-
Posts
-
-
Just purchased a Samsung Galaxy S6.. I have given thought to getting a case and mount for the handle bars. I am a bit skeptical mounting this thing to my bike, because knowing my luck I will smack a tree head on first time out. But I would like the ability to have it easily accessible for maps and apps I use when on the trail or new trails.
What are you guys using are finding to be the safest mounts for you smartphone?
Thanks!
-
I’ve tried a few like the RAM and Hitcase and they all work about the same. I wouldn’t worry too much about breaking the phone in a crash or brushing by a tree at speed–most mounts are designed to break away. Some of the ones I’ve tested (like the Hitcase) require a special case anyway which gives the phone added protection (even from water.)
Now, that being said–I don’t ride with a smartphone mount regularly. If I need to check my phone on the trail often (for directions or whatever) I’ll stash the phone in my (zippered) shorts pocket or jersey pocket. I also ride with a fanny pack which provides pretty convenient access. Would be cool to see a fanny pack include a top pouch with a clear, touchscreen-friendly cover. That way you could just slide your pack around the front and get to the phone at a pretty convenient angle without taking it out of a pocket or pack.
All of this kinda makes me wish Google Glass was still around–that would probably work pretty well for trail use!
-
When I was considering doing this, I found the Ram Mount to be the best reviewed and highest rating.
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-SB-187-UN7U
I decided not to actually follow through with this idea as it would be all too easy to destroy the phone, costing me the price of some really nice upgrade parts for my bike. You can’t really register anything if you’re looking at the screen while riding. You’ll need to stop the bike to manipulate the map screen or anything else you’re trying to do, so why not just add the step of pulling it out of a frame bag or chest pouch, where it will be protected ’till you need it?
Of course, just my .02.
-
You can’t really register anything if you’re looking at the screen while riding. You’ll need to stop the bike to manipulate the map screen or anything else you’re trying to do, so why not just add the step of pulling it out of a frame bag or chest pouch, where it will be protected ’till you need it?
Yes, this! Though some apps (like Strava) are getting better at simplifying their interfaces which helps. But trying to follow a map is definitely tough, even on a dedicated GPS. I usually have to stop the bike to peek.
-
-
I bought a QuadLock recently. I installed it on my Galaxy S5 Otterbox Defender (cut a square out of the rubber outter case for the mount). You can purchase a phone case made by QuadLock, and it looks pretty good. They also have a splash resistant cover for it. The system works great. Not a lot of weight and good retention. Can be temporarily mounted with included O-rings for easily switching between bikes or more permanently mounted with 2 zipties (both included).
-
Don’t mount your expensive smartphone on your handlebars. Not a good idea in my opinion. This is the equivalent to texting and driving, way too distracting. Get an Otter cover on your phone and stash it in a convenient to reach pocket. I personally prefer to use a paper topo map, and keep the phone stashed away unless I am hopelessly lost and the sun is beginning to get scarce.
-
Go with an OtterBox defender case. They’re pretty bullet proof. You can then get a “Slip Grip” on Amazon which is made to fit the OtterBox case.
-
Yes. Agreed. Being a terribly irresponsible person and mounting your phone on your bars is a bad combo. However, if you’re an adult and able to act as such, mount away and use it for GPS, tunes, or whatever else you can dream up.
QuadLock is the way to go!
-
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.