Staying connected while cycling has become increasingly important, whether you’re navigating city streets, exploring scenic trails, or simply tracking your fitness progress. A reliable Cell Phone Holder For Bike is an essential accessory for any cyclist who wants to keep their phone secure and accessible during rides. Choosing the right mount, however, can be tricky with so many options available. This guide dives into the world of bike phone mounts, drawing from expert reviews to help you make an informed decision and find the best cell phone holder for bike for your specific needs.
Two-Part Mounting Systems: Dedicated Cases vs. Universal Adapters
One popular category of cell phone holder for bike employs a two-part system. This typically involves a dedicated phone case or a universal adapter that attaches to your phone, which then securely connects to a mount fixed on your handlebars.
The Thule Smartphone Bike Mount offers a unique approach within this category. It features a robust base designed to clamp across the handlebars’ center, utilizing a spring-loaded bracket combined with silicone straps. This design aims to accommodate phones of various sizes. Reviewers noted its substantial build and somewhat lengthy installation process. However, once installed, it provided a secure hold for phones even on bumpy road bike rides. A drawback mentioned was its potential incompatibility with certain mountain bike handlebar setups, even with the provided shims.
Alt text: The Thule Smartphone Bike Mount securely holds a phone on a bicycle handlebar, demonstrating its robust two-part system for stability during rides.
Another example, the Morpheus M4s Bike Kit, was designed specifically for iPhones. It included a phone case praised for its comfortable feel and precise fit. However, concerns were raised about the case’s lip not meeting Apple’s recommended minimum for screen protection. It’s also worth noting that Morpheus products were reported to be unavailable in the US as of spring 2023.
The iOmounts Nomad Universal Bike Phone Mount presented an interesting magnetic mounting concept. It used a magnetic disc, attached to the phone or case, to connect to the handlebar mount. Initial tests showed the magnet provided good stability. However, users found the base difficult to tighten and release, and the metal disc made it incompatible with Qi wireless charging. A similar product, the Nomad Universal Phone Mount from Klock Werks (who acquired iOmounts), is anticipated to have the same wireless charging limitation.
Alt text: The iOmounts Nomad Universal Bike Phone Mount utilizes a magnetic disc for phone attachment, showcasing an alternative mounting mechanism for bicycles.
Rokform offers a broad range of bike mounts, and several of their products were tested, including the Rugged and Crystal cases for iPhone 8 Plus, the Universal Mount Adapter for Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, and the V4 Pro Series Phone Bike Mount. While considered sturdy, particularly the V4 Pro Series, none of the Rokform mounts tested outperformed the Quad Lock system, especially considering their higher price point.
The SP Connect Bike Bundle is another adjustable cell phone holder for bike system. It offers dedicated cases for various iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models, along with a Universal Adapter for other phones. While more adjustable than previous versions, switching between portrait and landscape modes still requires manual adjustment using a small plastic tool. This tool’s purpose was not immediately obvious from the packaging, requiring users to consult the online manual for clarification.
Alt text: The SP Connect Bike Bundle includes a phone case and handlebar mount, illustrating a comprehensive system for securing smartphones on bikes.
The Tigra Sport FitClic Neo line shares conceptual similarities with Quad Lock and Rokform, but user experience evaluations indicated it was less refined. Issues included the iPhone 8 Plus case obstructing side buttons and a somewhat cumbersome locking/unlocking mechanism using a small plastic lever. While the standard mount was deemed more stable than the out-front version, test phones exhibited more rattling in both configurations compared to preferred models.
The Topeak Ridecase for iPhone was criticized for lacking sufficient screen protection due to an inadequate protective lip. It also was not compatible with wireless charging. Users also reported difficulty removing the phone from the case.
Fidlock Vacuum Phone cases are also reported to be incompatible with wireless charging based on user reviews from the company’s website and other sources.
Universal-Fit Silicone Straps or Plastic Braces: Simpler Mounting Solutions
For cyclists seeking simpler and often more affordable cell phone holder for bike options, mounts utilizing universal-fit silicone straps or plastic braces are readily available.
