My goal is to capture on video my world from a bicycle, which includes, fun, friends, racing, occasional pain and frequent periods of pure joy! (and share my massive *a-hem* knowledge about cycling)
I have a "Music Player" gadget, 4th down to the right. You may run audio from it or the video as you see fit by pausing the music player or muting the embedded video. Enjoy!
Buy your very own GoPro HD Hero Camera buy clicking the link: GoPro® Helmet Camera The Giro Della Montagna Criterium
The best camera for videoing your world from a bicycle is without a doubt the HD Hero camera from GoProCamera. Of course proof is in the pudding, or video as they say. Check my humbly submitted video samples at the bottom of this post and scan the information below and decide for yourself. Note: my videos where recorded with the Hero HD camera and since that time the GoPro has released the Hero2 and now the Hero3. While my video quality is quite good - as you can see for yourself - the current Hero3's (soon to be your multipurpose video camera) video quality is significantly better.
This camera is hands free (or hands on if you prefer) and extremely versatile. It can be used far beyond just videoing and photographing cycling, ranging all the way from scuba-diving to skydiving, standard photography, time lapse photography and beyond. On this post you will find a detailed list of the HD Hero's stats and abilities, and several images showing a range of different mounting methods that I use for this camera (there are many more, especially if you are clever). I also have sample videos that I have produced from this camera using different mounts as references for videoing from a bicycle, and a couple videos showing this camera's ability to do live and wireless feeds, and the latest video display device that just came available.
Just click any of the GoPro links to buy the world's most versatile high definition multipurpose camera from the parent company GoPro® HD Helmet HERO™ Camera.
At the very minimum I recommend watching the last video on this post. It's absolutely amazing! It's produced by the GoPro folks and it shows a bunch of different examples of what the camera can be used for.
Update: GoProCamera has just released a new Hero3 camera that includes a built in Wi-Fi that enables remote control via remote or live video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro app, high speed high definition recording (1440p48/1080p60/720p120 fps), 30% smaller, 25% lighter, 2x more powerful than previous models (Hero & Hero2). Also the new cameras include Built-in Wi-Fi which enables remote control via Wi-Fi Remote or live
video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the
free GoPro app.
Below is a video produced by the folks at GoProCamera describing some of the features in their latest release of their Hero3 camera:
A recent update: GoProCamera has developed and released an attachable/removable LCD video screen with a built in speaker for live viewing, and instant playback of videos (with sound) and photos. (see below).
Another update: GoProCamera has developed and released a battery pac device which doubles the recording time on their rechargeable lithium batteries. (see below)
Another update: GoPro Camera has added a 3D Hero System. It's the worlds smallest 3D High Definition Camera! (see below)
Another update: GoPro Camera has just added a Wi-Fi bacPac and Remote. This will allow wireless live streaming videos and photos for viewing on the internet or smartphone. And a long range remote control of up to 50 separate cameras.
I understand that most folks want an awesome cheap camera. Here's the thing...... GoProCamera's are just that. In the last decade a high definition video camera cost literally a couple thousand dollars (or more) and were quite large, and couldn't touch the abilities of the GoPro. The technology vs cost factors are now at a premium for buyers. Inflation will not allow these (or any other camera for that matter) to become any cheaper. So if you are waiting for cheaper you will NEVER buy any camera because they will only rise in price. If you are looking for better, look no further because there honestly isn't anything better than a GoProCamera. The old saying, "You get what you pay for", holds true with GoProCameras.
GoPro's only real competitor is the HD Contour camera and GoPro honestly blows them out of the water. First of all the GoPro is more affordable because they include a waterproof case. With the Contour you have to pay extra. The video quality is the same because they both use the exact same technology however The GoPro is far superior because of their clever design for mounting systems and their expansion bus for accessories. Specifically the expansion port allows the attachment of a LCD video monitor for playback with sound. It turns the camera into a powerful everyday camera.
Currently only the best version of the camera is available (there has been several increasingly improved versions): The Hero 3, that comes in three flavors:
The Wi-Fi enabled HERO3: Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever. No expense was spared during its development, resulting in a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197' (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the HERO3: Black Edition is the world's most versatile camera. Built-in Wi-Fi, GoPro App compatibility and the included Wi-Fi Remote (normally a separate $79.99 accessory) make the HERO3: Black Edition all the more versatile, still.
Record up to 1.5 hours (with the Black Edition; 3 hours with the White Edition) on a single charge and up to 9 hours total on a 32GB SD card (not included). Add the optional battery BacPac and double the battery life (cost: $49.99).
Battery Life for Hero3 video camera at different settings
The Black Edition's camera can also shoot automatic 12, 7, and 5MP photos at .5/1/2/5/10/30 and 60 second intervals during your activity, hands free. Press the shutter button once at the start of your activity and record up to 3 hours (with battery BacPac) of poster-print quality photos of you and your friends, living it up.
