At one of the Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO) Events I organised earlier this year a Polish competitor approached me with some leaflets and a demo map board. Currenty the sheer cost of ‘proper’ map boards in the UK is becoming a barrier to the sports development. A MIRY board that I currently use is now over £60 in the UK and replacement A4 boards on their own a dizzying £20.00.
I have suggested in the past that newcomers just use a zip tied pi
ece of plastic on the handlebars and elastic bands but riders soon outgrow this method and all sorts of home made ‘rotating lash ups’ can be seen at events, some awful some quite accomplished.
The Novik board has a similar look to others on the market and is designed for those on a budget.
I was asked to try one and give my feedback. I found it very easy to fit and adjust, particularly fore and aft to get its position just right. I tend to have the map board placed so I can still see the trail ahead with my peripheral vision whilst looking at the map.
The thumbscrews also mean that no tools are needed to get it on and off the bars and that it will fit both standard and oversize bars.
Other than the board material being a little flimsy at speed (only likely to bother elite riders) I found it very good. They are now available in the UK via Novik’s website priced at £37.00