New K-Edge Garmin and SRM mounts debut at Tour of California

K-Edge debuted a flurry of new computer mounts just before the start of the time trial at the Tour of California. Included in the upcoming crop are a new standard Garmin Edge mount, a new TT-specific Garmin Edge mount, and two TT-specific mounts for SRM’s PowerControl heads – all of which will be available around mid-July.

The new standard K-Edge Garmin mount looks to be a significant improvement over the original one. Gone is the complex three-piece machined aluminum layout in favor of a simpler and sleeker two-piece configuration with bottom-entry bolts, a more rounded shape, and an extension that angles more sharply inward so as to almost disappear when a computer is mounted.

K-Edge is keeping the old mount's standard quarter-turn interface but instead of machining that from aluminum as well, there will now be a bolt-in injection molded plastic insert that yields both a smoother and lighter feel as well as a 'clickier' lock for improved security. In addition, the modular design will allow K-Edge to more quickly develop mounts for other computer brands such as CycleOps and CatEye.

"What we've done is gone with a more of a platform concept," said K-Edge principal Joe Savola.

Claimed weight is 32g and suggested retail price will be US$49.99/£39.99 (including VAT). As before, several anodized colors will be available.

K-Edge is also nearing completion of its long-awaited time trial/triathlon-specific K-Edge Garmin mount. Time trial and triathlon setups present unique problems in that there's often not enough space in between the extensions for the standard quarter-turn interface to work. K-Edge has cleverly gotten around the issue, however.

Instead of rotating the computer head to lock it into place on a stationary mount, the new TT-specific K-Edge Garmin mount uses rotating tabs – simply place the computer head on the mount, reach underneath the mount, and rotate the cradle. Savola admits that side-mounted buttons can be tough to access given the low and tight confines but in fairness, time trial racers and triathletes aren't likely to be flipping through a bunch of menu pages during an event, anyway.

K-Edge's prototype was mostly built using a 3D printer but the production version will use a mix of machined aluminum, Delrin, and injection-molded plastic – all of which will be produced in the United States.

Retail price will be rather expensive at US$59.99/£49.99 (including VAT) but Savola says it's an unavoidable consequence of the mount's complexity and domestic manufacturing.

Finally, K-Edge unveiled two TT-specific mounts for SRM's range of PowerControl computers. The machined aluminum mounts will be offered to fit both standard 22mm-diameter round and Shimano-standard oval extensions. While SRM's newest mounts include a locking tab, the new K-Edge models stick to the older ball-and-spring setup, although Savola insists it's very secure given the tight precision fit.

Savola said the SRM mounts will “tentatively” retail for US$59.99/£49.99 (including VAT).