If you have any suggestions, or have a cool video to share feel free to drop us an email.

Winterpark - Mountain Goat Trail

Hafjellbikepark 2009

Morzine 2008

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We got a hold of a VHoldR ContourHD 1080P helmet camera to check out for a short while. Here’s a quick run-through of our thoughts on it.  YouTube also announced that they’ll be going to 1080p this week as well, so these 1080p cameras just became more viable for consumers to purchase.  Looking to learn more about this tiny (34mm x 53mm x 95mm) 4.3oz HD POV camera? See inside!

side profile | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

The VHoldR ContourHD 1080p has a lot to offer POV camera enthusiasts.  At $329.00, The Contour 1080p looks nearly identical to the ContourHD (720p) version but packs a lot of new options inside that help set it apart from the $299.99 ContourHD (720p).

Included in the VHoldR ContourHD 1080P package:

• ContourHD1080p Camera
• MicroSD Card (2GB)
• Goggle Mount
• Flat Surface camera mount
• Extra Adhesive
• Rechargeable Battery (3hrs)
• USB Cable
• Instructions

ContourHD1080p has five video resolutions you can choose from.  It uses a 5 Megapixel sensor and uses H.264 (saved as a .mov file)

• Full HD - 1080p (1920×1080 @30fps) - 110° angle
• Tall HD - 960p (1280×960 @ 30fps) - 135° angle
• Action HD - 720p (1280×720 @ 60fps) - 135° angle
• Contour HD - 720p (1280×720 @ 30fps) - 135° angle
• Fast SD - WVGA (848×480 @ 30fps) - 110º angle

Setting up the camera

The ContourHD1080p has a two position switch on the back of the unit that lets you choose between two video settings that you determine through the Vholdr software (free download from vholdr.com).  The settings are adjustable through their Easy Edit Software in the Tools | camera configuration menu.

Easy Edit software

Easy Edit software

Easy Edit software

You can also set the camera bit rate and microphone level as well.  These settings are not modifiable outside of the Easy Edit Software.

In addition to setting the resolution options, you can also set the lighting settings (exposure) as well as metering options.

Easy Edit software

The ContourHD1080p remains similar in user functionality to the ContourHD (720p).  Pressing the main button on the back of the camera turns the unit on.  There are alignment lasers that shine through the front of the camera that will come on.  Once the boot up sequence is done, it will beep once. If you need the lasers to come on again to check the camera alignment you can press the button again.  The front of the Contour lens can be turned and adjusted 180º to make sure the video is level.  This system works well and is easy to get the camera aligned properly. The lasers help get everything level and ensure that the camera is angled properly. The camera mount is a two piece setup.  The first mount piece that connects the camera to the mount can be pulled out and you can adjust the angle by turning it and re-installing it back into the main mount.  The teeth inside the main mount help with fine adjustments.

camera features | credit: VholdR.com

Once everything is lined up, you then move the switch on top of the camera forward to begin recording.  It will beep twice to signify that recording has begun and the led on the front will turn red.  After you’re done recording, you move the switch backward to the off position and another audible beep (one) will happen.  The switch on the ContourHD1080p has much firmer detentes in the on and off position as well which was nice to see.  The nice thing about the big switch, the audible tones, and the laser setup is that the setup can be setup easily and confidently.  There is no guessing if the camera is recording, no need to stare at the camera to ensure it is on and recording, or what mode it is in.  It works well in a mountain bike environment quickly and easily without having to remove your helmet or gloves.

rear view | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

The ContourHD1080p offers some of the easiest to use mounts we’ve come across but the standard mounts have some play in between the main camera and the removable mounts.  This play can cause some shakiness.  To help alleviate this, we found that installing a soft bumper that took up the play in between teh mount and camera provided a more stable recording experience.  There are alternative mounting options as well so we’d suggest experimenting with various mounts as well as using Velcro straps to keep the camera snug and shake free.  The camera mounts also have a security leash but if the mount falls off, you can loose the camera.  Instead of mounting the security leash to the mount(s) we found installing the leash to the helmet directly through a helmet strap or helmet vent provided a more secure setup to ensure your camera doesn’t get lost!  The camera mounts aren’t perfect but they can be made to work better with some patience.

flat adhesive mount | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

adhesive mount on helmet | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

goggle mount | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

mounted on the goggle strap | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

If you’re in the market to purchase a ContourHD and are debating if the 1080p / 720p version is for you, it’s hard not to recommend the 1080p over the 720p version.  While it does take more CPU to process/edit/handle the 1080p footage, the camera options inside the 1080p that let you control (exposure, bitrate, microphone, metering) are ones that are beneficial even if you’re not using the camera in 1080p mode.

