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The Bicycle

Best bicycle phone mount for a bike courier

By April 9, 2022December 11th, 2022No Comments7 min read
If you’re a bike courier, the most important bike accessory is a phone mount. It can be a daunting task to find one with so many choices. I’m here to help with what to look for in the best bike phone mount.

Why bike couriers need different phone mounts

Bike couriers ride with speed and purpose. Phones need to be easily accessible and are often engaged. They’re also constantly removed and put back in the mount. These factors are the difference between what is suitable for commuting cyclist and what is required for a bike courier.
I worked as a courier for five years and have experience in using different bike phone mounts.
Some phone mounts have worked well, others have been garbage. In speaking to other riders, it has given me insight into what works in having a good bike phone mount. Let’s get started.

Compatibility and Adjustability

The first thing that you need to consider is the diameter of your handlebar and the compatibility with your mobile phone.
Having adjustability in the mounting system is useful if your handlebar has varying diameters of thickness, which can be the case on some mountain bikes. It can be handy to have the flexibility to mount it to the stem or if you ever change bikes.
As for the part that holds your phone, most manufactures will list which smartphones are suitable.  Go with a manufacturer that list compatibility with your device rather than just dimensions.

Make sure your bike phone mount is secure

Every manufacturer will claim that their phone mount will hold your phone securely. But not all phone mounts are created equal and you get what you pay for. Attaching securely needs to happen in two places, your phone within the mount, and the mount to the handlebars.
Securing to the handlebar is rarely an issue. But not all phone mounts are created equal and you get what you pay for. Avoid cheap versions where there is a lot of plastic. Mounts with an extended neck are more prone to break at stress points where vibration occurs.
There is often rough terrain and cobbled roads in European cities. Having your phone secure is paramount. The last thing you want to happen is to have your phone snap off and land in the middle of an intersection.

Detachable Design

Every manufacturer will claim that their phone mount will hold your phone securely. But not all phone mounts are created equal and you get what you pay for. Attaching securely needs to happen in two places, your phone within the mount, and the mount to the handlebars.
Securing to the handlebar is rarely an issue. Avoid cheap versions where there is a lot of plastic. Mounts with an extended neck are more prone to break at stress points where vibration occurs.
As a courier, you’re riding with speed and purpose. Especially in European cities where there is often rough terrain with cobbled roads and speed bumps. Having your phone secure is paramount.

Weather Protection

As a bike courier, you’re riding in all sorts of weather. Many of the top smartphones available now feature some degree of water resistance. If yours isn’t, having a rain cover on either your phone or as a feature of the bike mount is a wise idea.
However rain covers also have their drawbacks. If your phone is fully enclosed, it may be a hassle to take it out to answer a call, adjust volume settings or use the headphone jack.
The quality of the touch screen protector can also be an issue. Low-end models may not work very well, especially when used with touch screen gloves. Water droplets hitting screen protectors have also been known to trigger on-screen buttons in delivery Apps.

Summarizing the most important things to look for in a bike mount

For the bike courier, you need a phone mount that is secure, durable and is easy and quick to remove and attach your phone.

Best Budget Phone Mount

Best cheap bike phone mount
AMAZON $16

VUP Universal Bike Cell Phone Holder was a standard mount offered as a perk to Deliveroo riders. The silicone bands are compatible with any phone size and the universal handlebar mount is designed to fit 18 to 35mm handlebars. Fitting the bands around your phone is not as quick draw as other mounts, but it was secure. Caution is advised if you do leave your bike outside as the sun will deteriorate the silicone bands.

PROS
  • Fits most phones
  • Universal handlebar phone mount
  • Low price
CONS
  • The stretching mechanism is prone to breaking
  • Silicone bands may interfere with buttons and jacks
  • Larger/heavier phones may cause the clamp to slide on your handlebar

Best Quick Release Phone Mount

Best cheap bike phone mount for couriers
AMAZON $20

Spigen Phone Mount has a nice slim and lightweight design. It comes with two rubber spaces and is securely attached to the handlebar using a allen key. There is a universal adapter that you can put on the phone case you already have. Once mounted, your phone is secure. The simple one-click locking system ensures quick access to your phone.  The Spigen Phone Mount comes in both a out-front mount and stem mount.

PROS
  • Very secure handlebar attachment
  • Quick release ensures easy access and re-mounting
  • Good value
CONS
  • You have to use the adapter on your own case
  • Soft surface and TPU cases not recommended so you may have to buy a second case
  • Locking mechanism slowly degrades over time

Best Waterproof Phone Mount

Best Waterproof bike phone Mount
AMAZON $15

The ROCKBROS Phone Mount is a good introduction to a waterproof phone mount. There are always caveats with waterproof mounts. More material means more bulk, which can cause slippage when attached. The ROCKBROS attaches in between the handlebar and stem via velcro straps which at least keeps it secure. Screen protectors also leave a lot to be desired.

PROS
  • Waterproof fabric ensures your phone will stay dry
  • Large zipper handles for easy access
  • Phone is protected
  • Additional storage space
  • Good value
CONS
  • Touch ID does not work through the screen cover
  • Attachment is to the handlebar and stem which may be an awkward angle on some bike frames
  • More cumbersome to remove and attach your phone
  • Zippers can break with overuse
  • Bulky

Best Bike Phone Mount

Best bike phone mount Quad lock review
AMAZON $70-97

Quad Lock is an industry leader when it comes to phone mounts. After going through several phone mounts, Quad Lock was my last and final purchase. The Out front mount can be reversed to set over the stem. The quick release is excellent and the mount has a nice overall aesthetic.

But the real bonus is the slim protective case.  I’ve dropped the phone more times than I care to count, even having it pop out of my hands while riding. The polycarbonate core produces a satisfying impact absorbing thud when it hits concrete. Needless to say, the case stays on my phone at all times.

There are also plenty of options available for different devices, including GoPro attachments.

PROS
  • Light, strong material
  • Can be rotated for over stem mounting
  • Secure
  • Quick release
  • Mounting kit includes high quality slim phone case
  • Plenty of options available
CONS
  • Expensive




Alternatives to bike phone mounts

If you’re still not sure which bike mount is best for you, then consider an alternative. Many couriers have opted to use wrist and arm holders. There are several advantages with these but also a few drawbacks.

They’re relatively inexpensive, always secure and you don’t have to fiddle with removing your phone from a mount. Though they can be awkward to use or view while riding. But some couriers swear by it prefer it over using a phone mount.

Best Wristband Phone Holder

AMAZON $17

This model from HLOMOM can rotate 360° and is easily removable if you need to use your phone. It uses silicone straps to keep your phone in place. Note that if you have a very large phone, the straps will not last as long and may be awkward to wear while riding. Using a wrist holder really comes down to personal preference.

PROS
  • Don’t need to remove your phone, though there is also a release mechanism
  • 360° Rotation
  • Phone is secure
CONS
  • Awkward to wear with clothing
  • Can be uncomfortable
  • Can slide down your wrist and up against your hand while riding
  • Not always easy to use your phone

Disclosure: This article may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs, or otherwise.

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