The 7 Best Cycling Camera in 2022

If you are a cycling aficionado, then you must be stocking your ride arsenal with all the best accessories that make riding safe and fun. One of the must-have items is the cycling camera.

Also known as an action camera, helmet camera, or adventure camera, this lightweight device records the actions of your epic riding for reviewing later.

It does not matter what type of bilking you go for, a camera can be useful for road biking, mountain biking or hybrid cycling.

Additionally, the clip can be handy for insurance purposes in case of an accident. Sharing videos and other visual media has become a common trend in social media.

Besides, there are also websites that connect cyclists so they can share their progress with fellow members.

Only the best cycling camera can record the highest quality media worth sharing. Like every other exciting technology, action cameras exist in multiple models, each with different recording ability.

Believe it or not, you could easily get confused and end up buying anything so that you can get it over with. This article comprehensively covers some of the best cameras for cycling worth every penny.

However, the one that stands out the most in this list is Polaroid XS100 Extreme Edition HD Waterproof Sports Action Video Camera.

Best Cycling Camera

If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands to score the internet looking for the right adventure camera, you may as well take a look at the following collections:

1. Polaroid XS100i Wi-Fi Extreme Edition HD Video Camera

Whether you are new to riding or not, the one camera that can give you fairly clear images and HD videos is Polaroid XS100i Wi-Fi Extreme Edition.

It’s a feature-rich camera records videos in 720p, 960p and 1080p. For the reckless ones, the g-sensor can be a great addition. It automatically flips your captions to an upright position even if your camera is upside down or sideways.

The back of the cam has a cap with a secure lock to ensure the data and charging ports don’t get exposed to dirt or water splashes. The dome shape on the lens side can be bothersome at times.

For instance, in different lighting (usually bright light), the camera will capture images with some halo in them, and that can be displeasing. However, that’s not something to be majorly concerned with if you know the best lighting for the cam.

Polaroid XS100i is easy to operate. It comes with two buttons (one close to the lens and the other follows right after). When you press the button to start a recording session, the cam will vibrate briefly to notify you that it’s in action.

The front button is for taking quick photos, and you get the haptic feedback as a way to show that the shot was taken. When you press the snapshot button for 5 seconds, the cam will shut down. Do the same for 5 seconds, and it will turn on. The camera’s memory slot is expandable up to 32 GB.

Top Features

• Weighs 4.8 ounces
• Low-light professional sensor
• Vibration feedback
• Waterproof up to 10m
• Shockproof exterior
• Video quality options: 720p, 960p, and 1080p
• Image options:3MP,5MP, and 16MP
• Connectivity: HDMI and USB 2.0
• Compatibility: Window Vista, 7 and all the current models or Mac 10.4+
• What’s in the box? Handlebar mount, mount-lock key, HDMI cable, helmet mount, USB cable 2.0, secure string, carrying pouch, manual and the camera
• Storage: up to 32gb

Pros

• Drops around with a mounting kit
• It’s a lightweight model weighing 4.8 ounces
• You can change settings with the WiFi
• This camera is waterproof up to 30’/10m
• Good audio quality
• Wide angle visual lens(up to 170 degrees)
• Comes with image stabilization tech for blur-free images
• Good quality photos and images

Cons

• The image is not that sharp
• The absence of an LCD screen means you must always be close to a laptop to make all the adjustments
• The mounts are a little flimsy and thus not good for rough terrain riding

Polaroid XS100i Extreme Edition is perfect both for both newbies and expert riders. It captures high-quality recordings that are worth sharing. However, it lacks an LCD for adjusting the settings. So, in case you might want to tweak them later on, remember to carry your laptop.

2. Fly6[v] HD Rear Bike Camera With 30 Lumen

If you need eyes behind you, then check out Fly6 [v] HD Rear Bike Camera. It’s a great lifesaver, especially when you need evidence for insurance claims.

The cam comes with incident protection technology, which triggers the camera to start recording once the riding angle tilts by more than 60 degrees. Beyond the said tilt angle, the device presumes you’ve been knocked and will start to record the incident.

Fly6 pops around with an 8GB memory card that can store several Megabytes of your picnic. The best video quality you can get is 720p, although it doesn’t capture the smallest details (like a license plate) with clarity.

When it runs out of memory, the recording starts all over again, but this time overriding the previous data. The only footage that is not overwritten is the one taken during an incident (accident).

The two best things about this adventure camera are its lower price and long recording hours. There are also 30 Lumen tail lights for added protection (they serve as reflectors). Above all, the device sports Nanotechnology that grants it immunity against unfavorable weather elements.

