Peak Design Universal Bar Mount
bike phone mount
$50 at REI (before member cash back!)
Overall Score: 89/100
- Ease of Accessing Phone: 10.0
- Security on Bumpy Terrain: 9.0
- Ease of Setup: 9.0
- Phone Protection: 6.0
Key Features:
- Specific Case Required: Yes
- Waterproof: No
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional security for mountain biking adventures.
- Effortless switching between different bikes.
- Quick and easy phone mounting and dismounting.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher price point compared to competitors.
- Needs a specific case or adapter for compatibility.
- Case may not be ideal for universal car magnetic mounts.
Specifications:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | No |
| Specific Case/Adaptor Needed | Yes |
| Rotation Capability | Yes |
| Materials | Plastic, Silicone |
The Peak Design Universal Bar Mount stands out as our top pick for the best overall bike phone holder, primarily due to its incredibly user-friendly, one-handed operation. Once you get accustomed to its mechanism, removing your phone becomes a swift, one-handed action, similar to the experience with the Quad Lock and Rokform systems. However, Peak Design distinguishes itself when remounting your phone. You only need to bring your phone reasonably close to the mount, and the integrated magnetic system takes over, securely locking it in position. Our lead tester, Chris McNamara, described it perfectly: “It reminded me of a spaceship getting pulled into a tractor beam. At a certain point, the phone seamlessly sucked to my bar.” In contrast, most other mounts require significantly more fumbling and effort to remount your phone, especially while riding. This mount excels in versatility, easily transitioning between bikes and accommodating a wide range of handlebar widths – even fitting on grocery carts, strollers, or treadmills. Its security on rough terrain is remarkable, giving you confidence even on the bumpiest trails. The dedicated phone case (sold separately) is surprisingly slim and aesthetically pleasing for everyday use.
However, the Peak Design Universal isn’t without its downsides. The necessity of purchasing a specific case for your phone substantially increases the overall cost, positioning it as one of the more expensive options in our review. Furthermore, the combination of the case and mount is the heaviest we tested. While this might be negligible for most users, weight-conscious cyclists might prefer the lighter Quad Lock. Centering the mount can be challenging unless your handlebars have a long stem. Road cyclists who prioritize a perfectly centered or forward-positioned phone might lean towards the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount discussed below. While the case is slim enough for daily use, its magnetic compatibility with “register style” car mounts is inconsistent. Ironically, a budget-friendly car phone mount by Lissen was among the few that securely held the Peak Design case. If magnetic car mounting is crucial for you, you’d likely need to invest in Peak Design’s specific car mount, which is another added expense and not easily transferable between vehicles. In our experience, finding a single case that excels both on bike handlebars and in cars remains elusive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Peak Design Universal Bar Mount’s security, streamlined design, and ease of use solidify its position as our top recommendation for daily commutes and demanding mountain bike adventures.
When the Peak Design case gets near the Universal Mount, a strong magnet pulls it in and securely locks it.
When the Peak Design case gets near the Universal Mount, a strong magnet pulls it in and securely locks it.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Top Pick for Rough Terrain: Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount
$70 at REI (before member cash back!)
Overall Score: 76/100
- Ease of Accessing Phone: 10.0
- Security on Bumpy Terrain: 9.0
- Ease of Setup: 4.0
- Phone Protection: 6.0
Key Features:
- Specific Case Required: Yes
- Waterproof: No
Reasons to Buy:
- Sleek and low-profile design integrates seamlessly with your bike.
- Exceptionally easy and fast phone access.
- Quick phone mounting and dismounting process.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Installation can be a bit more time-consuming.
- Requires a specific case or adapter for use.
- One of the pricier options available.
If you primarily ride one bike and prefer your phone positioned out front for optimal viewing, the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount emerges as our leading recommendation. It mirrors many of the advantages of the Peak Design Universal Mount but offers a more streamlined and integrated setup. Phone removal and remounting are just as effortless as with the Universal Mount, thanks to the magnetic pad that securely “sucks” your phone into place with minimal effort. It also delivers comparable security on rough terrain, albeit with a few installation considerations.
