Bike Mounted Camera and Stability/Vibration/Shaking Issues

Former Member over 11 years ago

I purchased my Virb Elite to take video while riding bicycle. On smooth roads, the camera stability is pretty good and I get a pretty stable video. However, any little bump that occurs, or if riding on rough roads with worn out asphalt, I get a lot of vibration. Stabilizer feature of cameras can only control the vibration to a certain point. I'm using the Bicycle Mount from Garmin, which locks the camera down as rigid as possible to the handlebars. All road vibration comes through to it. Is anyone aware of a mount that would take road vibration out of the camera?

Thanks.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Same here, went out saturday first time, same setup. I think stabilizer feature is actual worse.

If you find the answer let me know also, to be honest I expected it as it is, it doesn't cost thousands.

0 jbadilla over 11 years ago

I have a couple of gopro mounts which I have tested briefly with the virb adapter to popular industry mounts but I have been using more extensively the chest mount.
You might want to take a look at this video which evaluates the mounting options:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_kWOahNRnI
there is also a video showing a DIY vibration absorber:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT625RGi0s4

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

I use the Garmin Large Tube mount that I bought with my Virb and I think its fine for stability.

I constantly make sure 3 points are tight (they have shaken loose before) and those points are the bottom screw, the top screw and also the big round washer thing in the middle (technical names unknown). I actually found this went lose yesterday. Just test the camera is tight before you start. I also use the rubber washer.

If you want to look at the video quality you can see mine on Pinterest here where I record local Strava segments: http://www.pinterest.com/cyclingbtd/strava-segments/.
..

I use the same mount with the rubber washer, and check tightness regularly. I see that your videos are run at 2x and it looks like the roads you are on are pretty smooth. The 2x speed does also take out some of the erratic vibrations, which I've noticed on my videos. What resolution are you recording at? That could make a difference as well. Lastly, when I ride on smoother roads I also get very stable video. It's the rough roads or the road seams on concrete roads that jolt the bike and thus the camera that I'd like to be able to smooth out more.

Thanks.

0 mtbikexcski over 11 years ago

Are you using 720p/60fps? I think that helps more than the stabilizer.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Stuartmeyers2,

Your concrete ride does appear a bit more stable. I can hear the bump when you go over the expansion joints, but your camera doesn't seem to shake as much. I may have to experiment with my mount a bit to see if I can get less shake.

Also, what type of bike are you riding? I ride a road bike, so the tires are narrow and will definitely not absorb as much road irregularity. Pretty much everything transfers through to the handle bars.

Thanks

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Hi,

I also drive a road bike and use the Garmin Large Tube mount with rubber washer on the handlebar. Everything needs to be tightened hard.
On the rear I use the K-Edge sadle mount
Also experiment with the zoom, sometimes widescreen is better than zoom with stabilizer on.

On the mountain bike I use a RAM mount for the camera

Here are my films, I think they are pretty stable. In one film (Ninove koersfiets) I even drive over Belgian pavement.

https://www.youtube.com/user/NicoVerbelen/featured