Top Features

• HD rear bike cam
• Weather resistant Nanotechnology
• 30 Lumen tail light
• What’s in the box? The 8GB micro SD card and Velcro strap
• Battery life: up to 6 hours
• Waterproof
• Video quality: up to 720p

Pros

• Very easy to the mount-no need for tools
• The “Incident Feature” can come in handy for recording accidents
• This camera is waterproof
• One of the cheapest options available

Cons

• The video quality is not magnificent especially for viewing smaller details like number plates
• Records in AVI format which is not natively supported by some devices until it’s converted
• No option for taking photos

Fly6 Bike Camera is a decent purchase that could be appealing to individuals who want to give cycling cameras a try without a lot of expectations. The video quality is somewhere between average and crap and thus only useful if you aim to have a mere general view and not finest details like a license plate.

3. Veho Muvi HD10L Micro Camcorder

Like most electronic gizmos, action cameras too can be costly for new riders. Options like Veho Muvi HD10L Micro Camcorder are built with cash-strapped or beginner riders in mind as their expectations are usually low. But the good part is, they can actually work fine and for longer through proper handling.

Muvi Camcorder gives you high-quality videos in 1080p at 30 fps. The 74 degrees wide lens can also serve as a 2MP cam for taking still images.

As for the memory capacity, this device pops around with a 2GB micro SD that is expandable to 8GB. This means you can record a video of around 105 minutes before storage runs out. Coincidentally, the battery has approximately the same lifespan.

This action camera is one of the simplest to install and operate. It comes with a clip that will help to clip it anywhere you want (including on your body). Like a few other collections in this review, this cam is operated through a small button on its side. There is no LCD, though.

Top Features

• Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
• Lithium-ion battery
• Alloy metal casing
• Battery life: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Lens angle: 74 degrees
• Compatible platforms: Windows and Mac
• 2MP camera
• Comes with a clip spring for secure attachment
• Noise activation

Pros

• Can be mounted in many ways
• Small and lightweight
• Simple plug and play or point and shoot design
• Sharp image quality
• Extremely cheap
• Robust alloy metal casing makes it durable and safe

Cons

• Not suitable for low-light conditions
• Shorter recording time

If you want a camera that can record extreme HD graphics with g-sensors and vibration technology, just look elsewhere or other models in this review. However, if you desire to get a device that can record cycling clips for personal use without spending much, then consider Muvi HD10L Camcorder.

4. Crosstour Action Camera

o not be fooled by the cheap price tag of Crosstour Action Camera. After putting it into action, you’ll be left wondering whether someone tinkered with the price button and unintentionally cast it into the lower-end class instead of high-end. This cam can serve as a cycling camera, Dash Cam, and Scuba diving camera.

This lightweight action camera gives you nothing but the best photos (12MP) and full HD videos on a widescreen to ensure you don’t miss anything. It serves as a cheaper alternative to GoPro.

Oh, and there is the wireless remote control connection where you connect the cam to your smartphone. This will allow you to operate it from your phone remotely. Some of the things you can do include taking and deleting photos and videos as well as downloading and viewing files.

Thanks to the hard waterproof casing, it can withstand water penetration up to 30 m deep. This means you can dance in the rain with it or take a scuba diving trip to swim with the dolphins.

It pops around with two batteries, each providing around 90 minutes of action (3 hours for two). Here is a valuable tip; remember to set a reminder on your watch or smartphone so you don’t forget to replace the battery and end up riding with a cam that is off.

Do you think you’ve heard all the juicy stuff? No way. Crosstour camera might be one of the few cameras that drop along with a truckload of mounting accessories that make it easier to attach the cam to the helmet, wrist, or handlebar.

Furthermore, their team is ever on standby mode to help you in case you have some hiccups with the gadget.

Top Features

• Waterproof up to 30 meters
• Wi-Fi and App control
• Video quality: full HD (1080P)
• Camera quality: 12MP
• Comes with 18 multifunctional accessories and 2 batteries
• Dash cam mode
• 2-inch wide LCD screen(170 degrees wide angle)

Pros

• Top quality yet it doesn’t cost a lot
• Can serve in various settings from cycling, swimming, and driving
• High-end graphics which are displayed on a wider screen
• Can be operated remotely from a phone
• Comes with two batteries

Cons

• The waterproof mechanism is not inbuilt
• No time-lapse mode

Crosstour Action Camera has, on multiple occasions, give the GoPro series a run for their money. It’s a small, affordable unit that packs high-end features with very little to no disappointments in performance. This cam is obviously one of the best collections one needs to consider.

