DJI Drone Controller Bike Mount Review: Tested and battered

[@xrdmand8091]

Nice mount. I previously custom built my mount and put the phone on a second mount to eliminate that bounce

[@nderezic]

Putting the phone on a separate mount - that's exactly what I was thinking of trying!

[@FlytPath]

Need this stat!!! I’ve been jerry rigging mine recently. Lol

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed - with your new bike, this is exactly what ya need!

[@HansJelles]

I bought it 1 month ago. I use it with the Mavic Air /controller. This controller is much smaller and Phone and controller are more in the middle of the mount. Still I only ride not to bumpy MTB tracks with it. But it works fine

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sweet - good to hear!

[@Peakabike]

Interesting it would work with a Mavic Air 1 controller, need to try that ! How do you fit the phone though, did you reverse the mount ?

[@r0bv123]

Another great product review, thanks Ray! Good timing as I saw another person buy this but only tested it on a scooter on the road vs road bike & MTB. Will be using this on our gravel and road adventures soon! Cheers from Seattle!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hello to Seattle! Thanks!

[@mlegrand]

I was a fan of hand catching drones also until I chopped my finger with the propeller. Ouch. Great video Ray! Thanks for making this one.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I think I've only clipped it once (hand-catching in 70kph winds), and it was actually *AFTER* the motors stopped...the wind was so strong it spun them back up again. Hand-catching on oats are also fun too....

[@LeeMcGinley]

When DJI ship a controller that looks bigger and heavier than the less than 250g drone itself you have to think that they're also a company with no idea of how their customers use their kit.

[@skorecskorec]

"the mother of all screws, holy cow...." :.) just made my day

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's hard to see on on camera, but that screw is so much beefier than a GoPro screw. Regrettably, a case of "size doesn't matter", and was worse than a standard GoPro screw.

[@tommdg]

Haha nice to see you ride my go to mountainbike parcours in Schoorl!

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's a great spot - even if I can't fly a drone there!

[@GordonMoat]

Almost seems like it would work better with the older style controller, the ones that grip the smartphone from the sides. Of course, I think the real solution is that DJI should make a wrist, or GoPro mount follow controller.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Definitely, the old-style controller was certainly easier.

[@bikeon2236]

Initially, plan to use the same as yours, but figure it out my self in my own way using 3M gopro compatible to stick the remote control, combine with garmin mount type barfly to secure the phone case also with 3M garmin type mount. So far so good.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nice!

[@dennisvandegrift3457]

Do you know of a chord that will fit into/thru an otterbox case to the phone's USB c port? DJI's chord won't, so I have to take off my phone case to fly the drone

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hmm, I don't - but in theory the cord is just USB-C to Lightning. My bet is if you post to the DIJ Reddit sub, someone will know a skinnier solution (people are often looking for them as longer-cables).

[@JauLingChou]

Hey man! Since the beginning of 2021, there are much stricter drone flying rules in NL. Honestly, I haven't flown at all since the change since I'm not registered and certified and all that headachy hoop jumping. Have you found a decent flight school in NL that has English training and exam material? or have you only been flying

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, I used dutchdroneacademy.com - and it was super quick and efficient. I signed up, did the course, and tested out all in perhaps an hour or so. Got my license a day or two later. Super efficient. The 250g thing doesn’t really matter in the EU, as once you attach a camera to it, it requires a license. Good to know on other spots! Like you said, things are limited here, so I tend to go to the same spots over and over since I know they’re good to go.

[@JauLingChou]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks man! There's so many flight schools to choose from, thanks for sharing and helping me narrow it down. I thought it was a long drawn out process, but glad to hear it can be knocked out quickly! AFAIK, under 250g requires registration (with RDW), but doesn't require flight training or certification. My drone doesn't fall under this category, so I haven't paid much attention to this. All I know is I need all 3 A1, A2, and A3. Keep up the great content! Who knows, maybe we'll bump into each other (figuratively) on the road or on the water. Take care! EDIT: have you thought maybe to try a handlebar bag? I know it is nothing like a "hard" mount on the bars, but having a bag right in front of you that you can literally throw the controller in could maybe be a decent compromise.

