LOOKING for a bike GPS without having to splash the cash?
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.
Before you secure your expensive smartphone to your handlebars with some elastic bands though, there are a wide range of specialist phone mounts on the market that enable you to see your phone’s display while still keeping it safe and secure.
Phone mounts generally come in one of two styles; a lock-in system that is secured to a phone case or a bag that your phone slides into.
Both have their own pros and cons, vary in pricing and are best suited to a wide range of conditions. You’ll have to make sure that they’re compatible with your smartphone handset too.
Want to turn your smartphone into a bike GPS with the help of a phone holder? Read on below to see our pick of the best bike phone mounts on the market.
1. B’Twin 900 Waterproof Smartphone holder
- 900 Waterproof Smartphone holder, £19.99 from Decathlon – buy here
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 B’Twin is a great entry-level offering.
The weatherproof holder can take even the biggest smartphone and allows you to carry on using the screen thanks to a clear screen cover.
The holder is attached to your stem or handlebar using a tool-free mount, and it is possible to clip the caddy in either a portrait and landscape orientation.
2. SKS Smartboy Handlebar Mount
- Smartboy Handlebar Mount, £26.99 from Tredz – buy here
The Smartboy Handlebar Mount from German brand SKS is similar in design to the B’Twin offering, but the mount is attached using hex bolts and should therefore be slightly more secure.
It also has a transparent touch window, allowing you to operate your smartphone while it’s strapped to your bike’s handlebars or stem.
But, like the above, it doesn’t feature a window in the rear to take a picture from, meaning your phone will have to be removed from the sleeve if you want to take a snap.
The Smartboy can also fit a range of smartphone, while SKS even offers a five-year warranty.
3. Lezyne Smart Energy Caddy
- Smart Energy Caddy, £21.99 from Evans Cycles – buy here
The Smart Energy Caddy from Lezyne merges a phone case with a small crossbar bag, allowing you to view your phone’s display while also carrying essentials like gels, tools and valuables in a secondary pouch.
The bag is secured to your bike’s stem and top tube using three Velcro strips, which should keep things in place while riding.
It also makes removing the caddy when not in use a quick and easy procedure.
It can fit phones between 4-5” in size, meaning it should fit all but the largest handsets, while its weatherproof design should keep your phone safe even in a downpour.
4. Quad Lock Bike mount
- Bike mount, from £22.95 from Quad Lock – buy here
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 system is available in iPhone or Samsung Galaxy-specific cases, or with a universal mount.
5. Topeak Weatherproof Ridecase
- Weatherproof Ridecase, £46.99 from Evans Cycles – buy here
Like Quad Lock’s offering, the Weatherproof Ridecase from cycling accessories specialist Topeak is designed like a phone case that your phone is clipped into.
It can be attached to your bike in a range of places, including your handlebars, stem or even the stem cap (if your bike has one), with the mounts included in the box.
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.
The only negative is that it is limited to Apple iPhone 6/6s and 6 Plus/6s Plus handsets.
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