Included are mounts for attaching the camera to three helmets and two pieces of gear or vehicles, as well as a head strap allowing you to wear the camera like a headlamp. You can also pull this strap over helmets for easy camera sharing between friends. One of the above mentioned helmet mounts is a lace-through strap-mount designed for vented helmets.
The HD Helmet HERO is compatible with all other GoPro Hero camera mounting accessories, so it's very easy to expand the functionality of your camera to also suction cup to vehicles, clamp to bike handlebars and seat posts, mount to surfboards, and even be worn on the wrist or chest.
Waterproof to 197'/60m and protected from rocks and other hazards thanks to its removable polycarbonate housing. Replacement housings and lens kits are available, making repairs or refurbishing your HD HERO camera affordable and convenient. It's a GoPro... go for it. (TM)
Camera comparison between the Hero3 White Edition, Silver Edition, and Black Edition
Camera comparison between the Hero3 White Edition, Silver Edition, and Black Edition
Camera comparison between the Hero3 White Edition, Silver Edition, and Black Edition
Camera comparison between the Hero3 White Edition, Silver Edition, and Black Edition
Camera comparison between the Hero3 White Edition, Silver Edition, and Black Edition
What's Included (Black Editon):
* 1 HD HERO Camera (12 megapixels)
* 1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
* 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (197'/60m)
* 1 Curved, 3M (TM) Adhesive Mounts
* 1 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
* 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
* 1 Quick-Release Buckles\
* 1 USB Cable
* Assorted Mounts and Hardware
* Warranty: One Year
Audio (Standard HD Hero)
* Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
* Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression
* Supports optional 3.5mm stereo mic adapter
Camera Connectors & Cables
* PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
* HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
* Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
* PC Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7; Mac OS X 10.5 and later
Power & Battery
* Battery Type: Rechargable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
* Battery Life: see battery life charts above
* Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
* Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer's USB port
Waterproof Camera Housing
* Depth Rating: Up to 197 feet / 60 meters
* Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
* Hardware: Stainless steel
Size & Weight
* Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6" x 2.4" x 1.2" (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
* Weight: 3.3 oz (94g) including battery / 5.9 oz (167g) including housing
This blog site is dedicated to road bicycle racing, tips, training/racing information and of course lots of videoing of racing. I am completely blown away at how cool this camera is. The video quality is awesome, the camera is small and mounts in a ton of ways. I still can't believe how smooth the video picture is during rough filming. This camera is simply amazing. (check my videos for proof).
Below are samples of mounting methods for the HD Hero Camera that I have personally used.
There are literally too many mounting methods to list here, but I did show my favorites that I use.
The above video shows how this camera is excellent to record a bike trip.
This is a video I shot using the both the seatpost mount and the under the stem mount that is pictured above. The video settings was 960p (1280x960 pixels) on each camera.
This video I shot with the chest mount (also at 960p), oh, and a seatpost mount also at 960
I have a blog post that describes how to use Adobe Premiere Elements 8 software for editing. I spent many an hour learning this software. If you are new to video editing, my post can save you lots of time and frustration. Keep in mind, there are many, many other different video editing software products out there. This is just the one that I use and am most familiar with.
The above video is a good demonstration of the helmet mount while mountain biking. It is also notable that the temperature was only 6 degrees above zero Fahrenheit, and on snowy and icy trails. This was my first video with the HD Hero camera (I have since produced 80 or so more). My biggest lesson was to make sure that the camera is securely fastened. Later in the video the camera angle drops after and sudden and powerful jolt. (not exactly a masterpiece, but it still turned out pretty good)
To purchase your HD HERO Camera, just click the "Get Yours" button on this page. This takes you to the mother ship. Click on "HD Helmet HERO" helmet camera image (bottom left of the screen) then "ADD to Cart". You can easily pay with MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Paypal. Shipping is usually within 24 hours. Own your own amazing, adaptable, waterproof, bombproof, high tech, high definition camera.
GoPro App Tutorial
Lastly, below is a video produced by the GoProCamera guys that shows a multitude of other sports that this video camera can easily be adapted to.
Now The HD Hero camera has a handy video monitor with audio that can be attached or removed by your command. It makes this already incredible camera even more incredible.
I have to throw in this video too because it's soooo much fun to watch and pure GoPro.
Above are all of the parts that I am selling with my SRM device. This device fits on any bike with a BB30 bottom bracket. All of the devices data signaling and receiving devices are wireless. I forgot to add the spoke sensor magnet (no biggie, I'll send that with the device when I mail it to the new owner). The red items are the threaded bolts that attack the crank arms to the spindle (the spindle is not included, but I have two that I can sell if requested. They are available on ebay or your local bike shop). The top right black item is the cadence magnet. It is required for the SRM to turn on when pedaling. It's super easy to install. It goes under the cable guides located under the bottom bracket.. The other black item just below the cadence magnet is the handlebar mount for the SRM control. It is notable that I am including a Cyclops heartrate strap instead of the Suunto heartrate strap. This is because the The Cyclops device works much better. Because it's a "wireless ANT + sport" device it is easily synced with the powercontrol device.
