Best GoPro for Mountain Biking

Do you want to equip yourself with the Best GoPro for mountain biking but don’t know which camera to choose? Our complete and detailed guide is here to help you make the right choice. Indeed, it is essential to choose a bike camera that meets your needs and the specificities related to your practice. For example, mountain bikers will not have the exact needs of road cyclists.

In this article, you will find a selection of the best GoPro bike cameras of the year and valuable advice for choosing the correct future sports camera dedicated to cycling and mountain biking.

The Best GoPro for Mountain Biking 2022

Inexpensive, ultra-resistant, or offering excellent value for money: the editorial staff of mountainbikegears.com has listed the best bike and mountain bike cameras of 2022 to film all your exploits on the roads and trails.

GoPro Hero 8 Black: unquestionably the best bike and mountain bike camera

When we talk about “onboard camera” or “action cam“, we often discuss the GoPro brand. Indeed, well present for years on the circuit and cycling events, GoPro has established itself as the leading brand in the world of bike cameras, especially among mountain bikers.

GoPro has a wide range of products that can film your cycling and mountain biking sessions. However, some GoPro cameras are not necessarily suitable for cycling. In particular, because too bulky or does not have sufficient stabilization. So we have analyzed all the features of all GoPro cameras. Ultimately, we voted the GoPro Hero 8 Black as the best GoPro camera for cycling and mountain biking.

Indeed, this model offers unbeatable value for money. It allows you to film your ride and bike in 4K (very high resolution) at 60 FPS (frames per second). The quality of the videos and photos recorded are breathtaking and allow you to relive your best outings as if you were there!

If you want a slightly higher-end model, we recommend the GoPro Hero 9 Black. And if you want a cheaper GoPro-branded model, head to the GoPro Hero 7 Silver.

Autonomy

First, the GoPro Hero 8 Black has an internal battery offering a battery life of up to 2 hours. It makes it possible to film long outings without cutting—the camera charges in just 30 minutes via the supplied USB cable. Regarding the camera housing, it is very robust and solid. Even in a fall, the camera will remain 100% operational.

In addition, it is IPX7 certified, of course, completely waterproof. You can use it in the rain and the mud, especially during mountain bike outings. The camera has a GPS chip, which allows you to retrace your route like a bicycle GPS. The case weighs 124 grams and is in size, which is 6.19 x 4.44 x 2.79 cm.

Video and Photo

The GoPro Hero 8 Black offers stunning image quality. It has a 12-megapixel lens, which allows it to capture images of unparalleled sharpness. Regarding the video, the camera has several modes and image definitions. It is possible to film your bike rides in 4K at 60 frames per second and 1440p at 120 frames per second. The GoPro Hero 8 Black bike camera also features revolutionary HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization technology. It allows it to stabilize the image during your eventful outings, such as mountain biking. You will therefore benefit from a fluid, stable and non-jerky image. Finally, it offers modes: accelerated, slowed, and time-lapse.

Get Started

The Hero 8 Black has a touch screen, which allows it to be easily used in all conditions. You can view your videos directly on your GoPro at the end of your session. In addition, it is possible to connect your GoPro bike camera via Bluetooth to your smartphone via the GoPro app. You will be able to control all the features of your camera. Finally, the GoPro Hero 8 Black has voice recognition technology. You can start a recording or take a photo without taking your hands off the bike’s handlebars by simply saying: “GoPro, start recording“!

 Storage

Unfortunately, like all GoPros, the Hero 8 Black does not have internal storage. You must therefore equip yourself with an additional Micro-SD card. We recommend this SD card to take full advantage of your camera. You can record and capture several of your rides without transferring your images and videos at the end of each bike ride. However, like all other GoPro cameras, it is possible to export your videos and photos directly to your phone via the GoPro app.

