For more details about both of these products, please see our reviews! (Fenix AF02 and Twofish Lockblocks)

This is our first side-by-side review and it comes with mixed feelings as we would not like to be accused of preferring one product or brand over another. When reviewing flashlights to take two extreme examples, this standpoint can be justified. There are so many products on the market that choosing one of them would smack of favouritism.

In this special case, though, a comparison is probably overdue. The Fenix AF02 and the Twofish Lockblocks bike mount are hardly mainstream products, and for cyclists who would like to attach a conventional flashlight to the handlebars the choice is rather limited.
For those looking for such a device, these two are as different as chalk and cheese so it was interesting to see how they fared against each other.

The different categories are as follows:

1. Price

Both are inexpensive. The Fenix model costs around $20. The Twofish, which I bought from a British retailer, costs the equivalent of $8. This difference should not be a decisive factor unless you are really strapped for cash.

2. Weight

The AF02 weighs 116g. The Lockblocks weighs 12g. Some bikers count every gram of their equipment in an attempt to make their trips as light as possible. All other things being equal, this could be a clincher for weightwatchers.

3. Size

The Lockbocks is considerably smaller. Just to give you an idea, it came in a small brown envelope with no padding.

The size could be important as the AF02 may not fit on your handlebars if you have other accessories such as a bell and a computer which you do not want to remove.

It may also be a factor for those who do not want to be overburdened with gear when they disassemble the mount and light. The Lockblocks can be stowed anywhere. As an extreme example, I tried fitting it next to my ankle inside one of the socks I was wearing. It was barely noticeable. The AF02 feels very bulky in any jacket pocket.

4. Stability

The AF02 makes a much more stable impression from a purely visual point of view. On the handlebars, both hold the torches in place. There is slight play with the Lockblocks when you cycle over uneven ground but it will not affect your visibility. I’ve tested different torches in both mounts and none of them have become even slightly loose.

5. Weather

I’ve only tested the AF02 once in light rainfall, where it performed well. However, I have no reason to doubt that it would survive much harsher conditions. I’ve used the Lockblocks in snowy weather and light to moderate rainfall for a maximum of 30 minutes. I thought this could be the weak point of the mount because of the Velcro straps, but it remained unaffected.

You can assemble the AF02 with thick gloves in winter. Unfortunately, you will need to use your bare hands with the Lockblocks.

6. Fixing and Removing

I did several tests here.

• a. With the torch already attached to the mount, it took 15 seconds to assemble the AF02, and 8 seconds for the Lockblocks.
• b. With the torch unattached to the mount it took 30 seconds to assemble the AF02 and 17 seconds for the Lockblocks.
• c. Taking the light off the handlebars took 15 seconds with the AF02 and 2 seconds with the Lockblocks.

Neither is ideal for re-assembling in complete darkness but the Lockblocks is easier. I would suggest that you practise this with whichever mount you choose, or take a headlamp with you.

7. Short-term Durability

The AF02 makes a tough impression but the Lockblocks is equal, or even superior in one respect: whenever I don’t need the Lockblocks, I just throw it on the garage floor after removing it in two seconds.

This is possible with the AF02 if you are prepared to accept its glossy finish quickly accumulating scratches, and the time involved in removing the light and tightening the screws – about 18 seconds.

8. Long-term Evaluation

There is no contest here. The AF02 looks more robust, is big and chunky and made of harder material. It also has an anti-aging finish to protect it from sun and rain.

In contrast, the Lockblocks could almost be mistaken for a wristband with a piece of rubber attached.

9. Flexibility

The AF02 has been tested with three different flashlights powered by a 18650 and a single AA battery. The Lockblocks has been tested with seven different models powered by AA and 18650 batteries.

It should be stressed that the Lockblocks is only meant to be used with a single AA or 2xAA battery-powered torch, but I have also used it with four different 18650 lights without the slightest problem.

The only weakness I can detect here is with the Lockblocks: it can be difficult to change modes with twisty head torches.

Unless you fit the AF02 loosely, the Lockblocks is better for adjusting the beam distance while you are riding.

10. Normal Biking

Both have been used over all different kinds of terrain ranging from straight asphalt roads to stony, winding and hilly cycle paths. In non-mountain biking territory they both ensure that the torches provide you with a central beam and neither has caused the light to rattle.

11. Mountain Biking

I bow to Chris’s experience here. He tested both over very rugged terrain for several hours and found that both of them worked well. I would imagine, however, that a lot of serious mountain bikers may prefer to use a headlamp or a flashlight attached to their helmet.

Conclusion – So who wins the battle of the bike mounts?

The AF02 appears very robust with its hard casing, rubber mats and good-quality screws. This appearance is not deceptive. It holds different sized torches firmly in place and I would be very surprised if any light managed to work itself loose, let alone fall to the ground.

In addition, the rotation function may attract users who would like to turn the beam away from the handlebars. The AF02 also trumps in winter. The thick screws provide a good grip for your gloves if you need to assemble it in colder weather.

