SP Connect mobile phone holder in test – experiences with the versatile mobile phone holder for handlebar, stem and Ahead headset

SP Connect Bike Kit Test – With the SP Connect Bike Holder* you can securely attach your smartphone to your bike: handlebar, stem or on the Ahead headset. Anything is possible! What can Bike Bundle, Roadbike Bundle, Stem Mount and more really do?

The smartphone display is always well in view with the holders. For you I have tested the SP Connect System. How useful are the accessories? What is the SP Connect bike mobile phone holder good at and what is not so good? Find out in the SP Connect Review.

You’re in a hurry? Click here to go directly to the SP Connect Bike Kit bicycle mobile phone holder

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Bicycle navigation with the smartphone is particularly convenient. The challenge: how to attach the smartphone safely and visibly to the bike? The SP Connect system is more than just a mobile phone holder. There are many accessories for the system. But which accessories really offer added value? And what are the advantages and disadvantages in detail?

SP Connect overview: bracket for handlebar, stem and Ahead headset

For you I have the following bike mounts from SP Gadgets in the review:

SP Connect Bike Bundle 2 – Attaching the smartphone to the bike handlebar or on the stem: In both positions, the phone can be brought into portrait or landscape format. In the SP Connect Bike Bundle test, you can find out everything about the clever SP Connect mobile phone holder: scope of delivery, installation and how the bike holder performs in practice.

SP Connect Roadbike Bundle or Handlebar Mount – The Aero mount is suitable as a road bike phone mount and is attached to the bike handlebar. If you want, you can also attach it to a straight bicycle handlebar. The mount has as an additional function a GoPro mount for the bike handlebar. Below you will find all the details about the SP Connect Roadbike Bundle and the mount: scope of delivery, installation and practical use.

Micro Stem Mount and Stem Mount Pro – Both are mobile phone mounts for the Ahead headset: The Micro Stem Mount is attached directly to the Ahead headset. The Stem Mount Pro is also mounted on the Ahead headset. One arm lifts the smartphone further forward so that the phone hovers clearly visible above the stem.

Wedge Case – Accessory bag for attachment to the bike handlebar, on the Ahead headset or under the bike saddle on the seat tube: This practical storage case can be attached in many ways. In the bag there is storage space for snacks, EC cards, bike tools, etc.. In a few seconds, the bag is removed and reattached.

Universal Interface: The SP Connect adapter is stuck to the back of the smartphone or smartphone case, making the phone compatible with the SP Connect universe.

Before we start with the SP Connect test: These articles may also interest you.

SP Connect Alternative: The direct SP Connect alternative are the Bike phone mounts from Quad Lock. Further down in this article, I compare both bike phone mounts with each other.

Smartphone cell phone holder: In the large smartphone cell phone holder comparison, you get a comprehensive overview of the current best and proven in practice smartphone cell phone holders. You’ll also find a great guide with useful tips in the comparison.

SP-Connect Highlights

The SP Connect System is not a conventional handlebar mount. The SP Connect system has the following special features:

✅ Mounting options on handlebar, stem and Ahead headset with versatile brackets.
Customized case and universal adapter for smartphone types
✅ secure fastening and easy handling
Compatible with almost every handlebar (straight handlebar, road bike handlebar and much more)
✅ Many practical accessories with additional functions

The base mount is attached or screwed to the bike. Exactly this basic holder is available in 2 sizes:

• The small base mount is ideal to attach smartphones to the bike. The small base mount is ideal as a bike mount for your smartphone.
• The large base mount is suitable for heavy accessories such as the SP Connect Wedge Case. With an adapter (always included with the large mount), the large mount becomes compatible with the small mount. This can also be used to attach a smartphone.

Compatible smartphones: iPhone, Samsung, Google, Huawei & Universal

For certain smartphones, there are custom-fit SP Connect cases: The custom-fit SP Connect case is available for current iPhones, current Samsung Galaxy S smartphones and some Huawei smartphones.

For these phones there is the SP Connect case:

• iPhones
• Samsung Galaxy S Series
• Google Pixel series
• some Huawei smartphones

Your smartphone is not with you? Then there is the Universal Interface. This is an adhesive pad that you can stick on the back of your smartphone or on your protective phone case. This allows you to use any smartphone with the SP Connect bike phone mount point how well it works you will learn further down in the article.

SP Connect Bike Bundle

The most popular bike phone mount from SP Connect is called Bike Bundle. This makes it easy to attach the smartphone to the bike handlebar or on the stem. Within a few seconds, the mount can be attached to the bike and holds securely even off-road. You can attach the phone in portrait or landscape format. An Allen key is required to change the alignment. Conveniently, the Allen key is included in the scope of delivery.

