I’ve ridden with a simple stem-mount computer since I’ve ridden with a computer – until I bought a Garmin this year, and now that I’ve got it I’m glad to have gotten rid of the stem-mount cycling computers (on all but the tandem, my wife gets the Garmin on the tandem to avoid a wired computer).
While there once was a time, and not long ago, I thought a simple cycling computer was the best way to go, times change. It’s not that the simple computer is bad, but it is inarguable that a Garmin Edge 520 Plus with mapping capability is a game changer next to a simple computer. The fact that its a “flush out front” mount cleans up the cockpit immensely is just an excellent bonus.
Vs.
For the longest time I didn’t think I could justify the cost in upgrading to a Garmin. This year, I just thought it was time to start getting some maps in order for some of the longer routes we ride up north. They’ll be invaluable in the future when my wife and I want to take a camping trip. All we’ll have to do is pick a campground, load a map and go – turn-by-turn directions the whole way.
I didn’t think, after everything was hooked up, that I’d like the new setup as much as I do.
Incidentally, I picked up two SRAM mounts, so I have a mount for both road bikes, the gravel bike, the tandem, and both of my mountain bikes (the Garmin comes with three mounts, too). The SRAM flush out front mounts are only $20 and they’re a little lighter than the original Garmin FOF mount.
Fit Recovery 
I don’t think I’ve every used a stem mounted computer, all of mine have been bar-mounted!
Did you look at the Wahoos? I find them much more useful than the Garmins – especially if you ride with cold weather gloves, those touch screens just don’t cut it like actual buttons.
Welcome to the 21st century
The 520 does have buttons. Gotta go up a level for the touch screen. 👍
Still like the Wahoo Element Bolt user interface better.
I tried a Bolt. Editing screens with the mobile app was awesome, but I found the mapping less than ideal so went back with an 820, plus I like a colour screen. The Bolt was a great little computer though (mine died, so refund under warranty).
Don’t tell anyone, but I’m still riding with my Garmin mounted on the stem. Sacrilege I know! I really must get around to changing that one day. Those SRAM out front mounts look good! 🙂
They’re really nice, man – and they work on aero handlebars!