Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

TECH NEWS

FormMount’s Garmin stem mount seeks Kickstarter funding

Alternative Garmin mount fixes to the stem faceplate bolts

The market is awash with aftermarket computer mounts, but there are few that attach directly to the stem like the new FormMount, which is currently seeking Kickstarter funding. It is targeting $45,000 and with 24 days to go is nearly halfway there. 

There are no rubber bands or brackets taking up handlebar space with the FormMount. Instead, it attaches directly to the stem faceplate bolts and the rotating arms can be adjusted to suit different brand stems. It is only compatible with M5 threaded bolts and four bolt stems. 

An obvious benefit of the FormMount’s design is that it frees up handlebar space, especially useful at this time of year when you need to add lights to the handlebar for night riding.

formmount  2.jpg

The position of the FormMount can be adjusted to suit different preferences and bikes, with up to five options, including one that positions it directly in front of the stem like most regular out-front mounts. You can adjust the height depending on whether you attach it to the upper or lower stem bolts, and you can even reverse it and fit it over the top of the stem. That’s a popular option with mountain bikers. 

The FormMount can accommodate different size computers with a sliding mechanism that provides fore and aft adjustment. As such, it’s compatible with all Garmin computer sizes, right up to the larger Edge 1000. 

formmount   5.jpg

There will also be compatibility with other brand computers as well, it plans to add more computer interfaces throughout the campaign. The modular design also means that other devices like lights and cameras could also be attached. 

To get your hands on a FormMount, you can pledge $43 and get an early bird discount, with delivery scheduled for December 2016 to anywhere in the world. Check it out at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1187300751/formmount-bicycle-computer-mount

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

27 comments

Avatar
F3 Cycling | 7 years ago
0 likes

We have longer arms designed now for larger computers.  The buttons will not be blocked.

Avatar
biga | 7 years ago
0 likes

The solution in the videos seems to block the access to the buttons.

Avatar
Rixter | 7 years ago
0 likes

I think its a good design. Most of the others I see are a fixed width and so don't accommodate a range of bolt patterns.

One feature that would be nice is the ability to mount Di2 or EPS junction box underneath, like with one of the Barfly models

Avatar
ricey155 | 7 years ago
0 likes

£15 superstar components had mine 18 months !!

Avatar
F3 Cycling | 7 years ago
0 likes

Its there (we made the announcement this AM).  We just need a little more traction (backers) to keep it moving.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1187300751/formmount-bicycle-comput...

Avatar
tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
1 like

Now we're talking. GJ guys laugh

Pull this off and you got a new backer. Actually, a lot more backers once word get out on WW etc.

Avatar
F3 Cycling | 7 years ago
3 likes

Hi everyone,

Tim here from F3 again.  Good comments back and forth and it made us go back to work.  We have decided to give the option of 2 sets of arms - one longer to accept larger computers like the 1000 (allowing it to be flush and out front) and the shorter ones for the small to medium computers.  Our partner Frank, working as a prototype design engineer has the ability to 3D print and model and our manufacturer is right here to help us add & make changes.  All good - I will be posting an update.  Thanks for the comments - we are listening and only aim to improve and get people what they want.  

Avatar
bikegeek4546 | 7 years ago
1 like

Unconstituted, you might want to check out FormMount's update # 7. Looks like they now get the 1000 out front. And seems from my point of view that there's a thoughtful reason for the 5 different mounting positions. As a roadie, I want mine out front. But my MTB buddies all prefer their computers set back over the stem. May not be as pretty to some, but it gives them what they want.

As as for the price, I won't name names but there are "other" mounts out there upwards of $60. FormMount's price for all the functionality it offers is a no brainer.

These guys have their s#!t together. I have been wanting a direct stem mount for years and this far and away exceeds my expectations.

 

Avatar
tritecommentbot replied to bikegeek4546 | 7 years ago
1 like

bikegeek4546 wrote:

Unconstituted, you might want to check out FormMount's update # 7. Looks like they now get the 1000 out front. And seems from my point of view that there's a thoughtful reason for the 5 different mounting positions. As a roadie, I want mine out front. But my MTB buddies all prefer their computers set back over the stem. May not be as pretty to some, but it gives them what they want.

As as for the price, I won't name names but there are "other" mounts out there upwards of $60. FormMount's price for all the functionality it offers is a no brainer.

These guys have their s#!t together. I have been wanting a direct stem mount for years and this far and away exceeds my expectations.

 

 

No sorry, that's hideous. With the K-Edge the 1000 sits beautifully flush with the stem. This looks like what it is - an afterthought. They're just trying to appease the guys who want an aero stem mount for their larger units, but they're not in touch with them in the least. Someone will come along and do stem mounts the justice it deserves. Bars can look wickedly clean with it if done right. 1000/Wahoo owners will just have to hold out for the time being.

