Three Good Gimbals for Mountain Biking
Are you eagerly waiting to get back on your mountain bike and capture some great footage?
Okay. We have passed the spring equinox, and snow's hold on the area is definitely waning. Time to put up your snowboard, or longboard and service that bike.
And why am I talking about mountain bikes instead of regular bikes?
I live in a very hilly region, and once the mud dries sufficiently, I'll want to hit the trails. This means that not only do I want my bike in top condition, but I want my camera gear to be, too.
Have you been wondering why some people have great videos, while others look like they recorded each and every pothole and bump on the trail? The difference probably lies in the type of stabilization used or the lack of it. This is where gimbals come into the picture.
Do you already have a gimbal for snowboarding? Or surfing? If so, then you have a good idea of what a difference they can make.
A gimbal is basically an electronic stabilizer. The newer ones have artificial intelligence built into their sensors and tiny motors to operate them. This results in smooth footage of some very rocky rides. If your dog is going to be wearing a gimbal to record your activities, it will be different from one attached to your bike for a GoPro or mobile phone. Assuming that you want the best footage about your ride, know that the right gimbal can help you achieve this.
First evaluate your kit. What kind of camera and accessories will you be using?
Keep reading and come along with us to discover excellent gimbals for mountain biking.
How we choose the best gimbals for mountain biking...
Gimbals come with many advantages, but you want to make sure that you have one that’s suited to your situation. Think of having your own personal Steadicam, but unlike the Hollywood monsters, yours is easy to use, lightweight and portable. You also want to make sure that it can withstand the inevitable crashes that come on those trails. Another feature to look at is whether it has a two or three axis stabilization. A three-axis gimbal adjusts movements up and down, side to side and back and forth.
Our team has watched videos and read articles, user reviews and star ratings to search for the best gimbals for mountain biking that we can find. After all, the warm weather is almost here and we want you to be prepared
Let’s take a good, hard look at what we have found.
Feiyu Tech WG2X and Pocket 2S
Feiyu has been the first choice for many reviewers
Why we like it:
These durable, lightweight, weatherproof, aluminum-alloy gimbals combine toughness with technology to give crisp footage consistently. Of all the brands, we were able to review, they consistently ranked with high fours and fives. They are simple to mount; have 3-axis stabilization, pan and tilt head modes and many more options.
Their size and weight make them ideal for mountain biking. They can be mounted on a helmet, on a body or on the frame of the bike itself.
What you should know:
Some have reported audible motor noises. Others have found battery difficulties.
If you are using a non-GoPro camera, you will need to purchase a separate adapter.
It does come with a one-year warranty and 24-hour customer service.
Click here to check out more on Amazon
EVO SS 3-axis Wearable Gimbal
Versatile with an excellent warranty for your peace of mind
Why we like it:
This American made, sturdy gimbal made of composite materials, works with most action cameras even allowing access to charge the camera. It has a 650 span and remote apps to challenge creativity. Then there is the sweet spot of up to 5 hours of operating time. A real plus for avid bikers.
It's compact, lightweight, travels well and oozes versatility.
What you should know:
Much as we like this gimbal, it doesn’t come with its own carrying case. You will need one, especially since it is not weather-proof. Be careful with it on damp days and areas.
Hohem XG1 – Mounting Gimbal for Action Camera
Excellent for travel vlog videography
Why we like it:
This light, versatile, wearable gimbal steals the hearts of many. With its brushless motor, it achieves higher torque and greater stability. A huge benefit. It can be mounted on a helmet, a person, a bike and more. It is specifically designed for sports and outdoor activities.
What you should know:
You must calibrate it and balance the camera on it, before turning on the power. Follow the instructions carefully. It does not contain GoPro mounts or accessories. It also has intuitive apps that connect directly to a phone and remote control options.
Tutorial videos are available for this gimbal.
Moving Forward
No one enjoys watching jerky, rough videos. As a biker, who wants to share some of the incredible places you’ve been and some of the excellent riding you’ve achieved, you need to be prepared to record it the best you can.
With all the conflicting bits of advice you may be receiving, we understand that you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. You’ve seen those excellent videos posted by others and would like to showcase your skills.
We’ve created a short buyer’s guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best gimbal for your mountain biking adventures. The guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing your gimbal for mountain biking regardless of the type of mountain bike you ride.
FAQs
Can you use a gimbal with a DSLR or mirrorless camera while riding a mountain bike?
It has been done. However, there are problems with weight and size. One needs to be careful not to hit the handlebars with the camera, and the gimbal may be slower in moving the camera.
When mountain biking, does the gimbal need to be mounted on the bike or can it be worn by the biker?
Both work. It is more complicated to make a gimbal mount for a mountain bike. One needs to be aware of maintaining the center of gravity balance. When you wear the gimbal and camera, this is naturally addressed.
Why do gimbals cost so much?
Many factors go into this. Proprietary programming and design, durable materials and miniature designs. I expect that the prices will come down in a few areas, the same as we have seen with other technologies. Do you remember when calculators were expensive? They were in the beginning.
What if I want to stop and take stills, should I remove the gimbal?
There are two ways that you can do this. First, you use a gimbal that has a quick-release system, so that you can use the attached camera. Second, keep an additional camera in your backpack that you simply remove to capture that special shot. Since GoPro (or a similar camera) is the recommended camera for mountain biking videos, consider having a DSLR or mirrorless camera for your stills, with a higher resolution.
What kind of build quality should I look for in a gimbal for mountain biking?
First, consider one made of aluminum alloy – lightweight and strong. Remember, mountain biking is not for the faint of heart. The gimbals that you use will also need to withstand the pressure. Plastics should be avoided. They don’t tolerate dents.
Regardless of the material, keep your gimbal in a protective case when not in use.
Final Words
What’s the best gimbal for mountain biking for your adventures? The answer to that question varies from person to person, but we’ve worked to provide a variety of top options for you to choose from based on reading articles, watching mountain biking videos, reading reviews and listening to the perspectives of others.
We hope you have found this information helpful and that it will assist you in getting a gimbal for your next mountain biking adventure that will exceed all your needs.
Now, you just have to click the links to find the best gimbal for you.
Thanks for stopping by!