Packing light for cycling

[nosmok]

Chinon Bellami fits in any pocket or bag, shoots one-handed, and takes smashing photos. That was my choice during the recent Los Angeles "CycLAvia".

--nosmok

 

[film nut]

I took my mountain bike out on the local trail yesterday. I used a handlebar bag and took my Super Ricohflex (mf) along. It (the bag) has a hard plastic liner inside so I but a piece of flat foam in to provide some cushen for the camera. Everything worked fine and there was also room for my meter; though I didn't use it, and two candy bars. Now I need to rig something up for my road bike so I can bring my Bessa R or something like that. I really need the exercise and there are things to photograph.

Mike

 

[robklurfield]

hand held while pedaling ... not recommended ... but here's evidence

M8, CV 15/4.5 maybe 15 or 17mph?

 

[Mablo]

Rob, this is a real racing bike with Campagnolo Record components! That's an equivalent of a M9 in Leica-speak.

 

[Mablo]

I'm using a normal messenger bag for my outings with a bike and a camera. When I'm traveling with my bike I use a Bob Yak trailer.

 

[richardvanle]

I'm using a normal messenger bag for my outings with a bike and a camera. When I'm traveling with my bike I use a Bob Yak trailer.

Pretty neat. I've been looking for something like that trailer.

 

[robklurfield]

more of an M8 ... it's Record 10 that's about ten years old now. But since my legs aren't what they used to be, I'm happy with the stuff I've got (well except for needing a new chain and cassette .... some tuning up, etc.). when it's all tuned up and well-oiled, the equipment is definitely in better shape than the user (sounds familiar on RFF, right?).😀

Rob, this is a real racing bike with Campagnolo Record components! That's an equivalent of a M9 in Leica-speak.

 

[Paolo Bonello]

For the P&S types here's a bag you might like if you don't want to use your jersey pockets. Actually I'm gonna get one and use it in combination with my small shoulder bag that I showed you in the original post. Would give me the option of two cameras and a feeling of freedom that I can never get when using the 'slingshot' backpack whilst riding.

The Bento Box, energy gel bag. Designed to be used while you ride.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Bento-Boxes-Essential-Cycling-and-Triathlon-Gear

 

[Paolo Bonello]

Light weight camera bag for cycling by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr

OK POST RIDE REVIEW:

Took the bike out for a ride after a week of rain.

Strapped on the little bag and hopped on the Cannondale Rush for a ride throught the streets and around the local lake over bikepaths and varied terrain.

The first thing I noticed immediately is the bottom of the bag taps the top of my quad at the very upper limit of the pedal stroke. Now I'll explain that my riding position is not very upright, more of a level handle bar height to seat height - cross country style position.

Therefore I had to crank up the strap to get the bag higher than the position in the pic. After some faffing and repositionng for the first quarter of the ride I found that I preferred the bag to the side whilst riding in the area under my arm and above my left hip. Accessing the camrea ment sliding the bag aound to the front. It all moved pretty freely.

When off road or out of the saddle during higher intensity pedalling it did tend to creep forward andtouch my leg again and thus required a little repositioning occasionally. Overall it sat on the side position happily.

I might look for a shorter bag to completely eliminate it touching the top of my leg at the top of the pedal stroke but it wont be too bad if I dont find one.

If the riding position was more upright like a beach cruiser or Amsterdam style commuter bike then I'd say it would be perfect but I have a more forward leaning position so I would give it a 7/10 for comfort and a 7/10 accessibility. (this is just a personal rating). The top zips on my bag don't give a huge opening. I can fix that with some modification but probably would prefer a bag like this that has been specifically made for cameras with soft lining and a double zip, wide opening or velcro.

I did take a few photos on the fly with the GF1 but preferred to stop for a couple of seconds to do my snaps. Tip: use a UV filter for protection, Buy a cheap rubber lens hood for secondary protection inside the bag so the filter doesnt rub against the lining and leave the lens cap off. Quick photos are a breeze this way.

Cheers. Paolo

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's Some Pics I took of my gear and two of my bikes and some snaps during today's ride. It was approx 20km. Bike paths, grass, dirt, mud, bitumen and footpaths.(I used the Cannondale.)

I understand that everyone has different ideas on setups and I like to keep an open mind so please post up some pics of your gear and how you try to keep the bulk and weight of it all under control. Also an idea of the terrain that you ride and average distance would ride to help others with their setups. There is no definitive right or wrong so please feel free to explain your setups, how you rate it and how long it takes to take a photo and then continue riding.


Cannondale Rush by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr


One-on inbred 1x9 by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr


Minimum pack by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr
The pills are anti inflamatories in case my back strts playin up.


Sky divers shuttle by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr


Lake Gillawarna by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr


Tin shed graffiti by Paolo Bonello, on Flickr

 

[bhop73]

I ride nearly every day, mostly commuting to work, or running errands. If I have a camera with me, it's just in my backpack. It's usually just my XA because of its size. It's small enough to fit in a bike jersey pocket if you aren't wearing a pack. I used to use my Stylus Epic, but it broke 🙁

I do occasionally carry a bigger camera though. Today I went to a velodrome race 20 miles from my apt. and took my F100 with a couple lenses, one was a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. It all fit in my backpack easily, but I also do have an expensive bike specific backpack that's able to hold a small child if I wanted to. I just wrapped the lens up in some padding and hoped for the best. It seemed to work ok.

 

[youngcoby]

hand held while pedaling ... not recommended ... but here's evidence

M8, CV 15/4.5 maybe 15 or 17mph?

I love this picture.

 

[robklurfield]

youngcoby, thanks.