Accessories

The GoPro Hero 8 Black pack is composed of:

• HERO 8 Black Camera
• Protection and fixing frame
• 2 adhesive mounts
• Fastening loop
• USB-C cable
• Knurled screw
• User manual

Why use a bike camera?

There are many reasons why you should use a bike camera. Here are a few of the most common:

• Safety: A bike camera can help deter crime and make you feel safer while riding. If you’re ever involved in an accident, the footage from your camera can be used as evidence to help you get the compensation you deserve.
• Evidence: If you’re ever involved in an accident, the footage from your camera can be used as evidence to help you get the compensation you deserve. It can also be used to document dangerous driving conditions or other hazards.
• Memories: A bike camera can also be a great way to capture memories of your rides. You can look back on the footage and relive all the fun you had.

Protect yourself on your journeys with a bike dashcam

Safety is the first point that highlights the interest in using a bike dashcam. Indeed, in the event of a collision or an accident, the images recorded by the camera are considered irrefutable evidence. Current legislation accepts videos and images as “admissible” evidence by courts and insurance companies, which explains why many cyclists equip themselves with a dashcam for their bikes.

In addition, at the sight of a security bike camera, commonly called a bike dashcam, motorists and bikers, knowing they are being filmed, are generally much more respectful of the highway code and safety distances. In addition, in the event of incivility or non-compliance with the rules, you can now file a complaint if the bike camera has sufficient quality to clearly and precisely identify the license plates of the offending vehicles.

Cyclists who want to protect themselves are equipped with two cameras. A camera is attached to the front and a camera attached to the back because the dangers are numerous and come from everywhere.

Capture your exploits, your outings, but also your falls

Using a bike camera also allows you to record and capture highlights of your activities. Who has never dreamed of sharing their outings, descents, and mountain bike jumps with their friends via social networks? Or simply being able to make beautiful images and videos, to be able to reminisce about memories, and make stunning videos. As does GoPro, which provides GoPro bike cameras to cyclists during the Tour De France. Finally, make a video immersing yourself in the heart of the pelotons and breakaways of the big loop.

How to choose your future camera to equip your bike/mountain bike?

Choosing an onboard bike camera can be complicated and tedious. We have therefore decided to enlighten you by offering you a guide to the criteria to consider to choose the right bike camera or mountain bike camera according to your needs.

Quality and resolution of videos and photos

The quality of the videos and images captured by the onboard camera on your bike is essential. Indeed, suppose the quality is too low. In that case, it will be impossible for you to read the license plates of the vehicles and thus be able to use the video as evidence. Therefore, we advise you to equip yourself with a camera with a minimum resolution of 1080p, that is, “high definition“. The number of frames per second (FPS) is also paramount. The basic rule is to have the possibility of recording at 30 FPS minimum to have a fluid and exploitable image.

Battery and camera life

Autonomy is one of the essential criteria in choosing your future camera. Choosing a model with the autonomy to film all of its journeys is necessary. We, therefore, advise you not to choose a battery-powered camera. It would help if you favoured models with internal or modular batteries. Most cameras for bikes or mountain bikes offer a battery life of around 2 hours.

A solid case to withstand drops and bad weather

A robust and waterproof bike camera helps ensure a reasonable lifespan for your new tool. Indeed, if the case is not resistant, it will break on your first fall. It often happens during mountain bike outings on steep and impractical paths. In addition, it is essential to check that the camera is waterproof, mainly thanks to the “IPX” certification. The weight is also essential, especially for cyclists who want to equip themselves with a lightweight bike camera.

storage capacity

Recordings are usually stored on an external medium, such as an SD card. We are talking about a capacity of 32 GB for the majority of cameras. It corresponds approximately, depending on the video recording format, to approximately 2 hours of recording in 4K and 3 to 4 hours in 1080p. We advise you to equip yourself with a class 10 SD or micro SD card, thus allowing faster writing and, therefore, better image quality.

