Customer Reviews

Magellan Meridian Bicycle Mounting Bracket

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After reading a few other reviews about similar products, I was a bit weary of purchasing this item. Nevertheless, after the reading reviews about this product, I was decided to go ahead and purchase it. I am very happy with the product. My GPS fits perfectly into bracket. Not only does it fits into the bracket, it snaps & locks into place. I think that this is the perfect bracket for my Magellan Meridian Platimum GPS. I would advise it to anyone who looking for Bicycle Mounting Bracket for this GPS unit.

The mounting bracket as purchased does the job, but not very well (hence the 3-star rating).
The bracket has two functions:
1) mount to the bicycle handle bar -- not very good
2) retain the GPS unit while riding -- very good
The problem is with how the bracket mounts to the handlebar. The Magellan Meridian is a large unit compared to more modern GPS units, but it is very rugged and has a large and readable display. But the size of the unit is also the problem with this mount. The GPS cradle is about 20cm (8") long, and it mounts near the bottom of the cradle, so the cradle projects about 14cm (5.5") in front of the handlebar. This jutting forward position makes the GPS and the cradle vulnerable in the event of a crash.

The workaround is to make a mounting adapter plate. This plate (a simple metal plate with 8 holes drilled through it) turns the mount by 90 degrees and shifts the mount point closer to the center of the cradle.

With the adapter plate, the GPS unit mounts on the handlebar stem instead of the handlebar and is more protected because it juts forward by much less, and is now at the center of the handlebar rather than offset to one side.

Instructions:
Cut a thin metal plate, about 50mm x 80mm, file the edges and round the corners.
Remove the metal mounting bracket from the cradle, keep the four screws.
Use the metal bracket as a template to mark drilling locations.
At one end of the plate, mark four holes with the bracket aligned with the short axis of the plate (the handlebars would be perpendicular to the long axis)
Rotate the bracket, and mark four more holes near the other end of the plate.
Using short bolts, matching nuts and spring-washers attache the bracket to the second set of holes. Use the original screws to attach the maounting plate to the cradle.

Since the stem usually has a larger diameter than the handlebar, you may need longer bolts than the original ones to attach to the stem. Use some old inner-tube to seat the bracket on the stem.

I received this mounting bracket very quickly after the order. When I attached it to my GPS the item was as advertised. It was the proper bracket for my GPS. The GPS locks onto the bracket tighly and securely and doesn't come off during a rough ride on my quad.

Have one of these on my sled. Nice piece of mind if riding in unfamiliar areas. If interested in running power from sled to this, check out my review of the 12V power cord.

My second one. I used the first one on a 1500 mile bicycle trip. The first one was broken when I shipped my bike back east.

Wouldn't be without it but I am a GPS junky.

Works very well,I do a lot of bicycle tours come's in very handy.no need for a seporate speedometer. good on long tours.

The technical information for the product is misleading. The product is for the meridian model only. It is not compatible with the 310, 315, and 320. I still gave it a star rating based on it's use for a Meridian model. I had to send the product back and order direct from Vann's. They had the correct model for the 315.

I have this mount on my motorcycle (cruiser). Quick to mount, rubber gasket to protect the handlebars, easy to snap the GPS in and out so that the Megellan does not get stolen. Easy to read the GPS when in the mount. Simple, clean, easy, secure - does exactly what you want it to do. What more could you ask for in a product!

Purchased the mounting bracket to be used on my motorcycle. Works very well, no sweat to install and holds the GPS unit very securely. Have not had any issues with GPS unit falling off or loosening up. Highly recommended product.

I have the Magellan Meridian Platinum. The mount holds it securely. It comes with a rubber strip that provides some shock absorption. It has a nice crisp snap in and quick release for the GPS. I have over 100 miles riding with it on roads, bumpy bike trails and some off road. The mount has held solidly to the bike and held the GPS securely. Reception has been perefect. The mount does not interfere with operation.

Main complain it the mount is done with long screws. Wish it had some quicker way to change to another bike. Might not be a good way to do it, but I still want it rather then spend another $25.