The stuff behind the rides & projects

Gear I Actually Use.

No giant product catalog and no pretending every piece of gear is life-changing. This is the stuff I actually use, have hands-on experience with, or know well enough to have a real opinion about.

Links marked Affiliate link may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you.

What I use

E-Bikes

Black Aipas M2 Pro XTerrain fat-tire electric bike

I own this

AipasCurrently using

M2 Pro XTerrain E-Bike

This is the bike I actually ride. It is a big, full-suspension 26×4 fat-tire e-bike that works well for the mix of pavement, gravel, trails, exploring, and carrying random stuff that my rides tend to turn into. It is not light or subtle, and the stock mechanical brakes needed some attention out of the box, but the overall platform gives me a lot of useful bike to work with.

My quick take

I wanted a full-size fat-tire bike with suspension, decent range, and enough capacity that I would not have to baby it. The M2 Pro checks those boxes and has been easy to adapt as I figure out what I actually want on the bike.

26 × 4 fat tiresFull suspension48V 17.5Ah batteryMechanical disc brakes

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What I use

Camera & Audio

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo with camera, batteries, battery case, and extension rod

I own this

DJICurrently using

Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo

This is the camera I use for KAPPIN RIDES and the kind of outdoor footage where I need to mount it, hit record, and worry more about the ride than the camera. The stabilization is the big win for bike footage, but the Adventure Combo is what makes the setup practical for me. The extra batteries and charging case mean I can stay out longer without turning every stop into a battery-management project.

My quick take

It has become my default action camera because it handles rough riding well, gives me plenty of flexibility in 4K, and works directly with my DJI Mic Mini transmitters. That last part matters more than it sounds when I am trying to keep the bike setup simple.

1/1.3-inch sensorUp to 4K/120 video3 batteries in Adventure Combo47 GB built-in storageDirect DJI Mic connection

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DJI Mic Mini wireless microphone system in its charging case

I own this

DJICurrently using

Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)

This is my wireless mic setup. The transmitters are tiny enough that I can clip one on without feeling like I have a radio pack hanging off me, and the two-transmitter kit gives me the option to mic another person when a ride or video turns into a conversation. The charging case keeps the whole system together instead of creating another handful of loose creator gear.

My quick take

For KAPPIN RIDES, the best feature is how cleanly it works with the Action 5 Pro. I can connect the transmitter directly to the camera when I want the lightest setup, while the receiver is still there when I need a more traditional connection. Simple is good when I am already dealing with a bike, cameras, mounts, batteries, and everything else.

2 transmitters + 1 receiverCharging caseDirect OsmoAudio connectionTwo-level noise cancellationAutomatic limiting

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Sametop adjustable chest mount harness for action cameras

I own this

SametopCurrently using

Chest Mount Strap Harness

This is the chest mount I use when I want the ride itself in the frame instead of a floating camera view. On the bike it gives a lower, more involved angle where you can actually see the bars and some body movement, which makes the footage feel more like being there.

My quick take

It is a simple adjustable harness, not some elaborate camera rig, and that is exactly why it works for me. It is compatible with the standard GoPro-style mount used by the Action 5 Pro, stays out of the way once adjusted, and gives me a very different shot from a handlebar or helmet mount.

Adjustable chest harnessGoPro-style mountDJI Osmo Action compatibleHands-free POV

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What I use

Bike Accessories

Retrospec Remi adult bike helmet in matte black

I own this

RetrospecCurrently using

Remi Bike & Skate Helmet

This is the helmet I use for normal riding. I like that it looks more like a clean skate-style helmet than a full-on race lid, but it still has the practical stuff I care about: an adjustable dial, plenty of vents, washable padding, and a built-in visor.

My quick take

A helmet is personal because fit matters more than a feature list. The Remi works for my everyday rides because it is straightforward, comfortable for me, and does not look ridiculous when I get off the bike and walk into somewhere.

ABS shell + EPS liner11 ventsAdjustable fit dialBuilt-in visorCPSC bicycle helmet compliant

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Disclosure

Affiliate links & gear notes

Some links on this page are affiliate or referral links. If you buy something through one of those links, I may earn a commission or referral credit at no additional cost to you. Those links help support Kappin Rides and the rest of the stuff I make, but they do not determine what gets listed here or what I say about it.

I try to keep this page centered on gear I actually use, have meaningful hands-on experience with, or can speak about for a real reason. Prices, availability, specifications, promotions, warranties, and seller terms can change, so check the linked seller page before buying. My experience is my experience, not a guarantee that the same product will be the right fit for you.

For e-bikes and other equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local rules. Unless I specifically say otherwise, the opinions on this page are mine and are not supplied by the manufacturer or seller.