That's it - give me a camera... whatever it costs

[dodd82]

I've only been commuting 6 months on my bike, and already I have been sworn at twice, hit on purpose and had a biscuit thrown at me.

Okay, that last one is funny

I actually don't mind the close passes and bad driving too much - most people probably do it from not knowing how dangerous it is, or how it feels on a bike, and not knowing the highway code. But hey, before I started cycling I don't think I did either.

For some reason, the incidents of swearing and hitting me on purpose come from people completely unaffected by my journey - one was even in a jam coming the other way! People that, I assume, have some deep rooted issue with cyclists.

For that reason, I want a camera - front and back. Sod the cost, I don't care... this guy in a passenger seat last night leaned out of his window and screamed a set of obscenities that were totally out of order. No reason for it, except him feeling powerful in a car and in front of his mates, I suspect. He did it in a traffic hotspot and was very lucky that there wasn't a jam up ahead, otherwise we would have had words.

I want to have a camera to find out who these people are - to perhaps meet them or perhaps report them, we'll see.

So, commuters - can you recommend camera for front and back that will sustain a daily work out, with all of the wear and tear that comes with it?

Thanks!

 

[BentMikey]

My next camera will be a GoPro 3 black, I like to think. GoPros are probably the best cameras by a small margin, but have the advantage/disadvantage of being bigger and more obvious cameras. This makes them look a little awkward, but it also helps the odd borderline driver manage his own behaviour better. Win!

 

[BentMikey]

I have an excellent biscuit quip for you, quite possibly the greatest sporting insult of all time, IMO:

He gained fame for his noted and oft quoted exchange with Glenn McGrath, after McGrath gets frustrated at being unable to dismiss Brandes. The bowler asked: "Why are you so fat?" to which Brandes replied: "Because every time I make love to your wife she gives me a biscuit."

(easier to paste it from Wikipedia).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddo_Brandes

 

[fossyant]

My next camera will be a GoPro 3 black, I like to think. GoPros are probably the best cameras by a small margin, but have the advantage/disadvantage of being bigger and more obvious cameras making you look like a Dalek. This makes them look a little awkward stupid, but it also helps the odd borderline driver manage his own behaviour better (really ?) . Win Lose !

Fixed it !

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

I've only been commuting 6 months on my bike, and already I have been sworn at twice, hit on purpose and had a biscuit thrown at me.


Thanks!

Is that all?

 

[dodd82]

My next camera will be a GoPro 3 black, I like to think. GoPros are probably the best cameras by a small margin, but have the advantage/disadvantage of being bigger and more obvious cameras. This makes them look a little awkward, but it also helps the odd borderline driver manage his own behaviour better. Win!

Thanks - I don't think I really want something overly bulky though.

Could I just get something to attach onto my bike, rather than my helmet?

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

I still think camera design is a bit backward for cyclists and wish someone would design one which runs off of 18650 batteries.Never really found the perfect one.

 

[glenn forger]

I have an excellent biscuit quip for you, quite possibly the greatest sporting insult of all time, IMO:

He gained fame for his noted and oft quoted exchange with Glenn McGrath, after McGrath gets frustrated at being unable to dismiss Brandes. The bowler asked: "Why are you so fat?" to which Brandes replied: "Because every time I make love to your wife she gives me a biscuit."

(easier to paste it from Wikipedia).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddo_Brandes

That's the cleaned-up version, he didn't say "make love".

About a year ago someone in a car coming the other way threw a handful of mint imperials at me. Odd.

 

[numbnuts]

That's not fair I don't get biscuit and sweets thrown at me
but seriously now, do you think spending all that money on a camera will be worth it or will you just become one of those cyclists that come on here with the statement “I was nearly killed last night”.

 

[Moodyman]

In my opinion a camera is another thing to worry about and maintain. I'd rather enjoy the ride and focus on the 10000 nice events in the last six months instead of the four bad ones

 

[dodd82]

That's not fair I don't get biscuit and sweets thrown at me
but seriously now, do you think spending all that money on a camera will be worth it or will you just become one of those cyclists that come on here with the statement “I was nearly killed last night”.

Fair point, but as I said, I'm not really the sort of person that gets angry at close passes and the like.

But last night, I wanted to be able to ensure that the guy leaning out of his window received the appropriate action.

I'd have gladly paid the price of a camera, just for that one incident - people shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.

Accidents happen, poor driving happens - but mindless abuse and driving into a bike on perfect is unacceptable.

 

[Moodyman]

Also if its happening in a particular place change your route to avoid it

 

[dodd82]

on purpose*

 

[dodd82]

Moodyman - it's not, sadly.

This doesn't seem to be about difficult conditions and road position - it's clearly people who want to have a pop at cyclists, there's no reason for it.

 

[Hip Priest]

Have a look at some youtube channels from folk on here, find some that you'd consider high quality, then ask them what they're using.