How To Use Your Phone As A Bike Computer

Cycling navigation was revolutionised by the bike computer, but is there an alternative, cheaper option? We have teamed up with Mous to show you how to transform your phone into a bike computer. Ollie runs through all the bike phone mounts and phone case options!
In association with @Mouscase 👉 gcn.eu/Mous
00:00 Intro
01:00 Mous mount and case
01:33 Phone drop test
03:00 Navigation apps
03:52 Mounting options
05:50 Pros and cons
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[@gcn]

Have you used your phone as a bike computer? 🚲📱

[@matt_acton-varian]

Only as a backup when I forgot my Garmin.

[@nemure]

Yes, until one day fell and I had to replace the screen. Sadly both wahoo and Garmin are trash as GPS so when I need navigation I use my phone, turn volume to max and in to my back pocket it goes. It's just voice instructions but so far even though is far from ideal, works for me.

[@Davidkaisermusic]

Yep, I used it paired with my Apple Watch for my first 3 years cycling. I just bought a Wahoo this year

[@veganpotterthevegan]

A couple times... when my trash Lezyne refuses to pair

[@wilsistermans1118]

I am a happy phone user. With SuperCycle as app on a waterproof phone it is a perfect solutions for me. Different sensors can be paired. The screen is fully customisable. In darkmode on a oled-screen my battery lasts for about 15 hours. You can also link your Strava account to it. With this setup I have no need for a bike computer at all.

[@hbrameus]

I was hoping it would be more about what software you could use that would support sensors of different kind, and also talk about the accuracy of different solutions. Maybe a future video?

[@Paul-xk5os]

Yeah me too, haven’t found anything myself with the limited research I’ve done. Strava premium but I ain’t paying for that

[@jaydibernardo4320]

Spot on, my thoughts exactly. Cheers Mate. 🇬🇧

[@ahgerande]

OsmAnd supports external sensors and offline maps with navigation.

[@ahmedjawaid3066]

Cadence is pretty good. There is a both paid (C$ 3.50) and free option. Works with a variety of sensors

[@ComicalFlask]

Accuracy ain't your problem. The main con with using your phone as a bike computer is battery life. Using navigation, connecting a bunch of sensors and keeping the screen on is only feasible for short-to-medium rides. Cadence is probably the best option out there for iPhones, and it offers some tips for longing out your battery, but if you ever do all-day rides you're gonna need a proper bike computer anyway.

[@bockersjv]

Disappointing video. Just an elongated Mous advert. No information on pairing sensors with phones and what is possible.

[@richardanderson5812]

I have just posted my setup hope it helps

[@gauguin66]

Quadlock offers the most sturdy connection and mount. The company originally made phone mounts for motorcycles so they know how to build them! Recommended.

[@johnnydwicked]

Does mounting a phone on a bicycle damage the camera or any sensitive components over time from vibrations with quadlock's bicycle specific mounting kit?

[@gauguin66]

@@johnnydwicked great question. My phone was never damaged during a ride either from vibration or from accidentally falling of and I have ridden for >20k with it.

[@karlhandley9375]

Have a waterproof phone bag / case that clips on and off its attachment on the handlebar. Then phone inside, using Komoot app for planning routes, turn by turn directions etc. Importantly, set Komoot to wake up the display when turns are approaching. Rest of the time my screen is off which is a HUGE battery saver.

[@gcn]

Some great little tips here! 🙌 What do you make of the Mous case?

[@Knitterfest]

Ollie should've worn a heart rate monitor dropping his phone 😄 However a case only saves your phone on a flat surface. Throw it into gravel and your screen will likely chip. I used my phone to navigate a fair bit, but I had it in my back poket and used headphones. Wahoo has been a game changer for me, but I have an older model that has no rerouting if you miss your turn 😅

[@gcn]

No stress with a Mous case 👀 The phone is great for those starting out!

[@carnsoaks1]

I love the utilitarian steed you use after the introduction to Mous cases. Stainless and CroMo with a beautiful and I mean awesome looking rack. That's the way to move around the big smoke. A trusty, long lasting all-rounder!

[@Frostbiker]

Agreed! Isn't there a dynamo hub? I don't see any lights, though. And in England I would always have fenders mounted.

[@michaelfisher9760]

I’ve this exact Mous set up and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The case is excellent and clipping in and out is simple. If you are looking for an iPhone bike mount this should definitely be at the top of your list.

[@cherriagana]

Sadly, it's only for iphones tho :(

[@gcn]

Whoop whoop! It's a solid system isn't it 🙌 What apps are you running?

