Tigra iPhone bike mount

This iPhone bike mount has everything you could need. It’s waterproof, even in the heaviest of rain, it holds your iPhone securely in position, even if you are out on rough mountain bike trails and it allows you to connect your headphones and charger for use while the iPhone is inside the mount.

If you are splashing the cash on an iPhone 4S then it’s a great mount if you want to follow directions, record your cycling or take video from your handlebars.

There are some downsides. The first is size. It’s a very bulky mount and therefore it does stand out on the handlebars and it’s a very tight fit in a jeans pocket. Also, at £35, there are cheaper options out there. Although, many of them can’t match the access to the iPhone sockets for plugging into a portable battery pack and headphones.

Full disclaimer: We love this mount so much that we sell it ourselves in our London Cyclist Shop for £34.95.

Topeak iPhone Drybag

Topeak have a long history of making excellent bike accessories and it was only a matter of time before they started selling an iPhone bike mount. This one takes a slightly different approach to other mounts and relies on a dry bag. This means it is incredibly waterproof. The mounting mechanism is highly secure and should cope with even the toughest of mountain biking.

Unfortunately, the mount doesn’t allow for access to any of the iPhone 4S ports. Both the top and bottom are obstructed. Also, there’s no access to the iPhone camera so you couldn’t use it to film your ride as a helmet camera.

The good news however, is it costs just £16.

Ram Ez-On iPhone bike mount

Whilst the Ram mount lacks waterproofing, it is highly secure and provides great visibility of the iPhone as there is no plastic film in the way. Also, it costs under £20 so doesn’t break the bank. There are plenty of positive reviews on Amazon. The large mounting mechanism may however make it inappropriate for some handlebar sizes.

UltimateAddons iPhone bike mount

This is another mount I’ve used for a while and I like the protective cover around the iPhone. Similarly to the Tigra iPhone bike mount that I’ve thoroughly reviewed, this mount will fit most sized handlebars (I’ve tested road, mountain bike and hybrid). The locking mechanism is easy as it doesn’t require any tools.

Unfortunately there are two downsides. The first is that it isn’t full waterproof. Therefore, if you are using your iPhone 4S in the heavy rain and you tap the screen some of the water may transfer through. Also, I was doing some pretty hefty mountain biking and the mount managed to unhinge itself. It flung into the air at around 15 mph and hit the ground. Fortunately, no damage was done to the iPhone thanks to the protective case but I was shocked to see it come off as the mount felt very secure. However, for most day to day use, it should be absolutely fine.

The mount costs £19.99.

Best iPhone 4S bike mount

This will largely depend on what you wish to use it for. A great all rounder is the Tigra mount. However, if waterproofing isn’t as important as a clear view of the iPhone 4S screen than you can’t go wrong with the Ram-Ez. Personally, having my iPhone so exposed makes me nervous. Alternatively, the Topeak Drybag has outstanding waterproofing and a secure mount.

Whichever mount you choose make sure you take a look at our extensive coverage of all things iPhone:

• Bike apps for the iPhone
• 3 new cycling iPhone apps
• Sports Tracker app on the iPhone

When normal people spot the rain they think “oh no” when I spot it I think “iPhone bike mount testing time!” Yep I am cool sad.

Let me introduce you to the latest mount I’ve been testing. The cleverly named:

Tough Waterproof Case and Bicycle Handlebar Mount for Apple iPhone 4

Or as I call it:

The swivelly waterproof mount.

Basics out the way: £29.99 including VAT and delivery.

Mounting the mount

This took me around a minute to install. The two parts of the attachment go onto the handlebars. Then two screws hold it securely in place. The mount then slides on top. This is where you have to apply quite a bit of force to be sure the mount is secure. Once that is done then my iPhone 4 felt completely safe.

Keeping your iPhone 4 dry

In my previous reviews of iPhone bike mounts one thing that vexed me is the fact the mounts didn’t keep your iPhone dry once the heavy rain comes down. Fortunately, this iPhone 4 bike mount excels at doing this. Even when I took the test to an extreme and ran it under a tap the iPhone inside stayed dry. This is very impressive and shows the mount has been well designed by UltimateAddons.

