Review on RAM Zinc Coated U Bolt Mounting by Jon Smith

I use three of these U-bolt RAM mounts on a Trek DS 8.5 hybrid bike. Although the 31.8mm handlebars are tapered rather than fixed in diameter, I was able to easily tighten this mount with the smaller of the two U-bolts. The larger 1.5" shackle also fits snugly in the thickest part of the 31.8mm handlebar. The V-groove on the bottom of the bracket, combined with the U-bolt, makes it easy to tighten round surfaces of increasing diameter. I use it to hold a Garmin Oregon 450, Samsung Galaxy Player WiFi 5.0, and a flashlight/headtorch. I appreciate that the U-bolts I received in this kit are painted black: the black hardware matches better my black steering wheel One of my favorite features of RAM products is the articulation. Once you tighten it it stays in place. However, the rubber balls still flex a bit, so the whole setup absorbs some of the shock. I appreciate it on my mountain bike. .Kit Included (See Optional Image Uploaded): Aluminum Bracket with Rubber Ball 1" 2 Black U-Bolts - Smaller 1" wide and Larger 1.5" wide 2 Nuts with Nylon Friction Inserts 2 Rubber Grommets to Cover U-Bolt Ends 1 Plastic Adapter Narrow the U-bolt for use on H and bars as small as 1/2 inch diameter. Be careful with the part numbers. RAM-B-231Z items appear to have multiple configurations on the RAM website. Some hardware is zinc plated, others are stainless steel, and some are powder coated black. I ordered a RAM-B-231ZU from Revain GPSCheap and received the parts listed above. I ordered another RAM-B-231ZU from GPSCity and only received 1" Zinc Plated U-Bolts. Enough exposed U-bolts can be very useful or safe, washers are not included (-1 star) and you will likely scratch the fasteners No nuts when tightening unless you add your own washers. I added washers to protect the bracket. Be careful when installing: holding metal to metal may scratch the U-bolt as you position it.