[@michaelfisher9760]

@@gcn Strava. And Komoot when I need a Satnav. I drop my phone a LOT, and the case is rock solid. I like the fact that the functions just as a case when off the bike (no bulges) also VERY nice environment friendly packaging 😊👍

[@user-yv8qp1yr7i]

I have used both. The phone would sometimes have wierd GPS quirks etc. but did work most of the time. I have a dedicated bike computer now and I love it. Alot less hassle just put it on and go.

[@palkoenergies7790]

Great video. It helpful to know what gear to buy

[@huntos83]

I like the fact that this product you don’t have to twist the phone to mount. I have a quad lock case, which is good, but I haven’t found a decent way to mount it when using aero bars for ultra distance events (where it’s quite nice to have both the wahoo and the phone mounted). The twisting action means you need more space around the phone to get it on and off

[@SydneySlowRider]

You need to put the out front Quad Lock mount on the aerobar - perpendicular to its normal orientation - with the phone then hovering in the middle of the aerobars. The blue thumb piece of the quad lock will also need to be rotated by 90 degrees, but this is really easy thankfully. I then leave my bike computer on the stem.

[@uselessrobotics5383]

​@@SydneySlowRiderI did the same :)

[@colinmccallum1295]

I am an avid cyclist and ride in the country side in rural Ontario, Canada. I have used my phone as my cycle computer for both road and gravel riding for years. I use a QuadLock set up on both bikes and utilize the RidewithGPS app which also links with my Garmin Varia light/radar unit and is all linked to Strava. Because of the limited battery power on the phone. I plug my phone into a battery which I keep in a bag on my top tube. Quadlock has a plastic cover for your phone and I have been out in all kinds of weather. I have also done some bike packing with this set up, with no problems. I have had the unfortunate experience of coming off both bikes, there was no damage to the phone but I wasn’t quite as fortunate.

[@menami04]

Which battery you use?

[@mitchellyoumans3644]

I use the “Cyclemeter” app on my iPhone and love it. The dashboard is fully configurable and the app pairs up with all my sensors with no issues. It also automatically uploads my ride to Strava when completed. I am using a “Quad Lock” case and mounting system which has been super sturdy and even held my phone safely through a bike crash. Unfortunately I didn’t fare as well. The only two downsides I see is the battery life of the iPhone and the touch screen can be a bit flaky if rained on. I am very happy with this setup with no intentions of buying a dedicated bike computer.

[@disgruntledtoons]

The mount is very important. While on the 2019 MS-150 (a charity ride in Texas), I saw a guy hit a rumble strip and his phone bounced up out of its mount. I caught up to him later that day and asked him about it. The case had saved his phone from damage when it hit the pavement (and luckily nobody ran over it).

[@lafamillecarrington]

I was interested to hear how secure you thought the Mous mount was, after having my brand new phone come out of another brand when I hit a pothole. The tiny lugs don't inspire great confidence! Re. rain - I always carry a small plastic bag with me. Works really well.

[@peterdeanov753]

I bought one for the iPhone 13 Pro Max as I am a big fan of Mous but it kept falling off. I would not recommend it, unfortunately.

[@madalynmoth4263]

This was helpful. Does Mous make intralocking phone cases only specifically for iPhone 15? What if I have a 12, am I out of luck? Thanks 🕊

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

For finding myself round, I use a Garmin Oregon with OSM freebie maps. It has a 'Screen lock' for wet weather and doesn't need a case. It is powered with 2 x AA size Li-Ion 1.5V rechargables which last about 6 hours with 2/10 backlight. 3 pairs for a 200 Audax. Charger is lightweight and goes in the pannier for multiday tours. My other device is a Garmin Forerunner 255. This records everything, inc HR to calculate calorie burn. I upload the Forerunner data to Strava and discard the Oregon recording.

[@alexgraves6842]

I used to use my phone as a bike computer. It was good for short rides, but for long rides, the app had tendency to crash (approx 5-6 hours ride), that is why I decided to get a dedicated cycling computer.

[@mattbrooks4484]

I have this mount for pixel 7. Works nicely, even for exceedingly bumpy gravel rides. In dry weather I can connect to a power pack in top tube bag. I wouldn't use in heavy rain because I'd rather not find out the limits of ip68.

[@RS-jh7cp]

Any issues with the camera? I really want one but scared it will mess up the camera

[@lauren-thomas]

I have a Pixel 7 Pro and use the Mous case and mount for hours in the rain. Phone still works perfectly.

