Question for the 'togs

[Mr-C]

Hello

First day on BCF and I've only just stumbled into "The Geek Zone"

I've posted a thread over in the new biker section and one of the points is specifically aimed at my photographic brethren ...

Namely - is it possible to connect your tripod to the bike ... and if so how? Will I be restricted in the type of bike I can buy that will accept a rack or whatever ...?

Also - how do you carry your gear around when travelling? I don't really like rucksack style camera bags and tend to use Crumpler messenger type bags which would obviously be useless on a bike because it would unbalance me ... so ... the only solution I can think of is to use a hard box on the back?

I assume if my gear was packed properly in my bag ... and then my bag was in a decent hard box ... if I were to fall off or be knocked off ... if the bike got scratched or damaged or whatever ... my lenses would have the best chance of surviving that way? More so than if they were in a backpack on my back?

And finally - if I had a hard box for my gear - what else could I use to carry other stuff about ... is it possible to fit more than one box? Just trying to get an idea for what I should be looking for

Cheers

Chris

[Kickstart]

Hi

Thing that worries me about hard luggage is making it 100% waterproof. However I would be tempted to buy a conventional metal camera carrying case and then modify it to mount on a rack on the bike.

I have a rucksack which can in theory carry a tripod as well. Not tried it with the tripod on the bike yet, and it is heavy even with just the camera gear in it.

I have carried a camera in a tank bag a few times. Seems to work quite well, but do worry about the high frequency vibration.

You can mount a top box on the back of a bike and a couple of paniers. Only problem comes with too much weight, or problems at high speed from aerodynamic effects.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Mr-C]

Alright Keith

If my gear was in a "waterproof" bag ... that I would happily walk about with outside if it was raining ... and that bag was in a box ... would a 100% waterproof box be that much of an issue? I mean - I'm not talking from experience - but how unwaterproof are back boxes? I hear what you are saying about a modified case but then if I was going somewhere without my gear then it wouldn't be much use. Certainly something to consider though

I don't think I'd be happy with a rucksack ... as you say ... gear is heavy enough ... and as a completely inexperienced rider ... I'm trying to come up with a solution that protects my gear should the worst happen ... rucksack on my back as I go flying ... probably not as safe for it or me compared to as snugly in a bag and tightly packed into a box ... if you think I'm completely talking out of my arse though ... please say

Any ideas for attaching a 'pod?

Cheers!

[panrider_uk]

I carry my camera bag in one of the panniers. Balance has never been an issue.

A tripod could be bungee'd onto the rack without a problem - as long as it collapses down enough to not stick out too much.

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[Kickstart]

Hi

Waterproof bag in a top box or panniers would be OK. However there is quite often a fairly low weight limit for top boxes, and the handling can become a little strange with too much weight so far up and far back. So you might be best splitting the gear between several different bags.

How much gear do you need to carry?

Safety wise a ruck sack is not a good idea.

Tank bags are convenient, but you might want to padding to protect the gear from vibration through the tank. And also probably best to avoid using magnetic tank bags.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing