Smartphones are becoming increasingly useful to us riders thanks to a ton of ride-friendly training and navigation cycling apps. A dedicated bike computer won’t drain your phone’s battery, is designed specifically for the job in hand and offers connectivity (typically both ANT+ and Bluetooth) to a wide range of accessories. Using a smartphone, on the other hand, means you don’t have to splash out on a separate device and normally offers a user-friendly interface.
Plus there’s a growing number of apps and, generally speaking, you’ve always got your phone on you for quick trips by bike, so it’s a popular choice for cycling to work.
We’ve pitched the most popular bike phone mounts head-to-head to find out which are worth buying. Should you want to learn a little more about the different designs and what might work best for you, then head to our buyer’s guide towards the bottom of this page.
Best bike phone mounts, as rated by our expert testers The following products scored at least 4 out of 5 in our test. To release, pull down the retaining ring and twist – even though the lock is firm, it’s an easy operation.
With its high-quality construction and a kit system that allows you to buy only the parts you need, the Quad Lock feels worth its relatively high price. The padded bag sits on the top tube, attaching around that and the stem with Velcro straps. The phone goes easily in the lid section and is held firmly in place against the cover by Velcro flaps, which help to ensure a good connection with the touchscreen and reduce reflection. It would be a tight fit to get a spare tube and tools in there too, but a small grab-strap makes it easy to take all your valuables with you when you leave the bike.
The Zefal Bike Kit is relatively simple to fit and rock-solid in use, thanks to a no-tools-needed setup that uses rubber O-rings to attach the mount to a bar or stem. The snap-on phone case has an integral fitting that allows you to swap it between different mounts and uses – although it’s a bit too chunky to persuade us to leave it on all the time. We tested the Bike Bundle version of the SP Connect, which includes a stem cap/bar mount plus a weather cover as standard, making this good value.
For another £10 the Road Bike Bundle has an improved mount that holds the phone out front, with space for a light/camera.
This is one of the better phone cases: it has a tactile feel and the integral mount is low profile enough not to get in the way during everyday use. But there isn’t a positive click when locking it in place and it requires a firm hand to release it. The mount on the back of the case can be used as a stand – it works better in portrait mode but is useful enough to consider leaving on permanently, removing a hassle factor when setting out. There is an upgrade bracket available as an extra that holds the phone out front, with space for a light or camera.
While it’s not very sleek or hi-tech, we found ourselves warming to the Riverside 520 way more than anticipated simply because the tube-mounted twin bags are very convenient. The kicker is that the straps could be longer, which means some ingenuity is required to fix it securely in place.
The phone goes into its holder easily, but because it isn’t held firmly against the cover, reflection from the plastic can sometimes make it hard to see the screen. These sorts of mounts, generally speaking, will allow you to align your phone in either portrait or landscape orientation.
Although for the sake of keeping it out of the way of errant knees, it’s best to use portrait orientation if the phone is mounted on the stem. Instead, they use a universal mount that attaches to your handlebars or stem, and will grip practically any phone even if it’s already in a protective case.
The obvious advantage is that you don’t need to buy a new mount when you change phones (and you can lend it to people), but therein lies its disadvantage, too: we reckon they’re a lot less secure.
If you’d rather keep the real estate on your bar clear, then carrying your phone in a frame bag is the alternative.
The key consideration is whether the transparent window provides sufficient protection from the elements while also allowing you to operate the phone’s touchscreen. So if you can’t hear the audio alerts, the frame-bag option may be more suitable for riders who are willing to stop when they want to use their phones.
Most mounts come in various sizes and guises to accommodate as many varieties of phone as possible, but double-check before you plough ahead with your purchase.
