AutoPilot Pilot One SH30
This is a brand that should be familiar to many US based adventure racers, especially those on the East Coast. These map boards are made in Czechia and sold through Pennsylvania based race directors, Rootstock Racing. They’re a popular brand and you will certainly see a lot of them on bikes at adventure races in the States and abroad
Report Card
Top view
The underside of the Autopilot Map Board
Installed weight
The Autopilot SH30 is 292 grams when fully assembled. This is the lightest full size board we tested
Board material
The board is made of lightweight white corrugated plastic, like the kind they make yard signs from. The board spins completely around while mounted which is very helpful and the bolts feel well machined and installed to give the rider enough stability to remain securely attached while allowing for easy adjustability. Autopilot also offers several different sizes of board, along with a carbon fiber version which notably comes with a disclaimer about the potential for breakage and subsequent injury.
Top cover type
Top cover is a clear polyvinyl sheet held by Velcro at the top and elastic band quick closures with hooks on the other three sides.
Bike attachment components (materials, design)
The attachment stand is made of machined and powder coated aluminum. The bike attachment parts rely on unique plastic clips and the apparatus is attached to the board with rivets to a small PVC backer board and then to the overall board by a single throughbolt and washer. The ring and claw system is permanently attached so there is no assembly required, but that also means you cannot disassemble it for more efficient packing. As long as you get the right size for your handlebars, installation is easy. The innovative clip system allows for a tool-less installation and quick removal. Autopilot also offers a wide range of variations for the bike attachment rack to fit many different bike setups.
Durability
These components are mostly very strong and have lasted through many adventure races. The plastic clips will have a limited lifespan and may snap but they are replaceable. There is always a worry that we sacrifice durability for weight by choosing a lighter material such as the corrugated plastic, but it seems to be holding up nicely. The clips and other parts of the map holder can all be individually ordered in the event of breakage or loss.
Cost
Autopilot map boards have several models depending on your bike but the model tested is the PilotOne SH30 which costs roughly $90
Ships from / availability
In the US, contacting Rootstock Racing directly is a good option to get advice on which model to choose and which ones may have limited availability. Customers can also order through the Autopilot website, mapholders.cz
Expert trail test:
Very quick and easy to mount with no tools needed - the quickest and simplest mount of the models we tested here. The most important thing to note here is that you need to be sure to check the diameter of your bars and order the right mount. This model may not fit all handlebars.
This model features elastic band closures for the cover, which are relatively easy to open and close for map flips on the go. The only issue with these is that the elastic can wear out over time, though the bands can be replaced when needed.
This is a large, sturdy, flat board that is easy to rotate. This is one of the most sturdy models we tested, with very minimal vibration or bouncing on the bars. This board and the Nordenmark models were the most sturdy boards tested.
This model features elastic band closures for the cover, which are relatively easy to open and close for map flips on the go. The only issue with these is that the elastic can wear out over time, though the elastic can be replaced when needed.
This is a large, sturdy, flat board that is easy to rotate. This is one of the most sturdy models we tested, with very minimal vibration or bouncing on the bars. This board and the Nordenmark models were the most sturdy boards tested.
Wild card
This is probably the board that US racers have seen the most, and as a result have the most experience with. Chances are good at most races that you’ll see several of these boards on bikes at the starting line.
Overall impressions
The Autopilot SH30 map board is a strong design and takes home the top spot for lightest product in our testing field. It’s a classic design that has proven itself time and again on adventure racing courses all over the world. I have used this map board personally during a number of adventure races and have generally found no significant issues. Once attached, the whole assembly stays in place well over rocks and bumps and long rides. The top cover that secures the maps is not as tightly fitted as some of the other boards and it can become a bit loose though as the elastic straps will relax over time. And with any vinyl material, the cover is also subject to fogging during the rain. There is no included protection for the paint on your handlebars, so unless you add some rubber tape, you may be left with scratches. The powder coating on the claws will also begin to wear away if not protected.
