Keeping your phone accessible and visible while biking has become increasingly essential. Whether you rely on GPS for navigation, monitor fitness apps, or simply want entertainment during indoor training, a reliable bike phone holder is a must-have accessory. Many cyclists often ask: “What’s the best way to mount my phone on my bike?”. Finding the right bike phone holder involves considering several factors, primarily how securely it holds your valuable smartphone, how easy it is to use on the go, its adjustability for optimal viewing, and the simplicity of its installation. Let’s explore some of the top Bike Phone Holders and delve into the key features to consider when choosing the best option for your cycling needs.
| My Favorite Case & Holder | Description | Price & Purchase Links |
|---|---|---|
| – Peak Design Everyday Case – Pair with Universal Bar Mount | Offers robust protection and seamless magnetic attachment with Peak Design mounts for ultimate security and convenience. | – $49.95 – Buy on Amazon – Buy on Peak Design |
| – Peak Design Universal Bar Mount – Ideal for city biking; quick installation and reliable hold even on bumpy roads. | – $49.95 – Buy on Amazon – Buy on Peak Design | |
| – Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount | Provides a secure squeeze grip and 360-degree rotation for versatile phone positioning on your bike. | |
| – Nite Ize HandleBand Universal Smartphone Bar Mount – Offers basic security and ease of use for casual city rides; simple band attachment. | – $17.99 – Buy Now | |
| – Banjo Brothers Bar Top Bag with Phone Sleeve – Keeps your phone viewable yet discreetly stored in a bar-top bag, ideal for riders who prefer a less exposed setup. | – $19.99 – Buy Now |
Peak Design Everyday Case: A top choice for cyclists seeking a blend of phone protection and mounting versatility.
Peak Design Universal Bar Mount for bicycles
Peak Design Universal Bar Mount: Known for its robust build and secure grip, perfect for urban and trail cycling.
Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount for handlebars
Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Mount: Offers easy phone insertion and removal with a rotating feature for optimal viewing angles.
Nite Ize HandleBand Universal Smartphone Bar Mount on bike
Nite Ize HandleBand Mount: A simple, elastic band solution for cyclists needing quick and basic phone access.
Banjo Brothers Bar Top Bag with Phone Sleeve for cycling
Banjo Brothers Bar Top Bag: Combines phone visibility with storage, ideal for cyclists seeking utility and discretion.
Ensuring Your Phone Stays Secure on Your Bike
The primary concern when choosing a bike phone mount is the safety of your smartphone, especially when navigating uneven terrains or encountering potholes. Bike phone holders employ various mechanisms to secure your device, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Rubber Strap Bike Phone Holders
These are among the most affordable and widely accessible bike phone mount types. They typically utilize rubber or silicone straps to wrap around your phone, securing it to the handlebar. Rubber strap holders are generally versatile and can accommodate various phone sizes. However, a potential drawback is their durability over time. Frequent adjustments or stretching can degrade the elasticity of the rubber, potentially compromising the grip, especially if you often switch between phones of different sizes. Despite this, they offer a user-friendly solution that avoids over-tightening on your phone and works with most phone cases.
Jaw Style Bike Phone Holders
Jaw-style holders utilize clamps that tighten around your phone, usually at two or four points. This design offers a significant advantage in terms of adaptability, readily accommodating phones of varying sizes within their clamp range. This makes them a practical choice for households with multiple cyclists using different phones. The main consideration with jaw-style mounts is the potential for over-tightening. It’s crucial to adjust the clamps carefully to avoid damaging your phone case or phone itself.
Peak Design bike phone mount case on handlebar
Peak Design Everyday Case mounted on a bicycle: Showcasing a secure and sleek integration of phone and bike.
Dedicated Phone Case or Adapter Systems
Dedicated systems, popularized by brands like Quad Lock and Peak Design, represent a more integrated approach. These systems involve using a specialized phone case or a stick-on adapter that interfaces with a bike mount. The primary benefit is exceptional security and a streamlined profile. The phone case or adapter locks firmly onto the handlebar mount, providing confidence even on rough rides. Peak Design’s Everyday Mobile Phone Case and Universal Bar Mount system exemplifies this approach, offering a blend of elegance and robust functionality. While initially more expensive due to the need for a dedicated case or adapter, these systems are increasingly favored for their reliability and minimal bulk. It’s worth noting that case availability can be limited to popular phone models, though universal stick-on adapters broaden compatibility.