Best bike-mounted phone holders: a buyer’s guide
Neat, clean and placed right in the middle of your bars, the SKS Compit system allows you to quickly flip your phone between portrait and landscape modes. These combine three core functions in one compact system; a mobile phone holder, a Qi-certified communications unit with an integrated NFC chip, plus an accessory mount for a front light or action cam. With options to fit pretty much every iPhone, the Topeak Ridecase System comprises a case for your phone and a rigid multi-position mount that fixes to the bike. Allowing you to flip the phone’s orientation from portrait to landscape, the case itself features a non-slip, polymer/rubber exoskeleton for shock and impact protection. For non-iPhone users, the band also makes a stretchy-armed holster called the Topeak Ridecase Omni DX that’ll work with any device with a screen between 4.5 and 6.5-inches wide. Whichever you choose, Tigra’s two-part kits all start with a close-fitting polycarbonate case with a soft thermoplastic exterior.
Likey to be left on your phone full time, this offers some extra bump protection, while its back houses a discrete fixing for the brand’s Fitclic Neo Magnetic mounts. A bit pricier than the knock-offs you can find all over the internet, it’s a cost worth paying for the added security its tougher-than-average construction offers.
Similar in style to the fixings most roadies use for their bike computer, the SP Connect system is significantly less geeky than many cases we’ve seen.
Allowing you to strap your phone to the bike in either portrait or landscape modes, this simple and cheap silicone holster will also work as a stand for your dashboard.
The Best Bike Phone Holders And Mounts For Urban Cycling
You can get mounts to attach to your handlebars or the stem tube of your bike, and while some are more secure than others, all those on this list are robust and steady enough to keep your phone in place (on reasonably well-maintained roads at least). The latter are often cheaper and easier to use, but the hard cases offer more protection and often come with a reassuringly secure clip-in or twist-in mount. On the surface, the Bike Kit from Zéfal might look identical to the Quad Lock offering, but it has one key difference – a waterproof case. The holder is also easy to attach to your handlebars or swap to another bike, making it a useful purchase for regular users of bike-share schemes. Quad Lock’s products are by no means cheap, but the mount is secure and lightweight, and you can easily swap from a portrait to a landscape set-up on your phone depending on what’s best for the app you’re using. Once you’ve picked up the mount you’ll have to shop for the phone case separately, but a comprehensive range of models are covered on the Quad Lock site. A frame bag offers a third way to keep one eye on directions, although because it’s located on the crossbar it’s harder to see and interact with your phone. It is, however, waterproof and there’s a fair bit of storage in the bag to carry essentials like a spare inner tube and tyre levers.
Best Bike Phone Mount of 2021
Most secure for mountain biking Most streamlined mount Easy on and off of the phone Expensive Requires specific adaptor or case Only fits handlebars with 1-1/8″ threadless steer tube It is expensive, but spending the money on this mount may be worth it if you don’t want to risk your phone flying off while on bumpy terrain. The twist-lock mechanism makes it extremely easy to take your phone on and off the mount for photos or calls. Another potential limitation is that it can’t be used on strollers or treadmills unlike other award-winners such as the Nite Ize or the VUP. This mounting system is the most expensive in the lineup, but its streamlined, secure, aluminum build is great for everyday commuting, speedy road cycling, and hard-core mountain bike rides alike. Our testers’ favorite feature is the ease of accessing the phone and the ability to remove it quickly and easily with one hand.
The Quad Lock was our testers’ favorite day-to-day pick due to its overall performance, but it did lag in some metrics. Because of its semi-permanent installation, this phone mount is not a great pick if you want the versatility to use it on multiple bikes, strollers, or treadmills.
The Quad Lock stands out for its ease of phone access, sleek profile, and security on bumpy terrain. This model’s big, blue tab makes it easy to quickly remove your phone to snap photos.
Very inexpensive Easy to install User-friendly design Not the most secure for mountain biking Doesn’t easily accommodate larger phones This is especially an issue if you plan to ride in weather (like our testers who bike-commute to work most days) and want to use a weatherproof case on your phone.
These differences made the Nite Ize stand out, but the VUP is close in comparison and at almost half the price. At the end of the day, the VUP is a good choice for the rider on a budget or someone who only uses a bike phone mount occasionally. Versatility, ease of setup, and low price make the Nite Ize Wraptor one of our testers’ favorites. Additionally, the Nite Ize seamlessly transferred onto strollers for walks and shopping carts for grocery store runs.
