helmet cams - advice

[Markymark]

I have a helmet cam - its been used for roughly the last 5,000 miles I've done. It's no deterrent. It has been useful twice to make a complaint - once to the company directly and once to the police. Both had good outcomes.

Initially it was mainly used for reviewing my road position/technique after an incident. Less so now as the incidents have mostly gone away due to my improved defensive riding.

Do not assume the camera will stop anyone dong anything. Do listen to the advice here re road position as that will serve you better.

 

[thecube]

I always look and listen before starting to pull out, I indicate before this time too, but often cars just want to race past. I don't like the idea of a head-on since the people coming the other way are innocent too! Thats where the helmet cam is better than one mounted on the bars, you can then see which way the cyclist is looking.
Occasionally as I indicate I can hear the car that is way behind accelerate to try and get past, that's when the problems arise! the funny thing is, where I turn right the main road bends to the left immediately after, so even when a car flies past it has to decelerate rapidly and then I have to brake! pointless.

 

[Exile]

I use a camera when commuting (Drift Ghost S, not cheap but worth the cost IMO) and it's hard to quantify what sort of difference it makes to how drivers act.

It's not a silver bullet to dodgy driving. Nutcases on the road will still drive like they always do, and care as much about the camera as they do about you.

I think there's some decent advice about riding confidently and taking a stronger position where you expect problems, but if you still want a camera, get one. Wipe it at the end of a ride or upload every little thing to YouTube, or do something between the two. It's your bike, your ride and your life. Do whatever makes you feel happiest.

Just remember if you do get a camera, you're obliged to upload any clipless moments and other embarrassing incidents you have so we can all have a giggle

 

[jarlrmai]

The camera is for when you really really need it to prove a collision wasn't your fault, it won't stop shoot from happening

 

[thecube]

I guess you have to make sure when you go past an attractive lady you need to keep looking straight ahead!

 

[akb]

I guess you have to make sure when you go past an attractive lady you need to keep looking straight ahead!

Only if its a head mounted camera...!

 

[Exile]

Only if its a head mounted camera...!

And even then, as long as you keep facing forwards your eyes can look at whatever they want

 

[Cycleops]

I'm also looking for one at the moment. I am considering the Rabid Plonker Enticer Mk 3 currently. Should keep me safe.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

Cameras do not stop bad incidents as most drivers will not notice a camera.
It may help defusing situations after an incident although I have seen examples where it has had the opposite affect.
They can be useful in providing evidence, especially when it is one persons word against another.

Nearly everyone I pass looks at the camera on my head, I sometimes feel like I'm famous. It does get annoying sometimes, but the girls seem to like it and come on over to talk about it lol It's like having a cute puppy for a chick magnet.

 

[AndyWilliams]

I'd say for pure footage quality the helmet is best, but possibly dangerous if you have a crash. So I'd go bars.

I really would like a small camera too but it seems a right minefield to find a decent one.

This looks good - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/acc...cameras/chilli-technology-120hd-action-camera

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

This looks good - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/acc...cameras/chilli-technology-120hd-action-camera

Way too expensive for a Halfords knock off re-branded from a Chinese manufacturer. I'd say, save up a few bob and get a GoPro Hero 3+ Black and that will last you years! There will be a Hero 4 out next year or very early 2015. You could wait for that.

 

[AndyWilliams]

Way too expensive for a Halfords knock off re-branded from a Chinese manufacturer. I'd say, save up a few bob and get a GoPro Hero 3+ Black and that will last you years! There will be a Hero 4 out next year or very early 2015. You could wait for that.

I have and use a Drift Innovation HD Ghost

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

I have and use a Drift Innovation HD Ghost

I think they're slightly up their with GoPro. That might be a good buy.

 

[brand]

I I can hear the car that is way behind accelerate to try and get past, that's when the problems arise! the funny thing is, where I turn right the main road bends to the left immediately after, so even when a car flies past it has to decelerate rapidly and then I have to brake! pointless.

This is where those pedestrian island are so dangerous you have to move out early and take up a position which stops car driver overtaking you and swerving in front of you. Never ever pull into a pull in to let car drivers past they never let you out even if you indicate.

 

[AndyWilliams]

I think they're slightly up their with GoPro. That might be a good buy.

Your right. All my mate with cams have the GoPro, I wanted to be different so searched a lot, cam back with a guy on YT called Baron Von Grumble, he uses a Drift HD cam and it proved to me its all as good as the GoPro, waterproof, rotating lense, has a wrist remote. Its actually really good. Action Cameras sell them - http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/