Dear Lifehacker, Are there any good dash cams specifically made for cyclists? I’d imagine the same tech could be used for motorcycles but I’m having trouble finding models in Australia. Do you have any suggestions or am I forced to strap a GoPro to my helmet? Thanks, Ash
Image via Sergii Kononenko / Shutterstock.com
Dear Ash,
While there are a number of dashcams specifically made for cyclists on the market, a traditional action cam is going to be your best and most reliable bet for a bike without a steady power source. The best action cams on the market are the ubiquitous GoPro, and the Sony Action Cam — both of which come in a number of different price points and support a number of different accessories (GoPro can be found here, while Sony’s range is here) for mounting to the bars of your bike or your helmet in a number of different locations.
As the legality of mounting cameras to motorcycle helmets is still questionable in a couple of Australian states, most of the action cam mounts are in fact specifically aimed towards cyclists rather than motorcyclists.
If you are using an action cam, it’s best for convenience’s sake to mount it on your helmet — then you’ll always remember to bring it inside and charge it while you’re not riding. The relatively short battery life is one of the major downsides of using an action cam, but as long as you get in the habit of charging it then it won’t be a problem.
If you’re not keen on the GoPro, then one new technology specifically aimed at cyclists is Cycliq’s Fly6 and Fly12. The Fly6 is a rear HD bike camera that doubles as a tail-light, while the Fly12 is a similar technology but with a front-mounted headlight. Cycliq’s products also have a number of useful features specifically tailored for cyclists, such as a security setting that will alert you via phone app if someone moves your bike. The Fly6 will set you back US$199 while the Fly12 is a little more pricey at US$349.
Cheers
Lifehacker
Got your own question you want to put to Lifehacker? Send it using our [contact text=”contact form”].
Comments
One response to “Ask LH: What’s A Good Dashcam For Cyclists?”
This has the added benefit of giving you some form of shock absorption as well.
@hayley-willams – thanks fore the update on the fly models – I saw them when they were first announced years ago, but was fearful it would end up as vapourware. Good to know it’they moved in to sales for some of their products
My 2 cents experience and recomendation:
– Sony ActionCam with embedded image stabilisation is pretty
– postproduction software stabilisation in VirtualDub isn’t bad either
– chestmount camera holder is a better choice over handlebar mount
On the convenience, a helmet mounted camera will give you the best / smoothest footage, however with the added weight on your head, it will not be convenient for many riders – hence commuter cyclists with cameras will typically mount a forward facing camera from the handlebars. The GoPro style screw mount means the camera can be conveniently removed.
Chest mount is another option for smoother footage if you like the camera perspective and are happy wearing a harness.
Regarding the legality of cameras on motorcycle helmets, in Victoria a motorcyclist who was fined for appealed this in court and had the charge dismissed.
The ruling is expected to spark calls for legislative change to helmet regulations.
source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/motorcyclist-charged-for-wearing-video-camera-helmet-wins-on-appeal/news-story/6d8036cf2d6a660d2774a71ae0647eb5
Only the rear facing Fly6 is available at present. The Fly12 has had numerous production delays and was most recently promised to ship to Kickstarter and pre-orders in mid-April. Retail supplies were to ship after meeting those commitments, so you might find the forward facing Fly12 in a retailer sometime in May 2016.
« one new technology specifically aimed at cyclists is Cycliq’s Fly6 and Fly12. The Fly6 is a rear HD bike camera that doubles as a tail-light, while the Fly12 is a similar technology but with a front-mounted headlight »
When reading I thought these Cycliq’s Fly6 and Fly12 were mounted on helmet, the only place where the camera has the best stabilizer available (the human head’s stabilizer), very important on a bicycle, where everything is subject to incredible shocks, shakes, vibrations. Yet when visiting their site I see it’s just lights attached to handlebar and to saddle tube… Won’t work IMO. OK for lights, NOT for camera.
Versailles, Fri 16 Sep 2016 19:09:55 +0200