Charging your iPhone

Using the various great bike apps that are available for the iPhone, we all wish we could get more battery life out of it. Fortunately, the mount makes it possible to run your charging cable into the mount. This means you could have a battery pack resting in a bag near the handlebars and you can power your iPhone for longer. An excellent additional feature in this iPhone 4 bike mount.

Negative points

The UltimateAddons iPhone mount unfortunately loses a couple of points due to the mounting mechanism that is included. The swivel mount is unsuitable for a bike because whenever you go over a bump, it shifts down. Much more suitable is the mount included in this version. This is a big let down for this particular configuration as you end up continuously adjusting the position of your iPhone so that you can see the screen, when you are better off keeping hands on the brakes.

iPhone 4 bike mount review

Review: You can see the screen clearly, it keeps your iPhone dry, you can plug in your charging cable and it holds the iPhone securely. Sounds perfect? Unfortunately, not so. The bike mount it is let down by the swivel mount. Much better to stick with versions that don’t offer swivel capabilities.

Good points:

• Waterproof
• Plug in charging cable
• Holds iPhone 4 securely

Bad points:

• Bumps cause the mount to adjust from the position you’ve set it at

iPhone 5 bike mount

With rumours a plenty that an iPhone 5 is set for a near release I’ll be keeping my eye out for iPhone 5 bike mounts. If you guys spot any iPhone 5 bike mounts then do send them to me in the comments and I’ll get on and review them as soon as possible. I’m guessing lots of people will be switching to the iPhone 5 as their contract runs out.

See also:

1. iPhone bike mounts
2. UltimateAddons iPhone bike mount review
3. Apps for cyclists
4. Cycling apps for the Android
5. Insuring your bike

Whilst testing the app (which is free to download) I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the features they’ve managed to pack in there. Compared to other offerings some of it is pretty revolutionary.

The new kid on the workout tracking block

Since GPS was introduced to smart phones, some of the most popular application have been GPS trackers. These enable you to keep an eye on the distances you are covering either for the purpose of training or general interest. The apps vary from those that simply store the data on your iPhone, to those that encourage you to share the data with others such as Endomondo. I thought the offerings were already pretty comprehensive. However, the new Sports Tracker app adds a few features not seen before.

Logging the first workout

Before we dive into the new features let’s take a quick tour of the app. The first thing you’ll want to do is setup an account. This can be linked with your Facebook allowing you to share your workouts with friends. If you do set it up with Facebook it will automatically mention that you are now using Sports Tracker.

Then, after a quick tweak of settings where you enter your weight to calculate calories, grab your bike and head for a ride.

To start tracking you hit the “Start new workout” button.

It will then ask you your workout settings. You can choose which activity you are doing and whether it should auto-pause. Personally, I think this screen is an unnecessary extra step when you just want to get going. In this respect I prefer the famous Cycle Meter app where you just tap once and you get going immediately. Perhaps the developers will re-consider this in future editions.

Then, annoyingly, there’s also a third step where you have to hit the Start button. Again, this could be streamlined.

Once on this screen however the application really shines.

You are presented with four different screens you can scroll and view. This should satisfy all users of the app and the presentation is impressive. You also have the option of tapping the map if you want to see a full screen view.

Once you are done with your ride you have the option of sharing it. This will allow other users to view your workout if you select “All”. I did try to share my workout on Facebook however this didn’t seem to want to work. Every time I tapped it I was told I was already signed in to Facebook. This is something that will no doubt be fixed in later versions.

Viewing the ride online

Your ride is also then viewable on the Sports Tracker website. I find this functionality incredibly useful as looking at a large amount of data on the iPhone can be a cumbersome process. Online the presentation is an excellent, advert free experience. There’s really no more I could ask for.

You can view your rides in your diary, graph your speed, elevation and distance.

Those worried that your data is too tied to the Sports Tracker website can breathe a sigh of relief as it is possible to export your rides.

