If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a lot of stuff on your bike. And if you have a smartphone, there’s even more to carry.
Some cyclists have found innovative ways to carry their phones while cycling that are both convenient and safe. So here’s how some of them do it:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Different methods and accessories are available to securely carry your phone while cycling. |
| Handlebar mounts, frame bags, waist packs, and phone cases are popular options for phone storage during cycling. |
| Specialized phone mounts designed for mountain biking offer enhanced shock resistance and secure attachment. |
| Using a waterproof phone case or a weatherproof cover can protect your phone from water damage. |
| Phone mounts provide easy accessibility, improved visibility, and increased safety while cycling. |
Armband
An armband is a simple way to carry your phone while biking, but it comes with some caveats. The armband has a pocket for your phone that’s made of neoprene, and there’s a Velcro closure on the back so it fits snugly and doesn’t move around at all.
There’s also a reflective strip on one side of the band so you can be seen when biking after dark, which can be helpful if you’re trying to stay safe while cycling in areas where cars are driving fast or unpredictably.
Although you won’t have any issues mounting your phone in an armband, there are some drawbacks to this style of holster:
If you’re riding hard enough that sweat builds up under your arm during exercise (for example), then your phone will also be sweating off its protective case and then getting wet from sweat means putting yourself at risk for water damage if something happens like rain pours down unexpectedly.
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In Your Pocket
If you like to keep your phone in your pocket while cycling, there are a few things to look for when choosing the right pocket.
First, you’ll need to make sure that the pocket is large enough to fit your phone, but not so large that it will get caught on anything while riding.
You also want a material that does not stick out from the side of your shorts or pants and gets caught on things.
Look for pockets made of mesh materials or other lightweight fabrics with wicking properties so they don’t get too soggy from sweat when riding in warm weather conditions.
Second, make sure the Velcro closure has ample clearance between itself and any moving parts including knees and gears so as not to interfere with pedaling motion or cause injury if something were ever caught by accident (don’t ask me how I know this).
Finally, make sure there’s plenty of room behind where you put your phone so air can flow freely around it
This keeps it cool while keeping moisture away so its electronics aren’t damaged by condensation buildup over time due humidity changes during different seasons/weather patterns throughout different months during which time temperature changes may affect surface temperatures (this doesn’t happen often but still be aware).
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Apple’s iconic smartphone |
| Galaxy S | Samsung’s flagship mobile series |
| Pixel | Google’s line of Android smartphones |
| OnePlus | Premium smartphones by OnePlus |
| Xperia | Sony’s range of mobile devices |
| Redmi | Budget-friendly smartphones by Xiaomi |
| Moto G | Motorola’s popular mid-range phones |
| Nokia | Known for durability and reliability |
Jersey Pockets
You can fit your phone in the jersey pockets, but you’ll need to wrap it in a soft material like a bandana or sock. If you’re riding with a backpack, this is easy! Just put it in there.
If you’re cycling without a backpack and don’t have any other storage options available, try putting the phone in its case first.
The case will provide some cushioning and help keep everything together as well as boosting reception by acting as an antenna booster.
If this doesn’t work out, just tuck it into one of your socks along with some spare cash or keys it’s not ideal but better than nothing!
When using headphones while cycling, be aware that they may get tangled up with the seat post if they’re loose and long enough to reach down past the back wheel of your bike (which is usually true).
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Bike Bag or Pannier
Panniers are a great way to carry items while cycling. They are mounted on the rear of a bike and have straps that wrap around your back tire, so they don’t move as you ride.
Panniers can be made of plastic or nylon, but most often they’re waterproof and have zippers or buckles for closure.
Tube Top
Put your phone in a tube top.
It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you ride, or what kind of phone you have—if it fits in a tube top, it will work.
The only downside is that this method requires an extra step: taking the phone out every time you need to check it. But if this sounds like too much work for you, I don’t know what to tell you.
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Bandeau | Strapless tube top that provides a sleek and minimal look |
| Crop Top | Shorter-length tube top that pairs well with high-waisted bottoms |
| Peplum | Tube top with a flared ruffle or peplum detail |
| Off-Shoulder | Tube top with off-shoulder sleeves for a stylish twist |
| Lace | Tube top featuring intricate lace patterns or detailing |
| Ribbed | Tube top made from ribbed fabric for added texture |
| Ruched | Tube top with ruched or gathered fabric for a flattering fit |
| Smocked | Tube top with smocked bodice for a snug and stretchy fit |
Handlebar Bag
A handlebar bag is a small pouch attached to your bike’s handlebars. You can use it to hold snacks, water, spare shoes and other items you need while riding.
A handlebar bag is ideal if you’re cycling long distances over several days or more because it keeps your pockets free and makes it easier for you to carry things when necessary.
It’s also useful if you’re carrying other things on the bike for example, taking a tour of the countryside or going on an overnight trip where weight matters less than convenience or comfort.
You’ll need to make sure that any handlebar bag has enough padding around its edges so that it won’t damage your hands while riding (or make them sore after a few hours).
If possible, find one with straps that wrap around either side of the bar rather than just attaching at one point; this will keep everything secure regardless of how rough terrain gets over long distances.
