Discussion: MTB Map Boards / Holders

I just posted this to an existing thread in Orienteering, but thought more AR folks would respond here...

Just searched around and found this old thread and thought I would ask my question here...

I have been using Mark Honsberger's board for a few years now with a few modifications. Since August I have been using his updated model that is 20-30% lighter and has three points of contact to the bike as opposed to just one on the older model. I love the updated version as it is A) lighter B) allows for fast mounting / removal for AR's that require you to box up your bike C) the 3 points of contact eliminate any movement of the clamp as the one point of contact was a pain with the tapered bars (31.8 clamp size), You could get the clamp tight, but it could slide to the outside of the bars and then be lose as the bars tapers.

But my problem is that I seem to break the top board off of the mount in every other race I do. The board will get some pressure on it and then the washers holding it on will bight down on the part they cover and the board will pop off leaving a big hold the same size as the washers. Mark mentioned that I may need an aluminum board, but that sounds heavier than the plastic one. I just purchased a Miry top board to try out, but I am afraid the softer material will make the map vibrate too much to read while riding. How about carbon? Light! Stronger? Source? A teammate replaced the stock washers with larger diameter ones. Will that help or just make a bigger hole when the board gets some pressure? Really all I need is a 11"X11" piece of material with a hold in the center that will be somewhat lightweight and more durable than the stock plastic.

Thanks. 12 weeks until the next race so I have some time to experiment!

Yo Cookie,

I've been using the Honz boards since their inception and have never broken a board, but that clearly doesn't help you in this case. I also agree with you that the updated version is better than the older one because of the reasons you listed.

I suggest trying a wider washer before trying anything with the actual board. From a purely mechanical sense it should decrease the bending moment at the edge of the washer...

Good luck and keep us posted!

I have no problem reading a map on the Miry board. Understanding what I see is a completely different matter.

I think I mentioned to you back in November that I have had the same problem as well. I am now using a rubber washer between the metal washer (purchased a bigger metal washer as well) and the board. Have only used it in one race but think this will help.

I recently got a plastic board (plastic used for windows) from home depot. Was tired of paying $20 for a new board when it was just going to break in two weeks. Not sure I am crazy about this board but it was only $5 and seems to be doing the trick. It's also see through, not sure if that makes a difference but am thinking it may be helpful sometime in the future.

I've been riding for years with Miry boards. Only thing I've destroyed is the plastic top film. The board is great: It is a lot softer and more flexible than polycarbonate, which makes it almost impossible to destroy. I think I haven't seen any broken plastic boards, not even bolts coming through the plate. Some loosen and fallen bolts have been of course. The soft board is also more friendly to knees if you happen to hit yourself to board.

I've been trying those "hard" boards, such as polycarbonate, plexiglass or whatever and broken most of then. Also tried some home made carbon, but it broke in the first crash. And all those boards vibrate more than Miry.

Mirys advantage is the combination of soft board and supporting construction (big ring): You can set the tension of the board with the bolt, which affects on the friction when turning the plate and also the vibrations.

I've tested also a ski-o mapholders arm fixed to the bars and Autopilot holders and also seen Nordenmarks, Westervesa and many selfmade holders in use, but because of the weight, durable and stable construction and ease of mounting I've ended to newest Miry.