Handlebar Phone Mount vs. Stem Mount: Which Bike Phone Mount is Best for Your Ride?

Biking is one of the most enjoyable activities to conduct outdoor exercises, travel to work, or exercise. However, in the present generation, some cyclists with bicycles use smartphones to help them with navigation, monitoring their fitness, and communication purposes when cycling. A bike phone mount is the best invention because it will hold your device close at hand, but safe. 

However, not all phone mounts are the same so here are some of the highest-quality phone mounts you will get in the market. There are mostly two types of phone holders, handlebar phone mounts and stem phone mounts. But which one is better? When deciding where to place your mount, it is worth whether to fix the phone at eye level or to choose a lower, more stable position. 

In this guide, we will also discuss side by side comparison of two options, strengths and weaknesses of each. At the end of the article, you would wonder what type of bike phone mount is best for you.

What Is a Handlebar Phone Mount?

A handlebar phone mount is one where the holder will have to be placed in the bicycle handlebars with support features such as a clamp, strap, or lock for support. It is cheap and fast in terms of visibility, and therefore, cyclists are among the most frequent users of the system. 

The Handlebar Mounts are generally universal clamp or silicone strap type, so they are suitable for various phone sizes and handlebars. Some of them come with integrated shock absorbing to minimize any vibration that may occur on specific models.

Advantages of a Handlebar Phone Mount

Easy to Install and Remove

The best thing about a handlebar mount is that mostly they are very easy to install. Most models can be easily attached or removed without any tools, which gives the cyclist an easy time while affixing or removing the models.

Adjustable Viewing Angles

While other mounting types that are available in the market have some limitations as to how they can be mounted, handlebar mounts are the most flexible. One can be able to move or adjust the screen in various ways for a better view which can be an added advantage when using GPS or fitness applications.

Convenient for Quick Access

If you frequently use your phone to check directions or track ride statistics, a handlebar mount will be most suitable. Your phone remains in your easily visible range and you do not need to twist your neck in an attempt to have a glimpse at it.

Compatible with Most Bikes

For your road bike, mountain bike, or commuter bike, most of the handlebar phone mounts have compatibility with many handlebars. They are also offered in different sizes to suit all body styles of bikes available in the market.

Disadvantages of a Handlebar Phone Mount

More Exposure to Road Vibrations

Because handlebars transfer a lot of movement from the road to the cyclist, the phone may shake or vibrate, particularly on a rough surface. Such frequencies could eventually become problematic for the inner hardware of the phone.

Takes Up Handlebar Space

If you are using handlebar accessories such as light, bell, and other gadgets, the use of the bike mount might seem to congest the place.

May Shift on Rough Roads

Despite the strong clamps, many handlebars mount work on minor adjustments or twists in the course of riding over the potholes or rocks.

What Is a Stem Phone Mount?

There are stem phone mounts that are designed to hold the phone by mounting on stem, which is the extending structure that connects the handlebars to the frame. As compared to handlebar mounts, the position of the phone is lower and slightly more central; therefore it offers better stability. 

The stem mounts are very popular among mountain bikers and long riders because they give a perfectly solid and vibration-free setup.

Advantages of a Stem Phone Mount

More Stability on Rough Terrain

The benefit of a stem mount is that it is likely to have lower vibrations than other types of mounts. Since the stem is permanently attached to the frame of the bike, your phone will not shake much and is ideal for rough terrains.

Less Wind Resistance

Therefore, it is cheap since the position of the mount retains the phone at a lower profile preventing it from encountering the force of airflow. This is especially the case as far as road cycling is concerned, in the event that cyclists want to achieve high speeds but effectively.

Keeps Handlebars Clutter-Free

As compared to handlebar mounts, a stem phone mount does not add any device to your handlebars, which helps give your bicycle a sleek look.

Better Long-Term Durability

That is why stem mounts do not change their position that often and thus, last longer than handlebar mounts which might get worn out due to constant movement.

Disadvantages of a Stem Phone Mount

Not as Adjustable

Generally, a stem mount is not easily adjustable after it has been placed in the intended surface or application since the stem is usually set in angular bear, cement, or epoxy. There is no possibility of turning the phone to a certain angle to make some elements brighter or more contrasted.

Harder to Check Your Phone While Riding

Since the equipment is placed near the lower part of the bicycles, the user may need to tilt their head down in order to see the screen. This can be quite impractical and even dangerous, mainly when you are on the road and have to maneuver through traffic.

