best of, Biking, Gadgets, reviews -

The Best Bike Phone Mounts of 2021

Whether you’re out for a quick romp on the singletrack or you’re in the midst of an all-day road ride, we’ve found the best bike phone mount for your next two-wheeled adventure.

These days, between navigation apps, music streaming services, and social workout platforms like Zwift and Strava, many cyclists rely on access to their phones while seated in the saddle. For these riders, the smartphone functions like the dashboard display of a car — information, connectivity, and controls that all exist in a single convenient location.

However, contemporary smartphones aren’t cheap. If you are going to choose to keep your phone attached to your bike while you ride at high speeds and through rough terrain, you’ll want to know that it will stay firmly attached.

That’s where bike phone mounts come in handy. These devices are designed to keep your smartphone securely attached to your handlebars while you ride with your display plainly visible.

Different mounts are designed for different kinds of riding. While shopping for the best mount for you, consider your specific needs. Be sure to select a mount that will hold up to the elements it will be exposed to. While some bike phone mounts are great for holding steady during prolonged vibration, others may provide better visibility or water resistance.

In this list, we have compiled our favorite smartphone bike mounts available in 2022. We have included various styles with different strengths and weaknesses. Remember, a good mount should meet all of your needs and instill confidence that, while riding, your phone will always be exactly where you want it.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.

The Best Bike Phone Mounts of 2022

Best Overall: Nite Ize Wraptor Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount

nite ize wraptor rotating smartphone bar mount

Our top pick is the Nite Ize Wraptor Smartphone Bar Mount ($22). This mount is easy to install and is compatible with a wide variety of phones.

The Nite Ize Wraptor utilizes a belt system to secure the mount to the handlebars. The difference is that this mount’s belt has a series of holes that riders can select from. If your handlebar’s diameter happens to fit in between two of these belt holes, this mount won’t be completely snug while you ride. In our experience, this mounts fits well on most handlebars.

We love that this mount allows for 360-degree rotation and should securely support almost any smartphone — with or without a case. A stretchy silicone harness cradles all four corners of any standard-sized phone.

On bumpy terrain, this mount will perform decently well when fitted properly. However, mountain bikers who ride through roughage regularly will want to choose something a bit more durable.

Specs:
  • Best for: Cyclists looking for a solid, affordable mount
  • Materials: Silicone and neoprene
  • Works with: Most handlebars and most smartphones
Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Easy tool-free installation
  • Holds phones securely
Cons:
  • Belt system with holes may result in a loose fit on some handlebars

Check Price at REI

Runner-Up: Quad Lock Out Front Bike Mount

quad lock out front bike mount

The Quad Lock Out Front Bike Mount ($40) is sleek and elegantly designed. It’s a handsome choice for riders who want to maintain the clean lines of their bike with a slim and aesthetic mount.

Compared to other options, this mount’s thin profile goes a long way to decrease wind drag — it isn’t any thicker than a typical phone case. If you want to stop and snap a quick photo during your ride, it is quick and easy to remove your phone from the mount and replace it when you’re done. As a bonus, it weighs very little compared to almost all other mounts.

Due to a simple single-point attachment handlebar clamp that is tightened with an Allen key, the Quad Lock Out Front Bike Mount only fits handlebars with diameters of 35 mm, 31.8 mm, 24.4 mm, and 22 mm. Although these are standard diameters and many bikes will work with this mount, it doesn’t quite offer the versatility of other options like the Roam Universal Premium Bike Phone Mount.

While we love its lightweight and streamlined design, the Quad Lock Out Front Bike Mount does have a few drawbacks. First, your phone must be fitted in a Quad Lock Case to securely attach it to the mount. Also, at $40, it is significantly pricier than other options. Finally, it just isn’t super versatile.

If you have a custom bike or your handlebars aren’t a standard diameter, the mount may not fit perfectly. Still, when fitted properly, this mount looks great and is very secure, even while mountain biking on rough terrain.

Specs:
  • Best for: Riders who want to minimize wind drag
  • Materials: Hard plastic
  • Works with: Handlebars with diameters of 35 mm, 31.8 mm, 24.4 mm, and 22 mm, and most phones
Pros:
  • Sleek design
Cons:
  • On the more expensive side

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Trek Bikes

Best Budget: Roam Universal Premium Bike Phone Mount

roam universal premium bike phone mount

This field-tested mount ($17) is both lightweight and robust. Its value comes from its impressive versatility. An adjustable clamp should fit snugly on handlebars with a 0.9- to 1.25-inch diameter.

Labeled as “universal for all phones,” this mount can accommodate any smartphone up to 3.5 inches wide. Some smartphone models that are known to fit this mount include the iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, HTC 11, and many more.

Using two points of contact, this mount clamps onto your device using a hard plastic grip with a silicone net that secures all corners of your device tightly to the mount.