The included 2GB card may not last you very long if you’re shooting in HD so purchasing a bigger capacity card is highly recommended.  15 minutes per 1GB @ 1080p, 30 minutes per 1GB @ 720p

Vholdr.com offers FREE storage of your HD VholdR videos and through the Easy Edit Software it makes sharing videos quite easy.  The community based system lets you interact (tag where videos were made, leave comments, embed, etc) and is a nice feature that helps you share and index your videos easily as well as free.

VHoldR 1080p - outdoors - (highest bitrate setting ~14.4Mbit/s @ 1080p) - download the full / raw video if you have a Vimeo account.

VHoldR 1080p (highest bitrate setting ~14.4Mbit/s @ 1080p) - download the full / raw video if you have a Vimeo account.

Interested in a more detailed review? Got questions?  We’ll try to get an updated one up once we have more time on it if there’s enough interest.  Let us know in the comments or by email if you are!

VholdR 1080p | credit: PointofViewCameras.com

Interested in purchasing a VholdR 1080p?  Purchase one from the guys at Pointofviewcameras.com.

Additional packagaes are also offered that are worth considering to get all your spare batteries and chargers!

• ContourHD MegaPack
• ContourHD1080p MegaPack
  

Point Of View Cameras have got a lot of knowledge when it comes to POV cameras and can assit you in your all your POV camera needs!

Looking to be sponsored by Transition Bicycle Company in 2010? Now is the time! For 2010, they have separated their sponsorship program into two segments, Race or Freeride.

“We are dedicated to our riders, and want to provide the best support possible to our representatives. Isolating these two disciplines is a progression in the commitment we have to our riders.”

Details inside.
If you feel you have what it takes, Transition would like to help you achieve your goals for 2010 and beyond.

You can submit the online application on the sponsorship page of the Transition website. Or you can submit your own resume by emailing it to the address on their sponsorship page.

Be sure to fill out all the information and submit your best photos and video.

The deadline is December 20th, 2009

VIO is no stranger to making helmet cameras systems and when they announced they’d be making one for mountain bikes, everyone took notice.  Their designs are typically based on a small form factor that is rugged and  easily wearable, along with a bevy of mount options.  Their products are engineered to perform in challenging environments. The latest rendition from VIO is their POV 1.5 system.   Read the details inside.

“The POV.1.5 is a fully integrated point-of-view (POV) video system that’s waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant. The system includes a mountable camera head, built-in video recorder, wireless remote and software for managing your point-of-view videos.”

POV 1.5 system contents | credit: VIO

The VIO POV 1.5 system can be broken up into a handheld unit, a wireless remote, and a tethered head.  The handheld unit itself is a rugged design that can take a beating.  The buttons are slightly recessed and have a solid feel to them when pressed.

handheld unit | credit: POV

Menu functionality with the VIO system is easy, visual, and pretty intuitive.  The handheld recording unit is quite useful as you can visually see what is being recorded to ensure proper setup.  Additionally, footage can be reviewed quickly and easily on the unit.  This lets the user control / modify / delete any clips with a simple button press.

The POV system can be run by simply pressing the record button on the remote or on the main unit itself.  The wireless remote is a nice touch as you don’t have to be in direct contact with the recording unit.  An adjustable audible beep can be set as well to verify commands you initiate with the remote.

wireless remote | credit: POV

the wireless remote can be easily mounted in various locations for quick access like the stem shown here | credit: VIO

The POV system also has a nice built in function that you can activate called LOOP mode that ensure you won’t miss the action when it happens.  Essentially you set the duration of the loop and the POV system will continue recording in that duration.  If you decide you want to keep a segment all it takes is a button press to save it!  This means you won’t miss any of the excitement as you are always recording and control the clips you want to keep.  If you want to record in standard clip mode (press record to capture and stop when done) the VIO can do that as well.

In the latest firmware version, Exposure Control is also adjustable through the menu system to help set the right light-setting for your POV footage.

The POV system is run on 4 AA batteries so sourcing power is easy and doesn’t require you to purchase alternate charging devices/units.

• Recording capacity: 4GB SD card or 8GB SD card capability
• MAC users may need additional software to edit / convert footage.
• I/O Ports: SD card slot, USB 2.0 high speed (Mini -B), Mic-In, NTSC/PAL Analog TV/Audio Out

Moving up the tethered cable, the microphone is attached on the cable and works quite well.  The omni-directional microphone is located off of the main camera head and allows you to tuck it behind or away from direct wind noise.  Microphone levels are also adjustable through the main unit.