Viewing the ride on your phone

It’s also possible to view previous rides on your iPhone. Tapping the diary in the Sports Tracker app allows you to do this.

Extra features

A feature that I really liked that makes the Sports Tracker app stand out is the explore view. This is great for getting inspiration for rides you could copy and seeing what other users are up to. Tapping the map view even allows you to follow their ride.

The features that are missing

There’s a couple of extra features that wouldn’t go amiss in the Sports Tracker app. The first is centred around following routes.

Say you’ve downloaded the excellent London Cycle Routes eBook and you want to follow one of the rides. Whilst you can import it online as a workout, which is then synced with your phone, there isn’t a way to track your progress along this route. You can view it on a map and see your position but you can’t track your speed and so forth.

Similarly, if you want to follow one of your previous rides, it’s not as easy as it is in Cycle Meter to compare your performance.

The second big feature that is missing is announcements. Other applications can announce your performance at set intervals. Although, I must admit, I’ve never personally used this feature.

Competing with friends

This is something that I didn’t get a chance to explore as none of my friends are using Sports Tracker. If you want to connect with me then my user name is: andikam (i.e. I need some friends!)

Review: Time to replace the rest

I like Sports Tracker a lot. The application is full of useful features, well presented and easy to use. This is a combo many apps can’t pull off.

For me it stands out in three ways. First of all it’s free – which is excellent considering what you are getting here. Second, it has an excellent online area where you can view your rides without being pestered with adverts. Finally, the Explore tab is an excellent way to tap into what fellow sports fans are doing in your area.

Two things I’d like to see added are the voice announcements and the ability to follow previous routes you’ve completed.

Overall, great app and now my main choice when it comes to tracking my cycling.

Good points:

• Free
• Excellent design
• Easy to use
• Great online integration
• Plenty of different views to monitor your workout
• Can import and export workouts (online)
• Accuracy seems good from my testing

Bad points:

• Facebook integration had a few bugs
• Lacking a good way to follow a previous ride
• Lacking voice announcements
• Starting a ride has a few too many steps

Sip tea in a cafe along a peaceful canal route, pedal hard up challenging hills and leave the heavy London traffic behind as you discover another side to London.

Let the London Bike Rides iPhone app be your personal tour guide to great cycling in London!

Rides include:

• A 35 mile cycle friendly loop around London’s main attractions and less explored eastern edges.
• See London lit up at night with the Nightride route.
• Fit your panniers or bike basket and explore London’s markets and independent shops.
• Discover London’s architectural marvels from ancient churches to inspiring modern library designs.
• Teach the kids to ride on the largely traffic-free Wandle Trail.
• Get the training miles in along the Orpington route.
• Get your bike and pretty much everything else muddy near the Epsom Downs.
• Escape from London for the weekend and head for the seaside along quiet country lanes.

The app is perfect for those just embarking on their first cycling adventures to bike commuters and road cyclists.

Pick the perfect ride for you, either by starting off in the nearest route to you or by filtering the rides down to your preferences. Whether that be for off road routes or long road rides.

Once you’ve picked a ride, you can read about the attractions along the way to visit. Sights such as Hampton Court Palace and King Henry’s mound in Richmond Park are included. There are also over 100 pictures and videos that give you an excellent overview of the ride before you set off.

Of course all the cycling is likely to lead to a big appetite. Cafe’s and pubs are listed as well as nearby bike shops.

There’s also an information section with tips such as what to bring with you to the rides and where to hire a bike from.

Reviews

In the run up to the launch I gave out a few preview copies of the app. Here is one of the initial reviews:

“London Bike Rides app is fantastic! It caters for absolutely anyone with a bike and wanting to get out riding around London and beyond. The trips are well researched, thought-out and presented. The app is easy to use and has a number of handy hints too. I love that it’s not just about the exercise of the ride, there’s the interesting attractions, pub stops and bike shops factored into it too. The only problem is that I need more time to do all the routes in there!”

-Amanda L

Download London Bike Rides app now

The app can be downloaded from the link below for £3.99 £1.99

Download from iTunes now
£3.99 £1.99

Not on the iPhone? There is also the London Cycle Routes eBook.