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That’s in the scope of delivery:

• Smartphone case for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Smartphones or Huawei Smartphones – Alternative: Universal Interface Adhesive Pad
• Cover for weather protection
• Bracket for stem or handlebar
• Plastic clamp for mounting the bracket
• Smartphone stand
• Tool

A large base mount is included with the SP Collect Bike Bundle. You can screw the bracket on the bike handlebar or on the stem with the plastic clamp.

The mounting takes only a few seconds and the holder (including smartphone) holds securely on the bike. Optically there are more appealing solutions than the fastening with the plastic clamp.

Part of the SP Connect system is the SP Connect Case: In it, the smartphone is inserted. With the connection on the back, a secure connection is made between the SP Connect Case and the bracket on the bike.

The case is made of high quality and the phone fits perfectly inside. Attaching and removing the cover is also easy and the cover is nice and grippy: Thus, the cover and smartphone lie securely in the hand.

The SP Connect case is reminiscent of a typical bumper case. The display and the corners of the smartphone, are protected by the rubber coating and the slightly protruding side edges.

The SP Connect case is slightly thicker than typical mobile phone cases. Anyway, the smartphone is well protected and you also have the practical bike phone holder integrated. Stylish is the case: it doesn’t look like a sports case, but more like a fancy smartphone bumper. Therefore, you can leave the phone in the case even in everyday life.

The SP Connect Case has a recess for the iPhone camera. This way the camera is not covered and you can immediately start shooting. The touchscreen on the front is exposed and responds well to inputs as expected. The SP Connect connector for connecting Case to the bike mount is also on the back.

The same applies to the ports: All ports on the iPhone are freely accessible even with the SP Connect case and buttons can be easily operated with a clear pressure point. The smartphone can also be charged with the SP Connect case.

Mounting SP-Connect Bike Kit: Installing the mount on the handlebar or stem is quick and requires no tools. The bracket is attached to the bike with a plastic clamp. All mounting hardware is included and it takes about a minute to install the mount.

The SP Connect mount sits securely on the bike: A sturdy aluminium mount that is protected from slipping by a rubber pad. The mount attaches really tight to the handlebars with a plastic clamp. The angle of the bracket can be adjusted as desired with the middle screw.

Even off-road and with a heavy smartphone nothing slips.

Within about a minute, the bracket is attached to the bike. With a quick twist, you can now connect the smartphone to the cradle. Afterwards, the smartphone sits bombproof on the mobile phone holder. This is how the smartphone is attached to the SP Connect mount:

• Hold smartphone including case turned 90 degrees on the holder
• press lightly
• Rotate smartphone 90 degrees
• The smartphone is now securely connected to the case

An Allen key can be used to change the orientation of the smartphone between portrait and landscape. This results in the following possibilities:

Mounted on the stem, you can of course also bring the smartphone in portrait or landscape format.

SP Connect Handlebar Mount & Roadbike Bundle

The SP Connect Handlebar Mount is a so-called Out Front Mount or Aero Mount. The smartphone is attached directly in front of the bicycle handlebars. Since it sits quite far forward in front of the handlebar, the viewing angle on the smartphone display is ideal. Also, the smartphone is quite safe from sweat at this point. You can buy the Handlebar Mount as a single mount or in a Roadbike Bundle with a matching case for certain smartphone types.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

This mount is also often referred to as an out front mount or aero mount. The best place for mounting is as centrally as possible on the handlebars, i.e. directly next to the stem. The holder looks great and holds very stable. Of course, optics is always a matter of taste.

An Allen key is necessary for the assembly and this is included in the scope of delivery. Also, the SP Connect Handlebar Mount comes with a GoPro adapter and there is an adapter for different handlebar diameters included.

Attach the Handlebar Mount to the bicycle handlebar and tighten the Allen screw. The assembly is quick and very easy. The mounting system is the same as actually all Out Front Mounts (aero mounts) and holds very securely even in rough terrain.

You can attach the smartphone as usual – the attachment works analogously to the Bike Bundle described above:

• Place your smartphone including SP Connect case turned 90 degrees on the cradle and press it down gently
• Rotate smartphone 90 degrees upwards now
• You notice how the smartphone locks securely into place

The SP Connect Handlebar Mount looks sporty and works exactly as it should. The smartphone handlebar mount is ideally suited for road bike riders. Due to the position directly in front of the handlebar, the smartphone is perfectly in view.

Smartphone and mount sit nice and flat and discreet in front of the handlebar. The angle of the bracket upwards and downwards can of course be adjusted as desired. For an aerodynamic installation, install the bracket as horizontally as possible in front of the handlebars.

