It’s time to admit something. Admit something that most cyclists have done. Yes, we planned to head somewhere new by bike. With a few quick taps we plumbed our destination it into our favourite mapping app and pedalled off. But with no way to read the phone whilst riding, we quickly forgot the route at the very first intersection. On go the brakes, out comes the phone…
Worst still, we’ve ridden along, one hand on the handlebars the other clasping a phone. A pin stuck in the virtual world as you haphazardly try to find your way there in the real world.
After the third - no second - time of doing this, especially on busy roads, you’ll realise there has to be a better way - enter the bike phone mount, a simple, but clever way of making your phone visible whilst riding a bike. But what constitutes a good one and what features should you consider when in the market for one?
This is the Loop guide to bike phone mount features.
1. Phone Compatibility
Starting with a biggie - a good bike phone mount should accommodate a variety of phone sizes and models. The best phone mounts will do this with or without a case too!
Most mounts offer adjustable grips or cradles to securely hold everything from the smallest ancient iPhone to the newest and beefiest Samsung Galaxy.
This is especially important as smartphones have tended to grow larger with time. The first iPhone had a 3.5” screen, while the latest iPhone 16 has a 6.2” screen—that’s over 77% larger!
2. Bike Compatibility
All good bike phone mounts should be compatible with different handlebar types and sizes. Most mounts are designed to fit standard handlebars (that’s those 25.4mm to 31.8mm in diameter), but it's always worth checking to see whether your chosen mount can be adjusted to fit your bike.
Noticeable watch-outs in this area are road bikes with aero handlebars or older bikes with one-piece quill stems.
3. Mounting Position
Irrespective of which bike navigation app you ride with it’s important to see it from the saddle. The position where your phone sits on the bike is crucial for convenience and safety. The most common placement for a bike phone mount is on the handlebars, but some riders prefer a position closer to the stem for better visibility.
If you’re riding your bike to get places it's likely you won’t be doing that solely during daylight hours. And so there’s a good chance a bike phone mount could be competing for space on your handlebars with other accessories like a light or even a bell.
Therefore we’d recommend considering your (year-round) bike usage before you plump for the ideal phone mount forgetting that’s exactly where your favourite front bike light sits!
4. Security
We cyclists rely on secure bike phone mounts to ensure the phone stays in place, even if we bump off a curb taking a quick shortcut, rattle over a cattle grid when following a Google Maps bike route or plonk over a speed bump rushing to work.
High-quality mounts usually feature a locking mechanism or strong grip that prevents the phone from falling out. Materials like silicone or rubber are usually added to create added friction and prevent slipping.
The best bike phone mounts keep your phone protected from vibrations while riding - something that can happen even on seemingly butter-smooth tarmac roads.
5. Adjustability
The best phone mounts are adjustable allowing the rider to tilt or rotate the phone to create a more ergonomic viewing angle. Whether you’re squinting down trying to decide which junction to take or simply looking at how far left you have to ride, a mount that’s got great adjustability will do wonders for your riding.
6. Visual Appeal
While functionality is key, it doesn’t hurt for your phone mount to look good too. Opt for a mount that blends well with your bike’s design and style.
Most mounts aim to be sleek or minimalist and built from neutral colours, ensuring they don’t stand out too much - but there are only a few that we can think of that achieve this goal.
We don’t think it's too much to ask for a bike phone mount with a good aesthetic which contemplates your bike, while being practical at the same time.
7. Ease of Removal
An easy-to-remove bike phone mount adds convenience, especially if you’re taking your phone with you when you leave your bike.
Some mounts feature quick-release systems, allowing you to detach your phone or the entire mount with minimal effort - often with one hand.
This feature is particularly important for those riders who are on and off their bikes frequently.
Ultimately, a bike phone mount with a simple removal process can save time and ensure your device stays secure when you’re not riding.
8. Switching Between Bikes
If you own multiple bikes or like to switch between them, it’s important to have a phone mount that can be easily transferred.
Look for mounts that have a simple installation process, ideally with a tool-free setup, so you can move them between bikes without hassle.
Some mounts feature detachable bases or versatile attachment systems that let you move the mount from your commuter bike to your road bike seamlessly, making this kind of phone mounting solution more cost-effective.
That’s the eight features that, in our minds at least, make the best bike phone mounts. Fancy giving ours a try for yourself? The Loop Micro Mount and the Loop Mount are available right now with free worldwide shipping available. Here’s why we think our bike phone mounts are better than the competition.
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