I’m losing count of the number of iPhone bike mounts I’ve reviewed. When I initially setup London Cyclist blog I didn’t think to myself: “One day I’ll test every single iPhone bike mount ever made.” But here we are and it seems to be becoming reality!

The latest one is sent to me by UltimateMobiles and retails at £19.99. Which by iPhone bike mount standards is good.

On my top 10 list of things I don’t want to ever happen to me, number 7 is to watch my iPhone fling out of its bike mount and make a plop sound, as it falls into the nearest river.

Therefore, with the UltimateMobiles bike mount, there was one thing I was looking for: security.

Fortunately, this is where the mount gets five stars. It is clipped very securely in place and can’t be released unless you press a button at the back. After doing a lot of bumpy riding I couldn’t feel happier on this front.

Next up is waterproofing

In my Testing iPhone Bike Mounts Bible, that I keep next to my bed at night, the next most important thing I look for is waterproofing. If a mobile phone was designed to swim, then logically, we’d all be making calls underwater.

With it’s plastic cover and zipped up design all factors were pointing towards the conclusion that the iPhone bike mount would be waterproof.

After some horrible days with lots of clear skies and run-down-to-the-park-now-and-soak-up-the-sun weather we finally got what I’d been hoping for. A rainy day.

Off I hopped on my exciting daily errands to the post office. After experiencing the world’s slowest moving queue I pedalled back home in the heavy rain.

Pulling off my soaked cycling jacket and sitting down in my wet trousers on my housemates freshly ironed shirts, I inspected my iPhone and the cover.

Conclusion: Moist. This bike mount is not getting a green tick and smiley face in the waterproof category.

However, in the light rain, which is probably what all us cyclists will mostly experience anyway, it should cope fine.

Next up: Screen Viewability

My third category is Screen Viewability. For those of us who don’t speak Andreas, that equates to how well you can see the screen.

I had no problems in this area and whilst of course there was plenty of reflection I was able to see the screen and use the iPhone whilst inside the mount.

Is this the ultimate iPhone bike mount?

No.

But it is my new favourite iPhone bike mount. I like how my iPhone feels secure, I like that it’s inside a zipped up cover and I like that it’s impossible to move it unless I press a button at the back. The downside: You won’t be making calls underwater any time soon, as the cover will cope only with light rain. 

Overall: I’m impressed and would recommend the UltimateMobiles iPhone bike mount and cover. Available from:

http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/go/ultimateaddons/

We’re rapidly approaching the release date of the new London Cyclist app that contains 30 amazing cycling routes in London. If the weather today is anything to go by then it can’t come soon enough!

Videos and pictures have all been added and the routes have been fine tuned to perfection. I’ve also hired a separate agency to do our icon design to be sure it’s something you can proudly display on your iPhone.

As soon as I announced the app I got some excited emails asking if people can be part of the beta testing. This is when any bugs are ironed out because there’s nothing more annoying than merrily following a route and then the app suddenly disappears. I’ve already recruited a load of guinea pigs but I need two more.

Ideally, with different iPhone models. One iPhone 4 and one iPhone 3G. I’d also like it if these guys can provide a bit of a testimonial of what they thought of the app that I can post next week.

If you’d like to take part then please leave a comment below with your iPhone model and level of technical knowledge (from I can barely turn on my iPhone to I’ve designed my iPhone to make me my morning coffee).

I’ll pick two people and email them later today.

See also:

• First screenshot from new routes app
• The announcement of the app launch

Things are coming along nicely with the new app that will be your own personal tour guide to great cycling in London. In our most recent design mock-up we’ve switched up the fonts slightly as well as the icons at the bottom that I purchased off Symbolicons. In the screenshot above is the ride overview screen where you can browse pictures, watch video and read a short description of the ride.

Most of my time currently is taken up by riding the routes again and filming them for the App. Thankfully we’ve had some great weather in the past week so the videos won’t be featuring grey skies!

