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SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

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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.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

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.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

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.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

Perhaps more exciting than the Convert is the new Saddle + Mule system.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

Designed to mount to any bottle cage mount, the Mule provides the magnetic attachment points while the Saddle cradles whatever you want.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

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.

SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts SOC18: ioMounts adds magnets to Garmin mounts, plus universal bottle/accessory mounts

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.

iomounts.com

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slackers
slackers
5 years ago

I might be missing it, but why would you screw something to your frame that has magnets, then wrap your put your water bottle in a cage that is ferrous just to attach it to the frame? Seems way more complicated and less secure than, you know, an old fashioned cage.

FFM
FFM
5 years ago
Reply to  slackers

Agreed, why add a point of failure between the straps and the frame? Magnets are cool and pretty reliable but if you’re on the kind of ride that requires extra kit strapped under the down tube, you’re on the kind of ride where you can’t afford to lose the extra kit you strapped under the down tube.

Michael
Michael
5 years ago

Compass + Magnet …perfect idea!

Ferdinand Magellan
Ferdinand Magellan
5 years ago
Reply to  Zach Overholt

That’s because your phone’s GPS app uses Global Positioning System satellites, not your phone’s internal compass.

Also, your phone doesn’t have an internal compass. It has a magnetometer. (A compass is a kind of magnetometer). But that’s beside the point. Both work by detecting the earth’s (weak) magnetic field.

A nearby rare-earth magnet will definitely prevent any magnetometer from picking up the earth’s magnetic field. These magnets absolutey mess with your phone’s magnetometer. GPS has nothing to do with whether your magnetometer is working.

MagneticCompass
MagneticCompass
5 years ago

Honey, I am riding North towards home. If the road co-operate, I will see you soon.

Doug Jones
Doug Jones
2 years ago

Your phone’s magnetometer uses continuously running software calibration which will account for the presence of a magnet in a fixed position relative to the phone. This is known as a hard iron offset which all magnetometers can deal with using calibration.

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