94 of 96 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arkon Bicycle Mount for iPhone, September 10, 2009
This review is from: Arkon Bicycle Mount for iPhone - Black (Wireless Phone Accessory)
An iPhone mount for a bicycle. Would anyone think that this is a good thing? Or even normal?
My question is, why not? Many bicyclists purchase "computers" for their bikes that track distance, speed, maximum and minimums, time and the like using a magnetic piece that hooks to the wheel with a corresponding reader mounted to the fork. But with the GPS features on the iPhone and the right application, you can duplicate this functionality without messy cables. The Arkon bicycle handlebar mount is one way to make that happen.
The unit itself is actually two pieces: The handlebar mount and the iPhone bracket that fits into it. It seems that this would function just as well with one piece, but the iPhone bracket is universal and can work with other Arkon mounts, so I understand the thinking behind this. Install was extremely simple: a single bolt tightens the mount onto your handle. Spacers are included for those with less beefy handlebars.
When I decided to look for an iPhone mount for my bicycle, I found that there are actually quite a few options out there. The Arkon bicycle handlebar mount stands out for a couple reasons.
First, the mount is very sturdy. The entire unit is made of a hardened plastic including where it attaches to the bicycle handlebar. I mention this because many mounts out there mount with a zip tie, which I have found are more likely to slip and even dryrot.
Second, a ball-and-socket makes it possible to view your iPhone at virtually any angle. The ball fits snugly into the plastic socket and can be tightened down with a tightening ring directly below it.
Thirdly, it is specifically made to fit the iPhone (another Arkon model is designed for iPhones with cases) so it's not as bulky as some of the universal-fit units out there.
Finally, the unit just works and adds very little weight (less than an ounce) to your bicycle. I field tested the unit on a combination of smooth and rough roads. The adjustable ball-and-socket tightens down enough that the rough spots will not move your iPhone from your ideal position. Adjusting the mount on the fly is not a problem with the oversized tightening ring. For my tests I adjusted the unit to the point where it held when going over bumps but could be moved to a different angle by hand. Worked perfectly.
Besides using the mount for GPS applications on your iPhone, it also puts your iPhone at the perfect location for controlling your iPhone. Take calls? Maybe, but I didn't. I used my iPod app and was gleefully selecting and skipping songs. For safety purposes, I will mention that having your iPhone available like this can distract you, just like when you're driving your car. Don't ever let me catch you texting on your bike, regardless of how good the Arkon mount is.
When I returned home from riding my bicycle and testing this unit, I proceeded to dismount from my bike and remove the "computer" I already had mounted on my bicycle. With the Arkon mount and my iPhone, I had no need for it anymore. If you're a bicyclist looking for an elegant way to incorporate your iPhone into your ride, you need to consider the Arkon bicycle mount.
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53 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Needs larger handlebar mounting piece, July 13, 2009
This review is from: Arkon Bicycle Mount for iPhone - Black (Wireless Phone Accessory)
They say that this fits all bikes, but it does not fit the standard road bike handle bars. It is too small and cannot be adjusted.
Note to manufacturer....either make the handlebar attachment larger or make it connect with two screws so there is adjustablity.
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works great on both of my bicycles, July 25, 2009
This review is from: Arkon Bicycle Mount for iPhone - Black (Wireless Phone Accessory)
I bought this first for my hybrid bicycle(a Trek) and it mounted perfectly. It keeps the iPhone in place and is adjustable enough to get a good viewing angle while you ride. I use the iPhone for listening to music and logging GPS data while I ride with MotionX GPS.
After using it on the hybrid bicycle for a while, I decided to move it to my road bike (a Felt). It was easy to move because the nut used to tighten it to the handle bars is a wingnut. I needed no tools. It mounted to the road bike handlebars with no problems. I'm buying a second one today so I don't have to move the mount.
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