Although this mount isn’t the most durable on this list, the hard plastic and silicone net combo holds up well to the demands of road cycling. For mountain bikers spending time on the bumpiest and dirtiest trails, we recommend a slightly hardier mount that can sustain a greater level of abuse.

The display angle of this mount can be easily adjusted. The 360-degree rotation allows you to easily switch your phone from landscape to portrait mode mid-ride. For $20, the Roam Universal is a good value option to keep your smartphone still and well-supported throughout your time in the saddle.

Specs:
  • Best for: Riders looking for a solid, good value mount with lots of adjustability
  • Materials: Hard plastic and silicone netting
  • Works with: Handlebars with a diameter between 0.9” and 1.25”; any smartphone up to 3.5” wide
Pros:
  • Good value
  • Fits a wide range of phones and bikes
Cons:
  • Not the most durable mount for high-impact mountain biking and other rough riding styles

Check Price at Amazon

Runner-Up Best Value: TruActive Premium Bike Phone Holder

TruActive Premium Bike Phone Holder

This fairly priced mount ($16) stands out for its secure and rattle-free mounting system. Even on bumpy roads and moderate off-road terrain, the TruActive Premium hardly shakes or slips.

We appreciate that this mount does not require any tools for installation. Also, the ball joint system allows for 360-degree rotation. Switching your phone between the vertical and horizontal orientations is quick and easy with this mount.

The minor downside of this mount is that the four-corner elastic band holding system is likely to cover the corners of your screen. While this typically isn’t an issue while using most navigation apps, it could cause some inconvenience.

Overall, this is a solid mount for recreational cyclists and commuters who ride on relatively flat surfaces.

Specs:
  • Best for: Riders looking for easy installation and 360-degree rotation
  • Materials: Hard plastic, elastic rubber straps
  • Works with: Handlebars with a diameter between 0.55” and 1.26”; any smartphone up to 4.0” wide
Pros:
  • Good value
  • Solid mounting system
  • 360-degree rotation
Cons:
  • Not ideal for high-impact mountain biking and other rough riding styles

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart

Best Bike Bag Phone Mount: Rock Bros Phone Front Frame Bag 

rock bros bike phone front frame bag

For those looking for a product that combines storage with a secure place to mount a smartphone, the Rock Bros Bike Phone Front Frame Bag ($19) is the best option available. For long rides, many cyclists need a place to store essential items like water, energy gel, pump, patch kit, and car keys. This bag and mount combo consolidate all of your belongings in one place — and you don’t even have to stop riding to access it.

Any smartphone under 6.5 inches high should be compatible with the Rock Bros bag. Two soft rubber zipper pulls allow quick entry to the bag’s main compartment.

On top of the bag, a TPU film sleeve holds your phone in place and still allows touch screen access. A handy visor protects the phone from sun, dirt, and airborne debris while you cruise along at high speeds.

Three Velcro straps that are compatible with most bike frames hold the bag and mount securely in place. Additional features include reflective piping for increased nighttime safety and ultralight carbon fiber material.

For cyclists who are concerned about wind drag, this bag is somewhat bulky and won’t help you shave any time off of your PR. Also, the film sleeve makes it difficult to access your phone’s side buttons.

When the bag is tightened using the straps, it mostly stays in place where it should. However, occasionally it can slide side to side where it may bump into your legs while pedaling. This is more likely to be an issue on rough terrain.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, this bag and phone mount combo from Rock Bros is an excellent choice when you need a little more cargo space. At just $19, it’s a great way to avoid wearing a backpack.

Specs:
  • Best for: Storing small essential items during long rides
  • Materials: Lightweight carbon fiber material
  • Works with: Cell phones less than 6.5” high, preferably those without side buttons
Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • TPU film allows you to use the touch screen while riding
Cons:
  • Slides around on bumpy terrain

Check Price at Amazon

Best Magnetic Bike Phone Mount: Nite Ize Steelie Bar Mount

nite ize steelie bar mount

Magnetic smartphone mounts allow you to easily attach and detach your phone. Typically, these mounts require you to adhere a magnetic adapter permanently to the back of your phone. Steelie’s version of this adapter is sold separately, so be sure to purchase it if you choose to go with this mount.

To use the Nite Ize Steelie Bar Mount ($16), secure the belt-style strap around your handlebars. Like the Nite Ize Wraptor, this belt should fit most bar diameters but occasionally ends up fitting loosely.

Once in place, insert your phone into the mount and fit the metal ball into your preinstalled Steelie phone socket. Silicone corner bands wrap around your phone to complete the connection.

Another advantage of the magnetic socket and ball attachment system is that you can easily rotate your phone and change the display angle without removing it from the mount.

At $16, this mount is a good option for those who prefer a magnetic-style phone mount. Once you have fixed the Steelie socket to your phone, you can install other Steelie mounts in your vehicle or elsewhere to get the most out of the socket’s versatility.

