Bike phone holders, cases and intercoms

Why mount your phone on your bike?

Mounted in front of you, your smartphone works as a GPS, displays your training data or your e-bike's app, and stays readable at a glance without taking your eyes off the road. In the UK, the Highway Code asks cyclists to avoid any action that could reduce their control of the bike: a sturdy holder lets you follow navigation while keeping both hands on the bars. Handle the screen only when you have stopped.

Dedicated case, universal mount or waterproof pouch?

Systems with a dedicated case are the most secure: the phone, slipped into a case made for it, locks onto a mount fixed to the bike with a twist or a clip, and comes off with one hand. On the other hand, you need one case per phone model, to be bought again when you change handset. Universal holders, silicone straps or clamps, take almost any smartphone within a certain size range and suit short journeys. Waterproof pouches protect against rain and dust, at the cost of a touchscreen that is slightly less precise through the film.

Handlebar, stem or headset cap: where to fit your phone mount?

On the handlebar, the holder is easy to adjust but sits off to one side; check the range of bar diameters it accepts. On the stem or in place of the headset cap, the phone is centred and better protected in a fall. Out-front mounts that extend ahead of the handlebar, popular on road bikes, keep the screen in your line of sight. On an e-bike, bear in mind the control display already on the handlebar and the mounts designed to sit alongside it.

Waterproof bike phone holders and screen protection

Most recent smartphones resist splashes, but not prolonged downpours or mud. A rain cover that fits over the case, a waterproof pouch or a tempered glass screen protector limit the risks. Check the tightness of the holder regularly: vibration from cobbles and tracks will eventually loosen a poorly adjusted mount.

Intercoms and earphones: staying aware of traffic

Intercoms that attach to your helmet straps let you talk to other cyclists, in pairs or in a group. Rules on using a phone or wearing earphones while cycling vary from one country to another: check those that apply where you ride, and make sure the way you use these devices on public roads complies with them.

Other electronic equipment

For dedicated navigation, bike computers and GPS units offer longer battery life than a phone, and smartwatches record your rides on your wrist. On a long day out, a power bank extends your phone's battery life: see batteries. To be seen, bike lights complete your kit, all gathered in bike electronics.

Which phone holder brands to choose?

Quad Lock, launched by two Australian cyclists through crowdfunding and designed in Melbourne, relies on a patented dual-stage locking mechanism that holds the case on its mount. Mounts for the stem, handlebar, headset cap or e-bike and MAG cases complete the system.

Sena, whose range covers motorcycling, cycling and outdoor sports, offers the Pi, a Bluetooth intercom that clips onto the straps of most bike helmets, up to 18 mm wide, and links two cyclists up to 400 m apart without a mobile network; the Bikom Duo is also aimed at riding in pairs.

Tigra, the brand of Tigra Sport, a company that specialised from the outset in smartphone accessories for cycling and the outdoors, designed the FitClic system: the case locks onto the mount and is released by turning a lever with one hand; Mountcase and FitClic Neo cases are available for many phone models.

SP Connect, whose story began in Germany with snowboard bindings, fixes the case to its mount with a twist; its more secure SPC+ system comes in kits for bikes, motorbikes and cars.

Bone, a Taiwanese brand, came up with the Bike Tie, a silicone holder that wraps around the phone and attaches to the stem or handlebar; the Bike Tie Pro 4 takes screens from 4.7 to 7.2 inches.

Topeak, a Taiwanese maker of bike accessories, pairs its RideCase cases and DryBag pouches with its QuickClick mount, which fits on the handlebar, stem or headset cap.

Phone holders and accessories on sale

Cases for older phone models and end-of-line holders end up in electronics clearance, and the latest products in new arrivals. Changing phone soon? The seasonal sales and Black Friday are a chance to renew your case and holder at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bike phone holder fit every smartphone?

Universal holders accept most phones within a range of screen sizes specified by the manufacturer. Systems with a dedicated case need the case for your exact model; failing that, some brands offer a universal adapter to stick to the back of the phone or its case.

Can the phone fall off on cobbles or on a mountain bike?

With a properly fitted mechanical locking system, the risk is low. Silicone holders are better suited to urban journeys than to rough tracks. In every case, check the tightness of the mount and the condition of the case before you set off.

Can you use your phone while cycling?

Rules vary from one country to another, so check those that apply where you ride. In any case, holding your phone in your hand while riding reduces your control of the bike. Mounted on its holder, on the other hand, it can guide you like a GPS; keep any handling for when you stop.

How do you charge your phone on a long ride?

A power bank, stowed in a bag or attached to the frame, charges the phone by cable. Some e-bikes have a USB port on the display or the battery. Turning down the brightness and switching off unused features also extends battery life.

How do you protect your phone from the rain on a bike?

Use a rain cover that fits your case or a waterproof pouch, and avoid leaving the phone exposed in a prolonged downpour, even if it is described as water-resistant. Dry the case and the connector before charging.