When I was cycling from Birmingham to London I could not stop thinking how much better it would be if the iPhone bike apps I was using would be accessible from the bike handlebars. Then I wouldn’t have to keep stopping and getting it out of my bag. Fortunately there is plenty of choice out there of iPhone bike mounts. Unfortunately, many of them are not particularly good!
See also: iPhone apps for cyclists
Let’s start with the Best iPhone Bike Mounts
These are the one’s that I’d personally trust my iPhone in and wouldn’t expect to have them fling my iPhone in to the road.
Tigra Console Mount
I’ve personally reviewed this mount here. You may have noticed that it looks exactly the same as the Biologic Bike Mount. That’s because it is! However, the Tigra also comes in a version for the iPhone 4. Be aware! Apparently fake versions of this bike mount are circulating so make sure you buy from a reliable seller.
Click here to buy the Tigra mount.
Biologic iPhone bike mount
The Dahon Biologic is a waterproof mount that can fit the iPhone 3GS (Apparently an iPhone 4 version is in the works). The mount can be swivelled to be positioned in landscape or portrait. The ports for plugging in an external battery (I strongly recommend the Pebble) are available therefore meaning you could vastly extend the iPhone’s battery life. The reviews that I’ve seen here have been generally positive.
Ram Ez-On Mount
When it comes to bike mounts one company to trust is Ram. They’ve got a long history of producing all sorts of mounts and therefore there was no big surprises when they released one that would mount an iPhone to a bike. The Ram EZ-On iPhone bike mount is available from Amazon for £22.99 or alternatively Amazon.com for $10-$20.
The mount relies on zip ties to secure it to the frame which is largely fail proof. The only downside is that it lacks any rain protection and so your darling iPhone will have to cosy up in your pocket in a downpour.
iPhone Bike Mounts to Avoid
VeloTrac iPhone bike mount
Another option is the VeloTrac which is available from their website for $29.95. This bike holder can fit an iPhone, Blackberry or Windows Mobile phone. It comes with rain and dust cover so your iPhone can be used in all conditions. Unlike other holders it attaches to the top tube using velcro straps and the iPhone is visible through the clear lid. That all sounds good but… apparently the bag slips all the time and the screen is tough to see.
Alternatively…
If you are not so keen on attaching your iPhone to your bike handlebars then an armband style holder may be more to your liking.
But my iPhone is going to fly off down the road..
This is unfortunately a possibility. You can vastly minimise the risks of this in three ways. The first is to choose a mount that comes with a cover. So if it snaps off at least the iPhone will have some protection. The second is to make sure 100% that it is securely fastened in place. Hear the snap and try and tug to see if it gives. The third that many people have been suggesting is a rubber arm band around the mount.
My personal experience: I’ve been riding with two different iPhone bike mounts for 12 months now and even on tough mountain bike trails they’ve never fallen off my bike.
The worst case scenario
I’ve cracked my iPhone screen before (not from having it fall from an iPhone bike mount). I didn’t send it to Apple (it was out of warranty anyway) and I did the repair myself relying on the guys at iPhone Repairs UK. The new screen cost me £30 and included the tools and instructions to do the repair. It was nerve racking but I’m here to tell the tale!
Want to really get the most out of your iPhone for Cycling?
I’ve written a whole eBook on the subject here – after all if you’ve already spent £500 or $700 on an iPhone why not really see what it can do?
See also:
the GoRide mount looks just like I want but unfortunately the shipping from the US takes it to £34 – do you know a UK supplier?
You guys should try the Ibera IB-PB3. Simple and secure. Even done some off-roading with no problems so it is pretty tough. They have clamps that go on the bars or stem. I picked mine up in a bike shop in the states. US$20. Not if they have sales in UK.
http://www.ibera.info/products/handheld/PB3.htm
I have emailed the founder and ask him to leave a comment here
Peter –
At this time we don’t have a UK supplier or distributor – we are shipping to the UK for $9.99 USD through Amazon, Paypal or Google Checkout.
Thanks for your interest in our product – Bart@bicio.com
Thanks Bart for your prompt reply
Great post! Might end up getting one of them!
If it’s illegal for motorists to use phones while driving, why do you think it is safe for cyclists to do so?
Incidentally, if moisture gets in your phone and stops it working, no repair or guarantee scheme will cover it.
There is one simple reason why different rules apply to motorists on anything other than a motorway.
