silicone smartphone mount for bicycle handlebars
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,484
Likes: 4,563
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
silicone smartphone mount for bicycle handlebars
saw a FB video this morning. can't find it on you tube, but did find this video. looks interesting. not sure I would trust it with something so expensive.
Finn - The mount for every smartphone and bike
https://www.amazon.com/Finn-Universa.../dp/B00YFG1U40
Finn - The mount for every smartphone and bike
https://www.amazon.com/Finn-Universa.../dp/B00YFG1U40
#2
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee
Bikes: Trek Domane SL7 83 Cannondale, 70s Raleigh International, 70s Bob Jackson, 70s Gitane tandem, 2018 Trek Domane SL7, Giant Yukon MTB
I did a 125 mile ride recently to my mother-in-law's farm in Wisconsin, much of the ride was on gravel trails. I had purchased a cheapo phone holder from amazon. The principle of the holder was solid, the execution poor. The phone bounced off the holder a couple of times in spite of my efforts to adjust and amend. Finally I stopped at a shop and got some tape and taped it down.
Phone was ok, but worrying about it and fussing with it impacted my enjoyment of the ride. It was a real pita -
Phone was ok, but worrying about it and fussing with it impacted my enjoyment of the ride. It was a real pita -
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tomball, Texas
Bikes: '91 Klein Quantum
I use a Vibrelli Bike phone mount and it performs wonderfully.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 540
Likes: 3
From: Houston
Bikes: Novarra Randonee 2016, Trek Verve 2 2015
Great phone mount the Vibrelli, I used it on my hybrid. Unfortunately, the maximum handlebar diameter it can accommodate, will not fit the tape padded handlebar of my Randonee.
If anyone has suggestions, I'd appreciate them.
If anyone has suggestions, I'd appreciate them.
#5
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
The Finn looks like it might be OK. The Vibrelli doesn't look good to me but one person's treasure is another person's junk. I've had BAD experiences with lots of handlebar mounts. I finally got a Quad Lock mount and case. I should have gotten them sooner. Very solid, very easy on and off. Once I lock the phone onto the mount, I have total confidence. No silicone bands to stretch, which is good for me, because I find stretching things to be annoying. My mount goes on with a 3mm allen key and stays put, and I'm very happy with that.
I have a mount-anywhere Quad Lock mount also, and I'm trying to figure out how to mount it on the dashboard of my wife's car. I want the vertical and horizontal angles to be driver-adjustable.
I have a mount-anywhere Quad Lock mount also, and I'm trying to figure out how to mount it on the dashboard of my wife's car. I want the vertical and horizontal angles to be driver-adjustable.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,344
Likes: 320
From: 961' 42.28° N, 83.78° W (A2)
Bikes: Mongoose Selous, Trek DS
i use a vibrelli bike phone mount and it performs wonderfully.
#7
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 456
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
Nite Ize....Handleband - Universal Smartphone Bar Mount
works with any phone or device of reasonable size. fits any handlebars. mine is 2 years old and going strong.
works with any phone or device of reasonable size. fits any handlebars. mine is 2 years old and going strong.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 456
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
I'm curious, what is your concern? Granted, I run the strap across the middle not the end like in their photo, and it has proven to be extremely secure.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 503
Likes: 4
From: Foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, NY
The battery case is pretty heavy. I am afraid a good jolt could shake it loose. If it were just a regular lifeproof case, I would not think twice about it. I use a different holder on my 29er, just to be safe.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 275
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Bikes: 2015 Giant Roam 1 | 2002 Giant Sedona LX | 1980s Norco Monterey SL
I absolutely would NOT trust a $1000 phone to a silicone elastic band!!!
I use a Delta SmartPhone Caddy:

It's rugged and bulletproof and has performed without fail or issue for 4 years and about 4000km of bumpy roads and trails so far.
The bungee cords on the sides are really just for convenience when mounting the phone to get the top and bottom cups tight - it has a friction cam-lock in the back that actually secures the phone so it can't vibrate loose and jump out.
Comes with both handlebar mounts for various size bars, and a stem cap mount, which is what I use.
Cheers
TRJB
I use a Delta SmartPhone Caddy:

It's rugged and bulletproof and has performed without fail or issue for 4 years and about 4000km of bumpy roads and trails so far.
The bungee cords on the sides are really just for convenience when mounting the phone to get the top and bottom cups tight - it has a friction cam-lock in the back that actually secures the phone so it can't vibrate loose and jump out.
Comes with both handlebar mounts for various size bars, and a stem cap mount, which is what I use.
Cheers
TRJB
Last edited by therealjoeblow; 04-01-17 at 10:42 PM.
#13
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Most of the folks I know locally who have the Quad Lock say they started with other mounts and wish they'd gone straight to the Quad Lock.
I've checked a few inexpensive mounts but most of the secure mounts and those that come with weatherproof containers are designed to fit threadless stems. My bikes have quill stems.
I just start my cycling apps and keep the phone in a small handlebar bag until I need to check the maps or other stuff. When I mount my larger AGU handlebar bag I put the phone in the waterproof map pouch on the top, since it allows operating touch screens too. But I don't pay much attention to the screen while I'm riding. Usually I prefer to find out later how my conditioning is progressing or regressing.
I've checked a few inexpensive mounts but most of the secure mounts and those that come with weatherproof containers are designed to fit threadless stems. My bikes have quill stems.
I just start my cycling apps and keep the phone in a small handlebar bag until I need to check the maps or other stuff. When I mount my larger AGU handlebar bag I put the phone in the waterproof map pouch on the top, since it allows operating touch screens too. But I don't pay much attention to the screen while I'm riding. Usually I prefer to find out later how my conditioning is progressing or regressing.