The Out Front Bike Mount received a slightly lower overall score compared to the Universal Mount due to its more involved installation and bike-swapping process. While it includes adapters, achieving a perfect fit across all handlebar widths proved challenging in our tests. For instance, the provided bar inserts were too large for our test mountain bike’s handlebars, yet without the inserts, the mount became loose and prone to slipping on bumpy terrain. We managed to resolve this by adding tape to the handlebars, but this isn’t the most elegant or user-friendly solution. It’s also more expensive than the Universal Mount and, like its counterpart, necessitates a phone-specific case. The case, again, exhibits inconsistent compatibility with standard magnetic car mounts, meaning it’s not a universal solution for bike and car use. Despite these points, if you primarily use one bike and are willing to invest a little extra time in fine-tuning the setup, this mount is excellent. However, for most cyclists seeking versatility and ease of use across multiple bikes, the Peak Design Universal Bar Mount remains the more broadly recommendable choice.
When the Peak Design case gets near the Universal Mount, a strong magnet pulls it in and securely locks it.The sleek Peak Design Case (left), the Out Front Mount (center), and Universal Mount (right).
Credit: Chris McNamara
Best Value Bike Phone Mount: Nite Ize Squeeze
bike phone mount
$26 at REI (before member cash back!)
Overall Score: 72/100
- Ease of Accessing Phone: 8.0
- Security on Bumpy Terrain: 5.0
- Ease of Setup: 10.0
- Phone Protection: 5.0
Key Features:
- Specific Case Required: No
- Waterproof: No
Reasons to Buy:
- Simple and intuitive installation process.
- Easily transferable to strollers, treadmills, or other bikes.
- Compatible with virtually any phone and keeps the screen fully visible.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not the most secure option for very bumpy terrains.
The Nite Ize Squeeze earns its place as our “Best Bang for Your Buck” choice thanks to its impressive versatility, effortless setup, and affordable price. It rivals the VUP Silicone Mount for being the most straightforward and intuitive to mount on your bike. Requiring no tools whatsoever, it fit seamlessly on every bike handlebar we tested. Once mounted, the Nite Ize allows for effortless phone rotation to any desired orientation – landscape, portrait, or anything in between. Moreover, it effortlessly transitions to strollers for walks and shopping carts for grocery runs, showcasing its adaptability beyond cycling. While it requires two hands to operate, inserting and removing your phone is quick and doesn’t involve wrestling with rubber corners like the VUP Silicone and Nite Ize Wraptor mounts.
However, the Nite Ize might not be the optimal choice for frequent riders on very bumpy terrain. While surprisingly stable for general use, it didn’t perform exceptionally well on sustained rough roads and trails. It also lacks inherent weather protection. For mounts like this, we advise using a weatherproof phone case if you anticipate riding in wet conditions. For the majority of users, the Nite Ize presents an excellent and budget-friendly mount, significantly cheaper than many higher-performing options. It’s our preferred universal mount for everyday bikes used around town. But for those planning to tackle rougher terrains, we recommend the Rokform Pro Series Quad Tab Mount, which offers superior security for mountain biking scenarios.
bike phone mount
Demonstrating the ease of taking the Nite Ize Squeeze on and off our bike.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Best Budget Bike Phone Mount: VUP Silicone Mount
Overall Score: 69/100
- Ease of Accessing Phone: 6.0
- Security on Bumpy Terrain: 6.0
- Ease of Setup: 10.0
- Phone Protection: 5.0
Key Features:
- Specific Case Required: No
- Waterproof: No
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Incredibly easy to install on various handlebars.
- User-friendly and straightforward design.
- Lightweight and minimal.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Can partially obstruct the edges of the phone screen.
- Less secure when riding on bumpy terrain.
- May not comfortably accommodate larger smartphones.
The VUP Silicone Mount is our top recommendation for cyclists seeking the Best Bike Phone Holder on a tight budget. It delivers performance remarkably close to the Nite Ize Wraptor across most metrics, yet comes at roughly half the cost. The VUP truly excels in ease of setup, being the most intuitive mount to install. It took a mere 5 seconds to secure onto our handlebars. Testers found its operation satisfyingly simple. Another standout feature is its rotational versatility, allowing for both landscape and portrait phone orientations. The VUP also shines in adaptability, easily transitioning between bikes and even to strollers. Its lightweight design is a bonus for cyclists conscious of every gram.
