How To Mount A Gimbal On A Bike: Why, What, & How

Do you love biking and filming videos at the same time? If so, you’re going to want to read this blog post!

In it, we will discuss how to mount a gimbal on your bike. This is a great way to stabilize your shots while you’re biking and create some amazing footage. We’ll also give you some tips on what gear you need in order to do this and which type of gimbal is best for the job.

Finally, we’ll recommend some cameras that work well with a gimbal when mounted on a bike.

So, whether you’re just getting into bike filming or are a seasoned pro, this post has something for you!

Why Mount A Gimbal On A Bike?

If you are reading this article, you are likely interested in capturing video footage on your bike. Maybe you want POV action shots of your next mountain biking adventure, or just want to follow a subject on another bike for a film.

Well, you can always strap a camera directly onto your bike, but you’ll likely find you’re footage is shaky at best, and unusable at worst. Using a gimbal will help this issue tremendously.

First, it’s a great way to stabilize your shots. This is especially helpful if you’re filming while riding on rough terrain. A gimbal will help keep your camera level and steady, even when the ground is not.

Second, mounting a gimbal on your bike gives you the ability to capture shots that would otherwise be impossible. For example, with a handlebar mount, you can film yourself riding while also being able to get a great close-up shot of the trail ahead.

What Gear You Need To Attach A Gimbal To A Bike

In order to attach a gimbal to your bike, you’ll need a few things:

A Bike
A Gimbal
A Camera
A Bike Mount

Best Type Of Gimbal For Mounting To A Bike

With bikes, it’s generally best to choose a smaller gimbal. This will make it easier to mount and won’t add too much weight to the bike.

The two main types of gimbals that people use are brushless motor gimbals and in-line stabilizers.

Brushless motor gimbals are larger and heavier but offer smoother stabilization. In-line stabilizers are smaller and lighter but don’t offer the same level of stabilization.

For most people, a brushless motor gimbal is the best choice. However, if you’re looking to save weight, an in-line stabilizer may be a better option.

Best Type Of Camera To Use With A Gimbal On A Bike

The best type of camera to use with a gimbal on a bike is one that is lightweight and has image stabilization built-in.

For most, an action camera like a GoPro will likely be ideal. These action cameras are also very durable in case anything happens while filming.

However, if you are looking for a wider range of filming options, you may choose to opt for a DSLR-style camera.

Some of the best cameras for this are the Sony a6000 series, the Panasonic GH series, and the Canon EOS M series.

These cameras all offer great image quality and are very lightweight, making them ideal for use with a gimbal.

Gimbal Bike Mounts

In order to secure your gimbal and camera to your bike, you will require a mount.

There are a few different types of gimbal mounts available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Most gimbal mounts for bikes share the standard 1/4 inch threading to attach to the gimbal. The main difference between bike gimbal mounts is the method they use to mount to the bike.

CALIDAKA Bike Bracket Gimbal Stabilizer

The CALIDAKA Bike Bracket Gimbal Stabilizer is one option — this mount is designed to wrap completely around your handlebar, using a hard plastic coated in soft foam.

This design is great for protecting your bike’s paint job, but you may find the mount slips if it’s not tightened properly.

While it advertises itself as being designed to work with a DJI Osmo, the connection type is a standard 1/4 inch threading — meaning you could likely use this with any reasonably small gimbal

Check out the CALIDAKA Bike Bracket Gimbal Stabilizer on Amazon!

SMALLRIG Cool Ballhead Arm Super Camera Clamp Mount

The SMALLRIG Cool Ballhead Arm Super Camera Clamp Mount is another option.

This mount uses a sturdy clamp-style design.

This style of mount is great for taking on and off your bike quickly. However, even with its rubberized clamping mechanism, it is still more likely to scratch your bike due to its design.

Again, this mount advertises itself as a mount for the Ronin-M but uses a standard 1/4 inch threading — making it usable with most gimbals (and cameras!)

Check out the SMALLRIG Cool Ballhead Arm Super Camera Clamp Mount on Amazon!

Tips For Filming With A Gimbal Mounted To Your Bike

Once you have your gimbal and camera mounted to your bike, you will need to take some care when filming.
Always make sure that the mount is secure and will not come loose during filming.
Be aware of any objects in the path of your camera. If you are filming while riding through a crowded area, be sure to avoid hitting people or objects with your camera.
Try to keep your shots as smooth as possible. This can be difficult while riding on uneven terrain, but it is important to avoid jerky movements if possible.
If you plan to bike in rough or muddy terrain (mountain biking, for example) make sure you are using waterproof or water-resistant gear.

Alternatives To Mounting A Gimbal On A Bike

If you decide not to mount a gimbal on your bike, there are still many ways to capture biking footage!

The most common and simple way is to mount a camera on your bike helmet. Most people choose to use a GoPro or other similar action camera for this.

There are mounts available that attach to your helmet. For example, the GoPro Vented Helmet Strap is very easy to attach to most standard bike helmets.