K-EDGE started their endeavors with Kristin Armstrong's Chain Catcher at the 2008 Olympics (Gold individual time trial in 2008 and 2012), and they have since added more catchers and camera mounts. Their latest product is an aluminum bike computer mount for Garmin's Edge series, and the anodized jewelry is an impressive piece of CNC weaponry.
The three-piece CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum mount is meant for the Garmin Edge 800, 500, and 200 GPS bike computers. The mount offers a stable and secure attachment, and enhances viewing with a more forward placement from the handlebars. I have used the K-EDGE GO BIG camera mounts for a very long time, and can attest to their high build quality, robustness, and solid platform they provide. This mount carries on those same qualities and craftsmanship. The mount fits 31.8 diameter handlebars, weighs 30 grams, has a lifetime guarantee, comes in Black, Gunmetal and Red, and retails for $49.99.
The mount is comprised of a two-piece handlebar clamp and an extendable arm. The arm has a recessed slot, which mates with the tab on the lower portion of the clamp, and it offers a wobble free and secure connection when it's fastened down.
Measured Spec:
- Weight - 30.3 grams
Impressions
The mount was simple to install, and you just snug it up against the right side of the stem, and tighten down its two clamp bolts. The extendable arm can be adjusted as desired, either forward or rearward, although you'll need to leave it farther out for the 800 series due to its larger size. After a brief ride, you can fine-tune the viewing angle by loosening the clamp and rotating it on the bars, and altering it dependent on your personal taste, and bike and body geometry. The bike computer clips in like it does on Garmin's normal mount, just insert it 90 degrees off axis and give a good strong twist to put it into position (it's a snug fit). The first few times I used it a few tiny flakes of the plastic on the computer's back tab came off due to the sharpness of the mount's interface, but nothing additional has torn off since then. Once installed, the computer is very secure and stable, and I never noticed any extraneous vibrations while riding. When you need to touch the computer's screen, there isn't any give, no matter how hard you push on it, again reinforcing the incredible stability of the mount's platform. I really liked the setup of the system, with the computer below the top of the handlebars and centered and out in-front of the stem, as it gave a more spacious and ergonomic viewpoint. I found it a lot easier to read the screen while riding, even in bright light conditions.
Bottom Line
The K-Edge mount has a lot of competitions now, including the new Garmin Edge Out-Front ($40) and SRAM's QuickView ($20), and the existing Bar Fly ($40) and Racewear Direct ($40) mounts. All of them are made from plastic, which decreases the weight at a slight loss of stability. After using the K-Edge mount for several months I have found it to be durable and tough, and it offers easy installation and an adequate amount of adjustability due to the extendable arm, which the others all lack. The well made all aluminum mount delivers rock solid stability and keeps a tight hold of the computer for low vibration viewing, without any worries about accidental disconnection during a crash. The forward mounting location of these types of mounts gives a much more functional and ergonomic viewing of your Garmin Edge bike computer, which is especially noticeable while out on a ride.
Pros
- Stable
- Secure hold of computer
- Extendable arm
- Well-made and durable
- Expensive
- Heavy (compared to plastic versions)
K-Edge Garmin Mount Specs:
- MSRP: $49.99
- Refer to the K-EDGE Garmin Mount website
- Made in the USA. CNC Machined 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Compatibility - Garmin Edge® 800, 500, and 200 GPS Bicycle Computers
- Fitment - 31.8mm diameter handlebars - powerful clamping via all metal bolt/mount system
- Weight - 30 grams (weight includes bolt, clamp, mount)
- Lifetime Guarantee - if you break it, we will replace it
- Anodized Colors: Black, Gunmetal, Red