Above is my receipt for the standard annual battery replacement and calibration (or every 700 hours of use). I didn't expect it to cost so much, but I also didn't expect them to install new firmware, so that's a bonus.
Keep in mind that this is professional and even scientific grade equipment. It's pretty advanced and accurate stuff. It's the best you can buy....... well you can buy a new one for a little over 3 grand (SRM sells their device for 3 grand without the chain rings and crank arms...... I'm selling mine with them).
The above image is the SRM control charger and the USB cable that connects the SRM control (display device and recording unit) to your computer for downloading data. I am selling this with my SRM. I meant to include it in my top photo, but forgot. This is an important item. Small, but important. I won't forget to ship it.
Also pictured is a magnet sensor. It is designed to fit on bladed spokes. (yes, it comes with the SRM).
Pictured above is the spindle that fits inside any bike frame with a BB30 bottom bracket. This spindle is 30mm diameter (all BB30 openings are 42mm). I am planning on selling this item separately, but you will need it if you don't already have one (with two .5mm spacers). On the left is a wave washer. It must be slightly compressed once the cranks are bolted on. The silver ring (bearing shield) has a slight grove and it slides onto the spindle so that the grove fits neatly with the flange of the spindle. This is so that the spindle has a stop and will not drive/tap through upon insertion into the bearings (not pictured) which are already pressed into the BB30 shell. The spindle is tapped with a rubber mallet, through the already pressed in bearings from the non-drive side. Then the red bearing shield goes on followed by the wave washer (brass colored), followed by 2-3 plastic spacers, followed by the crank, followed by the crank bolts (pictured in the SRM photo. they are red) Note that these bolts have very thin metal washers (these are important for proper tightening and removing). The bolts are tightened with a torque wrench to exactly 25 foot pounds. Tada! Done. See my video below. It's actually easy, once you've been shown how and have done it once.
Hi this is David Henderson from My World From A Bicycle. In this following video I'm swapping out my SRM crank between my Cannondale Slice Time Trial Bicycle and my Cannondale Supersix Road Bicycle.
First let me tell you a little about this SRM device that I have just mentioned. It's an amazing technological device that records true power output in the form of wattage which is calculated from multiple strain gauges built into the crank. These gauge strips deflect when force is applied to the pedals. The material deflection registers the force thus created (also known as torque) as well as cadence (also known as angular velocity). These parameters are converted into a digital electrical signal which is wirelessly sent out to the SRM control device that's mounted onto the handlebars. The control device can also record heart rate data, speed, temperature, time and altitude data every single second. This data is easily downloaded to a computer for analysis.
For the techie's out there this SRM crank weighs 721 grams with crank, chain rings and bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is a BB30 SI-Hollogram and weighs 128 grams. My complete race ready Supersix bike weighed in at 15.4 pounds on my bathroom scale and my Slice bicycle weighed in at 17.6 pounds.
Wattage or energy output data is extremely valuable for a serious cyclist. It provides a true measurement for how hard a cyclist is working. This data can be used to determine power thresholds for racing and training. Additionally it can help determine if an athlete is improving over time or not.
Old school training data included speed and heart rate measurements. Unfortunately the measurements don't tell the full story of training. Speed is highly subjective to wind resistance and road grade or pitch, etcetera. Heart rate, on the other hand, is subject to conditions such as temperature, hydration levels, conditioning, diet, etcetera.
The SRM device combines all of these data fields previously mentioned for a more complete picture of performance.
The only draw back of the SRM watt meter is the cost. The one that I am switching between bicycles costs $3,000, which is why I only own one and transfer between bicycles.
Now let me tell you a little about the bicycles in this video. Both are top of the line professional level race bicycles. The first is a Cannondale Slice Time Trial Bicycle with a Zipp Sub-9 Rear Disc wheel, and a Zipp 1080 front wheel. Both wheels have dimpled surfaces to increase aerodynamics, and both wheels are very expensive. The sub-9 retails for about $2,000, and the 1080 for about $1,400. I run Zipp 404 tubulars which retails for about $2,000 on my Supersix Road Bicycle, which has a Dur-Ace groupo and an upgraded Specialized Barmac Wedge carbon stem/handlebar combination. Both bicycles with SRM devices and race wheels retail for about $20,000 combined. Basically, damn expensive.
Oh, I almost forgot. The tires which are about $100 apiece are extra.
In conclusion, high end race bikes are stocked full of engineering and technology. As a result they are lighter, more aerodynamic, stiffer, handle better, and are just plain fun to ride.