Source
r/londoncycling•
wings22

Phone mounts and security

I'd like to get a mount for my phone but a little worried about security considering I see phones being snatched from pedestrians quite often. Is it a problem for phone mounts? I doubt a quadlock would hold against someone on a scooter snatching it while stopped at the lights, but maybe I'm wrong?

Otherwise I suppose I can use an old phone and just wifi tether it to my phone but it's a bit of a hassle and removes the spur of the moment convenience factor.

Posted Feb 27, 2021, 7:56 PM UTC

915
nata79•

I use a quad lock often and nobody ever tried to steal it. I’m sure someone could if they tried... but, tbh, I don’t think it’s nearly as common as people think...

14
JimmerUK•

A quadlock is rock solid, I can pick up my bike by my phone when it’s attached.

It has a latch that must be pushed before the phone can be twisted and pulled off. It’s a learned motion that takes a second.

If someone on a scooter tried to snatch your phone, they’d pull over your whole bike with you on it before it came off.

10
shangdat•

Another vote for the quad lock, it's really hard to take your phone off without releasing the mechanism first which would be impossible to do whilst zipping past on a scooter. It's so secured I could lift my bike by my phone while its mounted.

3
2redhens_•

I also use a quadlock. No issues so far...

5
Leeskiramm•

I use an older phone on an SP Connect mount when I'm doing Uber Eats. Always a bit nervous when I'm stopped at lights and a moped pulls up alongside due to personal experience with phone snatching, but it's been fine so far knocks on wood

I also have a proper bike computer which is hopefully less of a target and that's what I actually use for navigation when I'm not doing Uber, but it's a bit of an investment at nearly £200 so not really practical unless you're a very committed cyclist.

4
SoForAllYourDarkGods•

Put razorblades on it.

That'll teach em.

Edit: I'm joking of course.

2
EthanAWallace•

Sounds fine, until you forget that your phone has razor blades on it.

5
SoForAllYourDarkGods•

Don't forget.

4
Ollotopus•

Just in case anyone is wondering, this is a fucking stupid idea for many reasons not least amongst them legality.

The rules have always been the same :

Don't flash what you can't afford to lose.

Don't fight what you can't defend against.

Smile like you know what they don't.

edit

Oh, well! If you're only joking about causing grievous bodily harm, that's all fine and dandy! /s

-15
SoForAllYourDarkGods•

Just in case you were wondering, I'm not serious.

6
Ollotopus•

Jokers like you never are, which is why I worry someone listens to you.

-9
haftrine•

If it’s for navigation you could put it in your pocket with one earphone, you get used to it. I used to cycle with a mount with no issues and sometimes used the earphone technique. But I don’t cycle that often...

1
sortyourgrammarout•

I would never cycle in London with even one earphone in. I use my ears almost as much as my eyes.

5
haftrine•

Yes, it’s not for music, it’s an earphone not a headset, I’m not recommending op to shut all external noise...

3
[deleted]•

I haven't had an issue when I go on a long cycle, but I wouldn't have it out unless I needed to.

Though nobody has never even went for it.

I see quite a few delivery cyclists out and they wouldn't have their phone mounted if it was common.

1