[@Dcrainmaker]

​@@JauLingChou Awesome - go forth and knock it out, it's surprisingly quick if you've got past drone experience. See ya around!

[@S-O-T]

Brilliant video 😎 Was you using mini 2? Didn't think DJI fly had track or follow,it didn't today for mini se 🤔

[@glimpseireland2005]

How about using that gopro mount connector on the base to connect to the chest plate mount of a stuntman harness, then you could fold the controller up against your chest once the drone was flying, and you would have your controller close to hand if the drone loses you. Thinking for bumpier, mountain-biking runs......

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hmmm 🤔 - technically that should work actually. A little wonky looking, but indeed functional. 😂

[@glimpseireland2005]

"A little wonky looking" - describes my MTB style perfectly!!😬

[@bbldox]

I'm surprised you didn't come up to using QuadLock. They have what they call "universal adapter". You can literally use it with any remote control / phone attaching it to either handlebars or stem. Very sturdy I recon.

[@Dcrainmaker]

So I actually use Quadlocks, and you can see it in my jury-rigged solution. The problem is that the weight is too great for the newer Mavic Air 2/Mini 2 controllers once you get bumps. Basically it'll see-saw and eventually rattle loose. I used to use them all the time for the older/smaller controllers though, and still use Quadlock on all my commuter bikes.

[@bbldox]

@@Dcrainmaker I see. I'm using it with mavi air (1) and didn't know that the newer version's controller is heavier... Well, thanks for that tip anyway!

[@petesig93]

The bracket is clearly designed for standard MTB flat bars (25.4mm) not road bike (31.8mm). That is all that the problem with the clamp is - use it on a MTB instead.

[@WillEDC]

Just got in cycling. Was looking for some mount options. I would use litchi follow mode though.

[@irunovermountains]

Back to the Rijnkanaal😛 Where was that mtb forest? I'm yet to see an incline like that around Amsterdam

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, it’s one of the best spots I have for drone flying (also, it’s the closest legal spot). On the MTB, that’s Schoorl, I only recently discovered it. Amazing.

[@LetsAllGoTo]

I bought this mount a few weeks ago, but not taken it out yet as we are back in lockdown here in the Philippines.

[@mikepogi947]

You might also want to use a stem cap with GoPro mount which is stable and centered on the handle bar

[@leopolenord]

What do you mean? I am interested:)

[@gravelocity9709]

Thanks for this. Have they adapted for the DJI RC (with the screen) yet?

[@ekkelandes]

Put the clamp be also used as an attachment on top of an tripod?

[@BrianRouse]

This looks really promising once you made the modifications!

[@paliaha706]

I rarely watch a whole review vid but i did with yours. Your video is useful in a real situation 🍏🫐🍆

[@onewayvolleyball]

Thanks for making the video. I think I will buy and give it a try. what type of mount are you using for your phone on the neck/stem of your handle bars? It looks very stable.

[@GideonWOW]

I noticed this is on the trail in schoorl. Were you afraid the mount would hold up in the bumpy decent right after where you turned around? I was waiting to see that because if you use it it has to hold up In all sections of the trail.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I’ve used it on plenty of other MTB sections worse than that descent since - no problem.

[@JadenFeddock]

The crazy wobble of your phone in the first off-road tests would TERRIFY me... solid jerry-rig work though to fix it!! 👊🏼

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! I figured folks would enjoy more of a ‘here’s how it went wrong, how to fix it’ type of video. Appreciate it!

[@jaskiewicztomasz]

Is there any mount available for top of the bike frame? That would be solid, didn’t allow it to tilt at all I think.

[@dannysalasmtb]

Thanks for the video, great stuff same issue. I will try it but I just wish there was a way to use the phone for tracking or a tracking device like the skydio

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I've always found it funny that for as many accessories as DJI sells, they don't have something akin to that. Especially if it were something like the Smart Controller that theoretically lasts multiple drones.