Roads were created or they developed from tracks for the free use of pedestrians, cyclists, or anything drawn by flesh and blood.
When cars first appeared they had to have a pedestrian walking in front of them. Later that was abandoned and in order to accomodate the motorist who could go at speed, the roads had to be improved for their use not for the real users. For this reason, motorised vehicles were required to pay a licence fee for the priviledge of using the roads and to upgrade them for their use. In other words, motorists are guests on roads built for others and as guests they should respect the real users who created the roads in the first place. Driving at speed, talking into a phone,drinking coffee, playing with a sat nav and every other distraction is an abuse of the priviledge given. A car is a lethal weapon that is why there are rules specifically for them.
I have never been in a bike jam, do not know anyone who has been killed by either a cyclist or a walker and have never been made late for an appointment due to a 10 mile tail back of bikes. Cyclists, have no need for speed traps, traffic police, Mways, dual carrageways, traffic lights, speed calming furniture, pedestrian crossings, a highway code (if there were no motorists), road signs, tarmac or anything else.
By the way, I am also a motorist and drive between 20 and 30000 miles a year but I am always respectful of those who really own the roads. When in my car, I am a guest and I could kill people! That is why there are different rules!
2 words – lighten up.
2 words – fuck off. See, I can do a two word review of your comment as well…
Also factually incorrect, cyclists DO kill people. Albeit not many, do you think a 13 stone person cycling at 10 MPH isn’t going to harm a pedestrian?
If you do happen to get moisture in the phone, place it in a sealed sandwich bag of rice for 24-48 hours (if it’s still functioning forward your calls first). The rice draws all the moisture out, just like those moisture drawing pouches you find in boxes shipped from China etc. Have done this twice with great effect.
I have this tip before. Of course you mean uncooked rice, right?
Yes – uncooked!
Richard – I would think this would mainly be used for route planning. In this way it is much the same as a GPS tracker in a car that tells you which way to turn. I would think a normal use of an iphone bike mount would be to stop, check where you are on the map, then set off again – which is obviously much easier for a cyclists to do than a car.
to update the above list I found the following: RAM RAIL EZ-ON bike mount for iPhone 3G. And this is the one I want because it is waterproof (pretty essential in rainy London as I think): Dahon Biologic Bike Mount for iPhone by Dahon Buy new: $53.99
I took the biologic mount out for a ride today with xmotion gps. It is great! Speed, map, everything right there at my fingertips, and it’s waterproof. I have an external battery too, so I don’t have to worry about it draining the phone.
I reckon a 1015i peli case strapped on the stem is the only safe option for mtb
Have started using an armband for the iPhone cheap and cheerful but not useful for monitoring progress on the go.
While the dahon one interests me the comment about unsuitable for off road use is a bit off putting , given the state of the roads at the moment
I spent a bit of time shopping round, and went for a cheap ebay jobbie. Really pleased with it. Wrote up my findings if anyone is interested: http://www.techloving.net/2010/04/iphone-bike-mount-review-best-3-i-ever.html
Even if I know that this page is a bit old, I give you here some informations about my experience on the subject. I googled “iphone bike mount” because I wanted to use my iPhone has a GPS on my bike ( Of course, i didn’t want to use my iphone as a movie player while I was on my nike ).
I checked all the good items listed on this article and decided that I didn’t want to spend my money on a piece of plastic like this.
i had, coming with my iphone, a plastic protection and I also have a front bag on my bike, that can be removed easily. I juste fixed the protection on my bag with a little plastic strip and here it is : DIY iPhone bike mount, with no shaking problems (the bag is soft so it just “moves” a little bit around, but using it for a little while, it works just fine)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=170918&id=785191324&l=29eb0eb972
Quick Review of Dahon Biologic iPhone bike mount. Managed to get hold of one of these from the USA. Extremely smart piece of kit. Fitted in seconds with allen key (supplied) tightening strap. Swivel mount means that the iPhone can be used in landscape or portrait orientation. Weatherproof and headhone and charging sockets have nifty rubber plugs if you are not using them. Nice plastic screen that is relatively glare free and all functions can be accessed in usual way – nice home key button as well. iPhone fits into snug neoprene lined case and the top flap closes and locks down with clip – hinges on the top flap feel a little flimsy but so far after 200 miles no issues. In use the iPhone is held solidly and no rattles or shakes. The case is fairly soundproof so difficult to take calls etc. but you can use iphone headphones if you really must be on the phone and on the bike.