Also, I’ve got a great picture of a beautiful bike resting next to Tower Bridge that I think we’ll be the initial loading screen view of the app.

eBook updates

If you’ve purchased the London Cycle Routes eBook then shortly after the app launch I’ll be sending an updated version which will also include some additional bonus routes!

Beta testers

I’ve got a couple of beta tester slots left open and I’ll be recruiting for those next week. So keep your eyes on the blog if you want to take part.

Silence fell. My friend was either impressed or baffled. I’m guessing more baffled than impressed – to date the one thing that has managed to impress him is telling him I interviewed Boris Johnson.

Like all good self-centred friends he decided to divert the conversation to himself: “Oh, I’m getting an iPhone soon”. This statement came as a shock to me as just 6 short months ago he made a big point of telling me that iPhones are just for people who want to play around and not do any work.

Choking on my beer I replied: “Really?! 6 months ago you were slating iPhones whilst at the same time struggling to login to Facebook on your Blackberry”. If my friend had been won over by the iPhone then I wouldn’t be letting him live it down so easily.

“Did I? What’s your eBook about anyway”

“Well, using your iPhone you can follow cycle routes, keep a diary of a cycling tour, repair your bike, find a nearby bike shop, track your performance to help you reach training targets, find a cycle friendly route from A to B, keep up on all your favourite cycling forums, log all the necessary details in an accident, keep track of calories, organise a group ride and use it as a safety camera to record your cycling”

“Seriously?”

“Yep, in fact with a couple of extra attachment you can turn your iPhone into a device that easily rivals the capabilities of £400-£500 GPS devices at a fraction of the cost”

“Wow.”

“Yeah, not bad for something that’s just for shooting little pigeons into wooden houses”.

Feeling I’d won that one I took another sip of my beer and laid back to catch some rays whilst letting off a satisfied sigh.

The eBook is now ready to download for £6.95.

Inside, I’ll take you through everything from picking a bike mount that won’t fling your iPhone down the road, to choosing the best apps to install (Over 60 are listed), getting the most out of those apps with features that people often miss and even show you how you can majorly boost your iPhone battery life so that it lasts throughout the entire ride.

It’s an eBook on supercharging your iPhone like it’s on steroids. If you are a cyclist and you are wondering how to use that £500 device you’ve spent your money on that’s sat in your pocket then I recommend you download it.

For more information on the eBook head here:

The iPhone Cyclist

P.S. If you don’t like it I will of course issue a full refund – no questions asked.

The only problem with the bike mount I was using, is that when the rain comes down, you’ve got to quickly get your iPhone into your pocket.

Along comes the Tigra Console iPhone bike mount and problem solved. Let’s take a closer look..

Tigra mount

The Tigra bike mount fits the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4.

Waterproof and secure

I’ve been testing out the mount for a few weeks now and in the rain it kept my iPhone completely dry. Big tick therefore, goes in the waterproof box.

The other thing a bike mount holding a £400 iPhone in place needs, is to be very secure. Having tested it out for a few weeks, I would say this is the case. I’ve yet to take the Tigra Console iPhone bike mount out on a mountain bike trail. When I do I’ll update this post and let you know how it coped.

The key to keeping it securely in place is to make sure the mount has been properly installed and tightened. Also the iPhone has to be clipped in safely.

The Tigra iPhone bike mount gets two big ticks in those two boxes. There were however a few things I wasn’t so keen on.

Visibility and ease of use

With the brightness set to low on the iPhone (to conserve battery) I found that the waterproof film made it a little hard to see the display during daylight. Turning up the brightness solved the problem. With a brighter iPhone 4 then this problem probably wouldn’t exist.

I wouldn’t say this was a deal breaker for the Tigra bike mount – more something to be aware of.

My other criticism of the Tigra Console iPhone bike mount is the sheer size of it. Therefore, if you are hoping to leave your bag at home then expect the mount to look very bulky in your pocket. You could of course leave in on the handlebars and remove the iPhone. I’m not sure if someone would steal this but I have seen the mounts left on a couple of bikes.