The SP Conect Handlebar Mount also allows for upright and landscape mounting:

You will need an Allen wrench to change the orientation. Conveniently, the Allen key is included in the scope of delivery. Changing the orientation without tools would be even better. That a tool-free change of the alignment is possible, shows the QuadLock Case and the Topeak Ridecase.

GoPro Adapter

A GoPro or GoPro-compatible action cam can be attached directly to the underside of the SP Connect Handlebar Mount. The necessary holder is included in the scope of delivery. With it, you are always ready for filming on the bike. From experience, the perspective of a handlebar mount is not the most exciting. Still good that the GoPro attachment is available.

SP Connect Micro Stem Mount – Ahead Cell Phone Mount

Micro Stem Mount – fastening directly on the Ahead headset cap: With this aluminum mount, the smartphone sits particularly inconspicuous and flat directly on the Ahead headset cap. A super holder for all who like it simple.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

As the name suggests, the original cap on the Ahead headset is replaced with the SP Connect cap:

• Unscrew the original Ahead cap
• Insert the SP Connect cap
• Screw the SP Connect cap on
• Now you can use your smartphone and the journey begins

Included is exactly what you need:

• The mount: SP Connect Mico Stem Mount made of aluminium
• One screw for mounting on the Ahead headset
• An Allen key

The holder is particularly simple and inconspicuous. The original Ahead cap is exchanged for the SP Connect cap on the bike. This is how you proceed with the assembly:

• Loosen the screws of the original Ahead cap
• Remove original Ahead cap upwards
• Insert the aluminium cap of the SP Connect Micro Stem Mount
• Screw down the SP Connect bracket

Mounting Tip: The screw of the SP Connect Micro Stem Mount must be tightened really tight. Otherwise the cap may twist later. This can happen especially easily when attaching or removing the smartphone. To hold the Ahead cap in place during assembly, you either need a very firm grip or you can help yourself with a pair of pliers. When the smartphone is not attached, the SP Connect mount is hardly noticeable. This will help you keep a clean look on your bike.

The attachment of the bike on the bracket works as usual with SP Connect: Turn smartphone including SP Connect Case 90 degrees and put on the bracket and press lightly, now turn the smartphone 90 degrees upwards and the smartphone is immediately securely connected to the bracket.

The smartphone is now connected to the SP Connect Micro Stem Mount bracket. The result is particularly simple and unobtrusive. I really like the look of this mount. With this holder, the cockpit on the bike handlebars looks particularly tidy. If necessary, there is enough space left and right on the handlebar for further accessories.

SP Connect Stem Mount Pro – Ahead mobile phone mount

The SP Connect Stem Mount Pro is also screwed directly onto the Ahead headset. With this SP mount, the smartphone is attached to a sturdy aluminium arm. This causes the smartphone to hover a few inches above the stem. The aluminium arm of the SP Connect Stem Mount Pro can also be adjusted in angle.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

This results in the following advantages:

• Angle of the holder can be adjusted: Thereby you can position the smartphone optimally readable
• The stem remains completely free: If desired, you can attach additional accessories such as a bikepacking stem bag to the stem (a recommended stem bag is e.g. the Topeak Freeloader).
• Just as stable as the other SP Connect mounts (so very stable 😉 )
• Very tidy and clean look
• Smartphone is moved a little further towards the handlebars: thus more advantageous readability

The scope of delivery includes everything you need for the installation:

• The SP Connect Steam Mount Pro Bike Mobile Phone Holder
• Screw for mounting on the Ahead headset
• Allen key for mounting

The workmanship of the SP Conect Stem Mount Pro bracket is excellent. You notice this immediately when you touch it for the first time. Even while driving off-road and loaded with a heavy smartphone, nothing wobbles here. The smartphone holds securely and stably on the handlebar at all times.

The assembly is very simple:

• Simply remove cap and screw from the Ahead headset with the enclosed Allen key
• Insert Stem Mount Pro with the enclosed screw and tighten it

Again, installation only takes about a minute. The Stem Mount Pro mobile phone holder must be pulled really tight. Otherwise it may be that the holder twists unintentionally. There is no danger to the smartphone itself.

The arm of the bike mount can be changed in angle:

• If you want to change the angle, simply loosen the screw briefly.
• Once the perfect angle has been set, the screw is tightened again properly.

This allows the smartphone to be positioned in such a way that the smartphone display can be easily read while driving.

