Garmin, Gear, K-Edge, Pro Reviews, stem mount - December 25, 2013

Review: K-Edge Stem Mounts for Garmin Computers

The K-Edge stem mounts for the Garmin Edge computers attach onto the bike’s steerer, and come in two versions, a fixed and an adjustable model. This design with computer up over the top of the stem protects it from getting damaged and abused, while still providing a good viewpoint. K-Edge produced some of the first third party mounts for Garmin computers, and their CNC machined aluminum mounts are tough, stable and secure. They have refined their mounts, and the original aluminum connection interface, have been replaced with a user-friendly plastic interface.

These new CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum mounts are meant for the Garmin Edge 800/810, 500/510, and 200 GPS bike computers, and attach to a 1-1/8″ diameter steerer, and come in Black, Red and Gun Metal anodized colors. The fixed version weighs 21 grams, costs $29.99, and is meant for zero to negative stem angles. The adjustable model weighs 25 grams, costs $39.99, and can tilt to match up with stems with a +/- 20 degree angles.

Impressions

It’s pretty simple to install their stem mounts up on the 1 1/8″ steerer, since it just acts as a 5mm spacer on the top of the stem, and is secured by the headset cap. This obviously necessitates that the steerer stack will allow you to swap out a 5mm spacer up on top, but for most bike set ups this shouldn’t be an issue. I initially ran the fixed flat version of the mount on my negative degree stem on my Ibis Ripley, and it worked just fine, and offered a great viewpoint using both my Edge 800 and 500. It gave a solid and bombproof platform, and definitely prevented any damage when I had an over the bar crash. I swapped in the adjustable version, and really I liked having the ability to tweak the angle of the Edge slightly forward over the stem. Being able to alter the tilt is pretty handy, and was useful during the changing daylight on rides to give the best glare free viewing. When the adjusting bolt was tightened down, it offered the same stable platform, though if you punched the computer really hard you could get it to move.

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 new plastic interface worked great, and I never had any wear issues with the plastic wings on the computer’s back. 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 liked the setup of this design, with the computer protected over the top of the stem, though I must admit, I still like the out in-front of the bar’s viewpoint of their original model.

Bottom Line

The new K-Edge stem mounts are durable and tough and well-made, and the design offers excellent protection for your valuable Garmin Edge GPS bike computers. The $29.99 fixed version is for flat to a negative degree stems, while the $39.99 adjustable works for anything from positive to negative 20 degrees, and they both offer rock solid stability and vibration-free viewing. They mount on the steerer and replace a standard 5mm spacer, which means they require a stack with at least that much in reserve. I preferred the adjustable version myself, since it gives the ability to tweak the angle, for both personal desires and stem specifications.