Good smartphone mounts for bicycles should look stylish, be easy to use, cost little, and, above all, securely hold the smartphone on the bike. Nothing would be worse than hearing the phone crash onto the hard asphalt while riding at full speed. However, the differences in detail are much greater. Do you want to switch between portrait and landscape mode while riding? Do you need wireless charging? Should there be a specific phone case, do you always use the same smartphone, or does the mount need to be universal? Exotic bike mounts can be found in the guide The Ultimate Bike Phone Mount: Power Bank, Sound & Airtag for On-the-Go. Our article Bicycle Tuning with Radar, Dashcam, Alarm System, Airbag & Co.: Safe Cycling showcases gadgets for increased safety. We also present other useful bike accessories against thieves & Co. in the article Theft Protection for Bikes, E-Bikes & E-Scooters: Alarms, GPS Trackers & Locks.
Universal or with a case
Most of the affordable phone mounts are universally compatible – for any bike and any smartphone. If multiple users will be using the same bike, or if a phone upgrade is expected soon, this should be taken into account. With these mounts, the phones are usually secured using rubber bands or twist and screw fasteners, which city dwellers may be familiar with from the ubiquitous e-scooters that are often equipped with them. The alternative is the more expensive mounts that require a case that fits the smartphone. The case acts as a counterpart to the arm or button attached to the bike. The phone comfortably snaps into place with a push or twist motion and remains securely held. It can also be easily removed and reinserted for a quick photo; this is not as enjoyable with clamp or rubber band mounts.
First Place: Fidlock
The Fidlock mount is the winner in our tests and combines a magnet with a suction cup. A sturdy plastic case that fits the smartphone is required, and there are various mounts for the handlebars available depending on personal preference and available space. Genius: The magnet pulls the case into the correct position, and the suction cup then creates a vacuum. All you have to do is bring the phone near the mount, and it will silently and securely snap into place without any additional twisting or pressing. It can also be easily rotated on the handlebars. If you need to switch from landscape to portrait mode while using a navigation app, you can simply turn the phone without removing it from the mount. To remove it, pull on a ring on the handlebar mount to lift the suction cup – and removing the phone is just as convenient as attaching it. The author of this article conducted a rigorous test with Fidlock: a mountain bike crash down a slope. The result (along with several orthopedic injuries): The phone detached from the handlebars upon impact, but neither the case nor the mount were damaged. However, there is one drawback that, depending on the intended use, could challenge Fidlock for first place. Due to the magnetic mount, wireless charging with Qi does not work when the phone is in the case. So you either have to remove it, connect a cable, or opt for another solution. At Amazon, you can find a set consisting of a bike mount and a matching phone case for currently 60 Euros. The mount alone costs about 28 Euros.
Second Place: SP Connect
In principle, SP Connect consists of two parts – a case and a mount. However, instead of a magnet and suction cup, a twist closure is used here. Place the phone with the case on the mount and turn it 90 degrees to securely lock it in place. Since there is no magnet to help locate the center, inserting the phone is a bit more fiddly than with Fidlock, but much more convenient than with universal mounts using rubber bands. However, you should think about whether you want to use your smartphone in landscape or portrait mode before mounting it, as the orientation cannot be changed while riding. However, there is no metal or magnet in the case, so smartphones in an SP Connect case can be charged wirelessly using Qi. Prices start at 23 Euros.
Third Place: Klickfix Phonebag
A good solution is the Klickfix Phonebag Tour M (review). It combines the advantages of a two-piece mount with those of a universal pouch. Admittedly, the handlebar bag is relatively expensive at just under 50 Euros. However, the quality is excellent. The handlebar bag is suitable for smartphones up to a size of 8.5 × 16.5 cm. It is also waterproof, which is almost indispensable for longer rides in the rain. The installation is simple, and all the necessary tools are included. Thanks to the Klickfix attachment system, the phone bag can be quickly removed. There is also space for a power bank (guide) in the bag. For those familiar with Klickfix, they will know that everything is secure and rattle-free. Currently, the phone mount is heavily discounted on Amazon and costs only 42 Euros instead of 58 Euros.
