Review: K-Edge mounts

K-Edge is a US based company that has been producing computer, camera, and light mounts; chain catchers and chain guides since 2008 for Garmin, GoPro, Wahoo, Sigma, CATEYE, Pioneer, SRAM, Shimano, Campagnolo and several other brands. I opted to try three different mounts to see how they fare in real life.

K-Edge’s mounts are CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, anodized and laser-etched with an injection moulded co-polymer Garmin specific mounting interface. They come with a lifetime guarantee against material or manufacturing defects. With the variety of mounts on offer, it will largely come down to personal preference: so keep that in mind when reading my review on each mount, and how I feel about them.

Garmin Combo Mount

The Combo Mount pairs a Garmin cycling computer (top) and GoPro action camera (bottom) mount to provide a 2-in-1 solution for those looking to mount their GoPro’s out front. Perfect for saving some handlebar real estate.

The K-Edge combo mount has an aero design that places your device flush with the top of the handlebar and for those who usually mount their GoPro to the top of their handlebar, the lower POV gives the footage an air of speed, and a unique vantage point. It also keeps your handlebar clutter free.

Compatibility

The mount is compatible with any device using Garmin’s twist-lock mount and the bottom GoPro mount will fit almost any device that uses the standard GoPro mount including all GoPros, Shimano, Garmin VIRB X sized cameras and standard sized cycling lights (Light and Motion Urban or Niterider). It is not designed to hold a Cycliq Fly 12. Cycliq Fly 12 users should choose the K-EDGE K13-410, K13-420, K13-2450 GO BIG camera/light mounts.

Co-polymer plastic computer inserts are available to mount other cycling computers such as Wahoo & Sigma. I’m not fan of using an out front mount on my mountain bike as it puts your device in harm’s way should things go wrong, but on a road bike it just looks right to me as it lowers the height of my Garmin for a more aero position, giving the bike and cockpit a stealthy look. In use, it is solid with zero flex when you’re pushing buttons and it has needed no adjustment over several months of use. With the GoPro Hero5’s built-in image stabilization the footage is good and shows little sign of the vibrations experienced by some mounts that are too stiff.

The GoPro is secured by an Allen head bolt, and not one of the standard GoPro thumbscrews which can only be a good thing. This ensures your GoPro stays firmly in place.

Adjustable Garmin Stem Mount

The Adjustable Stem Mount is a solution for cyclists who prefer their computer above the stem. The mount replaces a standard 5mm spacer, and is locked securely in place by the top cap like it would any other 5mm spacer. It allows for a variety of different stem angles: both positive and negative rise stems.

Compatibility

The mount is compatible with Garmin Edge 20, 25, 200, 500, 510, 520, 800, 810, 820, and Forerunner 310XT computers. The manufacturer notes that some of the larger computers will not always work with a steep angled stem.
This is the mount I will use most often on my mountain bikes as it puts the device in the perfect position: centred and out of harm’s way.
Whether you will need the adjustable option comes down to your own setup, but I reckon having the option future proofs your purchase. Fitting the mount is as easy as fitting a spacer, and finding the perfect angle to suit your setup and liking is done using a standard multitool. Mine has stayed in position with no further tightening needed after a couple of month’s use.

There is just under 20mm from the front of the Garmin 820 to the front of the handlebar with the 65mm stem on the Momsen VIPA Trail. This means the bigger Garmin 1000 should sit flush with the front of the bar if you’re running a 65mm stem. It also means that you can go down to a 45mm stem before a Garmin 820 will start sticking out in front.

Gravity Top Cap Mount

The Gravity Cap is ideal for Downhill and Enduro mountain bikes with super short stems, but can be used on any bike where this mounting position is favoured. In short, it is a top cap / 5mm spacer in one so will replace your current top cap. It takes some time to align the mount 90° with the stem and can be a bit fiddly to get right as you need to remove the insert to get to the bolt that secures the top cap and 1 or 2mm out at that end quickly becomes way off once a device is mounted. I would recommend that you take your time, get your aim right and to use an Allen key that has not been worn as the bolts are on the small side and feel like they will wear with too many ham-fisted adjustments.

Compatibility

The mount is compatible with all Garmin Edge computers including the 1000, 820, 810, 800, 510, 520, 500, 200, 25, 20. Although larger Edge computers such as the 800, 810, 1000 may interfere with very steep, upright stem angles. It also supports the Touring, Touring Plus, Forerunner 310XT, and 910XT devices.

As with their other mounts, the Top Cap Mount is well made with some cool looking CNC work. For my use, this one will most likely not be my top pick, but I can see how it will work for riders with super short stems (45mm and shorter) or for those who like the mounting position or look. It is great though to have the option and I can appreciate the fact that K-Edge caters for all riders and not just the masses.

Verdict

K-Edge manufacturers top quality mounts for riders of all disciplines and tastes. There are cheaper alternatives, but few come close to the quality and detail while offering the range of options that K-Edge does. I like that the inserts can be swapped out should the day come that you change your device manufacturer.