Mountain Biking

[Cliffs]

Wasn't sure what to search for so I beg forgiveness if already out there.

I have recently purchased a mountain bike for rehab on double knee replacement surgery. All is going well and the bike is fun too.

The dilemma - I have a myriad number of backroads I can traverse. Backroads meaning real backroads, not paved. I don't want to damage my camera(s) from the jarring they will take if I store them in a camera bag. Any help on how I can transport any camera (except P&C) and not damage the insides?
Would being in a backpack mean less interaction with the terrain?

Open to any and all suggestions as the bike gets me into areas I cannot reach by walking (walking hurts my back whereas the bike is a delight).

[OsmosisStudios]

Unless you're carrying rocks in your camera bag, any bag can carry a camera if it's going to be ON YOU. I would always recommend having the bag attached to you and not the bike, though.

[Cliffs]

I don't have to worry about the blades or other internals getting knocked around?

[ilookalot]

it should be fine in a backpack, just dont fall off ,,

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Cliffs

I don't have to worry about the blades or other internals getting knocked around?

like aperture blades and shutter curtains? Not unless you start falling down a cliff.

The camera is stronger than most people think.

[Cliffs]

Okay, thanks for the replies it is most appreciated. I shall try with 18-55 kit lense and see how that goes before I bring out the better lenses.

[Quo Fan]

I'm a mountain biker, and when I brought my camera to Kingdom Trails in Vermont, I put my camera in a photography backpack and rode. I rode the trails I normally ride, just didn't do anything "stupid" like this:

Exif:
Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM

I did ride this trail at full speed, very roller coaster like with jumps and berms.

Exif:
Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/11.0
Focal Length: 17 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM

[sgrady13]

I had the same dilemma. Wasn't sure how to carry my photo gear on the trail. After some searching and reading reviews I decided to buy a Clik Elite Probody Sport bag. It also has an area for a water bladder. ie. camelbak. I'm hoping to take it for a test run tonight after work.

[Krusty79]

Ah, great to see there are other mountain bikers out there. I have a full suspension Specialized for single track and a full suspension Diamondback I use for the paved bike paths.

Cliffs, I hope you have a speedy recovery. BOTH knees replaced?

I haven't brought my DSLR out on the trail yet. I have brought my Canon P&S camera out on the single track. I didn't even use the case for it - I just stuck in the front pocket of my Camelbak and it has always worked fine. So, if you have a DSLR in a padded case in your Camelbak, I don't think you'll have any problems unless you endo and land on it If you use a daypack instead of a Camelbak, you should be okay if it has the waist straps and sternum strap to keep it snug against your back. If you're REALLY concerned about damage, you can put some bubble wrap around your camera.

Good luck,
Greg