As usual, the mounting of the mobile phone on the SP Connect Stem Mount Pro is simple:

• Smartphone incl. SP Connect cover rotate 90 degrees
• press lightly on the SP Connect Stem Mount bracket
• Rotate 90 degrees upwards

The smartphone incl. SP Connect case now snaps securely onto the phone mount. Even when driving off-road, the smartphone remains securely attached to the mount at all times. There is nothing to worry about 😉

The smartphone display is now perfectly readable on the holder – thanks to the angle-adjustable arm of the holder. With the Stem Mount Pro, the smartphone/iPhone can also be aligned in portrait or landscape format. An Allen wrench is required to change the alignment. Either you use your bike multitool for this. Otherwise, the matching Allen key is also included.

SP Connect Wedge Case – Bike mount with space for powerbank

The SP Wedge Case can be attached to many places on the bike: On the bike handlebar, on the Ahead headset or on the seat tube under the saddle.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Who doesn’t know it? You’re on a bike ride and your cell phone battery dies on the way! Bike nav apps are quite the battery guzzlers. That’s why it’s handy to have a powerbank with you when you’re on the go.

The SP Connect Wedge Case Set is an interesting solution: The hard case has a small SP Connect wedge on top. Holder for your smartphone. Inside the water repellent bag is enough space for a medium or small power bank. A USB cable can then be routed outside and you can charge your smartphone on the bike ride.

Inside there is also enough space for e.g. a flat pair of sunglasses, snacks or bank cards. The bracket is best mounted on the Ahead headset. This means that the contents are always quickly to hand. Alternatively, the SP Wedge Case can also be attached to the seat tube directly under the bicycle saddle.

This is included with the SP Wedge Case:

• SP Connect Wedge Case – water-repellent bike bag with attachment for your smartphone and battery compartment
• large bracket from SP Connect for fixing the wedge case to the Ahead headset.
• 2 x plastic hose clamps: This allows the Wedge Case to be attached to the bike handlebars or seat tube.
• Screw and Allen key for mounting

The SP Connect Case has 3 holders:

• Small holder on top – The smartphone can be attached to the top of the case
• Small front mount – Official accessories like a light can be attached to the front of the case
• large bracket at the bottom – with this bracket YOU attach the Wedge Case to a bicycle

My experience with the SP Connect Wedge Case:

Mit der großen Halterung auf der Unterseite wird das Case am Fahrrad befestigt. Jetzt kannst du deine Power Bank in das Fach der SP Connect Tasche legen. Vergiss das USB Ladekabel nicht 😉

My opinion of the SP Connect Wedge Case: The concept of the bike phone holder with powerbank works well. The wedge case works as intended. The case is quite large and therefore looks bulky. The SP Connect Wedge Case is not ideal for off-road riding. For trekking cyclists or e-bikers who do not mind the size so much, the case is more suitable. Important items and snacks are always within easy reach.

The inner compartment of the Wedge Case is exactly the right size. Thanks to a small mesh pocket on the top, there are also organization options:

The SP Connect Wedge Case holds securely to the bike at all times. The same goes for the iPhone: the smartphone on top of the Wedge Case also holds securely. Even though it’s probably not meant for that: you could also go off-road with this mount.

The smartphone is always oriented in portrait mode. Changing to landscape format is not possible with the Wedge Case. I don’t think that’s a bad thing either: almost all bicycle apps are designed to be used in portrait mode anyway.

Want to charge your smartphone on the go? Super! Place a powerbank in the Wedge Case and plug a short USB cable easily into your smartphone. Now you can continue your ride and charge your smartphone on the go.

The Wedge Case can also be attached to the seat tube with the fastening material included in the scope of delivery. There it is ideal as a small tool bag. A bicycle multitool and a bicycle tube fit into the case. This means that important tools are quickly within reach. Within seconds the wedge case can be removed with a 90 degree turn. So no thief gets any stupid ideas 😉

universal interface

The SP-Connect Universal Interface is an adapter that makes your smartphone compatible with the SP-Connect universe: The adhesive pad is simply stuck on the back of your smartphone or on your smartphone case.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

The SP-Connect Universal Interface can be an alternative if there is no SP-Connect case available for your smartphone.

Please note: The SP Connect Universal Interface is explicitly not intended for sticking on a TPU phone case. TPU is a soft material and is therefore used in very many smartphone cases. The smartphone case in the photo is also made of TPU. That’s why I didn’t stick the SP-Connect Universal Interface Adapter on the case. It would fall off again anyway.

The custom-fit SP-Connect phone cases for iPhone, Samsung, Google and Huawei are excellent products. If there is no custom-fit case for your smartphone, I’d rather advise a good universal smartphone phone mount.