 

Awkward

//ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/014/283/922/2a3a5a3c3f5e987e88c085f06a6e4a85_original.JPG?w=639&fit=max&v=1477573571&auto=format&q=92&s=c0b814627c7474595112702b7d5f8e15)

Avatar
stevec1975 replied to bikegeek4546 | 7 years ago
2 likes

bikegeek4546 wrote:

Unconstituted, you might want to check out FormMount's update # 7. Looks like they now get the 1000 out front. And seems from my point of view that there's a thoughtful reason for the 5 different mounting positions. As a roadie, I want mine out front. But my MTB buddies all prefer their computers set back over the stem. May not be as pretty to some, but it gives them what they want.

As as for the price, I won't name names but there are "other" mounts out there upwards of $60. FormMount's price for all the functionality it offers is a no brainer.

These guys have their s#!t together. I have been wanting a direct stem mount for years and this far and away exceeds my expectations.

 

 

So your 1st ever post ever, on a random subject, which happens to be massively supportive of the company?? That doesn't appear dodgy at all.

Avatar
hawkinspeter | 7 years ago
1 like

Yay! They've found a cheaper shipping option - $49 all in is a much better deal.

Avatar
StraelGuy | 7 years ago
1 like

I'll keep checking back then Tim. It looks like a really great product and I would quite like to end with one some day.

Avatar
F3 Cycling | 7 years ago
2 likes

Thank you for your comments.  Tim from F3 here.  We have worked hard to engineer a great solution, however it is tough covering every option.  We did just post an update with a new position for the Garmin 1000 and will be posting a less expensive standard parcel post international shipping option shortly.  I hope that helps!!  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1187300751/formmount-bicycle-comput...

Avatar
VonPinkhoffen | 7 years ago
1 like

I like the idea, but not prepared to pay an additional $30 for shipping - $73 for a mount is excessive. 

Avatar
hawkinspeter | 7 years ago
0 likes

I tried a similar mount for the Fly12 front camera/light, but it's (the Fly12) quite heavy and the mount was a bit too flexible despite being metal. I'd be interested in this if it's stronger, but it looks too similar.

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to hawkinspeter | 7 years ago
1 like

hawkinspeter wrote:

I tried a similar mount for the Fly12 front camera/light, but it's (the Fly12) quite heavy and the mount was a bit too flexible despite being metal. I'd be interested in this if it's stronger, but it looks too similar.

Dagnammit! I had a good look at the design and think it might work so I've gone ahead and backed it. $30 delivery to the UK makes me hate myself for doing this.

Avatar
StraelGuy | 7 years ago
0 likes

I nearly signed up but as soon as you click the 'count me in' button, it adds $30 to the price for delivery. I guess I'll take another look if and when they appear in the shops.

Avatar
tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
2 likes

What Team said.

 

They engineered the hell out of this yet it can't do basic shit like hold a 1000 in the most aero position. Tragic how out of touch these guys are. 

 

They even said they thought it'd look awkward. Actually no guys, it looks awkward everywhere else. 

 

Cool by Canyon

//pbs.twimg.com/media/CHSV1QpUsAAHMem.png)

 

Awkward by FormMount

//cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.com/images/news/2016/10/24/fm_mtb-1477348810800-1g7lpjggoh35q-630-80.jpg)

 

Avatar
TeamExtreme replied to tritecommentbot | 7 years ago
0 likes

unconstituted wrote:

They engineered the hell out of this yet it can't do basic shit like hold a 1000 in the most aero position. Tragic how out of touch these guys are. 

I wouldn't go that far! The creators seem to be bending over backwards and genuinely taking on board the feedback they're getting to try to improve their product, which is a good sign for potential backers.

I think it's a great idea because, like other people, don't like a bar-clamp mount cluttering up the bars. It just seems odd that it's seemingly primarily designed for mini-computers, which only make up a very small proportion of the market. I hope they can implement a solution that accommodates mid-to-large units properly (e.g. being able to access the bottom buttons on a 520/820); as one of the comments on the Kickstarter page says, it could be as simple as including some spacers and longer bolts, but I guess time will tell.

Avatar
StraelGuy | 7 years ago
2 likes

Down with the nay-sayers says I! That looks pretty cool, especially for a winter bike where you might want extra light and things.

Avatar
stevec1975 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Or you could just use the tillquist ones, that have been around for ages and work extremely well.

http://edge-mount.bike/

Available for most stems and compatible with all Garmins..

Avatar
robthehungrymonkey replied to stevec1975 | 7 years ago
0 likes

stevec1975 wrote:

Or you could just use the tillquist ones, that have been around for ages and work extremely well.

http://edge-mount.bike/

Available for most stems and compatible with all Garmins..

 

Ah man! I considered buying the ENVE mount, but didn't think it would fit my non-enve stem. This looks ideal. 

