Do cell phone holders damage phones?

[Wes Turner]

My $0.02 on why I use a "GPS bike computer" (in my case a Hammerhead):

A couple of comments.

• Keeper Loop. This is an excellent feature. I am surprised none of the [hone mounts have one.
• Battery Life. We frequently drive 160 miles to visit with the grandkids. There are half a dozen alternate routes involving combinations of half a dozen freeways. Before we start, I load the destination into one of the guidance apps on my iPhone Xr. It will show me each route with the distance and the estimated time, plus any traffic jams, road construction, etc. I also get warnings en route about speed checks, not something I would need on a bike, and updates on routes. A few times it has rerouted us partway through the drive. I leave my phone on the seat divider where I can see it with the screen on fr the entire trip. These trips take between 2.5 and 4.5 hours depending on whether we can avoid rush hour traffic, which we can encounter in at least 3 cities. When we arrive, the battery has never been below 40% and it is usually around 55%. Plus, I can turn off the screen en route and it will open back up whenever it gives me any directions or information. I did that on one trip and the battery was at 85% when we arrived.

Fairness compels me admit that some apps, notably RideWithGPS, do some cool stuff.

Thanks for that tip.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

A couple of comments.

• Keeper Loop. This is an excellent feature. I am surprised none of the [hone mounts have one.
• Battery Life. We frequently drive 160 miles to visit with the grandkids. There are half a dozen alternate routes involving combinations of half a dozen freeways. Before we start, I load the destination into one of the guidance apps on my iPhone Xr. It will show me each route with the distance and the estimated time, plus any traffic jams, road construction, etc. I also get warnings en route about speed checks, not something I would need on a bike, and updates on routes. A few times it has rerouted us partway through the drive. I leave my phone on the seat divider where I can see it with the screen on fr the entire trip. These trips take between 2.5 and 4.5 hours depending on whether we can avoid rush hour traffic, which we can encounter in at least 3 cities. When we arrive, the battery has never been below 40% and it is usually around 55%. Plus, I can turn off the screen en route and it will open back up whenever it gives me any directions or information. I did that on one trip and the battery was at 85% when we arrived.

Thanks for that tip.

My own experience on battery life with various iPhones has been that I am extremely lucky to get 2-2.5hours of battery life while using turn by turn navigation both in Google Maps and RideWithGPS. I speculate but do not know that this probably happens because I am often doing navigation in areas with extremely spotty cell coverage, and I know that maintaining connectivity with low signal strength and retrying when connectivity drops out can quickly drain the battery.

I probably use navigation three days out of five when engaged in bicycle travel. In particular when I am riding on poorly marked country roads and confusing terrain with few good reference points. Or unfamiliar (or just potentially confusing) routes in urban areas.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Also, an example of how a semi-customized display from a cycle computer could look. And using the lanyard as a keeper loop:

Currently I display heart rate rather than cadence but the principle is the same. I can also switch between different displays (including a map view) by hitting the buttons on the sides of the gadget.

The keeper loop attaches to the gadget and connects to D-rings on the side of the bag.

The device itself is securely mounted via a metal clip and velcro to the otherwise useless map pocket on the top of the rando bag. I used this video as inspiration for how I pulled that off:

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

My own experience on battery life with various iPhones has been that I am extremely lucky to get 2-2.5hours of battery life while using turn by turn navigation both in Google Maps and RideWithGPS.

I record rides with RideWithGPS and consult the map now and then but seldom use turn-by-turn. With this use pattern, the app can drain the big battery in my Samsung Note20 in an hour if I force the screen to stay on and maybe twice that with the screen off. It's easy enough to wake up the screen on the fly when I need it.

Powering the phone from the 1.2 amp USB port on my bike battery just keeps up with the screen-off drain. The display's 0.5 amp USB port can power an extra headlight but is useless with the phone.

 

[offthewall]

I use the QuadLock out front mount and a dedicated QuadLock case for my iPhone 14 Pro Max on my Trek Allant+ 8S. Yes, if I fall it “may” get damaged but so will I. Loving it for the couple of months I’ve had it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have found this photo from the times I still had the phone on e-bike handlebars...

Occupying a big portion of the precious handlebar space, and inherently unsafe for the phone... (See the charging cable: smartphone battery will not last for long when used for an e-bike). The information as seen on this screen is now available on the new Specialized Mastermind display, or on a Wahoo (which also has the GPS navigation feature).

I got rid of Quadlock soon after taking that photo (March 2022). As you can see, the e-bike was Wahoo ready at that time.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Oh, RideWithGPS just introduced new functionality that allows you to quickly set up navigation to a destination, usually just by long-pressing on your destination. Again, my opinion is that RideWithGPS has the best turn-by-turn navigation implementation for cyclists.

Introducing One-Step Cycling Directions

QuickNav in the mobile app brings elemental simplicity to everyday navigation

ridewithgps.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Oh, RideWithGPS just introduced new functionality that allows you to quickly set up navigation to a destination, usually just by long-pressing on your destination. Again, my opinion is that RideWithGPS has the best turn-by-turn navigation implementation for cyclists.