Moreover, users intending to use a torch with a twisty bezel will certainly be better served with the AF02.

In contrast, the Lockblocks boasts zero sophistication and makes a distinctly flimsy impression. This apparent lack of robustness has, however, proved to be illusory in different weather conditions and over all kinds of terrain.

In addition, its size, weight and convenience, make it a better bike mount than the Fenix competitor.

You will not notice the weight, which makes it easy to stow in your trouser or shirt pocket. The size will certainly mean you can fit more accessories and also means you can fit it closer to the centre of the handlebars.

Furthermore, it can be fixed twice as fast as the AF02, however much you practise this with both mounts. This means that assembling the mount without gloves in winter is certainly bearable. The removal time of two seconds will also be appreciated by those who favour speed and simplicity.

More importantly, despite its frail appearance I have experienced no problems with any flashlight rattling or becoming loose while lighting the way ahead.

Even though the AF02 has several benefits, I would suspect that the Lockblocks strengths will be more important for most users, and therefore declare it the winner on points.

The AF02 came in an easy to open plastic transparent package. There is no instruction booklet or accessories included.

My first thought was that it looked rather big and chunky. There are two good-quality screws at the bottom which fix the mount to the handlebars. They both fit very smoothly, but their length means they take rather long to screw and unscrew.

There is also another screw which fixes your torch of choice to the top part of the mount. This holds your flashlight and rotates 360° so that the light does not have to shine in whatever direction your handlebars are pointing. When you rotate the top part, it clicks into place. I counted 35 separate clicks until the mount is back in 12 o’clock mode again. This should surely be enough for most users.

Editor rating
+ 6/10 good gear
Pros:
+ Solid construction
+ Fits a wide variety of torches
+ Weather-proof finish
+ Rotation function

Cons:
– No spare screws
– Takes up a lot of space on the handlebars
– Drop-proof screws not drop-proof
– Long Assembly/Disassembly time

The Basics (copied from the Fenix website)
Dimensions:
Length 8.89cm (3.5in)
Depth: 3.17cm (1.25in)
Height: 7.62cm (3in)
Weight: 116g (1oz)

The AF02 carries all flashlights with a diameter from 1.8cm to 2.8cm and handlebar diameters between 1.8cm and 3.5cm. It also has rubber mats to protect the flashlight and handlebars and provide a better grip.
The material is hard plastic, which Fenix claims is fitted with an anti-ageing finish to protect the mount from sun and rain.

The bike mount is also fitted with drop-proof screws. I assumed this means they shouldn’t drop on the ground when you are unscrewing them.

Fixing the AF02 to the bike

The size could be a problem if you already have a bell and a computer on your handlebars. If you have one of these and a permanent klick-fix mechanism for attaching a front bag, you will certainly not have enough space for the bike mount.

I had to move my very small bell in order to fit the bike mount. It took me over a minute to assemble the AF02 plus the Olight m20 Warrior, which I will be using along with other torches for the rest of this test.

Unfortunately, because the bell was now squashed against the brake and gear lever, it no longer rang.

Riding in daylight

I’ve now ridden with the bike mount for over 120 kilometres on all different kinds of terrain with the M20. I deliberately chose this light because it is rather hefty. It has always stayed firmly in place without the slightest hint of rattling.

Riding at night

The diameter limits quoted by Fenix mean you can effectively use it for torches powered by 1xAA, 2xAA, 1xCR123A and a single 18650 battery.

I tried 3 different lights with different diameters and different user interfaces. Once again, the holder worked very well.

I thought perhaps a weak point could be using it with a torch where you have to twist the bezel, but this was not the case. There was no problem switching between modes.

I also rode along a very narrow, winding path and used the rotation function. This means that you have to lean slightly over the handlebars and ride with one hand. Under these slightly dangerous conditions, it was not too difficult even if concentration is required.

Mountain Biking

Once again, I owe a big Thank You to Chris, who tested the Twofish Lockblocks bike mount under extreme conditions a few months ago.

Here is Chris’s judgement on the Fenix AF02 after testing it with the Fenix LD02:

‘Tried out your torch holder yesterday. Worked well over all terrain although it turned a little to the right and left when it got a bit bumpy. Was no problem to turn it back occasionally, though. I would give it four out of five points.’

Chris was riding for about three hours. I have to stress that he tested the mount in daylight. No doubt, many mountain bikers would prefer a headlamp for such arduous conditions.

Winter test

I tried assembling and removing the bike mount using very thick gloves and it worked without any problems.

The screws

It was disappointing to see that no spare screws are issued with the AF02. This is the one item which you could expect to lose with the passage of time. If you lose one of the screws while you are on tour, the mount is unusable.

The screw holding the light in the mount is definitely drop-proof. The two screws which attach the mount to the bike are definitely not.

I tried pointing the light-holder screw downwards and shaking it vigorously around and it just stayed in the mount.

The handlebar screws, on the other hand, simply fall to the ground if you do not hold them in your hand.

Assembly/Disassembly

After a little practice, I managed to fit the mount on the handlebars in 15 seconds with the light already attached.

