In preparation for another year of biking, I took my bike in for a long-overdue tuneup.
It was at that time that I decided to remove my old (wired) cycling computer and use my cell phone to track all of my bike rides from now on.
Using an Android app and a GPS-enabled phone, you can track just about anything you want to know about your bike rides!
Android Apps To Track Bike Rides
First, I experimented with a couple of different Android apps to track the following:
- mileage
- speed
- elevation
- time
- calories burned
- saved maps (import/export)
My 2 favorites are:
Both are pictured in this post.
DIY Android Bike Phone Mount
Now that my phone does all that the things that my old bike computer used to do, all I needed was a bike mount — to keep my cell phone perched safely on my handlebar while cycling.
So I set out to find the perfect bike phone mount for my Android phone.
First, I searched for a bike phone mount for Android smartphones online and found these that I liked the best:
- Amzer Bicycle Handlebar Mount
- Vibrelli Universal Phone Bike Mount
- Arkon Universal Bike/Motorcycle Mount
- Duragadget Waterproof Phone Case & Bike Mount
I was leaning toward the Amzer.
But then I realized that I had what I needed already: the belt clip holder for my Android phone!
My husband had purchased the optional belt clip when he got his Android phone, but he didn’t use it. So it was just hanging out in the junk drawer. I ended up turning that phone belt clip into a DIY bike phone mount!
How To Turn A Belt Clip Into A Phone Bike Mount
I simply clamped the belt clip over the brake cables that criss-cross the front of my bike’s handlebar. Magically, it rests perfectly in place, and it’s at the right angle to read while I’m cycling.
To secure it in place (in case I hit a major bump), I use a self-gripping piece of velcro to hold it loosely in place widthwise.
Since I usually bike the same country roads most of the time, I know there aren’t any serious bumps to speak of — so this setup works fine for me. But whenever I bike on roads that are new to me, I double-up with another piece of self-gripping velcro going the other direction (length of the phone).
You could also use rubber bands.
The best part about this DIY belt clip holder bike mount is the fact that it’s easy-on and easy-off. It’s not a permanent thing — so the phone can easily be attached to my bike and then removed in a jiffy without any altering of the phone or sticky residue (as there would be if you taped it securely in place).
More Fun Biking Ideas
- Universal Bike Phone Mounts On Amazon
- Apple iPhone vs Google Android Phones
- DIY Bicycle Handlebar Mount For GPS Phones
- My Favorite Android Apps For Newbies With A Droid Phone
- How To Mount A GPS On A Bike For $1
- Bike Gear + Fun Tips For Newbie Cyclists
- DIY Bike Storage Idea: How To Install A Bike Hoist In The Garage
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
