For cyclists who rely on their smartphones for navigation, fitness tracking, or staying connected, a reliable Cell Phone Bike Mount is an essential accessory. These mounts securely attach your phone to your handlebars, providing easy access while you ride. However, with a wide array of options available, finding the best cell phone bike mount can be challenging. This review examines various types of bike phone mounts, from those with phone-specific cases to universal designs, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Two-Part Mounts with Dedicated Phone Cases or Universal Adapters
Two-part mounting systems often involve a phone case specifically designed to interface with a bike mount, or a universal adapter that adheres to your existing case. These systems generally promise a more secure and streamlined attachment.
The Thule Smartphone Bike Mount stands out with its robust handlebar base and a spring-loaded bracket, complemented by silicone straps. This design aims to accommodate phones of various sizes. While installation can be somewhat cumbersome and the bulkiness is noticeable, once in place, it provides a very secure hold for your cell phone. However, compatibility issues were encountered with certain mountain bike handlebar setups during testing, even with provided shims.
The Morpheus M4s Bike Kit, previously available for iPhones, utilized a phone case system lauded for its fit and feel. Unfortunately, its screen protection lip fell short of Apple’s recommended minimum depth. Morpheus products are no longer available in the US market as of Spring 2023.
The iOmounts Nomad Universal Bike Phone Mount introduced a magnetic mounting concept. A magnetic disc attached to the phone or case paired with a zip-tie style handlebar base. Initial tests showed good phone stability. However, users found the base difficult to tighten and release. The metal disc also created incompatibility with Qi wireless charging. Klock Werks now offers a similar mount, the Nomad Universal Phone Mount, inheriting the potential wireless charging limitations.
Rokform offers an extensive line of bike mounts. The Rokform bike mounts, including the Rugged and Crystal cases for iPhones, the Universal Mount Adapter, and the V4 Pro Series Phone Bike Mount, were tested. While the V4 Pro Series appeared more robust than its predecessor, the Pro-Lite, none outperformed the Quad Lock system, especially considering the higher price point of Rokform products. Despite their sturdy build, Rokform mounts didn’t quite reach the user-friendliness and value of some competitors in the cell phone bike mount category.
The SP Connect Bike Bundle offers cases for popular phone models and a Universal Adapter. This system provides more adjustability compared to earlier versions. However, switching between portrait and landscape orientations still requires manual adjustment of the case back with a small plastic tool. This tool, while included, was not clearly labeled or mentioned in the packaging, causing potential user confusion. For riders needing frequent orientation changes, this cell phone bike mount might present inconveniences mid-ride.
The Tigra Sport FitClic Neo line mirrors the concepts of Quad Lock and Rokform but with less refined execution. The iPhone 8 Plus case was found to obstruct side buttons. The locking and unlocking mechanism, involving a small plastic lever, was not particularly user-friendly. While the standard mount felt more stable than the out-front version, both allowed more phone rattling than desired during testing. For users prioritizing ease of use and minimal vibration, the Tigra Sport system may not be ideal as a cell phone bike mount.
The Topeak Ridecase for iPhone presented shortcomings with its inadequate protective lip and lack of wireless charging compatibility. Removing the phone from the case for switching was also reported to be difficult. These factors detract from its overall practicality as a daily cell phone bike mount solution.
Fidlock’s Fidlock Vacuum Phone cases also lack wireless charging compatibility, according to user feedback on their website and other reviews. This limitation could be a significant drawback for users reliant on wireless charging for their smartphones.
Universal-Fit Silicone Straps or Plastic Braces Mounts
Universal-fit mounts utilize silicone straps or plastic braces to secure phones, offering broader compatibility without requiring specific phone cases.
The Delta Cycle X-Mount Pro features a low-profile aluminum frame designed to fit under a bike’s stem cap. Its silicone bands securely hold phones, including larger models, in portrait orientation only. However, its fixed mounting position and angle adjustability limitations might not suit all cyclists’ preferences.
The Vibrelli Universal Bike Phone Mount offers a simpler mounting process compared to the Thule, using silicone corner straps and a spring-loaded plastic bracket. However, its plastic ball-and-socket base felt less stable, potentially affecting phone security and vibration damping on rougher terrains.
The Roam Universal Premium Bike Phone Mount shares a similar spring-loaded bracket and ball-and-socket mechanism with the Vibrelli. Its handlebar mount, however, is noted for being overly complex, difficult to attach, and excessively wide, consuming significant handlebar space.
The Zéfal Universal Mobile Mount also employs a plastic ball-and-socket mount. Its plastic bracket arms require a button press to open, and once opened, they felt unstable even when locked. Fold-forward “feet” intended for phone support interfered with the silicone corner straps, creating a design conflict.
Both TrailKase products tested from Bikase, the TrailKase with Q/R 360 Degree Bracket and the TrailKase Universal Phone Holder, exhibited excessive phone rattling and shaking during rides. The former has a heavy metal base, while the latter’s plastic mount felt flimsy, both contributing to instability.
The Topeak Omni RideCase DX initially appeared sturdy. However, its wide silicone brackets obstructed the home buttons on both iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8 test phones, raising usability concerns for certain phone models.
The Ram X-Grip Phone Mount uses four spring-loaded arms with rubber knobs to grip the phone. Positioning the arms to avoid pressing side buttons proved challenging. The mount also includes a small glue vial, meant for attaching rubber knobs, but lacks clear instructions in the packaging, potentially leading to user confusion.
The Gub G-85 Bicycle Phone Holder, made entirely of aluminum, is remarkably solid for its price. However, assembly is complex, and small cushions need to be carefully applied to its metal prongs to prevent phone scratches or slippage, requiring considerable dexterity and care.
The Vup Universal Bike Cell Phone Holder, a popular inexpensive silicone bracket mount on Amazon, suffered from excessive phone rattling and bouncing during tests. Its lower strap also interfered with the iPhone 8 Plus home button.
The Ailun Silicone Strap Phone Mount Holder, another low-priced Amazon bestseller, felt too flimsy for on-bike testing. Its straps also posed potential home button obstruction issues.
The Team Obsidian Silicone Bike Mount‘s lower strap covered home buttons, and its thick silicone straps were difficult to stretch onto a phone with a case.
The Delta Cycle Smartphone Holder XL and Hefty Holder were both challenging to use for phone insertion and removal, and were considered bulky and aesthetically unappealing.
The Nite Ize HandleBand felt durable and secure, but its wide straps obscured parts of the phone screen, impacting visibility.
Waterproof Universal-Fit Phone Holder Mounts
Waterproof mounts offer protection from rain and splashes, useful for cyclists in varied weather conditions.
The Topeak Smartphone Drybag, tested in the 5-inch size, was a tight fit for an iPhone 8 Plus with a case. More significantly, the phone rattled and bobbed excessively regardless of handlebar or stem mounting, compromising screen visibility and stability.
The Bikase Handy Andy 6, attaching with Velcro straps, was easy to install and remove, and exhibited minimal phone movement on the road. However, its plastic window produced significant glare, rendering the phone screen unreadable in bright conditions. Newer versions for current phones seem unavailable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cell phone bike mount depends on individual needs and priorities. Two-part systems often offer greater security but may require specific phone cases or adapters. Universal mounts provide broader compatibility but can vary in stability and ease of use. Waterproof options add protection but may compromise usability or visibility. Carefully consider factors like phone security, ease of installation and removal, vibration damping, compatibility, and weather protection to select the best cell phone bike mount for your cycling adventures.
