While other Bar Fly fixtures are specifically designed for Garmins or smartphones to clip into, the Universal Mount simply adds 50mm of extra 'bar space' in front of (or above/below/behind) your bike's handlebar. It's an alternative to one of Minoura's older, bigger, and similarly-priced Space Grips.

It's sturdily made from what looks like one piece of moulded plastic – or possibly two pieces exceptionally well bonded together. There's a broad (10mm) clamp to attach it to a 31.8mm handlebar, and it'll fit to a carbon bar without crimping it.

The Universal Mount's bar sits about 3cm from the handlebar, edge to edge. It's 31.8mm in diameter too, so any accessories you'd fit to your handlebar – computer, GPS, smartphone, lights – should go on without the need for bits of old innertube to pack them out. The mounting bar has slots running through it to make it more convenient to attach accessories with zip ties. As the mounting bar has a lip on one end and the attachment arm at the other, nothing can slide off sideways.

And that's it. It's simple and it feels nice and solid; you could attach heavy lights to this without worry. The only negative is that, at £20, it's a lot of money for a little bit of extra bar space, made out of plastic. I made a mount about this big – to fit a Garmin between my tri-bars – out of an old reflector bracket, a wine cork, some washers, a screw, and some electrical tape. That cost nothing. It's obviously not nearly as well made as this, but it did cost nothing, and I've used it for four years and counting. Just saying.

Verdict

Sturdy, if expensive, way to add 50mm of extra handlebar space for accessories.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: The Bar Fly Universal Mount

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

They say:

* Universal mounting for iPhone/smart phone, cycling computers, GPS navigation units, GoPro, lighting systems, and other handlebar mounted accessories using a stock mounting bracket.

* Provides 50mm of additional out front mounting space.

* Oversized 12mm clamp and I-beam construction for extra carrying capacity.�

* Accommodates multiple devices at once, i.e. light and GPS.

* Quick Slots – enhance stability of zip-ties – lock device into a secure position.

* Carbon bar friendly.

I say: 50mm of extra bar space.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

It's 31.8mm in diameter.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

A lot of money for a lump of plastic, irrespective of how well it's been made.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Does exactly what you'd expect.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Sturdy.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Cost.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes – if I needed the extra bar space (I don't).

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 65kg

I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheel  My best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track (with front brake)

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,