Biking with my gear? (Page 3): I always wanted a camera, a good one, that I could take on my peddling rides. Otherwise, I knew I'd have left it on the shelf. My solution, Sony a6000...

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

I always wanted a camera, a good one, that I could take on my peddling rides. Otherwise, I knew I'd have left it on the shelf. My solution, Sony a6000 mirrorless with wide angle and tele lens in a Think Tank brand bag that can be over one shoulder or, as I use it, a waist belt. No problems so far in close to 20 000 kilometres of riding and getting some great photos. The bag strap does tend to keep expanding as I stop and slide the bag from back to front to access the gear. I solved the problem with a 2" clamp style paper clip.

jack30000

I ride a Specialized hybrid mostly on paved roads. I haven't tried riding with my DSLR - I have my SONY RX100.

Kookuck Loc: Cleveland Ohio0

Wouldn't that be Motorcycling? LOL. I used to tease my friends that "Real men provide their own power".

'real men provide their own power

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

murphle wrote:

Good morning! You know, spring is coming... at least I think it is and I will be getting the bike ready for the long rides here in Wisconsin.

This is my first season with camera gear and I'm wondering how my gear and I can bike together. I have a good hard pack on the back of the bike but I'm concerned that the ridiculous amount of jiggle and bounce will destroy my beloved, shuttered friend. Any advice?

I use a Tamrac 517 holster case. One strap goes over your head and on the far side shoulder, the other goes around your waste. Works wonderfully. No longer made as far as I can tell, but on page 165 of B&H catalog there are several others. No jiggling and well padded in case of a fall.

Duane

ColoPete

I ride both mountain bikes and road bikes, as well as enjoy hiking and trail running and occasionally bring camera gear with me. The best pack I have found for bringing cameras along on those activities is the LowePro PhotoSport BP 300 AW II. My camera and a couple of lenses lives in it. I also use the smaller version which is probably better for biking and running but doesn't carry as much in the top pocket. This bag provides great protection for a camera with lens attached, plus another lens or flash, a large compartment for spare clothing, snacks, and smaller pockets for various items, plus a pocket that can hold a hydration bag. It also comes with a rain cover, and a good shoulder and waist strap system. Great option for traveling, as well.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I bike and have an unpadded canvas bike bag behind the seat. The bracket on the bag slips over the seat post only. (Some also attach to the rear tire assembly via long extension brackets but this does not). This attachment allows a little sway which reduces the bumps and jars. I wrap the camera loosely in bubble wrap to protect. I usually ride on smooth dirt or asphalt - rarely on gravel. The bike bag unzips all around which makes getting the camera in and out easy. The size of the bag limits the camera to mirrorless size.

KWB1958

Get a pelican case that will fit on your bike and you're good to go. The case is indestructible and your camera will not jiggle in it.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

For you motorcycle guys I agree--I've put 85k on my BMW 1200GS and have always carried a camera (now D7100) in my tank bag wrapped in a towel and never had a problem. For the main question about bicycles I have to agree with the suggestion about a backpack as the body is the only practical vibration damper. I'd also wrap it in a towel or foam but leave it easy to get out or you won't use it. For a bicycle I'd consider a mirrorless camera as it would be much lighter and less burden--not an issue on motorcycles. But do take it as you see lots of stuff on bike rides (both kinds) that you'd never see in a car.

JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois

murphle wrote:

Good morning! You know, spring is coming... at least I think it is and I will be getting the bike ready for the long rides here in Wisconsin.

This is my first season with camera gear and I'm wondering how my gear and I can bike together. I have a good hard pack on the back of the bike but I'm concerned that the ridiculous amount of jiggle and bounce will destroy my beloved, shuttered friend. Any advice?

my D7000 and lenses have been thousands of miles on both Goldwing and Harley with no issues at all, in addition I carry a point and shoot canon in a windshield pouch for ease of access and snaps. If your really concerned Saddleman makes a bag that sits in the passenger seat that I use for traveling alone to pack the camera gear and my lap top.

Enjoy the ride, take lots of photos and if you happen to be a HOG member you can add to the fun by adding photos for the HOG ABC's of touring annual event as I have done for the past several years.

KayakingUSA Loc: New Salem, North Carolina

jerryc41 wrote:

"...the ridiculous amount of jiggle" Even padding and safe packing still have the camera jiggling for hours. I rode a Gold Wing, so jiggling was not part of my day. Whether or not that matters, I don't know, but I wouldn't want to do it. I'd get a Tough camera for bike trips. I have the Olympus TG-860.

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-waterproof-tough-cameras-2017-17302

From one Gold Wing owner to another, I would keep the camera and trade the motorcycle for a Gold Wing.

Scottsinget

Taken my Nikon d5100 pedaling through Europe for 20 days. Put it in a saddlebag with my walking shoes as padding. Never had a problem

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

murphle wrote:

Ah..... let me point out that my biking is the pedaling kind. I pedal for hours.... it's a Giant hybrid bicycle. Definitely jiggly on the bike trails.

Backpack as suggested, would not attach to bike. That way you will also have something to help cushion the fall if you should happen to take a spill.

ken hubert Loc: Missouri

murphle wrote:

Ah..... let me point out that my biking is the pedaling kind. I pedal for hours.... it's a Giant hybrid bicycle. Definitely jiggly on the bike trails.

Backpack is the way to go. Won't upset your balance that way and smoother ride for the equipment

jcboy3

murphle wrote:

Good morning! You know, spring is coming... at least I think it is and I will be getting the bike ready for the long rides here in Wisconsin.

This is my first season with camera gear and I'm wondering how my gear and I can bike together. I have a good hard pack on the back of the bike but I'm concerned that the ridiculous amount of jiggle and bounce will destroy my beloved, shuttered friend. Any advice?

I used to do bike touring in the 1970s, including one 3000+ mile trip in 1976 in Northwest and Canada. Carried an SLR, 35mm and 105mm lens in the handlebar bag. With a drop handlebar, the bag is protected from falls by the handlebar. If you have a hybrid/mountain bike with straight bars, then I would use a well padded bag or hard case.

Carusoswi

sr71 wrote:

Mate you didn't say you were bicycling, you said biking.... and I also thought you were biking via the one engine stead!!!!

You probably missed the OP's follow-up post (third in the thread) where he clarifies that his bike has pedals. As I read the thread and took note of the casual attitude many posters held towards putting their camera on a rear rack or in a storage area on the bike, I realized that many were talking about carrying their camera on a motorcycle, not a bicycle. I, too, am one who pedals. I would never subject my camera to the sort of vibration it would receive in a rear strap-on storage bag.
On a motorcycle (at least, those that I have had the pleasure to ride), vibration is only slightly more than what one experiences in a car.
Caruso