#14
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
Likes: 6,476
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Some people say that cycling is not a great time to be playing with a smartphone, and that's a fair point. But having a good mount that makes my phone available reduces the time I spend with the phone. For instance, if a call comes in, I see who it is, and I know right away that I don't have to pick it up. I don't need to see my speed, but if I want to, I can check it safely and quickly. If I need directions, I don't have to stop, pull over, and read my phone. When I'm on a bike path or trail (not in motor traffic), I listen to podcasts, and I like having the onscreen button that rewinds 15 seconds so I can hear something I just missed.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#15
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have the Finn holding a relatively large phone and have had it since last year, I do mostly urban cycling so no jumps or whatnot but sidewalk dismounts are relatively frequent and it has had no issue holding my phone solidly in place
#17
Nite Ize....Handleband - Universal Smartphone Bar Mount
works with any phone or device of reasonable size. fits any handlebars. mine is 2 years old and going strong.
works with any phone or device of reasonable size. fits any handlebars. mine is 2 years old and going strong.
__________________
Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 100
Likes: 3
I'm looking for a decent phone mount and haven't found one yet. I have the Vibrelli and its dropped my phone a couple times, possibly because the phone is in an ottercase and the silicon doesn't grab it quite right. On really rough roads it jars loose. I'd like to find something with some shock absorption.
#19
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
Likes: 6,476
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Vibrelli is crap.
Quad Lock is it. You won't regret it. You'll have to replace your case, though. I didn't like that fact, but it is working out well.
Quad Lock is it. You won't regret it. You'll have to replace your case, though. I didn't like that fact, but it is working out well.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 100
Likes: 3
Ive been thinking about it some more. I wish it was possible to find some different sized silicon straps to hold my phone. here's a set on Ebay: https://goo.gl/AVu7qX , but they are all the same size. They keep calling them universal and they are not. It looks like it would hold my bare iPhone fine, but with an otter case on, the strap I have is too small and is stretched too much. the other problem is the phone holder needs some kind of shock absorption. when I hit really rough pavement the vibration causes the phone to slip out of the mount.
PS. heres something interesting i've been thinking about:
https://www.ebay.com/p/rear-front-sh...p2047675.l2644
if link doesn't work its a miniature shockaborber set for a rc car. they are 4-5 inch long which is a bit bigger than i want. but they are pretty cheap and i've seen them in action, they are quite effective.
PS. heres something interesting i've been thinking about:
https://www.ebay.com/p/rear-front-sh...p2047675.l2644
if link doesn't work its a miniature shockaborber set for a rc car. they are 4-5 inch long which is a bit bigger than i want. but they are pretty cheap and i've seen them in action, they are quite effective.
Last edited by preferdownhill; 04-20-17 at 10:45 AM.
#21
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
Likes: 6,476
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
With a Quad Lock, you don't need any shock absorption.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#22
Looking at about half the mounts here, I have to wonder why you guys don't just duct tape the phone to the bars with 8-10 wraps. Good mounts that don't run a strap across the screen have been around for a long time.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 100
Likes: 3
#24
Cases & Mounts | BioLogic Bicycle Accessories and Bike Gear
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EEEKit-Ad...-5-4/186773243
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Poweradd-...hone/859690635
https://www.walmart.com/ip/TG-Mobile...older/23842202
https://www.walmart.com/ip/N2200-Uni...-GPS/194768235
https://www.velocityclip.com/collect...andlebar-mount
This is the one that I see every time I wander through the bike stuff a WalMart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-U...Mount/47369022
This is the one I've been using for a bit over a year with both an iPhone 4S and a Kyocera Hydro Icon, and the only time I've had the phone come out was when I got hit by a truck. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-h...vices/44508451
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EEEKit-Ad...-5-4/186773243
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Poweradd-...hone/859690635
https://www.walmart.com/ip/TG-Mobile...older/23842202
https://www.walmart.com/ip/N2200-Uni...-GPS/194768235
https://www.velocityclip.com/collect...andlebar-mount
This is the one that I see every time I wander through the bike stuff a WalMart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-U...Mount/47369022
This is the one I've been using for a bit over a year with both an iPhone 4S and a Kyocera Hydro Icon, and the only time I've had the phone come out was when I got hit by a truck. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-h...vices/44508451
#25
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,222
Likes: 6,476
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I've used mounts like some of those Walmart mounts. One of them held my digital camera. The mount was made of an insufficiently strong plastic. On a bumpy road, it broke and tossed my camera on the ground, destroying it (the camera, not the ground). The break was at the hinge of the part that gripped the handlebar.
Another cheap mount broke at the joint between the ball joint and the shaft it was attached to. The manufacturer admitted to me that they still had not worked out the quality of the material yet. The breakage led to my very expensive phone falling onto the ground in heavy traffic. A taxi's tire drove right by the phone but didn't hit it. I got lucky, and the damage to my phone was minimal.
Cheap brackets don't seem like such a good value to me when I trust them to protect my expensive gear.
Another cheap mount broke at the joint between the ball joint and the shaft it was attached to. The manufacturer admitted to me that they still had not worked out the quality of the material yet. The breakage led to my very expensive phone falling onto the ground in heavy traffic. A taxi's tire drove right by the phone but didn't hit it. I got lucky, and the damage to my phone was minimal.
Cheap brackets don't seem like such a good value to me when I trust them to protect my expensive gear.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.