Despite its user-friendliness and decent performance for its simplicity, the VUP mount has some limitations. Compared to the similar Nite Ize Wraptor, the VUP mount lacks some of the aesthetic appeal and isn’t quite as adaptable to a wide range of phone sizes. Getting your phone in and out requires slightly more effort, and it does partially obscure the screen edges. If you frequently ride in inclement weather (like our testers who bike commute daily) and prefer using a weatherproof case, the VUP might not be the ideal choice. These differences make the Nite Ize a more refined overall option, but the VUP remains a very close contender at a significantly lower price. The VUP is an excellent choice for budget-conscious riders or those needing a mount for occasional use. However, if you own a larger smartphone, investing a little more in the Nite Ize Squeeze might be worthwhile.
bike phone mount – the vup is incredibly easy to swap between bikes, though phone insertion and removal takes a few momentsThe VUP is incredibly easy to swap between bikes, though phone insertion and removal takes a few moments.
Credit: Jason Peters
Best Frame Bag Phone Mount: Wild Man Bike Phone Mount Bag
wild man bike phone mount bag
Overall Score: 57/100
- Ease of Accessing Phone: 2.0
- Security on Bumpy Terrain: 8.0
- Ease of Setup: 6.0
- Phone Protection: 8.0
Key Features:
- Specific Case Required: No
- Waterproof: Yes
Reasons to Buy:
- Very secure phone retention, even on rough terrain.
- Excellent phone protection from various weather conditions.
- Universal compatibility, fits all phone sizes.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Significantly reduced touchscreen usability through the bag’s window.
- Some riders may experience knee interference with the bag while pedaling.
The Wild Man Bike Phone Mount Bag provides an affordable solution if you’re seeking a bike phone mount with integrated storage. Setup is simpler than the RockBros Waterproof Bag due to larger and more conveniently placed velcro straps and loops. This bag effectively shields your phone from all types of weather and remains securely attached to your bike, despite some minor jiggling. The bag offers ample storage for essentials like wallets, keys, or snacks.
However, bike bags like the Wild Man are quite bulky and occupy a significant portion of your bike’s top tube. Straddling the bike with the bag installed can be awkward, especially for smaller riders or those with smaller bike frames. Furthermore, the plastic window designed to protect your phone also hinders phone usability. Screen glare and reduced touchscreen sensitivity resulted in a low score in our “Ease of Phone Access” metric. Finally, some users reported phone overheating inside the bag on hot days. The Wild Man Bag is a suitable option if you prioritize weather protection and extra storage. If easy phone access is a priority, consider alternatives like the Peak Design Universal Bar Mount.
bike phone mount – accessing your phone in bike bags requires multiple steps, but you gain valuable storage spaceAccessing your phone in bike bags requires multiple steps, but on the plus side, there’s a lot of space for storage!
Credit: Madison Botzet
Product Comparison
bike phone mount – testing various bike phone mounts during a mountain bike ride
Testing multiple bike phone mounts on a casual mountain bike ride.
Credit: Madison Botzet
Why Trust GearLab
Each bike phone mount underwent extensive field testing to evaluate phone protection, ease of use, and security during fast road riding, singletrack trails, and daily commutes. We even tested these mounts on strollers and treadmills to identify the most versatile options. Setup time was also measured to determine ease of installation.
Our scoring system utilizes five key metrics:
- Ease of Accessing Phone (30% of overall score)
- Security on Bumpy Terrain (30% of overall score)
- Ease of Setup (25% of overall score)
- Phone Protection (15% of overall score)
Based in Western Montana, Madison Botzet is an avid outdoor enthusiast, spending her time trail running, mountain biking, and uphill skiing. Her hometown provides immediate access to miles of trails and gravel roads. She commutes to work by bike daily (even in snow) and avoids driving for distances under 5 kilometers. As a youth mountain bike coach and former bicycle infrastructure planner intern, Madison possesses deep understanding of bike accessory functionality. In short, Madison is passionate about cycling and spends considerable time on two wheels.
Our testing involved taking mounts on gravel roads, rocky singletrack, and city streets to determine the top performers.
The Rokform Sport Series offers versatility for transferring between bikes and strollers.
