwards, or sideways, the frame mount lets you capture impressive shots of pedals and wheels in motion.
This setup involves direct attachment between the frame and the bike, so vibrations may quickly transfer. Therefore, this setup works best on smoother rides or when experimenting with interesting angles; to maximize optimal results, use an anti-vibration mount.
Camera Mounting Accessories and Tips
Acquiring quality footage requires mounting your camera correctly and using appropriate accessories. If riding over rough roads, consider anti-vibration mounts to smooth out the footage captured.
Quick-release mounts are also an invaluable asset, enabling you to adjust or remove your camera quickly without fiddly screws. This feature can be convenient if you switch angles midway through or move your camera mid-ride.
Waterproof and dustproof casings are essential when venturing into harsh weather or challenging terrain. They protect both the camera and lens against damage and keep the camera rolling no matter the conditions.
Before every ride, take the time to ensure your camera and mount are stable. A quick check can help eliminate issues like loose cameras or missed footage that might otherwise arise.
Best Camera Types for Bike Mounts
GoPro cameras are the gold standard for bike-mount cameras. Convenient and rugged, they boast excellent stabilization for smooth footage. Their flagship models, HERO 11 and 10, provide high-resolution 4K video capture and versatile mounting solutions.
The DJI Osmo Action offers features similar to GoPro's, such as 4K video recording and excellent image stabilization. Its dual-screen feature makes framing shots much more accessible, whether that means yourself or an image of the trail ahead.
If you want to push your creative edge further, the Insta360 ONE X2 camera is an ideal way to do just that. Recording everything around you allows you to reframe videos post-production - perfect for scenic rides or when trying to capture all angles of an experience!
Budget-minded cyclists looking for reliable camera options will appreciate the AKASO Brave 7 LE. It provides solid features at a lower cost point than its competition, such as GoPro or Sony Action Cams. Although its capabilities might not match those of fuller-featured cameras such as GoPros, this camera will still do its job reliably for beginners just starting.
No matter which camera you opt for, remember to consider battery life and storage requirements when making your decision. Long rides in 4K video or 360-degree recordings can quickly drain battery and memory capacity, so carrying extra batteries as well as a larger-capacity memory card may be wise.
Conclusion
Your choice of camera mount will ultimately depend on what kind of footage you want and the terrain you're riding.
Handlebar and helmet mounts provide straightforward angles that are easy to set up. In contrast, chest and seatpost mounts offer more immersive views that bring the audience into your ride.
Experimenters looking to add excitement to their footage should consider fork or frame mounts as creative ways of adding interest.
Experiment and determine what works for your riding style. Capture all the thrills, scenery, and moments that make cycling unique. You can fully experience and appreciate cycling at its finest with the proper setup!
Just buckle up, set a record, and enjoy the ride!
FAQs
Where is the best place to mount a camera on a bike?
It depends on what you want to capture—handlebars for front shots, helmet for first-person views, and chest for stable angles.
How do I stop my bike camera footage from being shaky?
Use anti-vibration mounts and ensure the camera is securely fastened. Choosing stable mount locations like your chest also helps.
What’s the best camera for mounting on a bike?
GoPro is a popular choice due to its durability, stabilization, and mounting options. Alternatives include DJI Osmo Action and Insta360 for 360-degree shots.