[@AndrewEbling]

I used a phone on a cycling specific mount for a while when I first started road cycling. But fairly quickly my legs started lasting long than the phone battery. I upgraded to a dedicated cycle computer and quickly came to appreciate the added utility. I just don't think it's worth the risk of damaging your phone or having it snatched from your handlebars while waiting at the lights.

[@jjflash30]

I used my iPhone for many years as my only bike computer. Great app called Cyclemeter with infinite ways to customize the screens to look at during a ride and all kinds of ways to slice and dice data from past rides. Post ride, sync ride data to other cycling apps (such as Strava) that have functionality not in Cyclemeter. This year, finally “splurged” on a Wahoo Element Bolt for various reasons. Syncs with Garmin Varia radar to show approaching cars behind (in strip on one side of Bolt screen). More waterproof than iPhone. Better batter life than iPhone (on longer rides with iPhone, always had to be mindful of screen brightness / attach portable charger later in ride ). Better visibility in bright sunlight. Summit features for climbs very useful. Now ride with both iPhone (mounted on quad lock - great product) and Bolt on my handlebars. Still track rides on Cyclemeter app but do so with screen off so never any battery issues; also run wahoo element bolt app on phone (app has some features of value during ride - such as more easily seeing “big picture” view of where are on a ride than on Bolt itself.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Thanks for the info on the holder, and the attempted smashing of Ollie's phone, but what are the best apps, if any, to use during cycling? Just basic stuff displayed like W/Kg, Speed, Cadence, Watts, etc.?

[@Active-Cyclist]

I use my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for all of my rides. I have a Quad Lock mount and case for my phone on bike tours. I configured my single earbud to wake the phone screen with voice and then use voice to get weather updates and find the nearest convenience store or restaurant for a break or water bottle refill. Personal tip: polarized lenses make a phone almost impossible to use on a ride.

[@grahamatkinson9851]

I use a wahoo mount on my bikes (and an adjustable one for hire bikes), and its easy to get a stick on wahoo mount for the phone. This may sound unsafe but I cut a hole for that in the back of my phones gel case which is a bit smaller than the size of the stick-on mount, which means that if it did come lose (it doesn't) it will still stay attached to the bike until I noticed. For software I have used Bike Computer Pro for years - easily customisable to add things like power meters in the display, and uploads to Strava as well. Another thing about Bike Computer Pro is that it very rarely crashes, whereas when I used the Strava app it was always freezing or crashing.

[@jamesdubben3687]

Thanks Ollie, was wondering about those big bike computers, as I figured you all carried your phones anyway. I'm 100% phone bike computer user for past 8 years/52,000 miles. (So also use it for hiking/walking/running) No mounts, phone is either in a jersey pocket or bike bag(commuting). England might win on drizzle, but we get over 6 feet of rain a year.

[@erents1]

I have to get a handle bar mount after seeing your video, I recently bought a van and ride in many different places, recently more city riding where I could use a map etc. I have been putting it in and out of my pocket or backpack, which sucks. But I have to admit it’s way better than the seventies when you would find a gas station, buy a paper map or ask a greasy auto mechanic for directions to the next gas station for more directions!

[@imaXkillXya]

You can also buy that adhesive garmin adapter and get a hard case. It’s way cheaper. If you want extra security you can also get that rubber strap that secures from all corners. I was MTBing and the the garmin mount broke but that silicon rubber strap kept it from flying off.

[@kevinfeeney5309]

The adhesive is quite specific for that stick on garmin adapter. I mainly like the softer TPU cases so that adapter won't work...I use that strappy thing instead. I only have it on when I'm actively using the phone on the bike. I feel like if I just left it on the rubber would start stretching out and won't hold tight.

[@perperikis5501]

OK I have to ask; How did you pedal with normal shoes on speedplays ? Is it viable ?

[@shaunmcnally7631]

I've got a simple little gps that shows speed and distance. When I need navigation I use my phone and the Ride with GPS app. Create or download a route and then turn on the turn by turn directions then put in some headphones and throw the phone in my jersey pocket. I ride Midwest gravel so I don't need to see a map of a straight road for miles. I just get a voice in my ear saying something like "In 100 meters, turn left onto 760th ave. and then continue for 4 miles"

[@csmcghee830]

I like lifeproof cases. I did have to get a battery charger to put next to it because I’ve had some issues. I got a bike computer a while back but it was too hard to figure out.

