Carrying Full Size Binoculars whilst Cycling (1 Viewer)

[crinklystarfish]

I've mentioned on several other threads that I do quite a bit of cycling. I'll often carry a Monovid or pocket 10x25 for casual birding whilst on my bike, but on more than a few occasions I would most definitely have preferred a mid / full-sized binocular to hand.

To this point, comfortable and convenient portability of a mid / full-sized binocular has been a problem.

Enter the Rille Strap. Designed and marketed primarily for camera users, I figured that if this strap was attached to a binocular shoulder bag with suitable attachment points, then it would probably allow me to take my binocular of choice on the occasions when my bike ride was more about birding than biking.

Well, it's excellent. The images show how it fits and - as a massive bonus - it's meant that my hitherto useless (for me) NL PURE Functional Sidebag is now - for the first time - an actual functional sidebag. Relatively quick access to / deployment of the binocular is easily achieved thanks to the one-handed operation of the Rille Strap's Fidlock magnetic buckle.

An overview of the general concept and application of this kind of strap can be seen here, whilst a tutorial video of the Rille strap itself can be seen here.

Gamechanger!

 

[Montereyman]

I would simply mount a bag to the handlebars to hold the binoculars. I would only need them when I come to a stop and no isssues with taking them out of a bag. Not enough weight to affect the handling of the bike. Anything strapped around my chest is going to interfere with my breathing and would be a last choice of mine.

 

[Rg548]

I happily put up with my 8x20 Ultras when out on a bike. Same on my paddle board. They go in my pocket.
I would hate larger bins in those times.
I've never missed anything with my pocket Ultras, even if they are a bit fiddly.

 

[Mono]

I would simply mount a bag to the handlebars to hold the binoculars. I would only need them when I come to a stop and no isssues with taking them out of a bag. Not enough weight to affect the handling of the bike. Anything strapped around my chest is going to interfere with my breathing and would be a last choice of mine.

I would agree.
Something like this would seem ideal.

Large Point N Shooter Stem Bag: 1.75L

The Point 'N Shooter Camera Bag was explicitly made for mounting your camera to your bars/stem for easy access and quick shooting. This bag features a three-point mounting system that provides zero sway or sag; it's stable enough for even the roughest roads! Great for use on your mountain...

roadrunnerbags.us

 

[DMW]

A handlebar bag is my preferred option. I made a padded bar bag which attaches to a Jack the Bike Rack and gives quick access, but there are dozens of alternative options for sale.

 

[crinklystarfish]

Looking at the responses, I think I may occupy something of a esoteric niche. I'm a fairly serious cyclist and don't just potter out on shopping-style upright bikes. My bikes are (mainly) of the head down / backside up variety. There are also times - when out riding head down and backside up - that I find myself missing the ergonomics, ease of use, and superior optical performance of a quality full-sized bin.

Given that context, I have tried numerous bar bags over the years and none have been terribly successful. They tend to be: overly bulky, sag, have awkward attachment points, foul cables / frame, are generally not quick and easy to remove (if nipping into a shop etc), are faffy to transfer between different bikes, and add totally avoidable bulk / mass.

Again with the context in mind, the only bar bags I've ever half-indulged are small / lightweight and fasten via the KLICKfix system (or similar). Some of these are OK for a cereal bar / wallet / handy lightweight waterproof jacket; but nowhere near up to carrying a full size binocular without sagging and shaking around horribly.

Ah well, some or other cyclist / natural history observer somewhere down the line may chance upon this thread and also appreciate the Hallelujah moment...

 

[mekidear]

Most cyclists will know that it is a bad idea to carry a banana in a bag that is attached to your bike. In half an hour the vibrations will turn it into a horrible black sticky mess. Leave it all day and it will turn to liquid and cover everything else in the bag. Put a banana in your jersey pocket and it will be fine for hours.

This is a long winded way of saying, dont put anything delicate in a bar bag, saddle bag or pannier. Best to put your arms, legs and your squishy butt between the road vibrations and your bins - or any other valuable, delicate item you want to carry.

 

[jurek]

I normally carry my bins in the default bins bag on the back. I have a chest harness, and when I cycle along a river and birds pop up continuously, I put it off one shoulder and bins are on my back on the left side, and the strap on my right shoulder. Like a ladies handbag.

I have a mountain bike and travel this way on many forest tracks. Recently my bins in the bag fell off and wedged themselves in the rear wheel, slightly bend the metal support of the rear wheel - but the Zeiss was unharmed. Talk about a good technology!

