SP Connect Bike Bundle – REVIEW
Having your phone within a fingertip’s reach is something we’ve become accustomed to and this is why SP Connect developed their secure bicycle phone mount system, helping you get from A to B with more ease than ever before. Whether you need it for directions, taking calls, or keeping tabs on your riding stats, SP Connect offers a secure way to attach your smartphone to your bike.
SP Connect’s innovative attachment system has been developed with versatility in mind, ensuring quick, easy, and 100% secure Smartphone mounting even with gloves on. The SP Connect currently works with a range of iPhone, Samsung, and Huwaei devices, plus a universal option. Unlike the competitors, SP Connect’s CNC machined aircraft grade alloy bracket will ensure your device goes on and stays on, keeping it protected no matter how big the pothole is.
Above: SP Connect’s iPhone case and integrated CNC machined aircraft grade alloy bracket. Below: SP Connect bar mount and case.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
Features
What we really like about the SP Connect mount is the integrated hard phone case, which is very similar to the Quad Lock, which we reviewed a while back. This type of design gives you a robust and shockproof phone case straight off the bat, on par with most single-use cases with no mounting system. So you’re already ahead of the game with this.
The case itself is made from a 3 layer hard plastic construction with access to all functional buttons and the charging port. The mount connector on the rear of the case has two indents that marry up to the mounting attachment with a simple 90-degree twist. This connector is made from CNC-machined aircraft-grade alloy, so it’s not going break anytime soon.
The SP Connect phone case it fits nicely in your pocket without the bulge (although maybe that’s your thing) so you can use it as your daily, and only case. This is really useful especially if you purchase the other mounting devices for travelling in your car or motorcycle or working out at the gym or outdoors. Having a single attachment point for multiple activities is what these types of phone mounts excel at. The one mount to rule them all (eat your heart out, Tolkien).
Once you have decided on the mount, installation is super-easy and the bike bundle comes with a smorgasbord of connection adaptors to solve pretty much any mounting challenge. Fasten the mount to your bike, and offer up the SP Connect phone case by placing it on the mount and turning it 90° clockwise. Done!
Attach the bar mount with a hex key (provided), cinch it tight and it’s not going anywhere.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
Fasten by placing the case on the mount and turning it 90° clockwise.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
The SP Connect sits perfectly in your line of sight for ease of navigation and app access.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
A smorgasbord of connection adaptors.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
The additional protection of the clear Weather Cover adds an extra level of shock protection and protects against rain or mud getting into the phone if you’re planning to be out in the rain or mud, we weren’t but we wanted to test it for touch-screen usability anyway. What we discovered was that this cover made the touchscreen pretty much useless. However, SP Connect state that you can compensate for this by enabling the software home button (Assistive Touch).
Above and below, the Weather Cover is great for wet and muddy conditions.
Photo credit: @Richard McGibbon
What’s Included (Bike Bundle)
Phone Case
- Slim, protective, functional
- Use of all ports and buttons
- 3-layer case construction for ultimate safeguarding
- QI charging compatible
Weather Cover
- Protects against rain, sweat, dust or mud
- Adds shock resistance to your phone
- (not included in Universal)
Clamp Mount
- 360° rotation/ 6° increments
- For diameters from 23-43mm (0.9-1.7 inch)
- GoPro compatible
Stem Mount
- Low profile stem cap attachment
- GoPro compatible
On The Trails
We tested the SP Connect bike bundle so we can only comment on the performance and usability of that piece of kit, whilst mountain biking, but were impressed with the level of stability the mount offers and the ease of installation and removal.
We took it on some rowdy trails, and I have to admit, I had my doubts about it whether it would stay upright. We used the bar mount, and from experience, these things tend to move around, but there was no movement whatsoever. The attachment loop can be tightened up really tight and materials of the amount just seem to make it stick firmly in place.
When the phone isn’t on the mount, we did experience some rattling, so if this annoys you you can easily and quickly remove it, takes about 10 seconds.
Conclusions
The SP Connect is a very adaptable mounting system for your smartphone and can handle seriously rowdy trails, and still remain in place. If you’re a fan of mounting your smartphone onto your bike, then the SP Connect Bike bundle is a really good option and offers a great selection of mount attachments with an attractive price point.
Price / Where To Buy
Bike II Bundle RRP $44.95 – $84.95
Available in Australia via www.sp-connect.com.au