[@imagines9688]

whats your favorite type of bar tape for all weather riding, does it matter what its made out of if you ride in all weather?

[@erikmmartens]

The one issue with using a phone in this way is that its camera's optical image stabilization (OIS) WILL be damaged by the inevitable (micro-)vibrations going through the handle bars. To some degree this happens even with mounts designed to dampen the shocks and regardless of whether the camera uses sensor shift or lens shift. The little springs in these mechanical OIS-contraptions will just eventually loose their tension for good, resulting in blurry photos for the rest of the phones life (unless you use a stable tripod).

[@reidwagner1508]

do I need to have the full Strava version to plan rides? great review of options. I use Garmin 1030 and phone when Garmin is on the fritz. Sometimes Garmin doesn’t like my Hot Spot to download my ride to Strava.

[@apriljohnson6191]

I used my phone for awhile until I was hungry for more data. With my iPhone, I worried about running out of battery, dropping my phone and whether not I'd get a recording of my longer (40+ mile) rides. Once I switched to Garmin, I get data from my cadence, speed and heart monitors seamlessly and I don't have to think about whether Strava gets my ride data from Garmin. Only once I had an issue with the Garmin and I think that was me hitting the cancel button by accident. I like the idea of convenience of having one device to rule all aspects of my life, but reality turned out to be quite different. Having a bike computer allows me to stress less about biking and enjoy more riding. 🙂 I did keep my Mous case after switching. It's a really good case, and I've put it to the test. Just don't put the Mous mount on a cockpit bar! That was the *only* time the mous system failed and dropped my iPhone 14 into the middle of the street. :-(. (The cockpit bar bracket failed.). Thankfully it wasn't a busy street at the time. Again, good update! I'd love to see you review Apple's new Cycling workout app.

[@olishobbyscene1643]

Occationally I do, but then I go for the Quadlock mount, as I also use that kind of mount on my motorcycle and car.

[@vapyd3999]

I have a Quadlock too, never had an issue, to prove a point I showed my wife you can pick the bike up by the phone, also got a mount for my car.

[@olishobbyscene1643]

@@vapyd3999100% agreed. Rock solid mounting solution. 👍

[@jeskli11]

Mous also offers a motorcycle mount and a car mount with just the magnetic mounting (no twistig or anything is required). I have the car mount for over a year and didn't have a single issue with it over ~15000km. My brother-in-law uses Quadlock including the car mount and it looks quite bulky compared to my mous.

[@kevinfeeney5309]

The thing I dislike about Mous and Quadlock is that they don't offer cases for my phone. Samsung galaxy A53. So I either use a strappy thing for the phone or, now that I have one....a Coospo BC200

[@jeskli11]

@@kevinfeeney5309 Mous offers just the piece with the Intralock mechanism that you can glue onto pretty much any case of any phone too.

[@rageeey]

Got the mount that goes into the wahoo mount (less clunky when there is only 1 mount on the bike that can be used for phone/bike computer) and used it for some time until i got a garmin edge and asked mous if i could purchase only just garmin adapter and they said no and i'd have to pay the full price of 48 euros for the whole thing again! (why even make it modular when they don't sell individual pieces!) as a result it is now dead weight for the past year. It is also quite difficult once you turn it to landscape mode to change it back as the squeeze buttons are below and very awkward to press (even harder while riding) and risks accidently popping out your phone while riding.

[@hammerridecycling7630]

hello ollie,do they have one for samsung fold4 phone?

[@ghazimirza6703]

Used to do that until my mobile was snatched along with the holder switched to cycling computer immediately thank you

[@ianlaker9161]

I used my phone as a bike computer before upgrading to a Wahoo Elemnt Roam. Pros and cons pretty much as covered here but I do actually miss the GPS voice prompts from the Komoot App on the phone. Unless I'm missing something, you don't get that on a dedicated computer. The battery life and comprehensive data more than makes up for it though. That mount system looks easier than quadlock which I've found to be a bit of a faff at times.

[@RichardHennigan]

I'm not sure about Wahoo units, but I pair bone conduction headphones to my phone, which is connected to my Garmin Edge 830. Then if I'm using navigation on my Garmin, I get voice prompts over the headphones, which is a really nice feature. Without the headphones it's sometimes difficult to hear the beeps and boops from the Garmin over the wind, and I would often miss turns.