 

[WRL]

I've mentioned on several other threads that I do quite a bit of cycling. I'll often carry a Monovid or pocket 10x25 for casual birding whilst on my bike, but on more than a few occasions I would most definitely have preferred a mid / full-sized binocular to hand.

To this point, comfortable and convenient portability of a mid / full-sized binocular has been a problem.

Enter the Rille Strap. Designed and marketed primarily for camera users, I figured that if this strap was attached to a binocular shoulder bag with suitable attachment points, then it would probably allow me to take my binocular of choice on the occasions when my bike ride was more about birding than biking.

Well, it's excellent. The images show how it fits and - as a massive bonus - it's meant that my hitherto useless (for me) NL PURE Functional Sidebag is now - for the first time - an actual functional sidebag. Relatively quick access to / deployment of the binocular is easily achieved thanks to the one-handed operation of the Rille Strap's Fidlock magnetic buckle.

An overview of the general concept and application of this kind of strap can be seen here, whilst a tutorial video of the Rille strap itself can be seen here.

Gamechanger!

My solution for years is a chest harness, for hiking, for cycling. I have two, one for my Canon 8x20IS and the other, bigger one, for may Canon 10x42L IS (counts certainly as a "heavier" bino). Both harnesses are made by Marsupial, from the US. Not cheap but IMO superior quality and good useability. Picture shows the 10x42L_IS version.
Werner

 

[DMW]

It's ultimately a matter of personal preference. If cycling in an area where there's lots to see and I'm birding as I go along, I usually just keep binoculars round my neck as normal.

If cycling from A to B and not actively birding, I keep them in a roll top bag as shown, which allows very quick access. The rack will fit most bikes and takes a couple of minutes to switch from one bike to another with no tools or mounts required, doesn't foul cables, and is rated for 5kg. You can mount any suitable bag or basket to the rack and strap or bungee it in place.

I'm not claiming this is superior to anybody else's solution, just one of many options and one that suits me.

 

[looksharp65]

Thank you @crinklystarfish for the heads up.
I too, while not engaging in races, am an avid cyclist and I don't do any other birding than strictly orthodox ecobirding, where no motorised transportation of any kind is allowed (that is, for that specific list, but participants can obviously entertain other, more conventional lists, but I don't)

If you use Facebook, there's an Englishman named Gary Brian Prescott there, who keeps count of the participating Green birders all over Europe and regularly updates their advances. Last year, a Catalan (I think) chap reached an absolutely astounding WR of 443 species during a single year.
I do believe he must have used a few ferry crossings, but he actually paddled a kayak to Sardinia from the mainland.
You're most welcome to join if you already haven't.

I found that the birding part is most successful with an upright bike and a steady, but not too fast pace. If I need to go further away and really fast, I take my velomobile. Even recumbent bikes and trikes are superbly comfortable, and allow an unbeatable view of the skies. With a trike, you can just slow down, stop and listen without having to balance, hold or park the bike. You're in the rolling lawn chair and a damn fast one to that

Anyway, my usual bikes are fairly upright which means the binocular can almost rest on the chest. I found that a small 8x30 like the Kite Lynx ED can hang in its strap for many tens of kilometers without becoming burdensome, but just in case I have framebags where it can be tucked away.
I also have a backpack with a small or a big scope, and often, but not always, a real handful of binoculars, the Meostar HD 12x50.
The view through the Kite is close enough to a fullsize binocular to be acceptable, and its light weight tips the scale in its favour.
Happy birding!

//L

 

[LucaPCP]

I do it in two ways.

If I am mountain biking, I have a backpack, and in a side pocket, I keep my Zeiss 8x25 Terra in a padded case (I use the one Swaro sells for its 8x25).
To pull them out, I need to stop, lean the bike down, get the case out of the backpack, and get to the binoculars. Not the fastest, but I have seen several rare (and many non-rare) species this way.

If I am using a bike for birding, then I carry my Zeiss 8x32 FL (with objective covers to protect from gravel) strapped with a Rick Young harness, and no case. Very fast to stop and lift them up for a good view.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

When mountain biking, I have a small backpack with my binos. It's simple; stop, stay on the bike, take off a strap, sling the pack forward en grab the binoculars.

Watching while standing ''on the bike'' is quite easy. Of course it's better to put the bike against a tree or fence but with fast moving birds you don't have the time to do that.

The Swarovski 8x20 is the fastest option (no pack needed) but that's not the question of the OP.