Bag Style Phone Holders
Before smartphones achieved water resistance, bag-style phone holders were a popular choice for weather protection. These typically involve a clear pouch integrated into a handlebar bag, allowing you to view and sometimes interact with your phone through the transparent cover. While less prevalent now, they still appeal to cyclists who prefer to keep their phone screen less exposed or need added protection from the elements.
Bike Phone Mount, Holder, or Pouch: Choosing What Suits You
The terms “bike phone mount” and “bike phone holder” are often used interchangeably, generally referring to devices that securely attach your phone to your bike’s handlebars or stem for easy viewing. “Phone pouch” usually refers to bag-style holders, which, as discussed, offer a more enclosed storage solution.
For cyclists who frequently stop for photos or need quick phone access while locking up their bikes in urban environments, dedicated mount systems offer the best convenience despite a higher initial cost. However, versatile bike phone holders provide a practical and often more budget-friendly alternative. Phone pouches or bags are becoming niche but remain useful for those prioritizing phone concealment or extra weather protection.
Adjustability for Optimal Viewing
Adjustability is a key feature for many cyclists. The ability to adjust the viewing angle of your phone can significantly reduce glare from the sun and optimize visibility in different riding positions. While some basic bike phone mounts offer limited or no adjustability, higher-end models often include mechanisms for tilting or rotating your phone. Some mounts require tools for adjustment, while band-mounted options can sometimes be tweaked on the fly, offering greater convenience during rides.
Installation Ease: Getting Started Quickly
Ease of installation is particularly important for cyclists who switch mounts between bikes frequently or travel often. Bike phone mounts typically employ one of three main installation methods:
Clamshell style bike phone mount installation
Clamshell bike mount installation: Demonstrating a secure and centered handlebar mounting for smartphones.
Clamshell with Bolt or Screw
This method involves a two-part clamp (clamshell) that encloses the handlebar and is tightened with a bolt or screw. Often, shims are needed to accommodate different handlebar diameters, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Clamshell mounts are known for their stability and clean aesthetics, especially when positioned in front of the handlebars or above the stem. Out-front mounts, like the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount, are popular among road cyclists for their streamlined look and secure hold. However, the quality of hardware and shims can vary, with cheaper versions sometimes prone to wear or breakage.
Cheap rubber band bike phone mount
Rubber band bike phone mount: Illustrating a simple and adaptable mounting solution using elastic bands.
Zip Ties or Elastic Bands
Mounts using zip ties or elastic bands offer greater versatility in terms of mounting locations, including stems and various handlebar sections. They often require fewer shims and can adapt to irregular shapes more easily.
Self-Attaching Rubber Bands
These are the quickest to install, utilizing a rubber band that loops around the handlebar and secures with buckles or notches. While incredibly convenient, they may still require shims for optimal tension and grip. The Peak Design Universal Bar Mount, with its rubber band system, is ideal for city biking and travel, allowing for easy removal and re-attachment, even on bike-share bicycles.
Considering a Complete Cell Phone Mount System
For cyclists looking beyond just bike mounting, systems like Peak Design Mobile or Quad Lock offer a broader ecosystem of accessories. These systems include car mounts, charging docks, tripod attachments, and more, providing seamless phone integration across various aspects of daily life.
Protect Your Screen: Don’t Forget a Screen Protector
Regardless of the robustness of your bike phone mount, a screen protector is an essential safeguard for your phone. Brands like Ailun offer reliable and durable screen protectors that can absorb impacts and prevent screen damage from accidental drops or crashes. Replacing a screen protector is far less costly than repairing a cracked phone screen.
Final Verdict
Having tested numerous bike phone mounts, the options highlighted represent some of the best currently available. The ideal choice depends on your specific cycling style, budget, and priorities, whether it’s ultimate security, ease of use, or system integration. If you have a bike phone mount you particularly recommend, share your experience!
