Stem faceplate computer mounts

Thinking of treating the gravel bike to a new computer mount as a peace offering after yesterday’s shake down ride.

I want to mount the Wahoo Roam from the faceplate with a GoPro adapter underneath on which I plan to mount an Exposure Boost DB.

Looking around there seems to be a big gap in the middle. It’s either AliExpress specials from Amazon or £100 plus from Cane Creek and Silca.

Are my fears of expensive dental work from the AliExpress versions justified? Is there a decent middle ground?

What brand stem? Easton do one for their stems, even include it with the pricier models

I bought a cheapy one (amazon or ebay, can’t recall) – could tell it would do the job… except the bolt slots weren’t wide enough to line up with the Thomson stem holes. So make sure that 🙂

Standard out front mount off the bars would be my preference TBH.

I’ve bought a cheap gopro style bracket that attaches with some longer bolts.

On the top I have my garmin and on the bottom i’ve mounted my exposure light.
In the summer i have a small expousure boost mounted

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001276107429.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.75131802Ky4fFk

I’ve used this on my gravel bike and mtb.
I’m not sur ei fully trust it – but the stem is held tight by the bolts, which means hould the mount break, the stem should remian tight

It’s currently a Thomson stem but that might change while I play around with fit.

Looking to save space on the bars for a bell and a bar bag.

Prices of these types of things are weird though.. I mean why would you pay £32 for this

When this is £10.

Absolutely zero performance difference. But there must be a market for the 3x as expensive ones with weirdos somewhere!

ps. this one gives some dimensions, which helps.

.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CNTD1PXX

desperatebicycleFull Member
Prices of these types of things are weird though.. I mean why would you pay £32 for this

When this is £10.

Absolutely zero performance difference. But there must be a market for the 3x as expensive ones with weirdos somewhere!

It seems to be one of those places where companies can charge whatever mad amount they want

Chain guides were another one, MRP used to sell a flat metal plate with some bolt holes and a plastic guide for £140

Compared with the lovely K-Edge bar mounted ones that grace most of my bars, the stem plate mounted ones are what can best be described as “agricultural”. I should know, I tried one on my Giant Propel for a while before 1) giant brought out an aero profiled one, and 2) Raceware did the same for the race propel (without Go Pro mount). Seriously, I would not bother, they are heavy. I could probably post you mine (Garmin insert) if I can find the bolts. And on a Thomson stem?! I had one of those, never clamped hard enough to prevent rotation when I was was riding on the hoods on my cross bike and hit something. Just don’t.

The bike Gods will anger at your choice. Only K-Edge can save you (and half the pro peloton too).

I use the Giant aero one on my road bike. Must be worth at least half a metre over 100k. But it looks really nice.

I bought one of the cheap ones and have no issues with it. I use the go-pro mount underneath so I can switch between camera/lights.

I did switch out the bolts for some good quality stainless steel ones. Loctite and use a torque wrench – don’t see why it would be less safe than the cheap as chips bolts that Giant use originally.

Also to give enough space for the bell and bag straps when I put one on.

Compared with the lovely K-Edge bar mounted ones that grace most of my bars, the stem plate mounted ones are what can best be described as “agricultural”.

Meh, they’re just a sticky out thing for a bit of plastic to bolt to. I have an older K-Edge headset spacer mount on my gravel bike and one of those cheapy out front bolts and spacer jobs on the road bike, both do the job about as well as the other.

One other thing to note, I did get a second out front arm a few years after the first to use on my winter bike, but the bolt spacers were utter cheese and crushed when any torque went on the bolts (or maybe I was a bit hamfisted?) just be careful when tightening them up. Those bolts are quite important for keeping your bars in place too.

I’m intrigued by the PNW Coast stem, which has a mounting system that’s integral to its faceplate. I’ve never seen one in the metal and it’s surprisingly hard to find good images of it, but it gets very positive reviews for a combination of neatness and functionality.

THE COAST STEM