Compatibility Issues with Some Bikes

Not all types of bikes have compatible stems for the phone mount, which makes this kind of phone mount favorable for a wide range of bicycles. Some of them may need special adapters or perhaps be fitted with some fitting.

Handlebar vs. Stem: Key Differences of Both Bike Phone Mounts

Now that we have considered the advantages and disadvantages of each mount, it is time to make a certain comparison.

How to Install Your Bike Phone Mount

Putting a bike phone mount can be done easily; however, here are more details on how to do it correctly so that it doesn’t fall during cycling. Whether you use a handlebar mount or a stem mount, here are some tips to get a confident and correct positioning.

Install a Handlebar Phone Mount: 

● Choose the Right Spot – You should fix the light on an easily visible area of the handlebars but free from other gadgets.

● Connect the Holder – Generally, the mounts have a clamp, rubber strap, or silicone grip. Put it around the handlebar and fasten it up well.

● Angle Adjustment – It is possible to tilt the mount to different angles in order to set it correctly for viewing.

● Lock Down Your Phone – It is possible to lock your phone using the mount’s lock mechanism, rubber bands, or grip arms.

Installing a Stem Phone Mount 

● Take Off the Stem Cap – Turning the stem cap counterclockwise would free it from the stem of the bike.

● Screw the Congruent Base – Put the mount parallel to the stem and restore the cap to its appropriate position.

● Hook Your Phone – Just snap your phone into the respective holders or use rubber bands to pull it tightly.

Tips for a Secure Fit

However, one must practice excessive tightening – this may put extra strain on the handlebars or the stem, and that is not what you want. 

● The first step is to check for slippage; you should shake the bike gently when you want to ride to make sure the mount does not move. 

● Choose the appropriate size – Depending on the size and weight of your phone, having a mount that is either larger or smaller would not be convenient. 

That is why, following the above procedures, you will find your bike phone holder to be secure and firm so that you can enjoy the ride.

Which One Is Right for You?

Deciding between a handlebar phone mount and a stem phone mount may seem like a daunting task but it depends on your style, type, and terrains of cycling as well as your preference. For these reasons, one type of mount is considered better than the other depending on what is most important when cycling.

Choose a Handlebar Phone Mount If:

If you will require frequent use of the phone while riding; a handlebar bike phone mount will be more preferable for this. It is mounted in front of the rider on the handlebars, so one can view it with just a slight head turn rather easily. It was especially useful in cases where you use GPS or the tracking of the route that you have traveled. 

It has also handlebar mounts which provide various possibilities of the viewing angle, which can be great if you prefer changing the position of your phone. No matter, if you are a cyclist in need of easily controllable devices like speed, GPS map, or a track on your iPod or some other portable media player, a handlebar mount, is rather helpful. 

Such a mount is suitable for bikes that are used mostly on paved roads or smooth bike trails. Some of the riders prefer simple designs that enable them to monitor their phone without having to drop their ride for instance a handlebar mount.

Choose a Stem Phone Mount If:

If the intended use of the phone is going to be in a bumpy environment, then the stem bike phone mount will be ideal. Because it is attached to the stem of your bike, it offers some stability and few vibrations making it appropriate for mountain bike and long-distance riders. 

A stem mount also helps in freeing up the handlebars since the equipment can be bulky if other accessories such as bike lights or bells are in use. It is the lower mount on the bike during the call, so it is also more aerodynamic to traverse and mitigate air drag on your elaborate device. 

However, stem mounts are not very flexible to adjust, and they make it slightly inconvenient to determine whether the phone is in place while cycling. If, for example, you don’t need to have your eyes on the screen most of the time and prefer a rather enclosed mounting system, a stem mount is the option you should choose.

Final Verdict

Each bike phone mount has advantages and the type of riding done will make the opinion of each individual differ in regard to the one and only best choice. Frequent phone checkers, those who require multiple angles of their phone, and those who mostly travel on smooth terrains should consider the handlebar phone mount. However, for stability and durability matters such as motor biking or long rides a stem phone mount is more appropriate. 

Are you still unsure? Some cyclists even install both; depending on the kind of ride they plan on undertaking, they can switch between the two.

Where to Buy the Best Bike Phone Mounts

However, no matter which type you would need, it is very important to get a good bike phone mount that can ensure safety and usability. Bicycles need a perfect match when it comes to the mount and to help you try the best mount that will suit your bicycle; check it out in GRxplore. 

With the right mount, you can ride confidently, knowing your phone is secure, visible, and ready whenever you need it. Happy cycling!