One of the reasons people shortlist Advanced SimRacing is the way they offer multiple wheel deck / wheelbase mounting options across their rigs (standard wheel deck, Fanatec side mounts, front mounts for MiGE-style wheelbases, and Asetek-specific options).
This guide explains those mount styles in plain English, shows you what they change in terms of ergonomics and rigidity, and then maps the same logic to the SIMGASM mount system so you can build a cockpit that’s compatible with today’s hardware and tomorrow’s upgrades.
The 4 mounting styles you’ll see on Advanced SimRacing rigs
1) Standard wheel deck (bottom mount)
This is the “universal” starting point. It’s typically a plate that supports bottom-mounted wheelbases. It’s great for many entry and mid-range ecosystems, but it can limit height/tilt adjustability compared to a true front mount.
2) Fanatec side mount
Side mounts are common for certain Fanatec wheelbases. They can be very rigid and keep the wheel lower, but they require the correct bracket spacing and sometimes spacers.
3) Front mount (MiGE / Simucube / VRS / similar)
Front mounting puts bolts on the front face of the wheelbase. Done right, it’s extremely stiff and gives you excellent adjustment options for wheel height and angle.
4) Asetek front mount
Asetek bases often use their own front mount patterns. When the mount is designed specifically for the ecosystem, it simplifies installation and avoids “slot and hope” mounting.
What changes between bottom, side and front mounting
| Mount type | Big advantage | Common downside | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom mount | Simple and common | Sometimes less tilt/height flexibility | Entry to mid direct drive, simpler builds |
| Side mount | Very rigid, clean integration | Needs correct brackets and spacing | Fanatec ecosystems and some specific bases |
| Front mount | Maximum stiffness and adjustability | Requires correct hole pattern and alignment | Simucube, VRS and other MiGE-style bases |
How to do the same thing on SIMGASM (and stay future-proof)
SIMGASM uses a modular approach: choose the base structure, then pick the mount plate that fits your wheelbase.
- Wheelmount base set as the foundation.
- Front wheelmount for Simucube/VRS/Asetek-style front mounting.
- Bottom wheelmount for traditional bottom-mounted wheelbases.
- Fanatec side mount when you want side mounting.
Ergonomics tip: mount choice changes steering geometry
Mount choice affects:
- wheel height (hands at ~9-and-3 without shrugged shoulders),
- wheel distance (elbows slightly bent at full lock),
- steering axis angle (too flat can strain wrists; too steep can make long stints tiring).
If you want a deeper setup workflow, read our steering angle and wheel rotation guide and then re-check your seat distance once the wheel is fixed.
Recommended SIMGASM gear
- SIMGASM Club (80x40) for most direct drive and load cell setups
- SIMGASM Sport (120x40) for more adjustability and cleaner cable routing
- SIMGASM Atlas GT seat for a supportive GT posture
- SIMGASM Apex freestanding triple monitor stand if you want monitors isolated from rig vibrations
- Shifter and handbrake mount for rally, drift or sequential setups
More Advanced SimRacing guides
- Advanced SimRacing pedal tray and heel rest setup: stiffness, angle and comfort vs SIMGASM peripheral deck
- Flat face profile cable management: Advanced SimRacing vs SIMGASM Sport and Pro clean build tactics
- Advanced SimRacing caster wheels and rig mobility: move the cockpit without sacrificing driving stability
- Advanced SimRacing rig footprint planning: 50x22 base size, monitor distance and room layout tips