Product Review: WoMo Designs Adaptable Dual Mount

WoMo Designs Mount

Product Review: WoMo Designs Adaptable Dual Mount

WoMo Designs Mount

One of the most interesting offerings Johnny saw at Interbike 2014 was a device mount from WoMo Designs. They were offering a dual mounting system for handlebar devices. The President of the company offered an opportunity for us to review the unit. Since I have some free time, I decided to take it out for a ride review. Here is the result from my experience with it.

What is WoMo Designs?

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It is unclear if this mount has a name, so for our reviewing purpose, I am going to refer to it as the “Adaptable Dual Mount” system or just “the mount.”  I think having a product name would have made it easier for consumers to identify what it is, but I suppose the simple fact that they only have 1 product at the moment is clear enough. They did, however, label the product with the appropriate WoMo Designs logo and website address for your reference in case you run into a curious bystander.

The product comes with the actual mount, which is made out of air-craft grade aluminum. The mount looks like a metal wishbone, where each “leg” of the wishbone offers a handlebar mount, and the middle of the wishbone is where you attach your devices. An Allen wrench was provided for the installation of the mount on the handlebar, as well as an extra bolt. I was also given a mounting base for my 2 devices, a GoPro 2 action camera and a Garmin Edge Touring GPS. There are several adapters for other devices other than the GoPro or Garmin variants. Check out their website for more information.

Easy Installation

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The installation was very straight-forward as you unscrew two bolts on each handlebar cup and install it on your handlebar with the provided Allen wrench. Once installed, I was able to secure my GoPro 2 camera with its case at the bottom and my Garmin Edge Touring GPS at the top of the mount. A very straight-forward and simple installation.

I immediately noticed that the angling did not offer optimal viewing of my Garmin, so I had to angle the device more upward to see it. After everything was perfect, I went out for a ride with both my devices mounted.

On the Road

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I first traveled on paved roads for the first part of the road test. As expected, the mount performed exceptionally well, while both devices were powered on to record unobstructed video clips and provide direction. I thought I’d kick this up a notch and take it for a brief off-road excursion on the local gravel roads.

The mount held together perfectly. It did not move nor rotate downward from the weight of the 2 devices. In fact, the video came out very smooth and with minimal vibration or shaking. Complete shock absorption is probably very difficult to achieve on these rigid mounts. When it came time to swap batteries out of the GoPro, it was a cinch since the back of the camera was easily accessible to perform the switch.

Here is a video I made using the GoPro mounted on the WoMo Designs mount.

[youtube=”http://youtu.be/OQkpPaSFOfs”]

Experimenting with the Base

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I decided to swap out the top mount for the Garmin with the GoPro adapter so I can film myself on the ride. Doing that was also easy as it just required a couple of screws to be loosened and tightened again. I can see someone doing this to document their ride and their reaction with a light mounted underneath and a cyclometer on the stem. You can’t argue with the simplicity of the design.  Imagine having 2 GoPros, one pointing forward and the other at your face – endless creative filming possibilities there.

Possible Improvements

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The first thing I noticed was the beefiness of the redundant dual arms which mounts on your handlebar. I suppose that was done with the purpose of distinguishing their design from other competing models, like the ones from K-Edge. I just think having one arm would be sufficient enough to hold both devices.

Because it takes up some real estate on your handlebar, it basically occupies a large enough area where adding a handlebar bag would not work very well. Since I have a handlebar bag that I use on my bike, there is definitely some consideration on which item gets priority.

We were provided with 2 mounts for our camera and GPS, but there are other adapters for brands like Cat Eye, NiteRider, and camera mounts for both universal and contour cameras. You may find that adapters for your gadget of choice may not be available. If that’s the case, WoMo Designs encourages people to email them for other adapter options and release as the need arises.

The cost for just the mount without any adapters is $69.99 USD. The company also offers a package deal with one other adapters for $79.99 USD. Additional adapters range from $19.99 to $34.99. I think the price point is relatively high given that the only thing this mount does is provide 2 places for you to attach your gadgets and nothing else.

Final Thoughts

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WoMo Designs is definitely on the right track in providing a gadget mount that fulfills the dual purpose we need for all our gadgetry needs.  But with the high price point, coupled with the fact that one would have to leave the handlebar bag at home, this may not work very well on a multi-week bike tour. On the other hand, if you’re planning on going on a short multi-day bike tour and is desperately in need of better mounting options, this would be perfect to document your ride it will require you to leave the handlebar bag at home, but it will add mounting options elegantly.

Pros:

  • Easy installation.
  • Minimal vibration.
  • Flexible mounting options.
  • Covers the popular gadgets bike tourists may carry.

Cons:

  • High price-point.
  • Sacrifices handlebar bag usage possibilities.
  • Not all adapters are available for other gadgets.

Purchase direct at Womo designs on line. More product photos can be found here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Milestone Rides received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that we would mention it on our blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Milestone Rides will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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