The Rokform Sport Series has the versatility to be transferred from bike to bike, or bike to stroller.
Testing on a gravel ride on a foggy fall day.
Analysis and Test Results: Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Bike Phone Holder
We evaluated bike phone mounts across five critical metrics to differentiate top contenders. Below, we detail key factors to consider when selecting a bike phone mount and how the tested models performed.
Best Value Proposition
While many bike phone mounts performed well across various metrics, their prices vary significantly. Our testers considered performance relative to price to identify the best value options. Remember that some mounts require a phone-specific case, potentially doubling the overall cost.
The Nite Ize Wraptor stood out for its excellent overall performance and relatively low price. Another value pick is the VUP mount, offering simple installation, versatility, and ease of use at a very affordable price. It even outperformed some high-end competitors in certain metrics, despite its low cost. Conversely, the Rokform Pro Series, though the most expensive, is constructed from durable aluminum, promising longevity.
The sincetop C Gen 2 is the least expensive quick-release option. However, we found the Quad Lock Out Front Bike Mount only $10 more expensive and significantly more user-friendly. While these represent budget-friendly quick-release options, we believe investing slightly more in the Peak Design models is worthwhile for frequent cyclists.
Ease of Phone Access
Ease of accessing your phone while riding is paramount. Every second counts when capturing a quick photo. We assessed how easily phones could be mounted and dismounted, mount adjustability for optimal viewing, and screen visibility.
Peak Design models excelled, offering the easiest phone removal and remounting by a considerable margin. Their “magnetic target” system requires minimal precision – simply bring your phone close, and it’s securely locked. The Quad Lock and Rokform Pro mounts were nearly as easy to remove but required more precision and time to remount, especially while biking. All four require a specific case or universal adapter for their twist-lock mechanisms, increasing cost and potentially requiring case replacements upon phone upgrades. However, the enhanced ease of use is a worthwhile trade-off for regular cyclists.
bike phone mount – side-by-side comparison of sleek cases for Quad Lock and Rokform mounts
A side-by-side comparison of the sleek cases for the Quad Lock mount and the Rokform mounts.
Credit: Madison Botzet
The Wild Man and RockBros bike bags performed worst in this metric. While affordable, universally compatible, and offering storage, they significantly hinder phone interaction. Touchscreen usability is compromised by the plastic window, potentially interfering with the home button and making phone operation slow and error-prone. Removing the phone is also a two-handed, slower process.
bike phone mount – the twist-lock mechanism makes phone mounting and dismounting easy with the Quad LockBecause of the twist-lock mechanism, it’s easy to get your phone in and out of the Quad Lock mount.
Credit: Madison Botzet
Surprisingly, the Rokform Sport Series also underperformed in ease of access. The velcro strap didn’t tighten sufficiently to stabilize the mount for twisting the phone off, often causing the mount to twist instead of the phone.
Universal silicone mounts like the Nite Ize Wraptor and VUP ranked mid-pack. Phone mounting and dismounting is straightforward but requires two hands and a bit more time – a potential inconvenience for frequent photo stops.
Security on Bumpy Terrain
Phone security is a top priority for most cyclists. Nobody wants their expensive phone to detach and get damaged. We evaluated phone movement within the mount and mount stability on handlebars.
Semi-permanent mounts and bike bags offered the best security. The Rokform Pro topped this category due to its semi-permanent steer tube installation, minimizing vibrations and movement – ideal for rough gravel or singletrack. The stem mount for the sincetop C Gen 2 is also very stable with a locking feature. When properly installed, Peak Design and Quad Lock mounts also performed well on rough terrain.
bike phone mount – testing mounts on singletrack trails; Rokform Pro and Quad Lock excelled, Rokform Sport underperformedTesting mounts on bumpy singletrack. The Rokform Pro and Quad Lock performed very well, but the Rokform Sport did not perform as well.
Credit: Madison Botzet
Wild Man Bag and RockBros Bag are secure due to their enclosed design, preventing phone ejection. However, their bulk and tendency to wiggle make them less suitable for mountain biking and can interfere with bike handling. If maximum phone security and extra storage are primary concerns, these bags are viable.
Surprisingly, the Rokform Sport Series performed relatively poorly in security. The velcro strap couldn’t be tightened enough to prevent mount shifting.
