Taking photos or videos of a cycling route and sharing them on social media has become a habit for a large number of cyclists. The proliferation of enthusiasts, as well as the emergence of YouTubers who share their own content, is increasing, even becoming a reference for other cyclists. If you also like to make videos of your bike rides and share them on social media, but you don't have the right equipment or don't know how to improve the quality or editing, with this series of tips you can produce higher quality content that will impress your followers. In this article, we want to show you the best cameras, editing software, and resources so your cycling videos look top-notch. In addition, we have asked the Bikineros to add their tips and tricks for filming and editing cycling videos like a YouTuber.

Which camera is best for recording cycling videos?

The first thing is to choose the camera. There are many models and formats of cameras on the market for recording on the move. We divide them into two groups: action cameras (on board) that we can activate while riding to record in first person, and static cameras for making videos while stopped or filming other riders.

GoPro

GoPro is undoubtedly the benchmark brand in action cameras for years, recommended for recording all types of adventures from the athlete's perspective. It stands out for its great image quality, image stability against bumps and vibrations, a multitude of mounts, and customization options. The current range goes from 310 euros (Hero8) to 430 euros (Max).

Insta360

Insta360 is a next-generation camera that has been achieving sales success in recent seasons, especially among bikers. It takes the concept of on board camera even further due to its tiny size and its ability to be placed anywhere on the body (with a magnetic pendant) or connected to your phone. In addition, it can be charged on the go from your phone, upload videos, and even stream live for YouTube or Facebook. Compared to the GoPro, however, the Insta360 has slightly lower image quality and the battery runs out faster. The price is similar. You can read a full review of this camera on Xataka.

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📺 We also recommend this video from the Bikineros testing the Insta360 Go2:


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Victure

Victure is one of the best-rated brands in terms of value for money, as an alternative to more exclusive brands like GoPro or Insta360. It can record 4K videos at 30 fps and take 20-megapixel photos, with options for slow-motion or burst recording. In addition, it includes several mounts and controls for use, such as a remote control that works at a distance of 10 meters.

Static cameras

If you want to take a leap in quality and also make videos off the bike, standing still or recording other cyclists on the route, we recommend using a compact camcorder. The image quality and resolution are higher than action cameras, although they are also bulkier and harder to transport. However, there are smaller models that you can fit in a backpack along with accessories (mounts, tripods, batteries, etc.). Sony, Panasonic, or Canon have some models with a good price/quality ratio.

Drones for recording routes, are they worth it?

Another recording option we recommend is the drone. Aerial shots add spectacularity and impressive views to the route, whether it's the best mountain trails or a major climb. Currently, there are all kinds of options with built-in cameras on the market, from basic models at 30 euros to options with great autonomy or HD image quality above 500 euros. As a drawback, they are less portable than action cameras and require a learning period to know how to operate them. Likewise, in certain areas and protected spaces, such as near airports or national parks, their use is prohibited. They also cannot fly above 120 meters in height.

Tips for filming the best shots on a bike

When making a video with an action camera, filming a landscape, capturing cyclists passing by, or conducting an interview, it is important to use these types of resources and shots to achieve a better impact:

Chest-mounted action camera

This type of shot increases the sensation of speed and simulates your own view of the trail or road. Remember that you need a mount attached to a harness, install the camera in the center of your chest, and tilt it slightly upward. This compensates for your own downward inclination when riding a bike.

Helmet-mounted camera

It is less spectacular and striking than having the camera on your chest, but on the other hand, it gives a broader view of the surroundings, other cyclists, etc. It can make the shot more spectacular by activating the 360º function if the device includes it.

Camera near the wheel

The shot gets closer to the ground and gives a greater sense of movement. It is a very attractive shot for MTB, capturing more details of the trail, obstacles, slope, speed, etc. This can be achieved with a downward-facing handlebar mount. You’ve surely seen this a thousand times in Zugasti’s videos.

Overhead and low-angle shots

When recording with a static video camera, using these shots will give greater beauty and spectacle to the video. For the overhead shot (from top to bottom), you can position yourself at a higher point—like a rock or a small hill—and record the rest of the cyclists passing by. Meanwhile, the low-angle shot (camera oriented from bottom to top) is a great resource for filming a descent, a jump, etc.

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📺 We also recommend this video of the Bikineros trying the Insta360 Go2:

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Editing software: free or professional?