Introducing One-Step Cycling Directions

QuickNav in the mobile app brings elemental simplicity to everyday navigation

ridewithgps.com

Have you ever tried Komoot? Yes, yes, RWGPS shines in America, Komoot is the Euro thing

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Have you ever tried Komoot? Yes, yes, RWGPS shines in America, Komoot is the Euro thing

I tried Komoot in 2020. Unless it has dramatically improved since then RideWithGPS does a better job on turn-by-turn navigation and route creation and editing.

All of them have their quirks in navigation and route creation, though. So I'd easily understand if someone had different preferences. Also, if you're using your phone for turn-by-turn, you really need a Wireless earpod to hear directions and alerts over road noise.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I tried Komoot in 2020. Unless it has dramatically improved since then RideWithGPS does a better job on turn-by-turn navigation and route creation and editing.

All of them have their quirks in navigation and route creation, though. So I'd easily understand if someone had different preferences. Also, if you're using your phone for turn-by-turn, you really need a Wireless earpod to hear directions and alerts over road noise.

It is 2023 now

I am the RWGPS subscriber for the advanced route editing options. Might cancel the subscription next year. When it comes to the route planning (especially in Europe), Komoot simply selects better routes. What RWGPS does not have but Komoot has is:

• Bike Touring
• Mountain Biking
• Road Cycling
• Gravel Cycling
• Enduro Mountain Biking

And you can add "e-" for any of the above. RWGPS defaults to "gravel cycling", and it led me into unpleasant places for far too many times

P.S. I have paid a flat "Unlock All Regions" fee for Komoot once and do not need to subscribe to plan my routes.

 

[peterh_nz]

Oh, RideWithGPS just introduced new functionality that allows you to quickly set up navigation to a destination, usually just by long-pressing on your destination. Again, my opinion is that RideWithGPS has the best turn-by-turn navigation implementation for cyclists.

I'm surprised it didn't have that function already. Both Komoot and OSMAnd (using bike profiles) have the equivalent.

In the past I've tested RWG along with other apps and, yes, it has good turn by turn navigation as the other good bike navigation apps do. After comparison, my preference remains with OSMAnd, especially with Brouter plugin, but also use Komoot.

I guess ones choice comes down to: ease of use, functionality and flexibility of setup and customisation, plus cost.

In my experience Google bike navigation is a distant last where using bike paths is concerned!

Cheers

 

[fexixav]

My mistake. I didn't see that Quad Lock also sells cases with the connector on the back. That makes a lot more sense. I found the one that fits my iPhone Xr.

I find it a bit difficult to accept that this mount is more secure than one that grabs the phone on all 4 sides Phun Phone Cases. I would think that the best of the other mounts are roughly as secure as the Quad Lock.

There is one clear advantage to the Quad Lock. The camera is unobstructed. Several of the "grabber" mounts mentioned that they do block the camera.

I currently have a silicone case for my phone, but it is starting to show some wear. I like it because the silicone is tacky. The iPhone case is a little slippery. Before I had the silicone case, it sometimes slipped out of my pocket while I was sitting down. This case is thermoplastic polyurethane. It that at all tacky like silicone?

Hey, From time to time I hear stories of cell phone cameras being damaged from the vibrations of the motorcycle when mounted on the handlebars. There must be something to this as Quad Lock offers a vibration dampener for their cell phone mounts. I'd really like to utilize the cell phone on the bike but it just isn't worth it to me to sacrifice the use of the camera or any other function. Right now I'm riding the Meteor 350 (Fireball) and yes, I do see a degree of vibration in the mirrors. Obviously a mounted phone would be exposed to this same vibration. Would appreciate hearing from forum members on their experiences with phone mounting. Thanks for your input.

 

[teskow]

I live in the Arizona desert where the sun is hot and powerful enough to severely overheat and damage a cell phone and the battery while i in a bicycle handlebar mount. For this reason and plus the vibration I quit using the mount. It is a great convenience but can be an expensive one.

 

[6zfshdb]

I don't mount the phone on the bike either, but for a different reason. I keep it in my pocket in case I'm thrown off. If I'm injured and can't get to the bike, I can still call for help. It's also nice to have the phone on your person in case the bike is stolen. I use cheaper bike mounted devices to give me the information I need.

 

[mschwett]

Hey, From time to time I hear stories of cell phone cameras being damaged from the vibrations of the motorcycle when mounted on the handlebars. There must be something to this as Quad Lock offers a vibration dampener for their cell phone mounts. I'd really like to utilize the cell phone on the bike but it just isn't worth it to me to sacrifice the use of the camera or any other function. Right now I'm riding the Meteor 350 (Fireball) and yes, I do see a degree of vibration in the mirrors. Obviously a mounted phone would be exposed to this same vibration. Would appreciate hearing from forum members on their experiences with phone mounting. Thanks for your input.

a good phone mount will have some small amount of damping (typically in the design of the arm or, for direct mount, rubber interface) which probably helps with the most damaging high frequency vibrations, compared to something much beefier and rigid attached to the also much beefier and rigid parts of a motorcycle which is hitting the same bumps in the road at 3 or 4 times the speed. the motorcycle engine also has reciprocating parts at thousands of RPM. SP connect offers a little modular damper and all the photos are on motorcycles, not bicycles.

granted, my bikes are light and carbon but I’ve ridden more than 15k miles with the same phone on my bars and it still works fine. quad lock for the first half and now sp-connect. YMMV, of course.