The Nite Ize may not be the best choice for you if you plan to solely ride singletrack; the mount is surprisingly stable but if you miss putting a corner entirely on, your phone is at risk of falling out. Very secure on bumpy terrain Great protection from weather Fits all phones Reduced touchscreen usability Some riders hit knees on bag while riding
The downside is that they significantly impact touchscreen useability due to glare and decreased screen sensitivity. Hailing from Western Montana, Madison Botzet spends her time trail running, mountain biking, and uphill skiing.
She commutes to work every day via bike (not a small feat when it’s snowing) and has made a pact not to drive anywhere less than 5 kilometers away. Extensive field testing occurred with each mount to assess phone protection, ease of access, and security while riding fast on roads, flowing on single-track, and making quick commutes. To help separate some of the close competitors, we put to test all the bike mounts across five different metrics. Many of the bike phone mounts performed relatively well across a variety of metrics, but they vary quite a bit in price.
Our testers considered the best-performing mounts relative to their prices to help you find the best bang for your buck. Catching the attention of our testers was the Nite Ize Wraptor for its outstanding overall performance and relatively low price. Another value pick with one of the lowest prices in the lineup is the VUP mount, which is simple to install, versatile, and easy to use. Though it is the most expensive phone mount, the Rokform Pro Series is made of aluminum and is a good investment because it’s built to last.
One of the most important considerations for people when buying a bike mount is how easy it is to access the phone when you are out on a ride. It takes multiple steps to access your phone in bike bags, but on the plus side, there’s a lot of space for storage! Performing in the middle of the pack were the universal silicone mounts like the Nite IzeWraptor, the VUP, and the Ailun. The Rokform Pro topped the pack since it is semi-permanently installed over the bike’s steer tube and is less inclined to vibrate or move at all. If your primary concern is keeping your phone safe from flying out of the mount and you want extra storage then these bags are a good pick. Surprisingly, the Rokform Sport Series performed relatively poorly because the velcro strap could not be tightened enough to stop the mount from shifting on the bike. These are potential issues because it makes it possible for the mounts to loosen and flip upside down, causing you to lose your phone. The easiest mounts to set up are those with velcro or silicone staps like the Rokform Sport Series, the Nite Ize Wraptor, and the VUP.
The Nite Ize and Rokform Sport both only took a few seconds longer than the VUP and were equally as intuitive to set up. Make sure your bike’s top cap has a 1-1/8″ threadless steer tube to install the Rockform Pro Series. Our testers took into account that some people are dedicated enough to ride their bikes in the rain, sun, dust, and snow – and want to keep their phones protected from the elements while doing so.
However, the drawbacks of the WildMan and RockBros bags are that they reduce touch screen usability and could lead to your phone overheating on warm rides.
Our testers considered how easy they were to transfer as well as how accommodating the mounts were to different sizes and shapes of bars to install onto. The Rokform Sport Series performed best in this metric because of the ease of transferability and the long strap lengths that can accommodate the handlebar shapes of strollers, shopping carts, and treadmills alike.
The case or universal adapter that works for the Rokform Sport is also compatible with a car mount, but you must purchase it separately. The runner-up in this category was the Nite Ize Wraptor because it’s easy to transfer but is slightly less versatile due to a shorter strap length.
Our testers strapped mounts — including the Nite Ize Wraptor shown here — onto strollers to see how well they performed. The VUP and the Ailun are good picks for users who want to transfer their mount to multiple bikes or strollers.
Whatever your needs might be, we hope that this comprehensive review will help make your decision that much easier so that you can get out on the road or trail.
