When it comes to magnetic phone mounts, the iOMounts Nomad is by far my favorite. I only ride with a phone on my bars when I’m on the trainer, but that’s enough to make the burly little mount super useful. However, while the flexible strap of the Nomad worked fine, iOMounts wanted to create something a little more streamlined. Rather than reinventing the wheel when it comes to out-front mounts, they simply created an adapter called the Convert.
Essentially just the magnetic base with a mount on the bottom that interfaces with Garmin (or Wahoo) computer mounts, the Convert clicks in with a quarter turn and then allows you to mount any device that has one of iOMount’s ioAdapt steel discs. This could be a phone, a goPro, a light, really anything that you could stick the ioAdapt to. And due to the nature of the Convert mount, you can rotate it in any direction you please without needing to readjust anything.
The Converts will sell for $25 each and will include two iOAdapts plus the bits needed to ensure a clean install. It should be noted that they’ll work for both Garmin and Wahoo – Wahoo’s mount is the same except turned 90°, but since the magnetic mount isn’t directional, it will work fine with either.
Perhaps more exciting than the Convert is the new Saddle + Mule system.
Designed to mount to any bottle cage mount, the Mule provides the magnetic attachment points while the Saddle cradles whatever you want.
The Saddle can be used with their included straps which will cinch down tool bags, water bottles, etc., and since the whole saddle easily detaches from the frame it should work well for frames with tight clearance around the bottle cage. iOMounts pointed out that you could leave the bottle in the Saddle, pull the whole thing out, drink, then put it back in without ever removing the bottle from the saddle. And with two of the magnets found on the Nomad with a locking lip around the edge, the system should be plenty strong. iOMounts says you can also strap the mule directly to the frame in the case that you don’t have a free bottle mount to use.
All together, the full kit will run $70, but they’ll sell the Saddle and the straps separately, each for $10.
iOmounts was also showing an update to their iOstand XT which is getting more of a traditional tripod design with folding legs and a telescoping stand to make it easier to travel with. They’ll also have new phone tethers made by BlackRapid if you actually want to ride with your phone on your bike but you’re terrified of losing it. I have never been able to get the phone to come off the Nomad mount, but I suppose it’s better safe than sorry.