Camera:

• Sensitivity: F/#2.0, Relative Illumination @ full field 90%
• Effective focal length: 2.97mm
• Field of View: 110 degrees

Video Modes:

• Frame rates: 30fps, 25fps, 24fps, 15fps
• Resolutions: 720×480, 720×400, 640×480, 360×240
• Formats: MPEG4 AVI (DivX Codec) digital, NTSC/PAL analog

Mounts:

The VIO system has tons of options that really let you diversify the way the camera mounts. They offer a multitude of aftermarket mounting options to create just about any desired effect.

star mount on top of a helmet | credit: VIO

Included stock with the VIO unit is a Double-Hook and Loop Mount as well as a Star Mount.

star mount on the side of a full face helmet | credit: VIO

Plenty of other VIO mounts are available to purchase that are quite sturdy and offer different perspectives / options for mounting.  Additionally, you can purchase cable extensions that will let you extend the range of the VIO camera head to suit your needs.

Video:  (Recorded at the VIO POV 1.5 max settings: 720 x 480, 30fps, highest settings)

You can also download the original video provided you have a free Vimeo account.

In our use with the VIO POV 1.5 unit we came across a few things we thought were worth bringing up.  The tethered cable can get in the way sometimes or snag on things.  VIO includes a lapel clip now but we attached an extra Camelbak adapter to help control the cord and keep it out of harms way.

Camelbak Camelclip

Additionally, since the VIO system isn’t a standalone one, you have to carry the receiver unit somehow.   VIO does make a nice setup that allows you to wear the camera unit and recorder easily.

chest mount | credit: VIO

The VIO POV 1.5 system worked well for us.  It falls a little bit short in our opinion in video quality compared to newer “HD” helmet camera offerings.  It’s hard to directly compare the POV system to the GO-Pro or V-Holdr Contour cameras as the VIO provides a different level of control, adjustability, and durability.  From a cyclists’ functional perspective the VIO has one of the best setups that allows a lot of control, but when it comes to expense, video quality, and ease of setup to begin recording the VIO can fall a bit short.  At roughly twice the price of these other units and the need to carry the VIO receiver somehow, it is something that many recreational videographers will have to take into consideration.

Interested in purchasing or learing more about the VIO POV 1.5?  Purchase one from the guys at Pointofviewcameras.com.  They’ve got a lot of knowledge when it comes to POV cameras and can assit you in your all your POV camera needs!

Our Mpora video contest is now over.  If you submitted a video, check inside to see some of the videos and see if one of yours was picked!

Prizes include:

• Three 1 year Dirt magazine subscriptions
• Nuke Proof Neutron Mag Ti pedals
• 661 Evo Carbon helmet

Users: hashmire, kurtmac, cofatire, styleairtime, eriknelson were chosen.

Send us an email and we’ll confirm your information.

If you weren’t picked and you submitted a video, send us an email along with your username if you’re interested in a consolation prize!

Rays opening weekend took place Nov 7th and 8th.  Ray invited numerous pro’s to serve a free lunch to the attendees on Saturday.  Every year Ray steps it up and improves the indoor mtb park.  The new Troy Lee Designs Rhythm Room (see video at 1:20) was a big hit with everyone and the additional lounge area was a nice touch as well.  Check out Raysmtb.com for more information.

Greg Minnaar | photo:sicklines.com

23 Degree Sports has just passed along some information on Minnaar’s Enduro MX crash from this past weekend. South Africa’s Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate) is recovering in hospital where he broke his collarbone and is having surgery on his left leg for the treatment of blood clots that had formed after the accident. The medical term for this injury to his leg is ‘compartment syndrome’. Details inside.

The multiple World Cup Champion was competing in a regional Hare Scramble enduro event, about 45 minutes from his home town of Pietermaritzburg, as part of his preparation for the Roof Of Africa Enduro scheduled for later this month.

Greg started the event in 70th place and had moved up to 4th by the end of the 3rd lap. On time, and given his handicap of passing people from 70th, he was actually 2nd fastest and was set to start the last of 4 laps in the 3 hour event, when he rounded a right hand corner and hit a concealed rock that threw him over the bars and immediately onto his right shoulder, breaking his collarbone.

Greg spoke today from hospital: “I knew it was broken straight away, as soon as I landed. I was about 20km from the main start finish area when it happened and I struggled to ride further round the lap until I came to a marshal point. I left the bike there and got a lift to the hospital. I didn’t feel too bad and actually walked into the hospital. That’s when the doctors noticed my left thigh had swollen up to be 10cm thicker than my right thigh. They rushed me into surgery and pulled out 3 massive blood clots, one was the size of the doctor’s fist!”