If you want to remove the bike mount, this will also take about 15 seconds. You may also have to remove the light from the mount, which takes a further 15 seconds, so that it fits in your pocket. It does not fit in all of mine and bulges considerably even in generously-sized pockets.

When you dismount, you will also have to lock up your bike, as well. It would therefore be tempting to simply leave the bike mount on the handlebars. It would be equally tempting for opportunist thieves to help themselves while you are making polite enquiries at the railway station.

Conclusion

The general idea is good: a rock-solid bike mount which holds a wide variety of lights on your handlebars and faithfully lights your way at the same time.

In this respect Fenix have been successful. There has not been the slightest hint of rattling regardless of the torches used. The AF02 can be used with all standard battery-powered torches and interfaces ranging from the twisty head to the control ring and simple push switch.

In addition, those expecting to use the mount in colder temperatures will be relieved that you do not have to remove your gloves to install and remove it.

Furthermore, the rotation function means that you can adjust your visibility range by 10° with a simple click. This provides both strengths and weaknesses. The strength is of course that you can rotate the light away from your handlebars if you need to. This function does, however, make the AF02 wider than it needed to be, and certainly too wide for a handlebar which is already cluttered with other accessories.

The length of time required to assemble and remove the mount should be regarded as a further weak point. For those fortunate enough to live in communities where theft is unlikely to be an issue, you can leave the mount on the handlebars. For most people, though, this degree of trust amounts to stupidity. You will therefore have no option than to constantly remove and assemble the mount if you are using it on a daily basis. I can imagine this quickly becoming very annoying – especially in adverse weather conditions or if you are in a hurry.

Under such circumstances, you may feel the need to speed things up and perhaps drop a screw in the process. I’ve already done this twice but fortunately it happened in my garage. If, however, this occurs on a thick carpet of autumn leaves, onlookers may not be impressed by your choice of language.

Bikers patient enough to live with this will need a bag to transport the flashlight and mount. They may fit in your jacket pocket, but the two combined feel like a mini-brick.

If Fenix were able to put the AF02 on a diet and reduce the removal and assembly time, this mount could be ideal for those using a variety of flashlights.

See more in this Category

I searched online and came up with the Twofish Lockblocks bike mount. This seemed to be just what I was looking for, namely a quick release function and able to carry most torch sizes.

Editor rating
+ 8/10 great gear
Pros
+ extremely light and small
+ quick fix and release
+ fits most sizes and shapes of torches
+ suitable for rough ground
Cons
– not so easy to fix in the dark
– uncomfortable to fix in cold weather without gloves

Imagine, then, my disappointment when it arrived. It was tiny and consisted of just a small piece of rubber with a couple of Velcro straps.

After reading several positive reviews from bikers, I thought they can’t all be wrong so I tried it out this afternoon. At this point I wasn’t interested in how the bike mount performed in the dark. I merely wanted reassuring that the bike mount could even hold my torch, an olight m20 warrior premium, which is not exactly the daintiest of flashlights.

The assembly of the bike mount and torch, as shown in the video, was ingeniously simple and took seconds. I then spent 20km putting it through its paces over deep mud, normal roads, very stony bike paths up hill and down dale, deliberately riding down pavements at top speed etc. I have to stress that I do not have a mountain bike, but my bike is capable of riding on rough ground. Incredibly, for me at least, the m20 stayed where it was all the time. I occasionally checked with my hand to see that it was still holding firm – it was.

I then went out at night using lockblocks with the same torch. The good thing about this bike mount is that, because of its size, you can assemble it very close to the centre of the handlebars, thus ensuring that you have a good central beam. I deliberately chose a narrow bike path which I had not used for a long time, because I wanted to rely on the light, rather than my knowledge of the terrain. Both bike mount and torch performed sterling service here, no rattling, just a steady beam lighting up my way.  I can’t praise this gadget highly enough, at least in these early days.

One final point, when you get to your destination, disassembling both flashlight and bike mount is child’s play, which is not always the case with other products (you sometimes need a tool). Another thing: because it is so tiny, you really do not notice that it is in your pocket. However, it’s not so easy putting it back together in the dark. You can’t use the torch to light things up, because it is in the bike mount! It took me about a minute to do this, so I would recommend locking your bike next to a streetlight, if possible.

As usual I will reserve judgment on this product to see how it operates over a longer period, under adverse weather conditions etc, but for the moment it seems to be just what I was looking for.

Continue testing…

I purchased this Flashlight Bicycle Mount in December 2013 after putting it through some rigorous tests. I’ve used it several times since and it has worked very well. To be on the safe side, I thought it would be interesting to see how it performs under heavy-duty circumstances so I enlisted the help of Chris, a friend and colleague. Chris is an avid mountain-biker and rides in all weathers. He spent three hours putting it through its paces. The terrain was stony, often steep and very uneven, as opposed to the rather smoother and flatter bike paths which I had used. Chris confirmed that the bike mount performed well and held the torch firmly in place.

Many thanks, Chris!

See more in this Category