I know everyone on here seems to think you don't need anything more than the £10 SRAM mount, but that plastic mount annoys me and i'd like to mount it perfectly centrally. I have a K-edge mount that is great, but if you have a slight curve in your bars, it isn't exactly straight. Also, looking down at my bars an "integrated" solution would be much nicer looking and symetrical (i like things looking symetrical). 

And, why spend £300+ on a Edge 1000 and then skimp on the mount.

Avatar
joules1975 replied to robthehungrymonkey | 7 years ago
0 likes

robthehungrymonkey wrote:

stevec1975 wrote:

Or you could just use the tillquist ones, that have been around for ages and work extremely well.

http://edge-mount.bike/

Available for most stems and compatible with all Garmins..

 

Ah man! I considered buying the ENVE mount, but didn't think it would fit my non-enve stem. This looks ideal. 

I know everyone on here seems to think you don't need anything more than the £10 SRAM mount, but that plastic mount annoys me and i'd like to mount it perfectly centrally. I have a K-edge mount that is great, but if you have a slight curve in your bars, it isn't exactly straight. Also, looking down at my bars an "integrated" solution would be much nicer looking and symetrical (i like things looking symetrical). 

And, why spend £300+ on a Edge 1000 and then skimp on the mount.

 

K-edge or similar bar mounts - really good as allows you to angle the computer to make more aero/look better/easier to view but require enough straight bar of same diameter next to stem to mount as desired, and maybe isn't cleanest looking option.

Stem faceplate mounts - look much cleaner, but computer can only sit at same angle as stem.

If I could be arsed I'd come up with a design that combined features of the stem face plate mounts with some features of the the hinged k-edge steerer mount to come up with the perfect collection of garmin mounts that fit to you stem and allow you to have the computer at the angle you want. Anyone out there willing to get such a mount produced - go ahead, the idea is yours to take and exploit.

 

Avatar
stevec1975 replied to joules1975 | 7 years ago
0 likes

joules1975 wrote:

K-edge or similar bar mounts - really good as allows you to angle the computer to make more aero/look better/easier to view but require enough straight bar of same diameter next to stem to mount as desired, and maybe isn't cleanest looking option.

Stem faceplate mounts - look much cleaner, but computer can only sit at same angle as stem.

If I could be arsed I'd come up with a design that combined features of the stem face plate mounts with some features of the the hinged k-edge steerer mount to come up with the perfect collection of garmin mounts that fit to you stem and allow you to have the computer at the angle you want. Anyone out there willing to get such a mount produced - go ahead, the idea is yours to take and exploit.

 

Like this from Fetha:

http://www.fetha.com.au/blank-rwrlr/8fe8f05f-951e-1563-b917-88adf8284543

Avatar
joules1975 replied to stevec1975 | 7 years ago
0 likes

stevec1975 wrote:

joules1975 wrote:

K-edge or similar bar mounts - really good as allows you to angle the computer to make more aero/look better/easier to view but require enough straight bar of same diameter next to stem to mount as desired, and maybe isn't cleanest looking option.

Stem faceplate mounts - look much cleaner, but computer can only sit at same angle as stem.

If I could be arsed I'd come up with a design that combined features of the stem face plate mounts with some features of the the hinged k-edge steerer mount to come up with the perfect collection of garmin mounts that fit to you stem and allow you to have the computer at the angle you want. Anyone out there willing to get such a mount produced - go ahead, the idea is yours to take and exploit.

 

Like this from Fetha:

http://www.fetha.com.au/blank-rwrlr/8fe8f05f-951e-1563-b917-88adf8284543

 

That's the one. Best of all worlds. They need to make a batch of standard sizes,  maybe in plastic, to bring the price down a bit, and get some worldwide distributors.

Avatar
TeamExtreme | 7 years ago
1 like

Quote:

The FormMount can accommodate different size computers with a sliding mechanism that provides fore and aft adjustment. As such, it’s compatible with all Garmin computer sizes, right up to the larger Edge 1000. 

As usual, road.cc does zero due-diligence and only presents half the story. I don't know why I keep coming back here for half-baked articles.

For anyone considering backing this project it's worth noting that range of the sliding mechanism means only units up to the size of the Edge 520 can be used in the stem-level out-front configuration shown above. If you want to use an 800/810/1000 then you're going to have to have it mounted in positions (1) or (2) shown on their page, which somewhat takes the shine off a $45 mount. Also, if you're planning on using the Edge 520/820 it looks as though you're going to struggle to access the buttons on the bottom of the unit if it's level with the stem.

I contacted the creators about this and they said they're going to add some clarification in due course and the "Comments" page suggests that they have some alternative solutions for larger computers, so it'll be interesting to see what they can do. I'm certainly interested, but it seems primarily geared towards mini-computers (Edge 200 and smaller) at the moment.

Avatar
Danger Dicko | 7 years ago
0 likes

Hmm, is this really required?

Latest Comments