The doctors decided to leave the incision open overnight and drain further fluid. More than 500ml was drained and the doctors opted to operate again on Monday night to stitch up the muscle and its casing. Presently Greg has a small drainage tube in his left leg, and the doctors are keeping him under observation. The collarbone break is on the right side, and fortunately his left shoulder which had reconstructive surgery at the end of 2007 was not affected by the crash.

“It’s so weird, I was able to walk into the hospital and I have no recollection of hitting my leg in the fall. Strangely, it’s exactly the same place where I had deep bruising following my crash at Mont-Sainte-Anne this year, so there may be some connection. The cut in my leg at the moment is about 25cm and I am completely unable to move or walk right now.”

The doctors are very happy with Greg’s muscles in his thigh and they’re keeping him in observation for at least another 24 hours. There are no immediate plans for Greg to leave the hospital. Needless to say any plans to repeat his efforts at the Roof Of Africa Enduro have been set aside. Once Greg is released from hospital he expects to be on crutches for some time before getting back onto a bike.

Follow Greg’s tweets: www.gregminnaar.com

Intense 2951 Prototype 29er DH Bike

Jeff Steber posted up some prototype shots of a 29er downhill bike he is calling the 2951.

“This is just a test project at this point & hope to get some team riders on real tracks in near future. With a little help from Manitou / Sun & WTB we have the “2951″

This first proto is in the medium range 23.5 effective tt.
G3 dropout & Head tube
14″ bb in middle, w 64.5 ha @ 0
CS 18.25″
WB 48″
Travel is at 7.5 or 8″ with adjustable link.
fork is reduced to 7″”"

Will it see production?  Is there a place for 29er DH bikes in the future? See more on the Intense Forum.

Niner sent through some information about a new tire they’ve offering that might be of interest to some people looking for a more burly 29er tire.

“WTB Kodiak Tire Details:
A 2.5′” monster, this Niner exclusive tire is the burliest rubber you can spec on your 29” bike. Made with WTB’s High Grip DNA™ rubber compound, the tread is specifically designed for fast, gnarly, technical descending. The WTB Inner Peace™ sidewall reinforcement has your back when it comes to pinch flat protection, sidewall stiffness and keeping tire damage to a minimum. Finally, the wire bead means less bead stretch and better rim retention when you do push the limits of your riding.

29×2.5″, 1400 grams, 50 Durometer, 27 TPI.”

Available through http://store.ninerbikes.com/Components/Tires/WTB-Kodiak-Tires

full press release

Every year Ray brings new features to his indoor mountain bike park and this year is no different.  In addition to new features and a new lounge area there will be a free lunch as well so head out if you can make it!  See more at www.raysmtb.com to get jealous if you’re not attending.

Competitive Cyclist is pleased to announce a trail day this weekend (Nov. 7th) with Turner.  A free event that will include trail maintainace and a chance to demo lots of Turner bikes!  Demo location is at the Syllamo Trail System near Mountain View Arkansas.  Read the details in the pdf here.

If you have any suggestions, or have a cool video to share feel free to drop us an email.

Hardtail @ Whistler

Bromont Fall 2009

Pointofviewcameras.com has a 1080p GoPro HD Hero review up already!  Be sure to check it out if you’re in the market for a new helmet camera anytime soon.

[GoPro HD Hero Review]

e*thirteen SS+ and XCX guides

e*thirteen passed along some information on some new products that they’ve been developing for some time.

Read the details on the SS+, the XCX-CX, and XCX-XC inside.

“In a tireless effort to perfect chain retention systems across the board e*thirteen components has once again raised the standard by which all other chainguides are judged. As the industry leader in chain retention, e*thirteen realizes the importance of making advanced technologies more accessible to budget conscious riders and racers. We believe that a recessed world economy should not be a barrier to enjoying the sports of downhill riding and racing (or even freechucking), and we’re proving it!

e*thirteen’s new SS+ guide is the second generation of the already popular SS backplate design. Following in the footprints of its big brother, the SS+ leverages the strength and reliability that helped the SRS+ win the 2009 UCI DH World Cup overall into a cost effective package that beginning riders will appreciate.

This groundbreaking design was shaped by hundreds of hours of engineering and analysis. Once again, e*thirteen has pushed the limits of new technologies, and through advancing stamped steel manufacturing produced the most technologically advanced pricepoint chain retention system ever conceived.

After having been tested on our own bikes and the World Cup circuit for over a year the SS+ has proven to be just as strong and reliable as the SRS+ retention system, and at a meager 258 grams the SS+ is by far the lightest full-bashguard retention system at its price point. The SS+’s weight is less than almost all of our competitions top end aluminum chainguides!

