Over the last year I've been able to test a variety of 3D printed widgets. Throughout this process I've moved firmly away from the sceptical camp into the fervent believers' one. The Garmin 1000 mount is a really sturdy nylon device, bringing the Garmin device in line with the stem, making it all nice and neat, and as we all know, neat equals fast.
Once on the handlebars, its sturdy clamp does its job without any fuss and the device remains rock solid throughout the worst of journeys. I've predominantly used machined aluminium mounts (much more expensive than the Raceware offering) so was a little wary of using a 3D printed mount for a device that costs nigh-on £400. However my fears were unfounded as the mount held it firm throughout, with no noticeable jarring or undue vibrations as I took the bike over some rougher stuff, and certainly no sign of weakness in the material over the couple of months I've been using it.
In terms of value for money, £29.99 isn't too bad I think for something to hold your device. It's cheaper than some and more expensive than others, but it does its job well and showed no signs of fatigue.
It's available in black - or pretty much any other colour you can think of. That's certainly one of the joys of 3D printing and working with UK based companies like Raceware Direct.
Compatibility with the range of Garmin 1/4 turn devices means you can purchase without worrying about it becoming obsolete with your next Garmin upgrade, a good touch.
road.cc test report
Make and model: RaceWare Direct Garmin 1000 mount
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?
Designed for the Garmin Edge 1000, but suitable for any of the 1/4 turn devices the Raceware Direct mount is a lightweight replacement for the standard Garmin mount.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
This is a 3D Printed mount made from Nylon and will clamp to 31.8mm bars. It will hold any of the current 1/4 style garmins including the 200/500/510/800/810 and 1000 models. It can either sit out front or can be reversed to sit the unit over the stem.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
All neat and tidy, no burring or rough edges.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
It does a simple job and it does it well.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
It's taken a bit of a beating, but shows no signs of wear or fatigue.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Very little to it for the weight weenies to worry about.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
You will get a mount, or 2, in the Garmin box already, so this is for those really want to change position or quip another bike. A luxury, but well worth it.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Faultlessly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The mount brings the Garmin in line with the stem, so all nice and smooth, and it held it rock-steady.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing of note.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Simple and effective, a good upgrade for those who want to change their GPS position, and compatible with full range of 1/4 turn Garmins.
Age: 37 Height: 176cm Weight:
I usually ride: Rapide RC4, Raleigh SP Race, Hoffman BMX My best bike is: Rapide RC4
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Adventure-packing, crossing-countries
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14 comments
Interesting pricing... but then again, a mid-range Garmin costs the same as a high-end smartphone (if you shop around) so why am I surprised...
I paid less than this for a K-Edge. Also used bar flys that are far more realistically priced. I want to like this company but the competition is just too fierce for me I'm afraid.
I paid less than this for a K-Edge. Also used bar flys that are far more realistically priced. I want to like this company but the competition is just too fierce for me I'm afraid.
Wow that's expensive for a bit of 3d printed plastic!
Id rather wait for superstar components to bring out a Garmin edge 1000 version of their mounts
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/garmin-mount-black.htm
http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/garmin-aerobar-mount.htm
I'm sure if you wait a while SDJ Sports will start selling these for under a tenner, like they do with the 200/500/800 mounts.
I've got the Garmin 800 version and a SRAM Garmin 800 mount on another bike. After about a year of use the SRAM mount has loosened and the Garmin rattles about in it. The RaceWare mount is still fine.
I've got one of RWD mounts on order but hadto wait as it was customised for my needs to suit the light I'm using on the commute bike.
£30? Barking! The SRAM one is a third of that, better made (or better looking at least). Ok, it doesn't fit the 1000, but I'm sure they'll do one that does before long. It is just a simple plastic moulding (in their case) or even simpler - and less expensive to make - printed item in this case. In a world where our gadgets regularly cost £500 or more, I think we're losing the plot about what is good value and what isn't.
My SRAM one was £8 on eBay and it looks better than this.
Ditto
Can't beat the K-Edge XL at that price.
The real advantage is the customisation they offer, such as TT or headset spacer mounts, custom colours, integrated light/go-pro mounts. Ive got one of their normal mounts and its fine but the custom ones offer advantages over the standard manufacturers.
Looks rather agricultural for something costing £30?
They are. I was given one in team colours (Fluo yellow) and within a few rides it looked even worse having succumbed to the twisting motion of fitting and removing the head unit and the colour giving way to the beige material used.
They work and are a good secure fit but you're right. Glad I was given mine, my genuine Garmin one has fared better.