Tested: Insta360 GO Ultra – is this the best action cam for cyclists?

Fancy capturing ride footage like Tadej Pogačar? The Insta360 GO Ultra might be just the ticket. It’s the camera he uses and endorses and, with the Premium Cycling Bundle we reviewed here, you even get a printed signed postcard by the Slovenian maestro.

What you’re looking at with the Insta360 GO Ultra is a modular 4K/60fps action camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor for improved low-light performance, capable of shooting 12MP and 50MP photos.

With its 2.5-inch flip screen, it looks like a regular premium action camera, but the tiny camera module detaches from the main pod and can be used on its own.

The module is fully waterproof, while the pod is water-resistant. There’s a microSD card slot, plus Insta360’s excellent FlowState stabilisation and horizon lock.

FreeFrame is another standout feature, allowing you to capture horizontal 4K and vertical 2.7K video from the same clip.

For a full list of features, visit www.insta360.com.au.

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The premium cycling bundle

There are several accessories included in this bundle, but here I’ll focus on the ones I found most useful.

Being a modular system, there are mounts for both the pod and the camera module. Out of the box there’s no standard tripod thread or GoPro-style mount, but with the supplied adaptors it’s easy to make it compatible.

On the bike, I mostly used the camera module on its own to keep things light. For POV shots, the magnetic pendant worn under the jersey works well. As long as the zip isn’t in the way, it holds securely, although lighter jerseys can cause a bit of sag when riding in an aggressive position.

The pendant includes a swivel adaptor, though I would have preferred slightly more upward tilt in some positions. Still, it’s far more convenient than a bulky chest mount.

For quick mounting and handheld use, the Flexi Strap with its magnetic clip is excellent. It works with both the pod and module and can be attached in plenty of positions. The small clip-on Flexi Mount is also handy and doubles as a basic tripod.

Magnetic mounting is another bonus. You can stick the camera to railings or other metal surfaces, which opens up creative options, especially if you ride a steel bike.

Also worth mentioning is the Ring Remote, which acts as a trigger. Mounted on the bars, it’s great for capturing moments on group rides or during events without fumbling for the camera.

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In action

Once you get familiar with the settings, the GO Ultra is a straightforward and versatile camera to use. It performs particularly well in auto mode, especially with a fixed white balance in daylight.

I used it extensively both with the pod and via the touchscreen, which is helpful for framing shots remotely. The Insta360 mobile app is another option. It’s slightly less functional but saves weight if you leave the pod behind.

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Results

Image and video quality are very good, as is the audio. For best results, it’s worth setting up your preferred profiles and saving them as presets, as settings can sometimes revert when switching between pod and standalone use.

A few tips:

• Set sharpness to low (or medium at most)
• Stick with the standard colour profile unless you plan to grade footage
• Use Active HDR sparingly — it’s excellent in dappled or backlit conditions but can oversaturate skies and foliage in bright light

PureVideo (low-light mode) performs well at dusk, though like most night modes, it can impact stabilisation on rough terrain.

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The verdict

The GO Ultra delivers impressive 4K footage in a compact, highly versatile package. Its modular design, small size and ease of use make it particularly appealing for cyclists looking to capture quality footage without the bulk of a traditional action camera.

It’s not cheap, sitting alongside other flagship models, but the versatility helps justify the price. For riders, the biggest advantages are how easy it is to use on the fly and the creative angles it enables.

Price: AU$836 (Premium Cycling Bundle)
More info: www.insta360.com.au