Affordable, reliable, lightweight chain retention has been born. The old adage “Cheap, light and strong – you can only pick two” has just been deleted.” - e*thirteen

SS+ Chain Retention System

• Uses World Cup winning SRS+ guide design
• Fixed position wear-plates for simple, no-hassle setup

• Includes impact-flexure design Turbocharger Bashguard patents pending
• 32-36T chainring capacity
• High tensile chrome-moly steel backplate
• Anti-corrosion nickel-chrome plated
• New Tech 3 Stealth Idler
• 258 grams (claimed weight)

$89.95 MSRP

XCX has been proven at the highest levels of competition right out of the gate. Having won the Men’s Elite Silver medal in the 2009 UCI World Championship Cross Country race the XCX is the first chain retention system in the world to podium at a international World Cup XC event.

The brainchild of World Cup mechanic and now Worldwide Sales Director Jonas Mikolayunas, the XCX has been used by friends and employees of e*thirteen since 2004.  Racing and rider feedback is of top importance to e*thirteen, and in 2005, e*thirteen introduced the XCX to top World Cup CX and XC riders.  Unfortunately, the XCX was a bit ahead of its time. Many professional riders weren’t quite ready for the idea, so the product was shelved until a time that perceptions had changed. The recent emergence of the wide-range ten speed cassette has allowed XC races and riders to drop weight by using only a middle ring. The time for the XCX is now. Several riders, including Subaru/Gary Fisher rider Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski trusted his race run at World’s with the XCX.  JHK said of the product’s performance, “The e*13 XCX chainguide worked flawlessly the first time out. I didn’t have a single chain skip or issue the entire week.”

Product highlights:

• Extremely light at 56 grams!  (claimed weight)
• 1.5 mm backplate spacing with provided 0.5 mm spacers allows perfect setup
• World Championship gold medal–proven top slider design
• Gear range of 32T– 42T, low enough for the steep Mont Saint Anne XC climbs and high enough to win the Glouchester cyclocross!
• Available in black or white
• Made in the USA!!!

Recession proof, affordable $49.95 MSRP

Gamut sent over some information on their dual ring system.  Read the information they passed along inside.

“Gamut’s latest chainguide solution, the Gamut Dual Ring, is designed to accommodate 2 ring set ups with the proven protection of the P30 bashguard. The guide comes in all possible mount types (ISCG, ISCG05, BB mount) and does not require the use of adapters.  CNC’d 6061 aluminum is the material of choice making weights range from 146g to 154g including bashguard.  The Gamut Dual Ring is ideal for 2 ring set ups on any trail, downhill or XC bike.  Designed, machined, and assembled in San Jose, California by the Gamut crew themselves, this device continues Gamut’s tradition of offering simple, high quality solutions backed with world class customer support.” - GamutUSA

SPECS:

• Bashguard 104-4 teeth 34-36
• Set up 22/24t - 34/36t
• Bashguard available in Red, White, Blue, Black

WEIGHTS: (claimed)

• BB mount: 146g
• ISCG: 153g
• ISCG 05: 154g

MOUNT TYPES:

• BB mount
• ISCG
• ISCG 05

Banshee Bikes and Team Geronimo are both pleased to announce their new partnership for the 2010 race season. 2009 isn’t even a memory yet, but Jay MacNeil, General Manager of Banshee Bikes, and Team Geronimo are busy preparing for a jump start on 2010 – ready to hit the National, International, and World Cup race circuits on Banshee’s new Legend Mk II DH bike and Rampant 4X bike.

Read the details on the team over at the Banshee Blog.

Previous Coverage

• Banshee Legend MK I bike build

Made -  by Callum Swift

November 1st is quickly approaching so be sure to upload your videos to win prizes! We’ve got some additional prizes to add still so upload your video before it’s too late and you’re kicking yourself! Be sure to read the details on submitting your video here.

The SF Bike Expo Crew is pleased to announce the addition of AT’s Showdown at the Cow Palace, a mountain bike dirt jump competition. The competition will feature some of the top pros including Andrew Taylor, Greg Watts. Cameron McCaul, Tyler MCCaul, Paul Basagoitia, Mike Montgomery and more riders to be announced. Details inside

Powered by Adidas and designed by Gravity Pro Andrew Taylor, it will begin with a launch off a Sea Container through the trees into some massive jumps. The jumps will be located next to the expo in the middle of the Cross Palace CX Race. The SF Bike Expo is taking shape. Don’t miss the greatest eye candy and action on two wheels!

Tickets are available now! $8 presale. $10 at the door. Follow the link for the ticket locations.

http://sfbikeexpo.com/?page_id=33