[@cyclingjack]

Was that crack in your phone’s screen before or after you dropped it (with mouse case)? 😮

[@RichardHennigan]

I'd also recommend some bone conduction headphones (that don't cover your ears) if you're using your phone for navigation. That way you can easily hear turn by turn directions and you don't need to be constantly looking down at the screen. You can also save battery this way by turning off the screen most of the time.

[@mikefisher9895]

Yes I have to at the moment as my garmin broke down soft where issues it's gone back to garmin under warranty luckily

[@kevinfeeney5309]

I've used my phone for several years until I picked up a cheapie GPS, the Coospo BC200. Does just about everything I want in a cycling specific GPS computer for the price point. I still use my phone on occasion using one of those strappy things to use on garmin mounts. None of the phone case people (like Mous and Quadlock) make cycling cases for my phone, a Galaxy A53 5G. That being said, I've been eyeing the iGPSPORT 600 something. Lol. It's been getting great reviews by quite a few cycling KZbinrs.

[@jalakere]

I was really hoping for a video about different apps to use for tracking your rides but instead I got s commercial for mous cases and mounts. I use wahoo to record my rides, it interfaces with my power meter, speed sensor and hr monitor and displays data pretty well but I find it lacking when it comes to customisation of the data displays and it doesn’t support strava segments or navigation in any meaningful way. I’ve been considering trying other apps but cyclemeter looks unnecessarily complicated and I haven’t really found others with feature parity.

[@jazzfan7491]

I have a quad lock mount but I agree with the comment here that the required case is a bit bulky. Will this Mous system work with any of their cases?

[@jonk5755]

I've been using phones for a few years now. I put mine in a top tube bag and as I tend to ride alone I can carry a powerbank on longer journeys. On my bike the extra weight is insignificant!

[@johnnydwicked]

Does mounting a phone a bicycle damage the camera or any sensitive components over time from vibrations? I hear this a lot with motorcycles but not much with bicycles. Can someone confirm?

[@pdheerajsairam]

Do the vibrations mess with the Optical Image Stabilisation system as with motorcycle vibrations?

[@freezak3864]

Yes, they do.

[@user-yc5fp4po4h]

Can you advise any apps for tracking cycling data when using phones as bike computers ?

[@ESR66]

It the most cost effective especially with the Polar Flow app and Peak Design bike mounts.

[@omgahandlelol]

I've really enjoyed using my phone. I pair strava, with google maps, or ride with gps, and use an app called super cycling in order to get customized stats showing when not looking at a map. It also means when I'm listening to music i have easy access to change songs right on my "dash". As for the phone itself, I always look for one with at least a 5000mah battery. My mount is unfortunately much chonkier than the ones demoed in this video. Maybe santa will bring me a slim mount in the future.

[@S1MediaHQ]

Wow, wait a minute, how do you pair Strava with Google maps? I've been looking for ages at how to do this because I hate how Strava just shows a dot moving along a line instead of a 3D nav like maps. Wish I coul load a Strava route into Google or make them sync in some way.. I'd really appreciate a few tips if you don't mind?

[@bobdobalina798]

Quadlock with the waterproof overwrap

[@johncoy-stevenson9986]

I didn't realise this video would be a six-minute video on trying to sell Mous mount. I don't use a cycling computer I use my phone, yes my cycle usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes put on a full charge my phone could last up to 8 hours. I use the Wahoo app with cadence, speed sensor and heart monitor and I have no problems with it one more thing, I use a Quad lock mount.

[@obidavekenobe]

Quadlock with the rain poncho for extra protection 👍

[@gazzervw]

Off road looking for trails . It’s slower as I put it back in my pocket . Around town with bike and phone jacking popular I think it’s asking for trouble . It’s nearly 3 times the price of my garmin. Also rather have the phone to use for calls if needed and a dedicated bike computer . But if I was just starting out it would work a treat

[@a1white]

A problem with having your flash mobile phone mounted on your handlebars, at least in City centres, is the risk of it being stolen. At least in London, it's unfortunately not an uncommon event for moped riders to grab it and ride off. I used to use a phone for directions, but because of this risk I now use a Beeline Velo2, which is a small and very handy device for giving you directions.

[@onkelheming]

Great ad for the mounts, I hope they paid you well. Would be more useful if half the unashamed praise time were spent on suggestions for phone apps in stead. Maybe one could get an idea of how a phone actually works as a head unit.