If the only video editing work you're interested in is compressing and trimming your video clips, there are online video editors and free downloadable programs. If you want a more polished result or need more complex edits, it's best to buy professional editing software. Below we recommend some programs, both free and paid, to edit your cycling videos.

YouTube Studio

YouTube includes a video editor with simple functions for trimming, joining with transitions, text, and audio tracks. It also offers resources to customize segments with special effects. It's an ideal tool for beginners or for quick and simple edits: upload the video, give it a quick edit, and publish.

OpenShot

OpenShot is one of the most used and practical free video editing software you can find. It's cross-platform (for Windows, Linux, and Mac), you can cut and split your clips, add effects, and compress their size.

Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a freemium online editor. You don't need to download it but you do need to register to use it. Some functions for compression to optimal video formats for social networks require a subscription. But for editing simple videos and uploading them to your networks without obsessing over quality, it's more than valid. Plus, it's very easy to use.

Adobe Premiere

Adobe Premiere is a paid software that is very useful and possibly the most used today both by video enthusiasts and professionals. With it you can quickly perform all the essential functions of trimming and compressing video clips, as well as add a multitude of advanced effects. Another great advantage of this Adobe program is its compatibility with the majority of video and digital audio formats currently used.

Expert Tips: The Bikineros Experience

So much for the theory. From here, we thought the best way to close this article is with a series of practical tips from the Bikineros, who have a long list of recorded videos behind them. Their YouTube channel is one of the most active in the Spanish cycling ecosystem. If you don’t follow them yet, we recommend you do and enjoy their style, showcasing videos of routes, tutorials, tips, and how to enjoy cycling. We spoke with Edu Suárez, one of the two members of this cycling duo.

What camera do you use?

“Depending on the route and what we have planned for the video, we use the camera that best suits our needs. For mountain biking, the camera we usually record with is the GoPro Hero 9. The stabilizer it has is essential for that type of video. Since the Hero 7 black model, it already comes with the brand’s own Hypersmooth stabilizer, which gives the footage very good stability. We also use the Insta360 one X2, a camera that records in 360º and allows you to get very original shots. However, it’s better not to overuse it, because it can make you dizzy and depending on the shot you can lose the perspective of the route.” “For road cycling we alternate between the GoPro Hero 9 and the Insta360 go2. The Insta is the most comfortable camera out there: manageable, lightweight, and very simple, although it struggles in low-light areas. To record while stationary and in noisy environments, we usually rely on the voice recorder on our phones. In our case, an iPhone.”

Do you recommend using drones to record cycling routes?

"We are big fans of drones. The drone really enhances the videos and with drones like the DJI Mavic mini, weighing under 250g, it’s easy to carry and you can make very attractive recordings at a user level.”

Is it necessary to spend a lot of money to record quality videos?

"The two most important things to keep in mind are comfort and the stabilizer. You need to carry a camera that is comfortable to use on the bike; there’s no point in having a DSLR with amazing quality if it turns out to be too cumbersome to use while pedaling. The camera should always be manageable. And to record on a bike, especially if you do mountain biking, it needs to have a good stabilizer. To start with a minimum of quality, the ideal is to look for an action camera with a good stabilizer. In a price range of 200 to 400 euros, you can surely find a GoPro from model 7 onwards, whether new or second-hand.”

What moments of the route are best to record?

"The priority is always to enjoy yourself, that’s why you ride a bike. If you’re having fun, recording comes naturally. You can’t stress thinking you have to record this shot or that one. Because in the end, unconsciously, what you convey in the video will be stress.”

What are your tricks and tips for enthusiasts?

"It’s essential for the video to be dynamic. Just because we get excited and really enjoy a 30 or 50 minute stretch of our route doesn’t mean we have to record it all or include the entire clip in the video." On the one hand, we have to make sure we don't come home with 4 hours of footage, because it will be overwhelming when it comes time to edit. And on the other hand, you can't make and publish very long clips, because even if the route seemed spectacular to you, in the video you'll have to add more dynamism so that the viewer finds it more entertaining.” “Most likely, we are not Danny MacAskill, even if we imagined we were just like him speeding down a technical trail. Action cameras will flatten everything and it will look like that ravine you rode down on your bike is just a flat plain that a child with training wheels could do.”