5. Sony HDRAS50/B Full HD Action Cam

It goes without saying that Sony is a pretty powerful name in the world of entertainment. So the question is, does Sony HDRAS50 live up to its big name?

Yes, it does. First, this camera is good for anyone who is looking for a cycling camera that can record clear clips in low-intensity areas thanks to the Exmor R sensor.

Is that a big deal? Yes, it is if you will be riding in the winter, evening, or reside in a place where it’s always raining. The Zeiss (German) lens delivers crystal clear videos and pictures, no matter the weather. The camera has stabilization technology, which is essential for capturing motion-free images.

What about connectivity? This is a digital camera that links up with other electronics via NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Once connected, Sony HDRAS50 can now be remotely operated from those devices.

Furthermore, the camera is compact, lightweight, and can hold itself pretty fine even when submerged underwater up to 60 meters deep.

Top Features

• Camera quality: 11.1MP Zeiss Lens
• Optical steady shot
• Waterproof housing
• Multi-camera control
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connection
• Six video modes including 1080/60p, 4K time-lapse, and Action Cam Movie Creator
• Built-in stereo mic
• Exmor R sensor for low-light captions

Pros

• Generates high-detailed videos and clear photos
• Works fairly better low-light areas
• Lightweight, durable and waterproof camera
• Has motion stabilizing technology for capturing still images
• Several connection channels for linking up with other devices

Cons

Sony HDRAS50/B Full HD Action Cam packs powerful features for recording your moments in clear pictures and videos. There are several buttons to play around with, but within a day or two, you will be familiar with all of them. The camera doesn’t have full blast 4K recording ability, though.

6. Ion 1011L Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi Camera

There is not a lot to say about Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi Camera, perhaps because it comes off as a lower end gadget without features such as g-sensors and motion stabilizing technology for photos. However, you are likely to fall in love with the cam due to two things; its decent video quality and price point.

The video output can be recorded in 1080p and 720p with good sound quality. The field of view is pretty wide, and that can almost everything on the way. The camera records photos too at 14MP as still images, burst shots, or time-lapse. You would be better off with a storage card of 32GB.

Air-Pro Lite Wi-Fi Camera is waterproof, but unlike most models in this review that go up to or beyond 30 meters, this one maintains that ability up to 10 meters deep only. Therefore, it can still hold itself well on rainy days or when swimming.

This cam is simple to operate; just press the button, and it vibrates to indicate its recording.

Top Features

• Video quality: 1080p and 720p
• Field of view: 170 degrees
• Built-in microphone
• Waterproof up to 10 meters deep
• 14MP camera for shooting still and burst photos
• Storage: up to 32GB
• Includes Wi-Fi PODZ, Cam-lock, basic helmet, and a USB cable
• Battery life: about 2.5 hours

Pros

• Can shoot and share in real time
• Wide field of view
• Generates good quality videos and photos
• Affordably priced
• Waterproof albeit up to 10 meters

Cons

• Photos may have eye fish lens effect
• Needs frequent recharging

If you are hunting for a budget adventure camera that doesn’t suck so much, try Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi Camera. For a few dollars, this piece records professional videos that you can share on social media in real-time. However, many people have issues setting up its software on PCs and phones.

7. YI 4K Action and Sports Camera

People spend a lot to buy supreme quality action cameras like GoPro. Well, ladies and gentlemen, have you heard of YI 4K Action and Sports Camera?

This little-known action camera shoots high-quality photos and videos that can serve in professional settings. Photos (still, time-lapse, and burst) are shot at 12 megapixels while the available video qualities include 4k, 1080p, and 720p at 30, 60, and 120fps.

The LCD is on another whole new level. It’s a responsive, impact resistant Gorilla glass retina for resisting the scratches that come with daily use. The screen delivers captions at 160 degrees wide.

In case you have shaky hands or will be riding on uneven terrains, the electronic image stabilization technology ensures you record motion free footage.

The camera is waterproof and can be linked with other devices either through Bluetooth or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Once you get the camera, update it to the latest firmware to enjoy a range of new features that include shooting in low-light areas.

