Why Did Absolute Cycling Design Its Own Mounts?
At Absolute Cycling, we noticed a recurring problem with cycling computer mounts in the market. Many manufacturers include multiple plastic mount options with their devices, often accompanied by zip ties and extra parts. Yet, in practice, more than half of users end up discarding these mounts in favor of premium aluminum options from third-party brands.
This unnecessary waste of plastic parts didn’t align with our values. We wanted to create mounts that users would actually want to use—mounts that combined premium design, high performance, and sustainability.
We also observed a critical flaw in the functionality of existing mounts. While they hold cycling computers securely during regular use, extreme vibrations—like riding on cobblestones, rocks, or roots can cause computers to detach. All brands include safety tethers or digital tracking features to retrieve lost devices. To us, this approach seemed backward. Why add complexity, weight, and aerodynamic drag to solve a problem that better mount design could prevent?
Moreover, most mounts on the market feature a large frontal profile that isn’t aerodynamically optimized. They often position the computer above the handlebar, creating unnecessary wind resistance and a disjointed aesthetic.
The Design Challenge
With these shortcomings in mind, our design brief was simple:
- Secure hold: The One must stay firmly in place under all conditions.
- Aerodynamics: Minimize drag by aligning perfectly with the handlebars.
- Lightweight: Ensure mounts are as light as possible without compromising strength.
- Seamless integration: Design mounts that match the aesthetic and build quality of The One.
Revolutionizing the Bayonet Mount
The One uses an industry-standard bayonet (bajonet) closure, familiar to cyclists. However, traditional bayonet mounts often fail under extreme vibrations, as the small wings bear the full force. To solve this, we integrated a rubber ring into our mounts, offering three key benefits:
1. Larger contact area: Distributes forces evenly, reducing stress on the bayonet wings.
2. Vibration dampening: Absorbs lateral forces, protecting the mount and The One.
3. Enhanced grip: Friction prevents The One from loosening during rides.
This innovation ensures a secure and durable system, designed to handle even the toughest conditions. Should the bayonet wear out (which hasn’t happened yet), it remains easily replaceable, in line with The One’s repairable ethos.
Addressing Flex and Stability
Our research identified three key areas where mounts flex under extreme loads:
1. Handlebar clamp: Flexible materials like rubber often create weak points.
2. Mount arm: The shape and material of the arm commonly compromise stiffness.
3. Adapter joints: Plastic adapters frequently add unnecessary flex.
To overcome these challenges, we implemented innovative design solutions:
- Direct, rigid clamping: Our mounts create a firm, rubber-free contact point with the handlebar, ensuring zero flex at the clamp.
- Ribbed structural design: By strategically integrating ribbing into the arm, we created an exceptionally strong profile, inspired by the design of construction beams in architecture. This allows for maximum stiffness without adding weight.
- Aluminum construction: The choice of aluminum strikes the perfect balance of strength and lightweight durability. By reducing the arm’s volume and thickness to just 3.5mm—compared to the typical 10mm in other mounts—we achieved a design that is 30% lighter than comparable options while maintaining superior performance.
Perfect Alignment for Maximum Performance
All our mounts are engineered to position The One directly in the center of the handlebar, perfectly aligned with its height. This offers three major advantages:
1. Confidence in reliability: Users can ride with peace of mind, knowing The One will stay securely mounted.
2. Stable readability: The One remains rock steady, even on rough terrain, ensuring clear visibility at all times.
3. Reduced vibration noise: By minimizing flex and vibrations, our mounts prevent interference with The One’s gyroscope and accelerometer, enhancing the accuracy of our sensor fusion algorithms.
Mount Options for Every Rider
To accommodate different bike setups, Absolute Cycling has designed four distinct mounts:
1. Standard Mount: Fits handlebars with a 31.8mm diameter, ideal for road bikes.
2. Extension Mount: Attaches under an aerodynamic carbon handlebar’s integrated stem using two bolts.
3. Stem Mount: Fits onto the bottom bolts of the stem cap, often used for mountain bikes.
4. Pin-Joint Mount: Compatible with popular mounting points offered by major bike brands.
These options ensure there’s a perfect mount for nearly every bike and handlebar type.
Tested in Extreme Conditions
Every mount is rigorously tested in the toughest environments, including the infamous cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix course. The result? Absolute reliability and performance, even under the most punishing conditions.
A Final Advantage: Included with The One
Each Absolute Cycling mount is included for free with The One, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their bike. This ensures no additional costs for a premium aluminum mount and eliminates the need for unnecessary plastic alternatives.
With Absolute Cycling’s mounts, riders can truly ride with confidence, knowing their device is secure, aerodynamic, and perfectly integrated.