Best Bike Phone Mount 2020
A bike phone mount might be the answer for you, allowing you to transform your smartphone into an all-singing, all-dancing head unit for a much smaller cost. Not only does a smartphone have all the features you could want from an entry-level GPS unit, including maps and the ability to display live stats through a third-party app such as Strava, but it can also be used to make calls, send texts and post the obligatory mid-ride selfie on social media. In all, this bike mount is easy to attach and adjust, and it holds your phone securely in place whether you want it horizontal or vertical. A caddy system is generally the cheapest way of getting the most out of your phone when on the move, and the 900 Waterproof Smartphone holder from Decathlon’s in-house brand Triban is a great entry-level offering.
The holder clips to your stem or handlebar using a tool-free mount, and it is possible to ride with the caddy in either a portrait and landscape orientation. The bag is secured to your bike’s stem and top tube using three Velcro strips, which should keep things in place while riding. The Quad Lock is a clever piece of kit that attaches your smartphone to your bike’s handlebars or stem using a specially designed phone case and mount set-up. It allows your smartphone to be securely attached to your bike using a double-locking system, ensuring it can’t fall off mid-ride, regardless of the terrain.
It also keeps all of the features of your smartphone, such as the camera, uncovered, meaning taking a picture while out on your bike is as easy as unclipping the lock. The case is able to handle even the worst conditions that you’re likely to encounter when out on the bike, while it’s still possible to use a touchscreen and the rear camera when your phone is clipped in. What’s more, the bands won’t cover any front-facing cameras or fingerprint sensors, leaving your smartphone fully functional, even when it’s in the case. Unlike the caddy system offerings above, the phone holder isn’t waterproof but is perfect for fair-weather cyclists.
Finally, its tool-free installation and 360° rotation design make it an adaptable piece of kit ideal for cycling, but also for attaching to other things such as a child’s buggy or a treadmill. The entry-level Cateye Velo Wireless is a good place to start if you just want to be able to clearly see your cycling stats when riding.
At the other end of the spectrum lies the likes of the Garmin 830 and Wahoo Elemnt Roam, which include features such as training plans, detailed maps and all-day battery life. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
The Best Bike Phone Mount
In our tests, phones vibrated hardly at all—let alone rattled or shook—in the Quad Lock products, no matter how bumpy the road became. Both the phone cases and the universal adapter twist to lock into place on the mount, which in turn clamps onto a bike’s handlebars. The indented socket on the case’s back was among the least noticeable of the case-type bike mounts we tested.
Best waterproof cycling phone cases reviewed
For other people it makes more sense to keep their phone as unencumbered as possible most of the time then add a case for riding when it’s necessary. Rapha Rainproof Essentials Case Specifications Which phones will it fit: Universal Reasons to buy + Looks great + Low price Reasons to avoid – Slippery TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Rapha UK View at John Lewis Check Amazon If you like to keep your bike free of luggage and stuff things in your jersey pockets the Rapha rainproof essentials case is a perfect solution. Inside the waxed canvas outer is a small dry bag for a phone, cards and cash.
The Sea To Summit TPU Guide gets an IPX8 waterproof ratings, and that’s enough protection to handle complete immersion. Lifeproof Fre Case Specifications Which phones will it fit: iPhone se (2nd gen), 8/7, 8/7Plus, 11, 11 pro max, 6/6s, 6/6s Plus, XR, Xs, Xs Max Samsung Galaxy S10/S10+, S9/S9+, S8 Reasons to buy + Leave it on all the time + Shockproof Reasons to avoid – Expensive TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon
The Lifeproof Fre works with most modern iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models and it protects and waterproofs your phone. Hitcase Splash – Waterproof iPhone Case Specifications Which phones will it fit: iPhone Xr, Xs Max, 7/8/SE, 7/8 Plus, X/Xs Reasons to buy + Leave it on all the time + Shockproof + Great for photography Reasons to avoid – Makes it hard to use the edge of the screen TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon
The three-point mounting helps keep the whole unit stable by triangulating between the handlebars and the stem, while using a hook and loop closure system should mean it works no matter what size your bars you have. One of the newest contenders of the phone mount market, Quad Lock claim to be the strongest and lightest system out there.