[@ttr6611]

I am using the Quadlock system combined with my IPhone 13 and now even with the 15 Pro Max and I got the SuperCycle App which allows all kind of sensors to be paired with. The SuperCycle App even supports different bikes to be enlisted. Until now I am pretty happy with this solution, been riding this combo for +3000 kilometers now. So for me there is no need to buy any bike computer and in addition this is saving me a good 150 grams of extra weight… 😂

[@RN4L]

Rokform case and V4 pro bike mount

[@clayeewing]

well done. if one is training then a dedicated device, like a bike computer, is key. but for rides where one tracks for general fitness and fun, apps like Work Outdoors, Strava (free version), even Apple Fitness (also the free version), work great. it appears UK’s Mous is US’s Peak Design, both innovative companies with thoughtful products worth checking out.

[@gcn]

100%! You don't need to go out and buy all the fancy kit your phone is a great option!

[@rickmason2579]

I like your drop test. I used to do it to shop off my simple Nokia. It would break into several pieces, and I would simply put it back together :-}. Of course it does depend on how it lands. I was on a long tour a few years ago when I dropped my phone face first on gravel. The rocks cracked the screen in multiple places, so that the touch screen no longer worked. Two days later I finally got into Gillette WY - Pop 30,000 where I could (with few choices) buy a new phone. Something to keep in mind.

[@gcn]

Sounds like you could have done with a Mous case 😉

[@SY-ve5qm]

Do love using my phone as bike computer, especially with my apple watch…but one thing I dislike is sweat dripping on the phone and getting into the case…

[@starwolf2125]

I've used my phone as a bike computer and the largest issue I have ever had to deal with is battery life which I'm surprised that it's not mentioned here. Phone batteries drop dramatically when you navigate and if you activate power saving mode, for most phones that means that you need to keep your screen unlocked in order to keep the GPS tracking active. Also, the amount of discharge is so much and so fast the your battery will overheat. Also many phones have a very common issue which is their navigation direction arrow being stuck in the wrong direction when you use battery saving mode. Within a few hours (for some phones can be 3 to 4 hours) you end up with a phone that will run out of battery, expose you to lack of ways of communication in case of emergencies and you apply wear and tear on your phone's hardware. Whereas a not so expensive bike computer today can last for up to 8 hours of navigation and activity tracking which is an insane advantage.

[@Frostbiker]

An inexpensive power bank inside your top tube pack ensures your phone doesn't run out of batteries. On the contrary, it charges your phone while you ride.

[@chrisquinze1]

Or use Komoot on your phone for sat nav style directions. Download the route before you go out and have the phone in airplane mode. Lasts all day.

[@mauricetranslator]

My Xiaomi band and its accompanying Zeplife software is free and works very well for me. It even announces the elapsed time of my ride, my heart rate, and the time for each kilometer ridden. After you see your route, average speed and heart rate, and the total cycling time

[@shinobusensui9395]

I used my smart phone with a bike mount and it was ok for some mounts. One day on my typical route, the phone shoots out of the mount on the road. Lucky enough, there was no damage done. As of now, I use a cheap $40 bike computer and I'm waiting for a wahoo or similar during black friday

[@ElliotBlyth]

I've been using my phone as my only bike computer for a while now, and it works really well. Battery is not really an issue as I just keep a powerbank in my frame or top tube bag. The only actual big issue I face is when it's raining a fair but, the screen becomes impossible to use when it is too wet. I've been using the Peak Design mount and I think it's a bit more sleek than the Mous one!

[@menami04]

How do you like the peak design mount?

[@ElliotBlyth]

@@menami04 It's brilliant-- my only complaint is that it's a bit pricey, otherwise no notes!

[@menami04]

@@ElliotBlyth Awesome TY!

[@KrashX09]

I want navigation from exported gpx files from strava routes for as cheap as possible. All trail/off road routes. What is the best option for me?

[@philskisp50s]

Hey Ollie I use my i watch, and iPhone , Apple just updated so it can read a power meter, speed and cadence along with your hearts beats per minute and It displays on your phone Give it a go, lad 😃

[@hsppygrandpa]

Specialized Turbo E-bikes have an phoneApp that shows all of the usual metrics including cadence, power, heart rate, max -current and average speeds, etc. As well as a route planner with turn by turn prompts. I think I may swap my Quadlock mount for a Mous mount though.

[@gcn]

You won't regret it! If it's good enough for Bridgewood it's good enough for all 🙌

[@imsuchahotdog]

You should mention that if riding on hot sunny days, your phone will likely start shutting down. Riding in Texas just having it on my bike, I would get heat alerts and shut down. No issues when using my garmin

[@jaredjosiah9089]

I dunno about using the phone mount on a daily however this could be a bit of a game changer for Zwift

[@monday223]

Was expecting information about the new Bluetooth sensor integration available on phones, which allows power, heart rate and cadence data to be captured. This would make bike computers redundant

[@Agiyi]

I haven't used a bike computer (and don't own other sensors to pair), but from what I'm reading a phone can't match the battery of a bike computer. My phone sadly barely makes it on a long ride...