Overall, it’s a good iPhone bike mount. The Tigra Console passes with flying colours for being wateproof and secure but I’m a little disappointed by the visibility of the iPhone and the large size.

The mount can be purchased for £39.95.

What is good

• Waterproof iPhone bike mount
• From my tests so far the iPhone has been held securely in place
• You can spin the iPhone around

What isn’t so good

• A little bit more fiddly than would have liked to clip the iPhone in and out
• The film that provides the waterproofing makes the screen a little harder to see
• Very large mount that you can’t really shove in your pocket when you hop off the bike

Big thank you to Mobile Fun for supplying the mount for this test. Mobile fun do a range of iPhone 4 accessories.

See more iPhone bike mounts and iPhone bike applications.

See also: iPhone bike apps

Let’s start with the Best iPhone Bike Mounts

These are the one’s that I’d personally trust my iPhone in and wouldn’t expect to going flying down the road – although unfortunately according to some reviewers that does happen. More on that after the break..

Biologic iPhone bike mount

The Dahon Biologic is a waterproof mount that can fit the iPhone 3GS (Apparently an iPhone 4 version is in the works). The mount can be swivelled to be positioned in landscape or portrait. The ports for plugging in an external battery (I strongly recommend the Pebble) are available therefore meaning you could vastly extend the iPhone’s battery life. The reviews that I’ve seen here have been generally positive.

Tigra Console Mount

I’ve personally reviewed this mount here. You may have noticed that it looks exactly the same as the Biologic Bike Mount. That’s because it is! However, the Tigra also comes in a version for the iPhone 4. Be aware! Apparently fake versions of this bike mount are circulating so make sure you buy from a reliable seller.

Click here to buy the Tigra mount.

Ram Ez-On Mount

When it comes to bike mounts one company to trust is Ram. They’ve got a long history of producing all sorts of mounts and therefore there was no big surprises when they released one that would mount an iPhone to a bike. The Ram EZ-On iPhone bike mount is available from Amazon for £22.99 or alternatively Amazon.com for $10-$20.

The mount relies on zip ties to secure it to the frame which is largely fail proof. The only downside is that it lacks any rain protection and so your darling iPhone will have to cosy up in your pocket in a downpour.

iPhone Bike Mounts to Avoid

VeloTrac iPhone bike mount

Another option is the VeloTrac which is available from their website for $29.95. This bike holder can fit an iPhone, Blackberry or Windows Mobile phone. It comes with rain and dust cover so your iPhone can be used in all conditions. Unlike other holders it attaches to the top tube using velcro straps and the iPhone is visible through the clear lid. That all sounds good but… apparently the bag slips all the time and the screen is tough to see.

Alternatively…

If you are not so keen on attaching your iPhone to your bike handlebars then an armband style holder may be more to your liking.

But my iPhone is going to fly off down the road..

This is unfortunately a possibility. You can vastly minimise the risks of this in three ways. The first is to choose a mount that comes with a cover. So if it snaps off at least the iPhone will have some protection. The second is to make sure 100% that it is securely fastened in place. Hear the snap and try and tug to see if it gives. The third that many people have been suggesting is a rubber arm band around the mount.

My personal experience: I’ve been riding with two different iPhone bike mounts for 12 months now and even on tough mountain bike trails they’ve never fallen off my bike.

The worst case scenario

I’ve cracked my iPhone screen before (not from having it fall from an iPhone bike mount). I didn’t send it to Apple (it was out of warranty anyway) and I did the repair myself relying on the guys at iPhone Repairs UK. The new screen cost me £30 and included the tools and instructions to do the repair. It was nerve racking but I’m here to tell the tale!

Want to really get the most out of your iPhone for Cycling?

I’ve written a whole eBook on the subject here – after all if you’ve already spent £500 or $700 on an iPhone why not really see what it can do?

See also:

• Bike apps for the iPhone
• Review of the GoRide iPhone Bike Mount
• 3 new cycling iPhone apps
• Repair your bike using your iPhone
• Use your iPhone for more than just playing Angry Birds