Connectivity and compatible apps

Onboard cameras now have increased connectivity. They are compatible with wifi and Bluetooth devices, allowing you to connect them with your smartphones via mobile manufacturer applications and bike GPS.

How much does a bike camera or mountain bike camera cost?

Finally, the price is the last criterion that will tip the balance between the 2 models. There are high-end bike cameras with the latest technologies like the GoPro, but they sold for several hundred euros. But, onboard cameras also offer excellent value for money, around 99$.

Where to install your bike camera or mountain bike camera?

Should you position the camera on your bike’s frame and attach it to your helmet or your chest? There are several solutions for installing your camera on your bike; each has several advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, there are several angles of view. Here are our tips for positioning your onboard camera correctly during your bike and mountain bike outings.

Install the bike camera on your helmet

As in all extreme sports, mountain bikers prefer a camera attached to their bicycle helmet. Indeed, cameras for bicycle helmets allow you to stabilize your videos naturally. In addition, this position allows you to make dynamic videos and make the viewer feel all the energy of your descents as if they were sitting on your saddle. However, it will be necessary to equip yourself with a helmet compatible with a bike helmet camera.

Film the rear by installing it on its seat tube

There is only one solution to film the back of your bike, especially dashcams. You have to fix its rear camera like a bike radar, that is, on your bike’s seat tube. This configuration provides maximum protection for the camera in the event of a fall. At the same time, you provide a wide viewing angle, allowing all of the action happening outside the rider’s field of vision to be captured and recorded.

Position your onboard bike camera on your handlebars

The solution most commonly used on road bikes is to attach the camera directly to the bike’s frame. In particular, on the handlebar (handlebar). This position offers many advantages. First, the image is perfectly stabilized and impeccable when driving on the road. In addition, the camera is easily removable. It is at your fingertips to start recording or adjusting specific parameters quickly.

Attach your camera to your chest with a harness

Finally, fixing your camera on your chest via a harness that adapts to your morphology is possible. Nevertheless, this means of fixing is increasingly discouraged by professionals. Because in the event of a fall, the case can come crashing against your rib cage, taking your breath away or, worse, breaking your ribs.

Where to buy an onboard camera for your bike?

As with all high-tech products, high-end bike cameras are available in physical stores such as Fnac or Darty. However, cheap onboard bike cameras are only available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Alltricks. However, no matter which model you choose, you will always find the best prices online. The price difference can go up to 40%, which is not negligible.

Most sites offer free delivery within a few days. In addition, online purchases are subject to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs about bike and mountain bike cameras

As usual, the members of mountainbikegears.com answer your questions. Here is a selection of relevant questions regarding bicycle and mountain bike cameras.

What is the best bike camera?

In 2022, the best bike camera is undoubtedly the GoPro Hero 8 Black! With optical stabilization, it allows you to capture smooth and clear videos. However, its price remains high. That’s why we recommend the Akaso Brave 7 LE camera. Versatile and compact, this little action cam blew our minds; it is ideal as a bike camera but also as a bike dashcam!

What is the best mountain bike camera?

Mountain biking requires specific technical characteristics, including increased stabilization and a camera for filming in dark places such as in the forest or vegetation. That’s why the GoPro Hero 8 Black is unquestionably the best mountain bike camera of 2022! However, if you have a reduced budget, we recommend the Akaso Brave 7 LE or the CrossTour CT9000.

Which GoPro camera for the bike?

GoPro is a go-to brand when it comes to bike cameras. Indeed, for a few years now, GoPro cameras have become embedded in the heart of the peloton during races such as the Tour de France. Riders use the GoPro Hero 8 Black or Hero 9 Black at these events.

Which GoPro camera for mountain biking?

Amateur and professional mountain bikers most use GoPro mountain bike cameras. Indeed, the GoPro offers unparalleled image stabilization, which allows for smooth and stabilized video. If you are looking for a GoPro camera for mountain biking, we recommend the GoPro Hero 8 Black!