RaceWare Direct Garmin 200/500 bar mount

RaceWare's Direct Garmin 200/500 bar mount is a good alternative to the regular Garmin mount, affixing securely to the handlebars with the benefit of floating the computer in a position that is easier to see when riding on the hoods or drops.

RaceWare Direct is a small UK-based firm and they produce a range of Garmin computer mounts made using the state-of-the-art additive layer manufacturing (ALM), or more commonly referred to as 3D printing. 3D printing is hot stuff and we took at look at the process last year. Basically, it involves fusing layer after layer of material together.

The market for alternative out-front Garmin mounts exploded last summer and there's now plenty to choose frome. RaceWare were early on the scene, and now offer a range of different mounts. Plus they come in loads of colours to match your bike, as well as different bar diameters and even left and right side options.

I've been testing the shorter mount designed for Garmin's 200 and 500-series computers. I've used it with a 500. They produce a longer clamp for the larger 800-series plus one designed specifically for time trial extensions. I've been using this one for several months now and it rapidly replaced the regular Garmin mount on my bikes.

Compared to the SRAM mount, the RaceWare places the Garmin lower, so it's in-line with the handlebars if you were to draw a line through the centre of the stem. In direct comparison there's very little in it, but I do personally find the lower position preferable. And because the Garmin isn't raised as high in the air, it looks better.

The RaceWare mounts to the stem with a 3mm Allen bolt, and is accessed from the top of the mount so making adjustments is easier. It uses the same twist-lock interface that works with Garmin and locks the computer firmly into place. The tolerances are a little tighter and it's a snug fit.

In use the RaceWare provides a very secure and stable platform for the Garmin, with no discernible movement even when riding over rough roads. Aesthetically, it doesn't have the smooth finish of the SRAM nor the machined metal appearance of a K-Edge, with a slightly grainy patina, a result of the 3D printing process. That's no bad thing as such, I've grown to rather like it, it's raw and shows the unique process proudly.

Its price places it at the higher end of the alternative mount market, but factor in it being designed and manufactured in the UK, the fact it is available in several versions for different computers, left and right side options and three clamp diameters (25.4 and 31.8mm) and the variety of colours to choose from, and it does compare well.

Verdict

Excellent Garmin mount in a variety of size options and colours.