The Greatest Bike Cellphone Mounts of 2024

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at GJ, there are a few things that remain constant through all of our gear evaluations — we’re looking for the very best gear we can find, while still keeping an eye out for the best value we can get. Our staff includes professional gear reviewers, former racers, recreational cyclists, bike commuters, and everyone in between — people who care about fit, finish, and function. Our testers spend their time carefully evaluating new products so that you don’t have to, which translates to more time in the saddle for you. We strive to create thorough, comprehensive, and helpful reviews to help you find the best gear for your individual needs. 

This guide is curated, tested, and written by Paul Mandell. Paul has two decades of experience in the saddle as an itinerant racer and recreational rider. He completed his graduate studies in exercise science and studied the critical power model for cycling, meaning that he’s no stranger to testing, training, and racing bikes. 

Lately, Paul has been enjoying a return to the “Gotta get up to get down” mentality while in the saddle, and getting back to his roots by ripping around on a steel hardtail, sporting a shit-eating grin and a twinkle in his eye. Tools don’t make the carpenter, after all.

How We Tested Bike Phone Mounts

We started this review by thoroughly researching offerings in the world of handlebar phone mounts and ordering a selection from the standout performances. Then we established a few criteria to help us evaluate the mounts we selected: 

• Simplicity – is the mount easy to set up and operate, or do we need a master’s in engineering to use it? Mounts that scored high in this metric offered easy, intuitive setups, and a streamlined design.
• Functionality – We looked at how well the mounts worked, namely — does the mount do what the company advertises? Were there any hiccups with how and where the mount engages or disengages? Are there any particularly annoying quirks that would dissuade us from using the mount? Did the design team think things through?
• Ease of Use – There is some overlap with simplicity here, but it’s important to note that not all simple things are easy to use, like in the case of the Quadlock, which is a simple design that isn’t always easy to use. We evaluated the mounts on how easy it was to install on the bike, and subsequently how easy it was to attach the mount to the phone.
• Security & Peace of Mind –  This one is fairly self-explanatory. We evaluated mounts on how secure they were, and consequently how much peace of mind they offer when it comes to keeping your phone safe and secure. Mounts with a mechanical engagement tended to score higher in this category, like the Peak Designs mount, which features both MagSafe and mechanical engagement to keep your phone secure. Additionally, drop protection on the included cases also carried weight in this category.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Bike Phone Mount

As you search for the perfect bike phone mount, consider your specific needs as a cyclist and choose the product that best meets them. It may be a good idea to go for a few rides and think carefully about how you plan to use your bike phone mount.

Do you often ride on rough terrain? Do you often ride in wet or muddy conditions? And do you want to be able to change the angle of your phone’s display as you ride? Asking yourself these kinds of questions allows you to narrow your options and choose a mount that can elevate your experience as a rider.

Every bike mount is slightly different, and there are lots of variations to consider. Some of the key characteristics that differentiate one mount from the next include handlebar diameter, mounting method, smartphone compatibility, durability, design, ease of phone detachment, water resistance, and rough terrain capability.

Handlebar Diameter

Before you purchase, it’s wise to measure the diameter of your handlebars. Choose the specific part of the bar where you plan to install your mount and compare your measurement with the specs of the mount you’re considering.

Most road and mountain bikes have handlebars with diameters between 0.9 inches and 1.25 inches.

Mounting Method

Different bike phone mounts utilize different mounting methods. Some, like the Nite Ize Wraptor Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount, attach to your handlebars with a strap that works just like a belt. Holes in the strap offer various options for various handlebar diameters.

Other mounts, like offerings from Roam, mount with a single attachment point and can be tightened with an Allen key.

When selecting the best mount for you, remember that some mounting methods are more robust than others. If you ride often on bumpy terrain, look for a mount that prioritizes stable and strong mounting in its design.

Smartphone Capability

Measure your smartphone before purchasing a mount. Make sure that the mount you’re considering is compatible with the make, model, and size of your phone. Most modern phones are less than 7 inches high and less than 3.5 inches wide.

Some mounting systems, like the Rokform Universal mount, can be used with any phone as long as the phone is fitted with the proper adaptor. Adaptors are usually manufactured by the same company that makes the corresponding mount, and they’re often sold separately.

Durability

If you spend a lot of time riding on rough trails and through wet and windy weather, you’ll want to purchase a mount that is built with durability in mind. Plastic and silicone may not be as durable as similarly priced mounts that are made of metal, like the GUB Bike Phone Mount.

Design

The design of your phone mount determines how it looks on your bike and how much wind drag it adds to your overall rig. Mounts like the Nite Ize are sleek-looking and, as a bonus, they are designed to minimize resistance. Low-profile designs also tend to shake less while riding over bumps and at high speeds.

Ease of Phone Attachment

Depending on the mount you purchase, it can be easy or difficult to attach or detach your phone to or from the mount. Mounts that utilize an adapter system offer a super-quick way to pop your phone in and out of your mount if you want to stop and take a quick photo during your ride.

Water Resistance

A bike phone mount’s water-resistance capabilities should be a consideration for riders who plan to spend a lot of time riding through wet, rainy, or muddy conditions. Many times, the addition of a waterproof case can solve this problem. If this is the option you choose, look for a mount that will still be compatible with your phone while the case is on.

Rough Terrain Capability

If you’ll be primarily riding off-road with your phone bike mount, be sure to purchase a product that will hold up to the kind of vibration your riding style regularly creates. The Peak Design Out Front Bike Phone Mount combines mechanical and magnetic attachment, which offers great stability and security while riding hard on rough terrain.

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