Fourth Place: Quadlock
Like SP Connect, Quadlock also uses a twist mechanism, but it is executed slightly differently. Instead of a 90-degree angle, the phone must be placed and locked in at a 45-degree angle. This allows for insertion in both portrait and landscape orientations. To release the phone, simply pull on a blue handle, and then the phone can be rotated and removed. The mount feels solid, but there is a release mechanism with a spring that tends to rattle a bit. While the phone will not fall during the ride, it doesn’t feel as securely held as with the other mechanisms using a phone case. The system starts at around 40 Euros. Quadlock offers various cases and mounts, including an auto and motorcycle mount, as well as an armband for jogging, and compatible phone cases on Amazon.
Fifth Place: Lamicall
Lamicall offers a range of well-designed and thoughtful smartphone mounts. The attachment to the handlebar via a round clamp is uncomplicated. Four rubber inserts ensure that it holds securely on both thin and thick handlebars. The clamp itself is made of plastic, while the safety lever is made of metal. The clamping unit is attached to the round joint of the clamp via a plastic ring with internal thread. This also works well and allows the phone to be rotated between portrait and landscape orientations. The Lamicall mount securely grips the phone with a wide clamp at the top and two slightly smaller clamps at the bottom. What’s special about it is that the user can clamp and remove the phone with just one hand. This is particularly practical while riding, although it may be a bit cumbersome at first. With some practice, it works well. A security hook on the back proves to be of little use. Even when secured, the mount can still be removed, although slightly more difficult.
Furthermore, the Lamicall mount accommodates smartphones with thick cases due to its generous size. With the clamp at the top and the two smaller clamps at the bottom, Lamicall does not obstruct any of the side buttons on most phones. However, be aware that some older iPhones have their power button on the top. If your smartphone has a rear fingerprint scanner, it will not be accessible when clamped in the mount. Pop-up cameras also cannot extend when the phone is clamped. Currently, the mount is heavily discounted on Amazon and costs 17 Euros instead of 23 Euros.
Sixth Place: Spigen Velo A250
The Spigen Velo A250 (review) is made almost entirely of black plastic. The smartphone is clamped into a U-shaped bracket that grips the sides of the phone and can be adjusted from approximately 5.5 cm to just under 9.5 cm. Behind it, there is a spiderweb-like rubber to secure the phone at its corners. When the phone is not clamped, it wobbles loosely. The attachment of the phone mount to the handlebar is the biggest difference compared to the PNY model. The Spigen Velo A250 clamp consists of two plastic parts with rubberized, semicircular cutouts. Both parts are hooked onto one of four hooks and then tightened to the handlebar with a screw and nut. Thanks to the wing handle on the screw, this can be done without tools. The handlebar must not exceed a maximum diameter of 3.5 cm, which is not a problem in most cases. The attachment process proved to be a fiddly test of patience, and some may struggle with it in the dark. However, once the clamp is securely attached, it can be tightened so that nothing slips. The phone is secured using rubber bands. Once inserted, it sits securely and stably – but quick removal, such as for taking a photo, and reinsertion is not possible. The rubber bands must be put back over the phone on all four edges, and this takes time. However, the Spigen mount is affordable at 17 Euros.
Seventh Place: PNY Expand Bike Mount
The PNY Expand Bike Mount (review) and the Spigen Velo A250 (review) are both similarly structured. A clamp secures the mount to the handlebar. A ball joint holds the phone in portrait or landscape orientation, and there is a clamp with rubber bands to secure the phone. The clamp for attaching the PNY Expand Bike Mount to the handlebar opens up to a maximum of 4.5 cm and closes completely to within a few millimeters. The inside is rubberized. The clamp securely wraps around the handlebar with just a few simple steps, ensuring that nothing slips.
Eighth Place: Frame Bag
The Yanho Frame Bag (review) is attached to the frame using Velcro straps, and the phone is placed in a slot protected by a transparent film at the top. The Yanho frame bag we tested is currently not available under that name, but there are plenty of identical products on the market, such as those from Rockbros, priced between 20 Euros and 25 Euros. Despite its age and apparently cheap material, it is still fully functional and durable even with regular use. The zipper functions smoothly, and the faux leather is wrinkled but without any cracks. The interior of the bag and the slot for the phone remain dry even in the rain – which is especially practical for those who do not have a waterproof smartphone. The outer dimensions are 18 cm in length, 9.5 cm in width, and 9 cm in height. While the length and height are unproblematic, buyers should ensure that the width does not exceed 9.5 cm, as otherwise, there is a risk of rubbing against the bag while cycling.