Some mounting systems offer the chance to replace your bike’s stem cap with one that will allow you to connect your phone clearing up your handlebar space. If you prefer to have the phone on the edge of your sight then a handlebar mount may be a better option but the con will be the added clutter to your cockpit.
Best Bike Phone Holders + Mounts [Top 4 in 2021]
✅ WE FOUND THAT OTHER PHONE HOLDER FOR BIKE MODELS WERE MADE WITH CHEAP PARTS THAT FELL APART OR BROKE WITH USE. Use our Bike & Motorcycle phone holder with devices ranging from 4.0” – 6.7” and maximum thickness (with case and pop-socket)… Perfect iPhone holder for bike – but can also fit various Samsung and HTC devices, too (all for phones below 6”). Unique model – clear, touch-sensitive and sun visor design, and can be set up either vertically or horizontally depending on your preference while cycling. With a waterproof handlebar bag made from quality PU, PVC and polyester material to boot, you’ll be brilliantly equipped with this holder on your bike. 【UNIQUE DESIGN BIKE PHONE MOUNT】Clear TPU touch sensitive & Sun visor design , you can operable with over 90% sensitivity, 6.5 inch screen can be placed,cover the sun board and waterproof zipper…
Fully-protected smartphone holder for bike – its upgraded anti-slip pad means it will keep your phone in place without you worrying about it falling off should you cycle over rougher terrain. Free installation also makes it simple to attach to all types of bike handlebar.
This classic one-piece handlebar phone holder also boasts 360-degree flexibility, and has been upgraded to be detachable, too.
Now, the Quad Lock works a bit differently from the other bike phone mounts mentioned here.
The mount itself is really small and can be fitted to your handlebars to provide an extremely secure way to attach your bike. Although this will set you back a little more than other mounts, this means you can also buy accompanying accessories so that you can quick, securely and easily attach your phone to other places (i.e. your car).
If you want a minamistic and elegant Samsung or iPhone bike mount, Quad Lock is the best around.
11 Best Bike Phone Holders (UK)
Whilst some may underestimate the use for this piece of equipment, many cycling enthusiasts know first hand how invaluable these holders can be to your fitness journey. For instance, if you get lost or hurt during your outing, having your phone makes calling for help or contacting somebody instantly accessible – granted that it is charged!
At OriGym, we encourage all our readers to bring their phones with them when cycling in unfamiliar areas; we guarantee if anything, it will provide peace of mind. For smartphone users, you can also track your performance using amazing cycling apps, such as Strava, Komoot, and MapMyRide, all of which detail statistics such as speed, cadence, calories burned, elevation and distance travelled.
By using a phone mount for bikes, you will be able to have this information displayed directly in front of you, allowing you to track it throughout your journey rather than having to keep constantly checking your pockets for updates. However, if you want an alternative use for cycling apps, many others can be used to track bike trails and routes, making your navigational process that much easier. The best phone holder for bikes will always have high levels of durability, there is quite literally no point in buying a flimsy product as you’ll only have to replace it every few months. Typically, the best phone holder for bikes will last for several years, which is an impressive feat considering this small piece of equipment will take quite the beating when out on the trail.
At OriGym, we advise all our readers to consider the following questions in relation to the durability of a bicycle phone holder :
This may seem like a small detail but it can make all the difference, as certain holders are designed to accommodate a bike’s specific shape and size.
These specific phone holders wouldn’t be able to handle the instability caused by the moving road and tires and may fall off and break during your journey. Similar to the point made above, when buying a phone mount for a bike, you must consider how you want to view your screen – do you wish to see it vertically or horizontally?
Alternatively, we would recommend purchasing a bike phone mount with a good warranty, as you will be able to return at any notice, should it become defective. We recommend buying a product that looks as good as it operates, why settle for a bicycle phone holder that is highly functional, but doesn’t look the part, especially for the frequent cyclers? Whatsmore, the Delta Hefty+ is regarded as one of the best phone holders for bikes as it is designed to offer multiple mounting options. You can rest assured that your smartphone will be well-protected by this phone mount’s integrated silicone bumpers, which not only divert water from the screen, but are specifically designed to reduce vibration and prevent scratches.
