Mastering GoPro Mounting on Your Bike Helmet: The Ultimate Guide

Why mount a GoPro to your bike helmet?

Helmet mounting your GoPro provides several distinct advantages over handlebar or chest mounts. First, you get a natural point-of-view perspective that follows your line of sight. This creates an immersive experience for viewers who can see exactly what you see while riding. Second, helmet mounts typically provide more stable footage than body-mounted cameras, especially on rough terrain where your body absorbs impacts. Finally, helmet mounting keeps your hands free for controlling your bike while still capturing all the action.

The quality of modern action cameras like the GoPro Hero series, combined with advanced stabilization technology like HyperSmooth, makes helmet-mounted footage look professional and smooth, even on the bumpiest mountain bike trails.

Different types of GoPro helmet mounts

There are several options for mounting your GoPro to your bike helmet, each with its own advantages:

• Adhesive mounts: These flat or curved sticky mounts attach permanently to your helmet's surface and provide a secure connection point for your GoPro;
• Strap mounts: Perfect for vented helmets, these adjustable straps weave through your helmet's air vents to secure the camera without adhesives;
• Side mounts: These allow you to attach your GoPro to the side of your helmet for a different perspective;
• Front mounts: Positioned on the front of your helmet, these provide the most natural POV angle and are popular for mountain biking.

The best mount for you depends on your specific helmet design, riding style, and the type of footage you want to capture. For mountain biking, front or top mounts generally provide the most natural perspective.

How to properly mount a GoPro to your bike helmet

Properly mounting your action camera is crucial for capturing great footage. Follow these steps for the best results.

For adhesive mounts:

Adhesive mounts work well on helmets with smooth surfaces. To install one:

• Clean the helmet surface thoroughly with alcohol to remove any dirt or oils that might prevent proper adhesion
• Select the appropriate mount (curved or flat) based on your helmet's shape
• Remove the backing from the adhesive pad and press firmly against the helmet for at least 30 seconds.
• Allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before attaching your GoPro for maximum bond strength.

For strap mounts on vented helmets:

Vented helmet strap mounts are versatile and don't require permanent attachment. To use one:

• Thread the straps through the vents of your helmet, making sure the mount is centered where you want the camera positioned
• Tighten the straps securely so there's no movement
• Attach your GoPro to the mount using the standard GoPro connection system
• Test the security by gently tugging on the mount before riding.

Finding the perfect camera angle

The angle of your GoPro can dramatically affect the quality of your mountain biking footage. Here are some tips for finding the perfect position.

For the most natural point-of-view footage, position the camera at forehead level, angled slightly downward to capture both the trail ahead and your handlebars. This provides context for viewers and shows your bike handling skills. Test different angles before hitting the trails by recording short clips and reviewing them. Remember that GoPro cameras use wide-angle lenses, so they capture more of the scene than you might expect.

Many experienced riders use the GoPro app to connect to their camera, allowing them to see the exact frame and make adjustments before recording. This can save time and ensure you get the perfect angle for your adventure.

Optimizing your GoPro settings for bike helmet footage

Once your mount is secure and the angle is perfect, optimize your camera settings for the best possible footage:

• For mountain biking, use 1080p or 4K resolution at 60fps for smooth action footage
• Enable HyperSmooth stabilization (if available on your GoPro model) to reduce shakiness on rough trails
• Consider using SuperView or Wide field of view settings to capture more of the surrounding environment
• For longer rides, adjust the battery-saving settings or bring spare batteries to ensure you don't miss any action.

The latest GoPro models offer advanced features like TimeWarp (for creating smooth time-lapse videos) and HindSight (which captures footage from before you press record), which can add creative elements to your mountain biking videos.

Safety considerations when using helmet cameras

While capturing great footage is important, safety should always be your priority. Always ensure your helmet's primary function—protecting your head—isn't compromised by your camera mount. Avoid drilling holes or making permanent modifications to your helmet that could weaken its structure. Position your GoPro so it won't snag on branches or obstacles while riding through forests or technical terrain. Be aware that in some competitive events, helmet cameras may be prohibited, so check regulations before racing.

Remember that a helmet with a camera attached may behave differently in a crash than one without. The camera could potentially catch on something or create a pressure point. Always prioritize safety over getting the perfect shot.

Creative ideas for your helmet-mounted GoPro

With your GoPro securely mounted to your bike helmet, try these creative ideas to make your mountain biking videos stand out:

• Capture sunrise or sunset rides for dramatic lighting effects
• Use time-lapse mode to show your entire journey in a compressed timeframe
• Mix different perspectives by combining helmet footage with stationary camera shots or handlebar-mounted angles
• Edit your videos to include slow-motion sections for technical trail features or jumps.

The most engaging mountain biking videos often combine great riding with beautiful locations and varied camera angles. Don't be afraid to experiment with different mounts and settings to find your unique style.

Whether you're documenting your personal progress, sharing trail conditions with friends, or creating content for social media, a well-mounted GoPro on your bike helmet can help you capture memories that last a lifetime. With the right mount, angle, and settings, you'll be creating professional-quality mountain biking videos in no time.