The Delta Cycle X-Mount Pro features a low-profile, forged-aluminum frame. Its unique design allows it to be mounted only under a bike’s stem cap, with no adjustability for viewing angle. It uses sturdy silicone bands to securely hold phones, including larger models, but only in portrait orientation.
Alt text: The Delta Cycle X-Mount Pro is mounted under a bicycle stem cap, showcasing its minimalist design for holding cell phones on bikes.
The Vibrelli Universal Bike Phone Mount uses silicone corner straps and a spring-loaded plastic bracket to secure the phone. It is easier to install than the Thule mount, but its base felt less sturdy, featuring a plastic ball-in-socket joint tightened with a plastic ring nut.
Resembling the Vibrelli in its spring-loaded bracket and ball-in-socket mechanism, the Roam Universal Premium Bike Phone Mount differs in its handlebar attachment. The Roam mount was described as overly complex, difficult to attach, and excessively wide, consuming nearly two inches of handlebar space.
The Zéfal Universal Mobile Mount also employs a plastic ball-in-socket mount, similar to Vibrelli and Roam. However, its plastic bracket arms require pressing a button to open, and once opened, they felt unstable, even when locked. Small “feet” designed to support the phone’s bottom interfered with the silicone corner straps.
Both TrailKase products tested from Bikase, the TrailKase with Q/R 360 Degree Bracket and the TrailKase Universal Phone Holder, resulted in test phones rattling and shaking excessively over bumps. The former had a heavy metal base, while the latter, with a lower profile plastic mount, felt flimsy.
The Topeak Omni RideCase DX appeared sturdy. However, its wide silicone brackets obscured the home button on both iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8 test phones.
The Ram X-Grip Phone Mount utilizes four spring-loaded arms with rubber knobs to grip the phone. Users found that positioning the arms to avoid pressing side buttons was challenging. Additionally, it includes a small vial of glue for attaching the rubber knobs, with instructions only found on the Ram Mounts website.
Alt text: The Ram X-Grip Phone Mount uses spring-loaded arms with rubber knobs to securely grip a cell phone on a bicycle.
The Gub G-85 Bicycle Phone Holder, made entirely of aluminum, was noted for its solid build relative to its price. However, assembly was complex, and small cushions were needed on its metal prongs to prevent phone scratches or slippage.
The Vup Universal Bike Cell Phone Holder, a popular and inexpensive silicone-bracket mount on Amazon, was easy to install. Unfortunately, test phones rattled and bounced excessively, and the lower strap interfered with the iPhone 8 Plus home button.
Another budget-friendly Amazon bestseller, the Ailun Silicone Strap Phone Mount Holder, felt too flimsy for on-bike testing. Its straps were also likely to obstruct phone home buttons.
The Team Obsidian Silicone Bike Mount‘s lower strap covered the home buttons on test phones, and its thick silicone straps were difficult to stretch around a phone in a case.
The Delta Cycle Smartphone Holder XL and Hefty Holder were both described as challenging to use for inserting and removing phones, as well as being bulky and aesthetically unappealing.
The Nite Ize HandleBand felt durable and secure. However, its wide straps obscured parts of the phone screen.
Waterproof Universal-Fit Phone Holders: Protection from the Elements
For cyclists needing protection from rain or splashes, waterproof universal-fit cell phone holder for bike options are available.
The Topeak Smartphone Drybag, tested in the 5-inch size, was a tight fit for an iPhone 8 Plus with a case. More significantly, test phones rattled and bounced considerably, regardless of handlebar or stem mounting.
The Bikase Handy Andy 6, attaching with Velcro straps, was easy to use, and phone movement was minimal on road rides. However, the plastic window created significant glare, making the screen difficult to view. Newer versions for current phones appear to be unavailable.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cell Phone Holder for Your Bike
Selecting the best cell phone holder for bike depends on individual needs and priorities. Two-part systems often offer superior security and stability, while universal strap mounts provide simpler and more affordable options. Waterproof models cater to cyclists in wet climates. Consider factors like phone size, riding style, desired level of security, ease of use, and budget when making your choice to ensure your phone stays safe and accessible on every ride.