[@bigstoozeradventures]

The main support of mine snapped during it's 2nd outing mountain biking. I now use a bike pouch on the frame. The controller fits inside snuggly with no downward pressure on the phone. It does move about a wee bit but now used it at least 10 times on rough mtb trips and it works great. Nice informative video. Cheers. Stoozer.

[@pitius77]

I noticed that mounting the drone and the controller took you some time... Do you know of any backpack to transport them already mounted (drone openned and control with phone connected)?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not really. The opening of drone is super quick, seconds, and carrying it open would take a ton of space and if not padded, unavoidably get damaged. Now you could save time by premoumting remote bracket to handlebars. Then just pop in remote/phone and good to go.

[@SgtMajor82]

Great vid as I have recently bought one but not used it yet. Now I just need to remember to press record!

[@rogerb3927]

Another great video. Do you know if the mount works in the DJI RC 2 controller with built in screen?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, it requires a very slightly different mount, as the screw holes are about 1mm further apar (annoying...).

[@rogerb3927]

@@Dcrainmaker drag

[@Max.527]

Can't wait to use this on my motorcycle!

[@tonymurphy9407]

why not use a separate mount for the phone like a quad mount and just put a normal nut on so you can use a spanner to tighten the clamp

[@Dcrainmaker]

Definitely an option, but then I’ve gotta find even more room on my handlebars. But certainly probably better for heavy bumps.

[@GeorgeTsotsos]

How do you maintain VLOS if your not piloting your drone? This seems illegal, at least in Australia it would be .

[@Dcrainmaker]

VLOS is Visual Line of Sight, and according to the FAA and EU it’s actually about being able to see your drone at all times, and ensuring it and surrounding aircraft/people/property are safe. However, cutouts are in place for autonomous control like this. I don’t know about Australia.

[@JordanVegBike]

did you ever find a mount that supports bigger handlebars?

[@SteveMartinUSA]

Why did you rotate the drone with the hand catch? Did that make it shut down faster?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, it only shuts down once inverted.

[@travelfandroneview]

Great active track! Great mount on the bike with the controller of air2 too.. You give me a thought to try my mount with the mavic mini controller on my motorcycle to make a follow me video, manually!!! 👍 👍 👍 🙏 🙋‍♂️ 🤝

[@DontGetDroppedCycling]

Ouuuuuu my handlebars are gonna be stacked but I want to try this!

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's the spirit!

[@prational]

May be just mount the phone on a separate mount?

[@Bikepacking]

IS THERE ONE FOR MINI 3 PRO

[@natedawgg77]

Have you tested this with the mavic 2 controller? Curious how that works. Also if you have a separate phone mount that would take a lot of the weight off the top of the controller and everything would be much more stable

[@Dcrainmaker]

I haven't tested that variant. I've previously used a Quadlock to my phone with that variant and rubber bands.

[@natedawgg77]

@@Dcrainmaker did you try the quad lock on a mountain bike. Curious how well that will hold up

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@natedawgg77 Not on any meaningfully messy trails. I've done some light gravel with (I think I very briefly show it in my Mavic 2 video actually), and I rubber-banded the crap out of it. It wasn't going to go anywhere, but it rattled a ton.

[@dannyvulich]

Would you use this for the new DJI controller? I know this is about two years old, but is there an updated bike mount? If anyone has the link, can you send it to me?

[@jeh1n]

Thanks for the video. Will this work with the Skydio 2 controller?

[@WatermarquePaul]

Would be better if they did one for the smartcontroller.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I don't see any option there unfortunately. I don't have a smart controller, otherwise one could probably 3D print that portion of it somehow.

[@GeoffBarnard]

You flipped the drone upside down when you caught it, does that shut it down?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, that automatically shuts it down instantly.

[@Peakabike]

Is it the same one you're using in your latest M4p "tutorial" video ? If yes it's a testament to its strength ! Or maybe they've improved the design since and you got another one ? ;-)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Exact same one. Only difference is that I just use a different handlebar mount portion (metal mount like I showed in this video), to attach it to.