The Roam Universal and Lamicall mounts performed worst in security. Their screw-tightening mechanisms can loosen easily, and their bulk increases vibration susceptibility, potentially causing mount loosening, flipping, and phone loss. We do not recommend these for bumpy terrain.
Ease of Setup and Transfer
Ease of setup, clear instructions, and tool requirements are important factors. We timed setup for each mount to support our field observations.
Velcro or silicone strap mounts like the Peak Design Universal Mount, Rokform Sport Series, Nite Ize Wraptor, and VUP were easiest to set up. The VUP and Peak Design were incredibly intuitive, taking only seconds. The Nite Ize and Rokform Sport were nearly as quick and intuitive, also tool-free.
bike phone mount – the VUP mount was the easiest and most intuitive to set up
The VUP mount was the easiest and most intuitive to setup.
Credit: Madison Botzet
The Rokform Pro Series, Peak Design Out Front, and Quad Lock were mid-pack due to their semi-permanent installation, taking a few minutes versus seconds for strap mounts.
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bike phone mount – ensure your bike's top cap has a 1-1/8" threadless steer tube for Rokform Pro Series installation
Make sure your bike’s top cap has a 1-1/8″ threadless steer tube to install the Rokform Pro Series. Most modern road and mountain bikes do – but your cruiser bike is likely out of luck.
Credit: Madison Botzet
The Lamicall and Roam mounts were hardest to set up due to multiple finicky adjustable parts. Testers found them frustrating to install.
While bike bags were relatively easy to set up, the Wild Man was slightly easier than the RockBros bag due to larger, more convenient velcro strap loops.
Transferability to other bikes, strollers, or shopping carts is a desirable feature. We assessed transfer ease and handlebar compatibility.
The Rokform Sport Series excelled in transferability due to its ease and long straps accommodating various handlebar shapes. Its case/adapter is car mount compatible (sold separately). The Nite Ize Wraptor was runner-up, easy to transfer but slightly less versatile due to shorter straps.
The VUP is also good for users wanting transferability, though its shorter straps limit versatility somewhat.
bike phone mount – testers strapping mounts onto strollers, including the Nite Ize Wraptor
Our testers strapped mounts — including the Nite Ize Wraptor shown here — onto strollers to see how well they performed.
Credit: Madison Botzet
Phone Protection
Phone protection from rain, sun, dust, and snow is important for dedicated cyclists.
Bike bags scored highest for protection due to full phone enclosure in water-resistant material. However, Wild Man and RockBros bags compromise touchscreen usability and can cause phone overheating.
bike phone mount – the RockBros bag includes a rain cover for enhanced protection
The RockBros bag comes with a rain cover for extra protection.
Credit: Madison Botzet
Most other mounts offer no inherent weather protection, relying on the user’s phone case. We recommend waterproof, shockproof cases for these mounts if weather protection is needed. The Nite Ize Wraptor accommodates a wider range of phone sizes with cases than other universal mounts.
Users with large phones and bulky cases may find silicone mounts precarious. Semi-permanent mounts or bike bags might be better options in such cases.
Semi-permanent mounts like Rokform Sport, Rokform Pro, and Quad Lock require specific cases or universal adapters. We recommend using universal adapters with weatherproof cases.
Mounts with universal adapters like Quad Lock and sincetop allow for robust case attachment. However, adhesive case compatibility can be inconsistent, requiring careful case selection.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Bike Phone Holder for Your Needs
Bike phone holders enhance cycling by enabling ride tracking, music listening, navigation, and phone accessibility. For frequent cyclists with larger budgets, locking-style mounts are excellent, though they require some setup and bike-specific adjustments. Universal bar mounts are suitable for most users, offering affordability, easy installation, lightweight design, and a low profile. Bike bags are handy for storage but compromise touchscreen functionality. This comprehensive review simplifies your choice, helping you find the perfect bike phone holder for your road or trail adventures.
Alongside top-rated bikes and accessories, we’ve rigorously tested hundreds of products. Whether you seek specific bikes or components, our expert opinions, based on thousands of riding hours and real-world usage, are readily available. From bike computers to bike helmets and top-ranked electric bikes, our reviews guide you to the ideal product for your cycling needs.
