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Snow Ride 2010

6 Jan 2010

We couldn't resist getting out into the snow which is blanketing the country to find out what it has to offer the off-road rider. Phil Ingham donned his thermals, packed his video camera and set off into the countryside.........this is what he came back with:

We've had a few enquiries about the kit used for this video. First, the camera - it's a Panasonic HDC-SD10. Not strictly a helmet cam, but just a compact hand-held camera, which was handlebar mounted using a cheap mini-tripod with clamp (see pic below). It's not ideal, but with our usual helmet cam stuck elsewhere, it was this Heath Robinson lash-up or nothing!

Second, the editing software. Lots of people have reported having problems editing video and adding music, voice-overs etc. We're currently using Sony Vegas software, which you can try on a 30 day free trial. It seems to be a pretty comprehensive package.

Finally, the bike was a very simple all rigid XC bike, with Bontrager Jones ACX tyres. The tyre choice in snow is all a matter of opinion, but many favour the biggest knobbles/studs possible and a firm compound: soft compound tyres tend to slip over ice and snow ridges, whereas firmer compounds get hold. But nothing except metal studs will work on ice!

Basic kit and Heath Robinson cam mount!

And Now For Something Completely Different!

And, if you've got money to burn or you're convinced that these winters are here to stay, you could try one of these.....