[@Peakabike]

@@Dcrainmaker - Great ! And do you see it fitting an older style Mavic Air remote as mentioned by another poster here or did I misunderstand what he wrote ?

[@carlosquintanilla3700]

Thanks man, always useful and on point.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Carlos!!

[@Greglaz125]

Will this work with Air2S?

[@DustinCarpenter]

You're supposed to have tighten the top until there's thought tension when you close there handle to be tight, your don't tighten the top after.. so get it right with the top to where when you close there handle it'd secure

[@Dcrainmaker]

I discussed this later, and that it’s impossible without the plastic but being removed. Watch the full video.

[@dakrisht]

Thoughts on the best way to mount a DJI Smart Controller for active track?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've just ordered one, so will be doing some experimenting here shortly...

[@meetpanchal6511]

Sir I want one tacx trainer for training

[@willowwatts]

Hi there.. would a quad lock mount work if the remote was mounted to the stem?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've done that before, and while it can work for some of the older Mavic remotes (like Mavic 2), I find for the newer remotes, you end up with something fairly lop-sided (either you attach to the controller and the phone is further out off-center), or inverse It's not ideal.

[@willowwatts]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks for the reply..I hope they do a more refined version of the mount you just reviewed

[@victorskrabe]

Thanks! I was looking for one solution to use the drone in my rides. Some months ago I made some modifications on thingverse files, 3D printed 2 (one for for dji spark and other for mavic air2) and it fits very well on my mountain bike.

[@vexy1987]

Have you shared the .stl for the latter? Would appreciate a link if so!

[@victorskrabe]

​@@vexy1987 hi, sorry for the delay in asnwer you. I just upload the files on thingverse: bike mount for DJI mavic air 2: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4870076 bike mount for DJI spark www.thingiverse.com/thing:4870059 Please let me know if it works for you. For me, its fits perfect, even when bikes "shakes"

[@vexy1987]

@@victorskrabe Really appreciate that, will check it out!

[@Billsadventures1958]

Thanks for the review

[@mamAmojj]

Hehe. This was fun video to watch with all the real world struggles and stuff :D

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@RexMerino]

It work to the mountain biking thanks

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Vlog, Thanks for sharing

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Tony!

[@lukezacharias3245]

Unrelated to the topic of the video. But I’m also a hand lander, but what was that flipping it over😅

[@Dcrainmaker]

Flipping it over immediately stops the props.

[@FLG8r]

would design and 3d print my own custom mount

[@Dcrainmaker]

I suspect you wouldn't be able to met the same quality/structural aspects of a mere $18 month. As noted, one could make some minor tweaks here, but in the grand scheme of things it's pretty darn close.

[@FLG8r]

vernier caliper, Autodesk Fusion 360, PETG or ABS filament - no less than 65% infill - I think so.

[@everywherelocal]

great clip 🙃

[@lancealbon46]

Hmmmm .... now I’m thinking - “for my motorcycle”! 🤔

[@Dcrainmaker]

Based on the other comments...doesn't seem like you're the only one thinking that!

[@michaeldimmitt9974]

the future! including the garmin text probs 😅

[@pmfilmsUK]

Brilliant

[@enotracoon9244]

are you going to make a video about vittoria air liner road? GCN just made ad video about this. I would like to hear you opinion abut this technology

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hi Enot - No, honestly things like road tires are a bit out of my realm. Sorry!

[@sherenecurry4]

Very easy to use

[@kajriwalsatywadi8204]

Thank you man ..

[@riderbatang]

Thanks man. I have my already Nice buddy

[@ebhkkc1]

I love mine !!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sweet!

[@bikechingu]

Great review! Good idea, bad design and quality. Almost bought it on Aliexpress. Wish someone would make one designed above the stem so the weight will on the middle, double clamps and a removable mount. Ride safe!

[@Dcrainmaker]

It seems mostly fine with the minor tweaks made. For $18, hard to beat.

[@tams805]

Urrrghh, you'd think DJI of all companies could make a smaller remote. They've had several years.