[@monday223]

@@Agiyi wahoo roam life 16 hours tops, iPhone 15 about 24

[@Frostbiker]

You can connect your phone to a power bank in your top tube pack.

[@Agiyi]

@@monday223 iphone 15 has 24 hour battery with screen on, location on, bluetooth on, etc?? I'm not so sure about that....

[@Agiyi]

@@Frostbiker Yeah, I guess that's an option... I should get a smaller power bank then, because I have an old Xiaomi one that is a brick!!

[@duncanmacphee200]

Be it a camera, music player or GPS - a smartphone really is a Jack of all trades, master of absolutely none. I'm happy with having a dedicated bike computer, knowing that I won't end up with dead batteries halfway through a long ride.

[@Frostbiker]

An inexpensive power bank inside your top tube pack ensures your phone doesn't run out of batteries. On the contrary, it charges your phone while you ride.

[@xrenx4921]

@@Frostbiker Power bank is heavy and if you wanna cycle fast you need more energy

[@cristiansan]

which soft can I use with the phone for this?

[@MrQuattro18]

I use my garmin 520 edge on my rides! My phone is in the bag on the bar!

[@StayZero556]

I used my phone as my bike computer for a while but I found myself needing to carry a charging pack because I’d drain the battery real quick. And on hot sunny days the phone would even overheat so that wasn’t ideal either. I just use a cheap Cycplus computer, does everything I need it to do other than navigation which I rarely need anyway.

[@thepainphantom]

That flying low tho😂

[@gcn]

*AERO

[@mikkuun22]

Great video! I don't recommend your primary phone as a Bike computer but an old powerful one is a good choice for repurposing, instead of just letting is rot and collect dust. I have an old Samsung Galaxy Note 8 that I repurposed. It is capable of receing ANT+ too. With a matte screen protector, the visibility of the screen is improved significantly but still not as good as a dedicated cycling computer. Battery, in my case, lasts 5H, good for a 100km ride, with a powerbank, you can extend it to 12H. A good app for Android phones is IPbike, great customizability on the data screens. Tho it lacks features like climbpro but I like it more than other apps. Still a dedicated bike computer is the better option, and if you have the budget to buy the one you like, go for it! But if, instead, you'd be replacing your main phone with a new one that costs a lot, you can consider your will-be old phone as a computer. Ah.. in terms of impact protection from crashes, personal experience. I crashed and landed on my back, broke my main phone's screen really bad, while my other phone that I used as a cycling computer was pretty much in a good state after the crash (to be fair I have aerobars installed, it might have added some protection).

[@gcn]

An old phone is a great idea! 🙌 You still need a good strong case to make sure it doesn't break 👀 What sort of rides make you take the dedicated bike computer over the phone?

[@SamuelLudden]

Is ANT+ just built in? How many phones have this ability?

[@mikkuun22]

@@gcn probably multiple-day rides or bikepacking trips where recharging from the wall will be very difficult. Yeah, a good case and mount is definitely recommended going this route.

[@mikkuun22]

@@SamuelLudden thisisant webpage have a list of supported devices

[@stefankuhn147]

Yes I did and would never do it again. Because of the vibrations during the ride the glass got micro cracks which went worser and worser until the phone wasn't usable anymore.

[@mellohavinga7262]

I use my cellphone (google 7 pro) for navigation. The only problem is rain, when the screen gets wet, its changing the (doing all kind of changes by itself), and i cant follow my track anymore. Also all the functions on tge screen dont work anymore. Using my Garmin map66, i have buttons and it works allways. Jn dry wetter the cellphone is unbeatable.

[@XavierBergeron]

I wish Strava had proper turn-by-turn navigation and sensor support

[@Journeyofourlife436]

Soyes XS16 I used as bike computer, it is colored and can do what Topend bike computer does, gps, map, sensor and plus extra functionality, music , watching video, saving spot on my handle bar. The price is only $50 on temu. I would not spend $500 for a colored top end bike computer. Cons: battery. But a cheap battery bank that you can always pluggin to the device will make it run and work longer than a high end bike computer. Also, the Soyex SX16 has a USB-TYPE C

[@user-hu3kn4kk5g]

I have a similar set up, iphone with a mous case and mount, that I use as a bike computer. After a major crash ( I'm a mountain biker) the phone was perfectly fine and still on its mount even after taking a big hit. I won't use anything else!

