Out Front Quadlock: 2025 Turbo Vado

[Axis]

Hi I have searched this forum (and google) and have not been able to find a picture or determine if the out front quadlock for iPhone 17 pro will fit with the TCU in it's default location. I don't mind if it obstructs the TCU just as long as it can fit above it.

Thanks in advance and I'd be interested in seeing what others are using on their Turbo Vado's and/or what might be a better phone mount. I'd like to leave the TCU in its default location.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

If your phone camera has mechanical auto-focus or image stabilization mechanisms, you might want to reconsider putting it on your bars. I ruined the telephoto focus on 3 high-end Samsungs before figuring out the cause. My phones now ride safely in my pockets.

BB: The QuadLock vibration damper is tuned ONLY for damaging motorcycle engine vibrations. They say themselves that it's not for bicycles.

Much discussion of this issue in the last year. Forum search on "vibration" should find a lot of it.

 

[MrClortho]

I have been using a Quadlock mount with the vibration dampener on my mtb's and emtb's for many years, mounted on the handle bars. I use the same exact setup on my dual sport motorcycles. Out of 5 bikes, I have only had the phone come off once in a crash and that was because the phone case itself came apart, not the mount.

I have a iPhone 17 and have at least 1,200 miles of emtb use, smashing though trails, with zero issues other than what I mentioned above. My iphone 14 was used this way for several years without issue.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I've had no issues with my phones (Samsung) on the bars over the years. That said, seems like a front suspension fork is a big helper here...

 

[Axis]

I appreciate the replies but honestly I don't really don't care about damaging the phone camera. All I care about is...

What phone holders are people using on their 2022/2025 turbo vados and could you please share a picture. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I appreciate the replies but honestly I don't really don't care about damaging the phone camera. All I care about is...

What phone holders are people using on their 2022/2025 turbo vados and could you please share a picture. Thanks in advance.

I think you originally asked for phone holders mounted with a Vado TDU in place. This sounds broader, so here's my Vado SL 1's cockpit with no TDU but a QuadLock out-front holder in place — this when I was still putting my phone on the bars.

The QuadLock was quite secure and easy enough to operate, but the cantilever seemed to amplify certain vibrations coming up from the road — especially on the cobbles and hardpack I often encounter.

As I understand it, phones without mechanical camera components are SAFE on bicycle handlebars.

 

[Twowheelxtc]

I think you originally asked for phone holders mounted with a Vado TDU in place. This sounds broader, so here's my Vado SL 1's cockpit with no TDU but a QuadLock out-front holder in place — this when I was still putting my phone on the bars.

View attachment 210300
The QuadLock was quite secure and easy enough to operate, but the cantilever seemed to amplify certain vibrations coming up from the road — especially on the cobbles and hardpack I often encounter.

As I understand it, phones without mechanical camera components are SAFE on bicycle handlebars.

I also use Quadlock on my bikes and have done for many long European tours. Totally secure and I’ve never had an issue with cameras

 

[Mike Tod]

I use Peak Design mounts/cases. No requirement to leave space for twist on/off you simply click on & press a button to remove. Used their Out Front bike mount on my Vado SL4 for 3 years & 1year on my Vado SL2 6 (carbon). Iphones 13, 15 & now 17. Recently bought their motorbike mount with damping because my rides do involve many shocks & I was getting worried about my new Ip 17. This does wobble a lot but its definitely a softer ride for the phone !

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I asked Gemini AI the question at the top of this screenshot. The beginning of its response follows. Use the same question to see the rest.

Unfortunately, a mount damper tuned to protect against handlebar vibrations on motorcycles may not be protective on bicycles. This has to do with significant differences in the vibration spectra reaching the mount. Dampers have to be tuned in part for the input spectrum they have to damp.

When QuadLock introduced its motorcycle damper several years ago — after an impressive in-house research program — they pointedly and repeatedly said that it was NOT for bicycle vibrations.

Don't know what they're saying now. Might be different for the Peak Design damper. But given the stakes, I wouldn't assume that.

 

[Mike Tod]

Thanks Jeremy & AI.....! It may well be true but so far I've not had any issues. Don't wish to sound smug but a) I change phones every 2 years normally & they're always under guarantee for that period.
Another reason to change the mount was because the PD motorbike one fits better on the Vado handlebar. To get the PD Out Front mount positioned so the phone is adjacent to the bike display means it has to be fastened on the handlebar "bend" which isn't ideal. The damping however does give the phone a much less harsh ride.
Anyway

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Thanks Jeremy & AI.....! It may well be true but so far I've not had any issues. Don't wish to sound smug but a) I change phones every 2 years normally & they're always under guarantee for that period.
Another reason to change the mount was because the PD motorbike one fits better on the Vado handlebar. To get the PD Out Front mount positioned so the phone is adjacent to the bike display means it has to be fastened on the handlebar "bend" which isn't ideal. The damping however does give the phone a much less harsh ride.
Anyway

Might not be a problem on a steady diet of smooth tarmac. I often ride on bumpy hardpack, and the neighborhood entrance/exit has jarring cobble I can't avoid. Ruined the telephoto focus on 3 handlebar-mounted Samsung Note20s in a row before learning of the vibration risk, all on a QuadLock out-front mount.

 

[Twowheelxtc]

Despite never having had a phone camera problem now you have me worried . It’s obviously a potential issue so I’m grateful to you guys for the information as I’d be gutted if I trashed my £1100 iPhone.. in future it’s just my old back up phone that goes on the quad lock!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I confirm Jeremy's observations.

A photo from my older Samsung Galaxy 21 Ultra with the camera damaged by road vibration using Quadlock.

If you need to mount anything on the bars it is a Garmin or Wahoo or Hammerhead but the phone should stay in your jersey's pocket.

 

[Chazmo]

I’ve been banging the crap out of my iPhone 13 mini (which admittedly is a tough little beast) with a solid mount to my handlebar. I do have a front fork and fat tires so the impact is reduced, but I haven’t had any problems (yet). But, fair enough on all the comments! I used to keep it insulated in my backpack, but I’ve been using it with RideWithGPS for over a year now and having the trail maps on the bar is really sweet.

 

[Mike Tod]

Might not be a problem on a steady diet of smooth tarmac. I often ride on bumpy hardpack, and the neighborhood entrance/exit has jarring cobble I can't avoid. Ruined the telephoto focus on 3 handlebar-mounted Samsung Note20s in a row before learning of the vibration risk, all on a QuadLock out-front mount.

Tarmac ?? Usual french vineyard routes