Battery life of iPhone generally precludes use as proper bike GPS however the case allows use of the low profile charging cable and with a little inventiveness you can avoid buying the Dahon charger and run the charging cable back to a convenient seat bag and have a powermonkey or equivalent hooked up. If you let the iPhone discharge to about 70% , then the drain from the GPS will be taken up by the powermonkey and you can enjoy hours of cycling with a fully functioning iPhone. So for cost of a GPS App and a powermonkey you get a very functional cycle gps and mapping tool. So far have done couple of hundred miles and very pleased.
The best iPhone bike mount I have found is the Spiderpodium. It works brilliantly for me on my bike, but it’s actually not just for the bike, so I use it in my car and at home too!
Biologic iphone mount – TERRIBLE
well, I should have believed in some of the reviews I read. On my first time out with my bike I hit a medium sized pothole and the cover popped open and launched my phone across the road… luckily I was able to retrieve it however only to find a smashed glass front. Of course Apple wants $199 to provide me with a replacement. Perhaps BioLogic will send me the $199 for a product that doesn’t hold up under real circumstances? If you were using this on a stationary bike, it should work. If you plan on riding this in the “real” world I ABSOLUTELY advise a rubber band or velcro strap around the unit. Best of luck to you.
I too have had the same problem with the Biologic mount. My phone was fortunate enough to only have cosmetic damage despite rolling out at 20 mph and having a motorbike swerve around it (thank you mister).
It is however, very waterproof which is a massive plus in this country.
W
Hey,
I wonder if you ever tried to record your track using camera.
Either way, from your experience with bike mount for iphone (4) what do you think is the best ?
My main concern is that I won’t be able to turn it 90 degree so I can record.
This is pretty good info, I have been trying to find a camera mount for ages !
Buybits in the UK do many types of iphone bike mounts to suit all budgets. They also are a Ram reseller.
I’ve just ordered this new iPhone mount from topeak, still waiting to receive it but if I do before the weekend I’ll take it riding on Sunday to give it a bit if a test. Will share my thoughts here.. It’s a real bargain at £17 and it seems clever in it’s simplicity – cover is soft and water proofing is through use of a wet-bag..
Reading this makes my desioicns easier than taking candy from a baby.
I have a question – and there seems to be a lot of useful knowledge and experience on this website so I wonder if you can help:
I tried voice-directed SatNav for the first time recently. I now I need two things: a bike mount (which is why I found this page) and that’s covered. But I also need either:
a) Something to keep the ear piece in my ear a bit more effectively, or
b) Better ear buds (I’m obviously not going to put cans over my ears)
I was thinking – a plaster might help.
As nobody has mentioned it before, is there a stupidly obvious solution that I’ve missed? I drive in London, so using the phone’s speaker is not an option.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil, i recommend in-ear headphones. Skullcandy, bose, apple, wahatever your favorite flavour is. But i’d choose one with controls on wire for answering and music
Hi Ovidiu, and thank you.
Are in-ear headphones something different to the ones you get free with your iPhone and similar gadgets? Those are what I’m using and they won’t stay in.
Yes, in-ear have a silicon or foam bud that fit perfectly ans stay there. Google it for pictures
Thanks, will do.
Thanks for such a rapid response.
Hi
I wish to buy my brother one of these for xmas for his bike. He has both racer and mountain bike.. which one is best to fit different width bars and be waterproof if he gets caught in a heavy downpour? (UK suppliers only please)
Thanks
Kati
Tigra mount should fit on handlebars of both mountain bike and road bike (it does on mine) and is completely waterproof (although I haven’t tried dropping it in the sea.. :S
Thanks… as far as I know he doesn’t often take it in the sea… not cycled over side of any bridges recently either.. so should be ok… lol!
Where is best price or place to get this from and model to look for? (its for the iphone 4)
Thanks
Kati
We sell it right here:
http://shop.londoncyclist.co.uk/products/tigra-iphone-bike-mount
In both iPhone 3GS or iPhone4. Or it’s also possible to buy from Amazon (same price).
Kati you can check ebay.co.uk and amazon.co.uk
aah thats better thanks.. Amazon only had the type for both 3Gs and 4 and not everyone was saying it was secure.