Overall, this is a great mount with a strong magnet that will keep your phone in place — even when you’re riding off road.

Specs:
  • Best for: Cyclists who prefer a magnet-style mount for easy phone detachment
  • Materials: Metal ball with silicone belt and corner straps
  • Works with: Any phone mounted with a Steelie socket
Pros:
  • Strong magnet for a solid attachment
  • Affordable
Cons:
  • Must also purchase the Steelie socket to use

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Walmart

Best for Mountain Biking: Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount

Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount

On rocky and bumpy terrain, this mount ($70) from Peak Design will keep your phone securely in place. Compared to other similarly priced options, Peak Design’s innovative mechanical and magnetic hybrid mounting system holds up to vibration and keeps your phone stable on rough trails.

This mount fits on any handlebar with a diameter of 22.2, 25.4, and 31.8mm. There are no tools required for installation, and it takes less than a minute to put on your bike.

Though this mount is advertised for commuting and road rides, we found that it works fantastically well for mountain biking. Simply put, this mount creates a bomb-proof connection between your phone and your bike.

From iPhones to Galaxy phones, any smartphone device will work with this mount — as long as you have a Peak Design case or a universal adaptor. Once installed, this mount can hold your phone in either landscape or portrait mode.

For more information, check out our full review on Peak Design’s phone mount product lineup.

Specs:
  • Best for: Mountain biking or riding on rough terrain
  • Materials: Anodized aluminum and magnets
  • Works with: Any phone that has a Peak Design Case or universal adaptor
Pros:
  • Super secure attachment for reliability on rough trails
Cons:
  • Expensive, especially because you have to buy the brand’s case or adapter, too

Check Price at REI

Best of the Rest

GUB Bike Phone Mount

gub bike phone mount

This mount, unlike most smartphone mounts available, is made of 6061 aluminum alloy. Its all-metal construction gives it an obvious advantage over similar products made from silicone and plastic. The GUB mount ($18) is straight-up durable.

Because this mount’s width is easily adjustable, it’s compatible with nearly all contemporary smartphones up to 7 inches high, including iPhone and Android models. It attaches to your handlebars at a single point, which can be tightened quickly with an Allen key. This mount fits handlebars of varying diameters, but it may not fit well on handlebars of custom size or unusual shape.

Like other mounts on this list, the GUB mount allows for 360-degree rotation and an easily adjustable display angle. Thanks to its all-metal construction, the GUB is likely to last longer than other options, especially in locations where silicone and rubber mounts become dry and brittle in the hot sun. Metal certainly has some benefits, and although this mount is a little heavier than most, the majority of riders won’t notice.

Specs:
  • Best for: Riders who spend a lot of time in the elements prioritize durability
  • Materials: 6061 aluminum alloy
  • Works with: Any smartphone under 7” high
Pros:
  • Good value, durable metal construction
Cons:
  • Single-point attachment may not suit handlebars of uncommon diameters

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Walmart

Rokform Sport Series Bike Phone Mount

Rokform Sport Series Bike Phone Mount

Thanks to the construction and materials of this mount from Rokform, it will likely be the only one you ever need to buy. Made from CNC-machined, aircraft-grade aluminum, the Sport Series Mount ($60) is easy to install and highly secure.

For riders concerned with wind resistance and weight, this mount is super low-profile.

A twist-lock and backup magnet easily and securely attach your phone to the mount (via a separate Rokform phone case). Even while riding through gravel and roughage, you won’t need to be worried about a potential phone projectile.

Though this mount does require users to purchase a compatible Rokform phone case, we think it’s still a great value. Once you’re phone’s locked in, you won’t have to worry about losing it to the road or trail.

Specs:
  • Best for: Riding on rough terrain, minimizing resistance
  • Materials: Aluminum body and velcro strap
  • Works with: Rokform phone cases or Rokform adaptors
Pros:
  • Well-built and durable
  • Low-profile
Cons:
  • Requires Rokform case or adaptor
  • Expensive

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Rokform

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team is composed of cyclists and outdoor-oriented athletes looking for the best products on the market. Our staff includes professional gear reviewers, former racers, recreational cyclists, folks who bike commute 60 miles a week, and everyone in between — people who care about fit, finish, and function, but at the end of the day want a product they can trust.

Our team spends their time carefully evaluating new products so that you don’t have to, which translates to more time in the saddle for you. We strive to create thorough, comprehensive, and helpful reviews to help you find the best gear for your individual needs.

The bike mounts on this list have been assessed for fit, durability, ease of use, and long-term performance. We recognize that there are many kinds of cycling, and not all mounts work well for every riding discipline. While constructing this list, we made sure to test and include products that work well for all kinds of riding.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Bike Phone Mount

As you search for the perfect bike phone mount, consider your specific needs as a cyclist and choose the product that best meets them. It may be a good idea to go for a few rides and think carefully about how you plan to use your bike phone mount.

