First Look: A Unique Solution to a Cleaner Cockpit
Have your devices taken over nearly all the space on your handlebars? Ever wish you had just a little more room for that extra device, or maybe just a cleaner cockpit?
For many of our GPS head units or cycle computers, the manufacturer provides, or we buy after-market, an out-front mount that clips to the handlebars then curves toward the center, taking up the space in front of the stem (while also taking up space where it attaches to your bar).
Many bars taper away from the stem, which can make it difficult to keep an out-front mounted unit “flat” (parallel to the ground). And when you want to mount another device to your bar, such as a head light (especially important this time of year) or an action camera, mobile phone, etc., you’re forced to use the other side of the bar, on the opposite side of the stem.
A Unique, Well-Engineered Solution
A new Chicago-based company called F3 Cycling has a unique solution. The company’s new FormMount includes 2 rotating extender-arms and mounts to 2 existing stem faceplate screws, in 3 different configurations. The only caveat is that this mounting solution requires a 4-screw stem faceplate – which iscommon but not universal.
Thought has gone into the materials as well. From the company: “Arms are injection molded carbon or kevlar reinforced nylon, over-molded onto CNC machined stainless steel sleeves for strength, cradle/mounting area is Delrin for durability and positive computer fit. Delrin is a low-friction nylon, chosen to reduce wear of engagement detail on underside of computers.”
You can attach the FormMount to the two top screws facing forward or facing rearward. You can also attach it to the two bottom screws facing forward. When attached facing rearward, this frees up the space out front across the entire handlebar. Take a look at how it works in the different configurations:
FormMount installed via 2 top faceplate screws in TOP:FORWARD:UP position
FormMount installed via 2 top faceplate screws in TOP:FORWARD:DOWN position
FormMount installed via 2 top faceplate screws in TOP:REARWARD:UP position
FormMount installed via 2 lower faceplate screws in LOWER:FORWARD:DOWN position
You could also install in LOWER: FORWARD:UP position.
Company Quick to Adapt with Arm-Length Options
FormMount’s modular top cap adapter fits many of the current cycling computers, head units, sport cameras, smartphones and bike lighting.
And, as the company launched on its Kickstarter page, it quickly reacted to initial feedback and will now offer two different arm lengths – the longer of which will accommodate larger computers (like a Garmin Edge 810 or 1000, or a Magellan Cyclo 505) when mounted on the lower stem cap bolts.
In addition to coming to market with the two arm-length options, they’re working on a version with an integrated sport camera mount on the underside.
The FormMount has an MSRP of $49.95, and the company is in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to fund production. Early bird prices are a bit lower than the MSRP.
Note: When production models are available, we’re looking forward to doing a full product test.
Coach Rick Schultz is an avid cyclist who trains, races and coaches in Southern California. Rick is an engineer by trade, and in addition to being a coach, he’s a bike fitter and prolific product reviewer. He’s the author of Stretching & Core Strengthening for the Cyclist and Bike Fit 101: Your Toolset for a Great Bike Fit in the RBR eBookstore. Check his product reviews website, www.biketestreviews.com, and his coaching site, www.bikefitnesscoaching.com. Click to read Rick’s full bio.
Not to be too snarky, but it is possible to ride a bike without any electronic devices, so making moot the need for a product like this.
Kerry, yes, of course it is! It’s just that most don’t anymore.
I often have to re-charge my Garmin 800 mid-ride on double centuries and this would allow me to plug in my re-charger easily. Now it’s always a bit of a space conflict issue but the FormMount would solve this problem for me.