Bicycle accessories for the iPhone
Since you are no longer allowed to hold an iPhone on a bicycle, there is more than ever a need for all kinds of accessories. For example, to attach your iPhone to the handlebars, but also connected accessories for safer cycling. And if you get off to check the route, you don’t want the iPhone to slip out of your hand. Fortunately, there are plenty of accessories for cyclists that protect your iPhone, so that your device is not damaged. Whether you go to school or work by bike, or go out by bike: the coolest places to explore with your iPhone are also the places where the device runs the most risks. In heavy traffic or during a ride through the woods.
We will discuss these accessories:
- Smart bicycle helmet
- Smart bicycle light
- Bicycle navigation
- Cycling computer
- Bicycle holder
- Indoor cycling trainers
- Water resistant case
Smart bicycle helmet: Lumos Matrix Urban
A helmet can help you feel safer in traffic. If you often cycle through busy areas, where you often maneuver between cars, extra visibility is not an unnecessary luxury. The Matrix Urban from Lumos is a luxurious but robust helmet that is also suitable for skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing and inline skating.
Via the iPhone app you can configure the helmet and adjust the display on the back to your personal taste. The helmet is equipped with an RGB matrix that not only makes you recognizable on the street, but also allows you to indicate your direction. It has automatic warning lights, similar to a brake light. You can activate the flashing light with the included wireless remote or via the Lumos app on your Apple Watch. Very handy, because in the Netherlands you are not allowed to have your iPhone in your hand. The helmet costs 250 euros at Bol.com.
The helmet is water resistant and is also suitable to wear in rain or snow. Two sizes of inner lining are included for extra wearing comfort. An opening has also been thought of for men and women who wear their hair in a ponytail. The built-in battery lasts 4 to 10 hours and then needs to be charged for 5 hours.
View at Bol.com
Smart bike light: LightGuard Connect
The LightGuard Connect is a smart rear light with brake light function and emergency signal. Ideal when the days get darker. The LightGuard Connect lamp can be connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth and, in combination with the WayGuard app, offers the possibility to automatically send an emergency signal. It has a sensor that recognizes a fall. Unfortunately, this only works in the country of the manufacturer, Germany.
Fortunately, you can still use the smart bicycle light without this emergency function. It can also be used as a brake light. A built-in sensor recognizes that you are slowing down and then makes the lamp shine 5x brighter. You buy this bicycle rear light for €85 from Amazon and then receive a MicroUSB cable and mounting material. You need a rod with a diameter of up to 18 mm or 25-31 mm for this. The battery lasts 12 hours.
View at Amazon
Bicycle navigation with app
Bicycle navigation is intended for the avid cyclist. These accessories are intended for people who get on their bikes every weekend to ride a beautiful route. Speed is not important, enjoy it. You mainly use bicycle navigation to avoid getting lost or to find beautiful routes. You can of course also use the cycling functions of Google Maps on the iPhone or your Apple Watch, but sometimes you want a more specialized solution.
The main brands for this are Garmin Edge and Mio Cycle, but you could also look at Polar navigation systems. You can often link navigation systems to apps such as Strava, so that you can see exactly where you have cycled and on which part of the route you saw the most beautiful spots. Manufacturers such as Garmin also release apps that allow you to read the data.
View various bicycle navigation systems
Bike computer with app
Bicycle computers are aimed at a completely different audience than the bicycle navigation systems we discuss above. Navigation is less important, because you often cycle in places you already know. You can connect speed and cadence sensors to the bike computer, which measure your performance even more accurately. This usually works via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
For example, you can choose from the Wahoo ELEMNT, Mio Cycle or a version of the Garmin Edge. These can be connected to a cadence sensor or power meter that you can read via the bike computer or the iPhone. These manufacturers also often have their own apps, which may or may not work with HealthKit.
View some cycling computers here
Bicycle holder
Since holding an iPhone on a bicycle is no longer allowed, there is an increasing demand for good bicycle holders for the handlebars. The choice is huge: you can find a suitable holder for every type of smartphone, so that you can cross the street safely and without the risk of a fine. You do keep an eye on your navigation app and it is easier to control the music when you stop at the traffic light. We have made a separate overview with handy bicycle holders.
Popular among iCulture readers is the Quad Lock, which is also available in the Apple Store.
Indoor cycling trainers
When it’s cold outside, you don’t always feel like going outside. Still, you don’t have to skip your bike training, because with this foldable bike trainer you can just sit on your own racing bike. They are made by Wahoo, among others, and they are available in different price ranges. An example is the Wahoo Kickr Snap (approx. 500 euros). This is supplied without handlebar computer or head unit. You don’t need it at all because you already have an iPhone or iPad.
For example, if you opt for the Vortex Smart Resistance (approx. 330 euros), it works together with the FE-C ANT+ protocol. This allows the trainer to be controlled by all apps and software programs that work with ANT+, such as Zwift, Kinomap or VirtualTraining. you get a trial period for apps such as Zwift and Tacx Premium. When purchasing, pay attention to whether the accessory is collapsible and how powerful the electro-brake is. The brake can simulate a gradient of up to 7% with the Tacx Vortex Smart cycle trainer. You decide which training level you want to combine with which training options.
View some turbo trainers here
Water resistant case
It does not always stay dry when you are cycling. A water-resistant case for your iPhone can be a lifesaver. Although most iPhones today are water resistant and they can survive a rain shower, sometimes you need a little more protection. The iPhone can just fall out of your hand, in a puddle. You are better off with a rugged case.
Looking for useful cycling apps? Then also read these articles:
- The best iPhone apps for cycling holidays, mountain biking and recreational cycling
- The best bike navigation apps for the city
- The best Apple Watch apps for cycling and road cycling
We have more great articles for people who like cycling:
- Keep your hands on the handlebars with these bike holders for the iPhone
- Cycling with Google Maps: this is how you use the bicycle view
- Navigate with Siri for car, bike and walking