You may want to consider a Hard Drive based camcorder, such as the GZMG330AUS. As an Independent Film Producer myself, it is frustrating to have a great day of shooting go bad just because of running out of MiniDV tapes. It also has a 35x Optical Zoom which is Very important. This model is available on line only.

Casio will soon be releasing the Exilim Pro EX-F1:
Rapid Flash function allows continuous shooting even in low light.
It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. Also, the internal LED light allows high speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.

Camcorders with Firewire (iLink) should work directly with iMac. You will need software, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere, to capture the footage with. USB Camcorders can download the video directly to the iMac running Leopard, however the file format is designed for PC, so you will need conversion software to make it Mac compatible.

I wouldn’t recommend any camcorder while riding. When your not, use a camcorder with a larger LCD screen, 2.7” would be good, 3” would be best. This will make it easier to follow the action. Getting a Hard Drive model would give you less items to carry. Not tapes or DvDs needed, it all records directly to an internal Hard Drive. Look for a rugged camcorder. Sony and Canon are some of the more durable brands with Panasonic and JVC being the next. Try different models, look for one that feels comfortable in YOUR hands.