[@lazzaboyman8003]

I’m using a Garmin on my road and MTB as it has more bike specific features, is much more water resistant and if I smash it, happened to me a year ago, it’s cheaper to replace. Also would rather keep the phone safe in my pocket so it’s available in an emergency rather than thrashed!

[@ArnMartBelgo]

What are the suggestions regarding the Apps? I do not see many options compared to the potential of a very customizable app (like WorkOutDoors on the Watch, or what you can find with the computers). I find Strava very restrictive (not even map+HR on the screen, no Power). Anybody else struggles with this?

[@kymbo72]

I'd be wanting to check a bit closer than that before announcing that the phone survived the drop!

[@pathofpeace9586]

it looks like its git a cracked screen to me 5.48 plus many other frames

[@nabenduroy8680]

hoping for a software comparison video, got some phone holder advertisment😅

[@111soreal]

Minute 3:59 so you did break the phone when you dropped it 😂

[@picapica8209]

At 1:51 you can see the screen already has a crack

[@111soreal]

@@picapica8209 ur so right 😂

[@thelonerider2600]

A mount that you can easily tighten and loosen with your fingers sounds to me like it’s ideal for thieves because it means they can steal them quickly from a bike without tools to loosen them

[@Osrszombie]

Not a bad idea I personally use one of these on my motorbike and when the weather is not doing to well. Like you sed lol. I have a waterproof phone so were all good there 😂

[@andras.89]

What about shock and vibration absorbance?

[@mrflaxtv81]

Ollie's screen protector is cracked! Cracked in the drop?

[@roberttell1587]

Timely video. The apple watch will now connect to powermeters, so you can pretty easily have power and heartrate on your phone.

[@Slogfester]

Given almost everyone carries a (smart)phone with them when riding, it makes sense to use it as bike computer. I've been using Samsungs for 10 years. Road, touring, mtb. Never had a problem with connectivity to devices using Ant or BT. But, recently, Samsung, and most other major phone manufacturers have dropped Ant. I can get at least 8 hours out of phone. You just need to run the correct app and manage battery drain. I use Ipbike for training and OSMand for touring.

[@sativagirl1885]

Q: Can the latest smart phone sensors detect a small magnet attached to one spoke that goes round&round rapidly? It it safe to use cheap duct tape to fasten a 5G $1,000 bikecomputer to the *left seat stay?* p.s. case or no case?

[@raff5604]

Uhm...at the 4;17 mark there is a massive crack you can see on the phone. Did this happen when Ollie dropped it???

[@kidShibuya]

The main thing nobody covers is that bike GPS are all useless when being used as normal car like GPS. For example take your wahoo and to some random spot then go for coffee.. Where is a coffee shop?.. Your wahoo doesn't know, it cannot tell you. Even if you have the address of some place it's unlikely to find it. But google maps can get you anywhere you want. Just open it and type in coffee. Bike GPS are just crap at this and many cant do it at all. They are for training, calling them GPS is misleading IMO. They track where you have been or a predetermined path you put in before you even left home. They completely fail when you are already out and want to go somewhere unplanned. They rob you of your freedom.

[@gcn]

A bit of forward planing and you can make sure you keep coffee shops and way points and it's very easy to upload new directions into the wahoo ( if you need to re-navigate mid ride). That said the phone offers a whole host of other apps that will allow you to find places at the click of a button. It all comes down to your riding style.

[@MrMeowNow]

yeah, great video... I am using my Iphone 12 as my bike computer, however, there is a huge issue of battery drainage... :(

[@DaKosi]

What navigation apps are you guys using that are for free? I do not really do long or changing tours, but like to explore different cities from time to time, so a subscription is not really for me. I just use komoot to plan my routes and download the file after to import it into Strava. That way I do not have to run both apps at the same time and drain my battery.

[@richardanderson5812]

I use Komoot, great for planning a trip or just getting to a destination

[@bcatterson]

It would have been good to mention which gloves work with touchscreens. But maybe that's a topic for another day...

[@galenkehler]

3:00 phone screens arent easy to see outdoors, in sunlight. Even if you turn the brightness up high (which drains the battery) its often realy difficult to see. Just something to be aware of before you invest in expensive mounts. Dedicated bike computers are designed with better screens for daylight visibility.