[@stephenrooneyphotographywa9428]

Thanks for sharing. That’ll do donkey, that’ll do 😂💚🤙🏼

[@JPGrc]

Great stuff 👍

[@GuyPorteous]

ok but how does the footage look? :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Perfectly normal, you can see the footage during the road test (albeit the screen recordings, obviously much higher 4K resolution if native).

[@manoranjanlongjam214]

Thr bike doesn't have sock absorber so thats what made it mor shaky and fall off.

[@RexMerino]

Thanks bro for tutorial

[@bazcurtis178]

This looks like it would work a lot better with the DJI Mini 3 Pro as you won’t have the phone.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, but sadly, the DJI RC is just slightly taller and without the little spots to hook into - so it doesn't quite fit (tried it). You can of course duct tape it on there, which is better than nothing. Hopefully it won't take more than a few weeks till we see some updated ones show up.

[@anonymous134y]

I'm actually surprised Mavic didn't lose you right away. My Air's tracking is garbage.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Pretty big difference between original Air and Air 2 in terms of tracking. Massive.

[@anonymous134y]

@@Dcrainmaker I would like to think that but dji is big on miniscule hardware upgrades and no software updates. which is why I skipped the mavic air 2 and hope for mavic air 2s or 3. As for tracking I've seen the videos of Mavic pro 2 air 2 mini 2's tracking. It's awful

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@anonymous134y Yeah, I mean, I've done all the testing and published tons of videos on Active Track changes each iteration. You can easily see my Mavic Air 1 video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4LEaHWsoL2Znc0) and then watch my Mavic Air 2 video to see it's a big change: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXnWaqudl555m7c - software is a big part of that, as is hardware and the underlying sensors to make it happen.

[@steinbockmedia]

I think you need to just get a Skydio Drone. That won't require mounting something on your handlebars. ;-)

[@Dcrainmaker]

I have a Skydio 2 drone (showed the remote early on). The problem there is that while Skydio is great for sports, it's less great for other applications. So if someone wants a blended drone, DJI is more likely there.

[@steinbockmedia]

@@Dcrainmaker That is true. I use it mostly for sports. The DJI drove me crazy. The Skydio 2 just works. I can see how the DJI might be better for other applications.

[@tams805]

I mean, if you actually watched the video...

[@PNWmtnBKR]

I had to check the date to make sure this was real.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've got about 2.6 million views across various videos over the years, just on using drones while cycling. Seems people are interested in it...

[@PNWmtnBKR]

@@Dcrainmaker no, I have def looked into it and ways to easily carry the remote and drone that are quickly deployable. As a mtn biker, Skydio is the way to go for now. I found these 3D printed ones, but the orientation for the clips is wrong for the remote, unless you like stuff sticking out at 90 degree angles. scottymakesstuff.com/collections/mavic-mini

[@Dcrainmaker]

​@@PNWmtnBKR That's actually pretty cool! I used to do something kinda similiar putting inside a Wahoo ELEMNT box. Sorta silly, but actually worked while riding.

[@cassijoanna]

Skip to 8:00

[@GlennO1961]

Damn Garmin! 🤣

[@richardradon]

can't see what you are doing!!!

[@drsus0]

Or just get a skydio :)

[@thaukurfalsson5844]

nobody: dc rainmaker:

[@Jamescreaney]

Did the wife call 911?

[@Skatelifecrisis_]

Just put the phone on its own mount.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I tried that, and it works for smooth roads, but bumpy roads it’s just too much weight with the controller hanging off it.

[@ladrone9008]

Found a stable and secure way to mount rc2 on the bike: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnVlpudbN-seMUsi=Kkz29jyu7pGYwvAl

[@brettjones4300]

You can’t control your bike and a drone at the same time. Seems ridiculous. 🙄

[@Dcrainmaker]

It doesn't appear you watched the video. As noted in the intro - this is for autonomous tracking, but you *HAVE TO TAKE* the controller with you on some newer drones.

[@whisperingblues9887]

What utter garbage this stuff.

[@Dcrainmaker]

What’s garbage?