Top Features

• 4K video quality at 30fps
• 12MP still image
• 2.19” LCD touch screen with Gorilla glass
• 160 degrees viewable angle
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 and 5GHz Wi-Fi
• Battery life: 2 hours
• Electronic image stabilization technology
• The package includes a rechargeable battery, USB cable and a manual

Pros

• Superb image and video quality
• Comes with a high-performance cooling system that prevents overheating
• Highly responsive and intuitive wide touch screen for easy operation
• Multiple settings for achieving your desired quality
• Durable, lightweight and waterproof camera
• Instant sharing of videos via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Captures still pictures thanks to the image stabilization technology
• It’s not costly considering the many features it comes with

Cons

• Its battery life is not great. You may need to carry a spare if you ride for over 2 hours
• The cam freezes at times when shooting 4k videos. The solution to that would be to remove the battery or just shoot 1080p-the video will still be of good quality

YI 4K Action and Sports Camera is a “fantastic beast” with a great LCD touchscreen and a myriad of settings for adjusting the camera. It delivers crystal clear images and videos that can be used for professional purposes. This is a highly recommended product for anyone in need of a reliable action camera.

Buyers Guide: How to Buy the Right Action Camera?

Do not buy an adventure camera for the sake of having one. You need to take some time to research the best models available, their features and compare prices before hitting the buy button. Websites with bike camera reviews can also help you figure out which cameras are mediocre and which ones are excellent.

Rather than drivel on about how to look for the best camera for cycling, let’s just point out a few important things you need to consider.

Design and Shape

The design, shape, and size of your action cam can affect how it will be affixed on the helmet or bike handlebar. There is also the issue of portability and storage; smaller designs are ideal for daily riders who loathe heavy gears. Those who travel with backpacks, however, can go for any model.

The shape and design of a camera can also determine its best mounting type. Some designs record the best actions from the top of the helmet while others work better from the handlebars. There is nothing like “the best mounting type,” so just pick a choice that looks more practical to you.

Durability

It goes without saying that you need a durable adventure camera as cycling is an active sport that sometimes involves crashing. Hard external casing and top quality parts can guarantee longer use time. If you also ride down the water parks or in the rain, consider a device with waterproof features.

Video Quality

What do you intend to use your recording for? If you mean to share the clips with your audience, then you better post something that is super clear. However, if the footage is for your own personal needs, then you can compromise on video quality a little.

The rule of thumb when it comes to getting super clear video output is this; the costlier the cam is, the better the video quality. The best cycling camera can capture high-quality videos in either full HD (1080p) or all the way to 4k. The latter quality is the best and is slowly a standard benchmark for most video cameras.

Memory

Do not overlook the storage capacity of an action camera if the footage from your sprees means a lot. An hour of 720P footage could be somewhere around 2GB while that of an HD footage can stretch beyond 6GB.

However, all that depends on your video quality settings. Nevertheless, you need a cam that has at least 32 GB storage to ensure your files are not overwritten.

Battery Life

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what time your journey will end. Despite the time it will take for your adventure to end, you need a cycling camera that will be with you throughout. A camera with a long battery life ensures all the moments of your journey have been recorded.

If you engage in long journeys, the best option for you is an action camera with a removable battery as it will allow you to replace the discharged battery with a fully-charged one.

As a by the way, cold temperatures can affect the efficiency of a camera. So if you live in places that resemble the arctic, you better carry extra batteries or a power bank.

Overall Value

You need to review all the features of a cycling camera to check if they are satisfactory for your riding picnics. Generally, the best camera for cycling should be durable and waterproof with image resolution that is above average.

Connectivity

What are you going to connect your action camera to? Is it a laptop, smartphone or both? What kind of ports are you looking for? Would a Bluetooth help to get data across conveniently? These are some of the things you must consider so you don’t end up with a cam that is totally incompatible with your other devices.

Cost

This is something most people look into. If you’ve got enough shekels to throw on a high-end camera, then go forth and do it. However, if your budget is capped to a certain amount, you may need to figure out what features you are willing to compromise. Medium budget cameras tend to give you a couple of top-end features while sacrificing others.

Conclusion

Many things define the best cycling camera for recording outdoor adventures. However, the two that matter a lot include high-end features and compactness.

• A lightweight camera will remain hooked to the wrist, helmet or handlebar despite the vibrations that come with riding on uneven roads.
• Heavy gadgets are likely to fall off and hit the solid ground to death.

Other high-end features that count for much include waterproof ability, motion stabilizer, g-sensor, and stellar resolutions.

As far as price is concerned, premium grade action cameras are long-lasting and heavily customizable compared to the cheap ones.

However, as we’ve seen, some budget options like Crosstour Action Camera can perform just as elegantly as the costlier ones.

This review consists of high-end, medium, and budget adventure cameras for your selection. Both devices have received a good number of positive comments and ratings from previous users and thus reliable. Feel free to pick the model that you love the most.

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