So what are you waiting for, this mobile phone holder for bikes is a top-of-the-line product, with features that will only benefit and enhance your overall cycling experience. To attach and remove the Threo Bike Phone Holder simply grip and squeeze its side, this will prompt the four arms to clamp or loosen, it’s that simple! These four arms are made with silicone and act as an anti-shock method of protection, helping to prevent scratching and securely holding your phone in place. But that’s not all, this silicone is also completely waterproof, meaning that you’ll never have to worry over water damage, simply ride with peace of mind.
This specific design will keep the rear smartphone camera exposed, giving you the opportunity to record your ride for future reference.
This may sound like a hindrance, but OriGym guarantees that it’s a benefit, as it means you will never accidentally knock the holder off when adjusting your viewing angle. With its expanding spring-loading mechanism, the Roadvise’s bicycle phone mount is also compatible with all types of smartphones, and can stretch up to 4 inches wide. With the CushBike silicone handlebar phone holder, you can attach your mobile to your bike in either landscape or portrait mode.
Once secure, use your phone in whichever manner you deem most beneficial to you and your overall practice, CushBike personally recommends using it alongside GPS apps such as Google Maps. Simply pull the ladder-style strap through the body of the mount, then the tension will hold the silicone phone holder in place until you choose to manually release it. Speaking of silicone, this material is incredibly useful as it will provide your phone with a cushioned protection should it ever fall off during a bike ride. This CushBike phone holder has been incredibly well-received within the market, with an impressive 5 start rating on the company website. Users of the site claim the idea is simple but very effective, with an optimal performance level this is a phone holder that should be on everyone’s list. Made with durable grade silicone, BTR markets its product as the easiest possible way of attaching your phone to your bike.
Speaking of preference, you don’t need to worry about this product not being suitable for your make of phone, as it’s designed to be compatible with every smartphone on the market today. If you decide to purchase this particular product, you’ll be receiving so much more than just a mobile phone holder for bikes, as this versatile piece of equipment can also be adapted to fit pushchairs, scooters, treadmills and practically anything else with a handlebar. However, don’t be fooled by the price, the Matebike UK Phone Holder is just as effective as the more pricer entries, and is the perfect piece of equipment for those of you who are on a budget.
This particular bicycle phone mount features robust and flexible silicone bands which stretch and adapt to the shape of your smartphone, meaning that it can mold to whatever make or model you may have. With this added support cracked screens will be a thing of the past, thanks to the hilder which prevents your phone from rattling or shaking whilst you cycle. The Asnoty phone mount for bikes has all four of its corners equipped with non-slip silicone pads, providing unparalleled levels of protection.
With this feature, you won’t need to use force to detach this bike mobile phone holder, simply twist and pull off. Additionally, this bike phone holder comes with a patented dual lock system and sticks well to both metals and plastics with its 3M VHB adhesive. Every kit provided by Quad-Lock Bikes comes with a top-of-the-range universal adaptor, applicable to any make and model of phone. Finally, the pro version comes with all of the aforementioned features, as well as an added black anodised CNC aluminium mounting arm as well. This is arguably one of the more tech-forward products to feature on our list, and if you’re a lover of all things tech, then you’re sure to enjoy our article dedicated to the 15 best cycling headphones. For example, it can be used as a mountain bike phone holder, or you could choose to incorporate it into the set-up of your motorcycle or golf cart.
Within this article, we have previously discussed the benefits of convenience, and the Autkors Bike Phone Holder is another example of an easy-to-use product due to its one-hand operation. Whether you decide to use this product as a phone holder for exercise bikes, or incorporating it into other vehicles we can guarantee you’ll be pleased with the results. You don’t want to be constantly taking your phone in and out of your pocket to check your speed, track your data or navigate through your latest cycling route. Many of the products we have listed vary in price, sturdiness, and style, so hopefully we have included the perfect bicycle phone mount that matches all your interests.
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