How long is it guaranteed for? If I buy now it won’t be opened until xmas day by my brother and I hate it when open something and it doesn’t work or parts missing and you realise first thing you’re gonna have to do after xmas is return it!
Also, do you sell the armband one for iPhone 4 at your shop? I’m wanting that for myself to try on my armrest of power chair (wheelchair user myself) I wondered how wide an area the strap would go over? I’m assuming they adapt for thin or chubby arms.. so should also fit over a thinner armrest on a chair?
Thanks
Kati
The standard 12 months – although I’ll be very surprised if any issues. We’ve never had someone return it! We don’t have an Armband holder unfortunately 🙁 although we could look into adding one.
Has anyone tried the wahoo ant+ case? It would be useful to have speed and cadence and heart rate or heart rate zone displayed.
I am tempted, but it is expensive. Anyone tried it yet?
Jeremy
Well I bought one for about £80 at my LBS. it is realyl brilliant. It seems to be secure and as far as I can tell it is waterproof. (I don’t want to take it out in the rain just for the sake of it, but it seems to fit well.) the case is not perfect at though it closes, I cannot use the off button because the phone doesn’t seem to be seated all the way in.
Anyway it is excellent. It allows recharging, I use the Pebble as recommended by Andreas, and the case takes power through a small connector which is the same as on a blackberry. This helps with the waterproofing. Wahoo make a separate battery which clips under the case.
I am really pleased with it.
I’ve successfully used my Galaxy Nexus (Android phone) as a bike navigator. Materials: one £1 leather “wallet” hard-case cover for Galaxy Nexus, one zip tie. Using a thin screwdriver, drill a small gap between the wallet’s leather back side and the hard case, put a tie through it, secure it to the bike stem – et voila!
Obvious problems: default Google Maps’ navigation is car-centric, and Android chews battery like crazy. First is bearable, second can be helped by buying 5000/7000 mAh external battery (available from £20 on Amazon).
If you want to keep them charged, get a hub mounted charger! Ideal for long road rides I would reckon, though never used one.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=61048&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedKingdom
Hi Guys,
Stumbled across this awesome blog, by looking for an iPhone 4S Bike mount.
I’m ideally looking to use my headphones, with keeping the phone completely waterproof (it never stops raining in Plymouth) and completely secure.
As I bought the phone direct from Apple (all £599 of it), I want to keep it in the best condition.
Ideally be able to see the screen (in case I’m using googlemaps) or fancy changing tunes, for that I would stop and change obviously.
Anyway, any advice would be awesome!
Rob
The tigra mount allows you to keep your headphones in the mount but that does mean removing the rain cap so there’s a chance that in anything more than a drizzle the rain may slip in to the mount. Obviously, be careful when using headphones and cycling because it can be dangerous.
Thank you Andreas!
I will have a look for where to buy a Tigra Mount, as I know my local bike shop won’t sell them.
Rob we sell it in our eShop here: londoncyclist.wpengine.com/go/tigra-iPhone-4/
Hi,
Nice review, I was wondering how long the battery of IPhone 4 lasts if you use it as an gps and with music player on?
Cheers, keep up The good work!
Tom,
I use about 10% for a 20 minute ride, that’s on a 4S.
Bear in mind, that my screen brightness is fairly high so I can see the screen as well.
I don’t have any other apps running when cycling (BikeRide and Music only).
As BikeRide is used as a dashboard (speedometer, elevation amongst other things) I have it set to not lock the screen etc.
I have to admit, I’m lucky where I can charge my battery again in work.
I hope this helps?
I like to keep my iphone in a case so is there a mount that can be used with a case or not? I don’t want to keep taking it in and out of the case.
I looked at all the iPhone mounts in this review so I could use a cycling GPS app on my Brompton. There isn’t much spare room on the Brompton handlebars and I wanted to be able to remove the mount when I’m not using it. Eventually, I chose a really simple design from Finn (http://getfinn.com). Had my first ride with it on the bike today – around 16 miles – and it stayed rock solid. It does not have a rain cover but the light weight, simplicity and low cost are real plus points.
Here it is on my Brompton bike: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109887916@N05/13823447714/
Above you say ‘Let’s start with the Best iPhone Bike Mounts’ – but the iPhone is the ONLY mount you talk about. More people use Android devices than Apple. Any advice for a Samsung Galaxy Note user 🙂 ?