Do you often ride on rough terrain? Do you often ride in wet or muddy conditions? And do you want to be able to change the angle of your phone’s display as you ride? Asking yourself these kinds of questions allows you to narrow your options and choose a mount that can elevate your experience as a rider.

Every bike mount is slightly different, and there are lots of variations to consider. Some of the key characteristics that differentiate one mount from the next include handlebar diameter, mounting method, smartphone compatibility, durability, design, ease of phone detachment, water resistance, and rough terrain capability.

Handlebar Diameter

Before you purchase, it’s wise to measure the diameter of your handlebars. Choose the specific part of the bar where you plan to install your mount and compare your measurement with the specs of the mounts you are considering.

Most road and mountain bikes have handlebars with diameters between 0.9 inches and 1.25 inches.

Mounting Method

Different bike phone mounts utilize different mounting methods. Some, like the Nite Ize Wraptor Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount, attach to your handlebars with a strap that works just like a belt. Holes in the strap offer various options for various handlebar diameters.

Other mounts, like offerings from Roam, mount with a single attachment point and can be tightened with an Allen key.

When selecting the best mount for you, remember that some mounting methods are more robust than others. If you ride often on bumpy terrain, look for a mount that prioritizes stable and strong mounting in its design.

roam bike phone mount

Smartphone Capability

Measure your smartphone before purchasing a mount. Make sure that the mount you are considering is compatible with the make, model, and size of your phone. Most modern phones are less than 7 inches high and less than 3.5 inches wide.

Some mounting systems, like the Rokform Universal mount, can be used with any phone as long as the phone is fitted with the proper adaptor. Adaptors are usually manufactured by the same company that makes the corresponding mount, and they’re often sold separately.

Durability

If you spend a lot of time riding on rough trails and through wet and windy weather, you’ll want to purchase a mount that is built with durability in mind.

Plastic and silicone may not be as durable as similarly priced mounts that are made of metal, like the GUB Bike Phone Mount.

Design

The design of your phone mount determines how it looks on your bike and how much wind drag it adds to your overall rig. Mounts like the Nite Ize are sleek-looking, and as a bonus, they are designed to minimize resistance. Low-profile designs also tend to shake less while riding over bumps and at high speeds.

quad lock bike phone mount

Ease of Phone Attachment

Depending on the mount you purchase, it can be easy or difficult to attach or detach your phone to or from the mount. Mounts that utilize an adapter system, like the Nite Ize Steelie, offer a super quick way to pop your phone in and out of your mount if you want to stop and take a quick photo during your ride.

Water Resistance

A bike phone mount’s water resistance capabilities should be a consideration for riders who plan to spend a lot of time riding through wet, rainy, or muddy conditions. Many times, the addition of a waterproof case can solve this problem. If this is the option you choose, look for a mount that will still be compatible with your phone while the case is on.

Rough Terrain Capability

If you will be primarily riding off road with your phone bike mount, be sure to purchase a product that will hold up to the kind of vibration your riding style regularly creates.

The Peak Design Out Front Bike Phone Mount combines mechanical and magnetic attachment, which offers great stability and security while riding hard on rough terrain.

rokform phone mount

FAQ

What Is a Bike Phone Mount?

A bike phone mount allows a cyclist to view and engage with their smartphone’s display while actively riding. These mounts typically attach to your handlebars and allow your smartphone to function as a mini dashboard display.

Who Should Use a Bike Phone Mount?

Not every cyclist prefers to have access to their smartphone while riding. For those that do, though, a bike phone mount is a great solution. For mid-ride control of music streaming, navigation, and progress tracking apps, the smartphone bike mount is the way to go.

What Is the Best Bike Phone Mount?

Different mounts are better for different riders depending upon their features. We recommend all of the bike phone mounts on this list, including the Roam Universal, which is a solid overall option.

What Is a Good Bike Phone Mount for Mountain Biking?

For mountain biking, you’re going to want a strong, secure, and durable mount that keeps your phone safe and steady in the midst of rough and rocky single-track riding.

We recommend the Peak Design Out Front Bike Phone Mount due to its strong and redundant attachment system. For best results while mountain biking, pair your mount with a reliable phone case.


Have a favorite bike phone mount? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll check it out for future updates to this article.


Best Bike Computers
The Best Bike Computers of 2022
Riders today can fine-tune their performance in almost every way imaginable with the incredible features and convenience offered by the best bike computers on the market. Read more…
mountain biker riding trails at night with bike light
The Best Mountain Bike Lights of 2022
We tested the best mountain bike lights for 2022 with options for every budget. Top picks include Seca, Fenix, and more! Read more…

The post The Best Bike Phone Mounts of 2022 appeared first on GearJunkie.


Tags