As with any accessory choice especially one that involves carrying extra weight! the more thoughtfully considered design choices are made beforehand by both manufacturer(s) as well as consumer(s).
Protecting your hands while cycling is essential for comfort and safety. Find out if wearing cycling gloves is necessary and understand their benefits in our informative article on the necessity of cycling gloves, and make an informed decision for your riding experience.
Handlebar Phone Mounts
There are a few types of handlebar phone mounts, which all have different pros and cons.
Handlebar Phone Mounts – These mounts attach to your handlebars, making it easy to access your phone while riding.
They are compatible with most cases, including Otter Box and LifeProof cases, and will work regardless of whether a mount is attached or not. Some models include a mount for your case if you don’t already have one.
Universal Handlebar Phone Mounts – These universal mounts come in many different shapes and sizes, so they can fit any type of bike or handlebars.
Since they’re universal though, this also means that some may not feel as stable as others (although personally I have yet to find one that doesn’t do its job).
Bike Phone Cases – These cases exclusively fit on bicycles; there isn’t much else besides them!
They tend to be sturdier than other options because the added weight keeps them from tipping over when turning corners at high speeds like some other options might do – but again it really depends on what exactly you want out of yours!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Quad Lock | Secure and versatile mounting system |
| Roam | Universal compatibility and adjustable grip |
| Rokform | Robust and rugged design |
| Topeak | High-quality mounts with multiple features |
| Vibrelli | Sturdy construction and easy installation |
| Nite Ize | Innovative and flexible mounting solutions |
| GUB | Lightweight and durable phone holders |
| Bovon | Anti-vibration and 360-degree rotation |
Bag Mounts
To attach a bag mount, first you’ll need to choose the right mount for your bike. You have two main choices:
The first type attaches directly to your handlebars via a strap that wraps around them and a Velcro closure. This makes it easy to quickly take off and put back on without any tools or adjustments.
The downside is that this style doesn’t work well with some larger bags, since they don’t leave enough room for the mount strap to wrap around the handlebars completely (and if it doesn’t wrap all the way around, it will be loose).
The second type mounts on top of your front fork and uses clamps that secure around each leg of your front fork (sometimes called “triple trees” or “down tube”).
This offers more flexibility with where exactly you place it on your bike you can shift it forward or backward so as not interfere with other components like brakes or derailleurs but again requires more time and effort than just attaching something onto an existing part of your bike.
If you’re going with option 2 above but don’t yet own one yourself (they’re pretty cheap), here are some things to keep in mind when looking at reviews:
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Cargo Cage Mounted Tools Rolls
A tools roll is a great way to carry your phone. I have one mounted on my handlebars, but you could also mount it on your stem or seat post.
The nice thing about these rolls is that they usually have lots of pockets for storing tools, food, and other small items, so the added weight doesn’t affect your bike’s handling much if at all.
The main downside is that they can be hard to reach when you’re riding you’ll need to dig into the roll with one hand while steering with the other.
This isn’t as big of an issue if you’re going slow and confident enough not to need to grab at items in mid-ride (which might also mean using both hands).
However, if safety really matters to me when I’m out on my bike then I’d rather just bring along some water bottles or gels instead of relying on having access to any specific item while riding without looking like an idiot who has no control over their body whatsoever!
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Conclusion
We hope that you found this article to be helpful, and we encourage you to share your thoughts on the topic.
Do you have any other tips for carrying your phone while cycling? Let us know in the comments!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you can explore to learn more about carrying your phone while cycling:
- BadCyclist: How to Carry Your Phone While Cycling: Discover practical tips and various options for safely carrying your phone during your cycling adventures.
- DIY Mountain Bike: Carry Your Phone While Mountain Biking: Learn about different phone-carrying solutions specifically designed for mountain biking, ensuring convenience and protection on rugged terrains.
- State Cyclist: How to Carry Your Cell Phone on a Bike: Find out the best practices and innovative ways to securely carry your cell phone while cycling, ensuring easy access and peace of mind.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about carrying phones while cycling:
How can I securely carry my phone while cycling?
There are several options available to securely carry your phone while cycling, including handlebar mounts, frame bags, and waist packs. It’s important to choose a method that keeps your phone stable, protected, and easily accessible.
Are there specialized phone mounts for mountain biking?
Yes, there are phone mounts specifically designed for mountain biking that offer enhanced shock resistance and secure attachment to handlebars or stems. These mounts ensure your phone stays in place during rough off-road rides.
Can I use a regular phone case while cycling?
While regular phone cases can provide basic protection, it’s recommended to use a phone case with additional shock absorption and weather resistance features for cycling. Specialized cycling phone cases offer better durability and protection against vibrations and impacts.
How do I ensure my phone is safe from water damage while cycling?
To protect your phone from water damage while cycling, consider using a waterproof phone case or a handlebar mount with a weatherproof cover. Additionally, you can use a waterproof pouch or bag to keep your phone dry during rainy rides.
What are the advantages of using a phone mount instead of keeping the phone in my pocket?
Using a phone mount offers several advantages, including easy accessibility, improved visibility for navigation or fitness tracking apps, and increased safety by keeping your hands free and reducing distractions. It also allows you to view your phone’s screen without needing to reach into your pocket.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
