When was the last time you’ve left your home without your phone? Can’t remember? You’re not alone, we all carry our smartphones in our pockets anywhere at any time. If you use your bike to commute and to cycle to school or uni, you probably always have your phone with you. If you like to go on bigger bike journeys you can use it’s GPS to navigate or connect it to your heart rate tracker. In that case, you need to be able to see it, so you should use a handlebar mount for easy access and a good view.
You can, of course, just put your smartphone in your pocket. Or in your backpack. But then it will be difficult to let it navigate you. Many amateur athletes also like to use smartphone apps in combination with a sports watch or heart rate monitor to monitor their bike workouts and make them as efficient as possible.
Occasionally, it's just handy to be able to take a look at your phone while you're on the go. There are two different mounting methods to choose from for this. You can mount a cell phone mount on the handlebars, which in turn holds the phone in place. You can also put it in a handlebar bag. Here we explain how to find the right cell phone holder here in the online store.
Is the cell phone better in landscape or portrait format?
How you mount your phone on the bike is entirely up to you and your preferences! You can rotate many phone mounts, so you can switch between portrait and landscape mode at will. Often you can rotate the phone on the mount continuously, so you can compensate for the curvature of the handlebars.
You can also adjust the tilt angle, so it is easy to position the phone so that you can see and read the display well.
How to fit the phone mount to your bike
So that the holder then also fits to your handlebars, you will find in the article description usually information about how large the diameter of the handlebars for which holder may be.
There are also universal mounts that can be lashed to many different handlebars. Due to the stepless attachment, these mounts fit (almost) any bike, any handlebar or stem. If you have a cranked or curved handlebar, you should make sure when buying that it offers enough space for the phone clamp.
Smartphone mount on the handlebar or on the stem - which is better?
Above the stem, a cell phone is less exposed in the event of a fall, so it comes off with a greater probability without damage. That being said, the phone should be positioned so that it doesn't interfere with your concentration, restrict your field of vision, or distract your focus too far from the road ahead.
Cell phone mounts on carbon bikes
Carbon is lightweight, stiff and allows for a wide variety of frame designs. Stems and handlebars are also made from carbon, as it is simply the ideal material for bicycles. Unless you want to bolt something to the bike. A cell phone mount, for example. In order for the mount to fit securely, it should be tightened. Clamps that are pulled too tight can damage a carbon handlebar, though, so be sure to check out the mounting options before you buy. At bike care here on Bike Mailorder, there is carbon mounting paste that may be able to help you out.
Make your phone waterproof!
It's very convenient to control your bike or e-bike directly from your smartphone. But so that you don't have to look for a bus shelter every time your weather app announces a shower, it's a good idea to wrap your phone in a waterproof case. This case not only protects your precious phone from rain and moisture, it also keeps dust out. It also serves as an additional drop protection in case of a fall.
Especially recommended are cell phone cases that fit a cradle. Here, the connector that screws the case and cradle together is already present on the back. This combination ensures a particularly secure mounting. You can find such systems here in the BMO online store from SP Connect, a manufacturer that specializes in smartphone mounts for athletes.
There are smartphone sleeves to fit many popular phones, and you can select which ones you need in a menu when buying. Just put Galaxy S10, S20 or Galaxy S21 here, you can also order phone cases for iPhone 8, iPhone 11 or 12 and other smartphones here.
A good alternative to the cell phone holder would be a Smartbag, a small bag that is attached to the stem. Here, there is a clear pocket on the top that fits a common smartphone. These mini bags offer additional space for keys and some money. If your luggage then but like a little more extensive, you can also purchase a larger handlebar bag, these bags also often have a transparent compartment on the lid, in which you can put a cell phone. So you can see it on the road, but it is still protected from wind and weather.