Weather Cover rain cover

In addition to the custom-fit case from SP Connect, there is also the SP Connect Weather Cover. This rainproof cover is slipped directly over the smartphone and SP Connect Case. With the rain cover, your smartphone is better protected against rain, sweat, dust, and other dirt.

You can either buy the rain cover separately or it is already included in some bundles. The case is very thin and only minimally larger than the smartphone including SP-Connect Case.

During installation, the rain cover is slipped over the smartphone including the SP-Connect cover. To ensure protection, the rain cover fits quite tightly. Therefore, you need some strength for this. With the Weather Cover attached, the shutter is obscured and the touchscreen no longer responds as precisely. Physical keys can be operated flawlessly.

It’s best to use the Rain Cover when your smartphone is not protected against the ingress of rain and dust. For smartphones with protection against rain and dust intrusion, I think the Rain Cover is overkill.

Stand Tool

The Stand Tool is a small smartphone stand. This allows the smartphone to be set up in portrait or landscape mode, for example, to watch videos comfortably. With some SP Connect bundles, the smartphone stand is conveniently already included. You can also buy the little helper as an accessory.

The smartphone stand is attached to the back of the SP Connect case. Exactly in the receptacle with which the smartphone is normally connected to the bicycle mobile phone holder of SP Connect. Insert smartphone stand and rotate 90 gad. The stand then sits firmly on the case.

SP Connect Case and Smartphone Stand: For watching movies comfortably, you can put the smartphone on the table in landscape mode.

SP Connect Case and Smartphone Stand: The smartphone can also be oriented in portrait mode. For example, you can pleasantly read articles or surf the web.

Conclusion & Experience with SP-Connect

The bicycle mobile phone holder from SP Connect is well thought out. The smartphone is securely held on the handlebar, stem or on the Ahead headset. Here really everything sits bombproof!

The SP Connect Case is also a clever bicycle mobile phone holder with power bank. The smartphone battery is drained particularly quickly during bicycle navigation. That’s where carrying a power bank comes in handy. Especially for touring cyclists the SP Connect Wedge Case is an interesting option.

I have also had a few negative experiences with the SP Connect system:

Requires a lot of space on the right and left side of the handlebar: For mounting, you have to turn the smartphone 90 degrees. This movement requires a lot of space on the bicycle handlebars. The smartphone is first placed on the cradle with its full length and then rotated into portrait format.

No quick change what between portrait and landscape format possible: The base mount must first be converted with tools. The orientation of the smartphone cannot be changed without tools.

Buy SP Connect – yes or no?

For compatible smartphones from Apple Samsung and Huawei, the SP Connect mounts are a good solution: visually appealing and perfectly fitting protective cover for your smartphone. Easy mounting and secure hold on the bike handlebar. The SP Connect system is well thought out: one of the safest and most practical bike parts the holders.

The large selection of additional bike mounts is practical. You use your smartphone on the road for bike navigation? Then the SP Connect Wedge Case offers a practical solution for mobile power supply.

There is no custom-fit case for your smartphone from SP Connect? All other smartphones can be made compatible with the SP Connect system using the universal adhesive pad. However, the adhesive pad does not inspire much confidence in the practical test.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Good

✅ Secure attachment to the bike
✅ Cases fit accurately for iPhone, Samsung and some Huawei devices
✅ Large selection of accessories
Wedge case with useful battery compartment – especially suitable for trekking cyclists

Bad

❌ Mounting requires a lot of space on the handlebars
❌ Tool required for switching between portrait and landscape format
❌ Plastic clamps for mounting on stem

SP Connect Alternatives

Quad Lock Bike Kit

What another very popular bike cell phone mount. The direct SP Connect alternative. Custom-fit cases are available for similar smartphone models: iPhone Samsung Huawei and a universal adhesive pad. The snug fitting case is very similar to SP Connect. Large selection of high-quality basic mounts that hold the smartphone bombproof on the handlebar point the mounts are visually more appealing than at SP Connect but that is of course a matter of taste. Big advantage: The smartphone requires less space for mounting: It only needs to be rotated by 45 degrees. Tool-free change between portrait and landscape format.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

To the detailed Quad Lock Bike Kit practical test (test & experiences)

Bone Collection Universal Mobile Phone Holder

The excellent universal mobile phone holder comes from Bone Collection: The holder is really well thought out from front to back, holds small and also very large smartphones safely on the handlebars in the terrain. The installation is lightning fast and removed the holder is also fixed again. A clear recommendation for little money.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

What do you think of the SP Connect mobile phone holder? Do you have any experiences, questions or suggestions regarding the SP Connect Test? Drop me your comment and I’ll be happy to respond.