Ninth Place: Finn
The Finn bike mount is made entirely of translucent silicone. It measures just under 20 cm in length, about 4 cm in width, and 1 cm in thickness at the Bike Citizens logo in the middle. Even when the corners are pulled apart forcefully, the Finn does not tear and returns to its original form undamaged. The material of this Austrian-made phone mount is well chosen for its durability. For installation, the end of the Finn is looped around the handlebar and pulled through the opposite tab. Note: The Bike Citizens logo should face towards the handlebars – unfortunately, this is not clearly visible or even incorrectly depicted in the three installation images included in the provided instructions. This video shows the correct way to do it. The silicone band tightens when the ends are looped around the corners of the phone. The process might be a bit unusual at first but becomes easier with practice. The Finn phone mount accommodates all smartphones from small 4.7-inch iPhones to large 6-inch Pixel 2 XLs, even with protective cases. The gap between the handlebar and the phone is less than 1 cm. Therefore, the phone mount only fits handlebars with a flat surface as wide as the smartphone being attached. Once attached, the phone lies on a fairly flat surface, providing stability. The display can still be easily read while riding. The phone remains securely held in position regardless of curbs or rough rides. However, without a phone in the mount, the mount itself does not hold well on the handlebar due to a lack of tension. This detracts from its overall score. Nevertheless, as a second “always-on-hand” mount for quickly attaching your phone to a rental bike, Finn is perfect – especially considering its low price of 10 Euros.
Tenth Place: Backture / Inion
The Backture mount appears very flimsy. This starts with the thin arms and continues with the excessively narrow clamp. Attaching it requires a lot of fumbling. We made the “mistake” of removing all the screws for testing. We were only able to assemble it after fixing a nut in the plastic screw with glue. Otherwise, it kept falling out during the assembly attempts. However, even when properly attached to the handlebar, we cannot trust this mount. The phone vibrates so vigorously during a ride on a forest path that it is almost impossible to read the display content. Despite its low price of just 7 Euros, we strongly recommend against purchasing the Backture mount. Currently, Backture is no longer available in stores. It’s no loss. An alternative is the similarly structured Phone Mount by Inion (review). The build quality is also cheap. Adjusting it requires a lot of screwing, although not as bad as the Backture model. However, this smartphone mount is affordable at only 11 Euros. Those who only need occasional or short-distance mounting options on their bicycles can consider this.
Conclusion
All of the phone mounts we tested for bicycles do what they are supposed to do: securely hold the phone on the handlebars. The exception is the smartphone mount from Backture. Despite its low price, we strongly advise against it. Its design is poorly thought out and very flimsy. The most important decision before buying is whether you want a universal mount or one that comes with a case specifically for your smartphone. Based on our experience, the latter option is generally better. The phones are held securely, the attachment is stable, and inserting and removing the phone is quick and hassle-free. If you can live without wireless charging, be sure to take a look at Fidlock; otherwise, SP Connect is our favorite. Among the universal mounts, we liked Lamicall the best, but the difference from the other models is not significant.
For those who want to have an extra phone mount in their backpack just in case, we recommend Finn. We find it a bit fiddly for regular use, but it is perfect for quick and easy installation – especially considering its low price. The third option is frame bags. Those who are not afraid to spend 50 Euros on it should go for Klickfix. Those who do not want to remove the bag or can tolerate the slightly wobbly and less comfortable Velcro straps can get a no-name case for half the price. In both cases, there is space for some tools and repair kits, a phone charging cable with a small power bank, and some adhesive bandages. If you are interested in e-scooters, we recommend our Top 10: The Best E-Scooters from Segway to Xiaomi. We also explain more about pedelecs in the article E-Bike for the City: Good E-City Bikes are available from as low as 700 Euros. We showcase must-have accessories for increased safety in the guides Bicycle Tuning with Radar, Dashcam, Alarm System, Airbag & Co.: Safe Cycling and Theft Protection for Bikes, E-Bikes & E-Scooters: Alarms, GPS Trackers & Locks. These are the most popular bike phone mounts from our price comparison.
