Does a (universal) bar mount exist for using smart phone as navigational tool…

…that is waterproof and fit for purpose to take mountain biking i.e. bumping around down a steep rocky trail?

I think it doesn’t but would love to know if someone has one and uses it safely.

Cheers

Yes it’s called a Garmin.

Do Garmin sell bar mounts for smart phones?

Depends how rocky a trail you’re using

For light stuff there are a couple of stem mount or bar mount options, I think Topeak do one

For bumpier stuff RAM will definitely have something, I use a RAM kit to get a Garmin on my motorbike

But for really bumpy stuff most things will struggle (and your phone will take a real beating!)

@benp1 – my head says it wouldnt do the phone any good too…

My interpretation of rocky is essentially any mtb route you’d go exploring on in say the Peaks or Lakes that is found in the mtb guide books

Would Quad Lock fit the bill

edenvalleyboy – Member
Do Garmin sell bar mounts for smart phones?

No they sell proper waterproof and crash proof GPS devices that mount properly on the bars.

Christ. Your half way to an entry level/second hand GPS at the price of one of those. It’ll make a much better navigation tool too.

With the phone thing you’ll still end up with a fragile, 600 quid phone sticking out like a sore thumb.

I just use a top bar bag with a clear phone pocket on top. It fits the HT well but not so well on the FS. But it has lasted well and phone has survived a proper hammering over the years all over the UK. Plus waterproof and can hold a multitude of other bits like multi-tool, inhaler, gels, patches etc.

I have the Birzman 2.. like this but smaller

https://www.evanscycles.com/birzman-zyklop-navigator-iii-bar-bag-EV231111

I use this Ram mount….

http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/rail-ezon-swivel-mount-p-1500.html
http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/universal-pda-holder-p-1028.html

With an old S2 phone. If it’s really wet I stick it in a clear sandwich bag, yeh I know really ghetto but touch screen still works. I find having a good screen with clear OS mapping better than any reasonable cost GPS unit. But then I prefer to navigate from OS maps rather than follow a trail on the GPS.

After 3-4 years use as a phone it owes me nothing now to use it as GPS (for bike or car nav). If/when the phone dies I will probably replace with a cheap chinese rugged/waterproof phone.

As for the mount security, I didn’t lose the phone coming down the Beast in the peaks, although my i-spec shifter did come loose and I lost the bolt holding that on. I run with the phone/mount landscape as in portrait any big hits do work in the direction of the release spring.

Cheers for replies…

@welshfarmer …i think that Birzman is something that would work for me. Seems safer for the phone than being stuck exposed on top the handlebars.

Yep, that top tube bag looks like a good, easy, cheap solution. Probably provides the best amount of cushioning for the phone.

I use something like this:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Holder-Front-Frame-Handlebar-Bag-Pouch-Phone-Case-/272420366765?var=&hash=item3f6d84e9ad:m:mbrSd2RoahEiaaT6JwdSjNA

Various similar designs and different sellers (many from China) on ebay. Surf around a bit and choose a size that fits your phone. I also use one of those silicone skins to add protection.

I tried one of the top-tube bags above but it’s a bit near your knees and the weight of the phone made it top-heavy and prone to slipping sideways.

Yep, phone is well protected. It does wiggle about a bit but that only really helps stop shock damage. I once had the zip work open at the bottom and lost a few bits out of the bag. The phone was still solid in there (it is held tightly between the clear front and some closed cell foam fixed with velcro). I now make sure the zips are up one end rather than at the bottom in the middle. You do need frame tape or it rubs the paint off.

I’ve been using a topeak drybag for a couple of years. Can’t fault it.

I have a Garmin mount but no Garmin, if i could buy or find something to fit to it I’d use that but Google doesn’t seem to want to help.

Use a garmin?

Topeak for phones. The mount is secure and cheap if you need them for different bikes.

I have the quadlock system for my bike and car and it’s brilliant. Decided to spend the money after having some cheaper branded ones that were crap.

However I only use phone on bike for touring or road rides where I can put the phone in a pocket if it chucks it down. I wouldn’t use one for proper muddy MTB rides or where I might crash.

I don’t like loads of devices when my phone does pretty much everything but if I wanted GPS on the MTB I’d get a Garmin.

Never needed one though, I like naps and exploring rather than following other peoples routes!!

I had the Topeak system. The waterproof case is good but can steam up and the mounting system isn’t as good as some of their other kit – Quadlock is better in that respect.

+2 for topeak. I have a ridecase bag and a ridecase charging case for my iphone. The stem top cap mount is utterly bomb proof and both cases are totally waterproof and very robust.

@welshfarmer..that Birzman you recommended is exactly what I wanted. Works a treat for my needs. Cheers.

Cut one of these down
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-quickview-garmin-computer-mount-adaptor/rp-prod123354
and screw/glue it to a robust phone case and use a Garmin mount.