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| Peak Design’s Out Front Bike Mount features a magnetic quick-lock system (called ‘SlimLink’). Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
The Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount promises an elegant and versatile solution for those wishing to mount a smartphone to their bike’s handlebars. It features a clever magnetic quick-lock and release system that works in tandem with Peak Design’s popular Everyday Smartphone Case. And it ships with a removable accessory mount for adding an action cam or light to the rig.
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Key features:
- Magnetic quick-lock/release (‘SlimLink’) compatible with Everyday Case
- Vertical and horizontal mounting orientations
- Phone can be positioned flat for viewing or tilted up for filming
- Optional accessory mount for a headlamp or action cam
- Lightweight, weather-proof construction
- Fits 22.2mm, 25.4mm and 31.8mm diameter handlebars
The Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount is available now for $69.95. You’ll need one of the brand’s Everyday Cases to use it, which run anywhere from $25-$50, depending on your smartphone model.
Who’s it for?
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| The Peak Design Out Front Mount is for anyone who wants a simple, secure solution for attaching and removing their smart device from their bike. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
The Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount is for cyclists of all kinds, including city, trail and mountain riders. The ability to separately mount and position both a smartphone, for navigation, and an action cam, for documentation, makes it especially appealing for a range of riding styles, terrains and use cases.
Of course, that’s just one of the configurations this adaptable mount offers. You can easily swap the action cam for a light or a bike computer, or remove the accessory mount altogether and just attach your phone.
The Out Front Mount also fits the handlebars of some mopeds and e-bikes. However, be sure to double-check compatibility before buying. Specifically, the mount ships with adapters to fit 22.2mm, 25.4mm and 31.8mm diameter handlebars.
Peak Design also sells a motorcycle handlebar mount kit that works similarly, as well as a motorcycle stem mount and universal ball mount. All of these, of course, support SlimLink mounting via the Everyday Case.
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| Squeeze either of the tabs on the bottom of the smartphone mount to release the locking system. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
Everyday Case: Compatible models
As of publishing, Peak Design makes the Everyday Case for a decent selection of recent smartphones. All iPhone models from the SE and 12 up through the just-announced iPhone 15 line are supported. All Samsung Galaxy S21, S22 and S23 models are also supported, as are all Google Pixel 6 and 7 devices.
Device not supported? Worry not. Peak Design also sells a universal SlimLink adapter that can be attached to the back of pretty much any smartphone case.
Design & build quality
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| The Out Front Mount is constructed of anodized aluminum. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
The beauty of this mount is in its simplicity. It weighs just 3.5oz (100g) on its own, thanks to an anodized aluminum construction, yet supports far heavier devices.
On the underside of the mount (see image above), you’ll notice a hex screw at the point where the mount arm attaches to the locking smartphone pad. This is where the optional accessory mount attaches. Simply unscrew the hex, remove the washer beneath it, pop in the accessory mount, replace the screw, and tighten everything up. Voila.
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| In this image, the optional accessory mount has been added with a DJI Action 2 mount attached to it. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
The accessory attachment point is a standard GoPro-style three-pronged mount that can be tightened and loosened using the same hex key as above. And as long as you attach a relatively small (modern) action cam, you should have plenty of room to adjust the capture angle to your liking (larger models may bump the bars).
Mount pad & lock
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| A rubber padding on the mount protects your smartphone case from scuffs. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
The surface of the smartphone mount is coated in a squishy silicone padding that provides a cushion between the smartphone case and the mount. The image above also shows the SlimkLink locking mechanism (center) which secures a device by first drawing it in magnetically and then locking it in mechanically. More below.
Magnetic quick-release
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| SlimLink grabs the device as it gets close, via magnets, and locks it in mechanically. The only way to release it is via one of the two release buttons located below the mount. Photo: Dan Braccaglia |
Peak Design’s SlimLink tech combines the ease of MagSafe with the security of a mechanical lock. How does it work? Hold your smartphone, – dressed in its finest Everyday Case – close to the mount and you’ll feel it magnetically attract. Once fully flush with the rubber pad, the case clicks into place. Releasing the device takes a firm press of either one of the mount release buttons, located under the phone (see image below).
Note: these buttons require a rather firm press, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll accidentally bump one, releasing the lock. And even if you do, the phone will still be held in place, magnetically.
Installation & configurations
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| The mount includes collars that can fit a variety of handlebars. |
Installation of the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount is fairly simple. However, figuring out the perfect placement for your attached devices can take some finessing.
You get three sizes of plastic collar pairs to match the diameter of your handlebars: 22.2mm, 25.4mm and 31.8mm. These small pieces snap into place inside the mount.
Once inserted, you’re ready to attach the mount to your handlebars. From our experience, it’s best to attach the mount as close to your stem mount as possible. This will ensure your smartphone and optional accessories are positioned dead center.
Positioning the smartphone mount
Peak Design includes both a hex screw and a thumbscrew to tighten the handlebar lock. The latter is a nice option for those who may want to reposition their smartphone on the go. But the former, tightened with a screwdriver, may provide a better hold and peace of mind.
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| To secure the mount to your handlebars, Peak Design includes both a hex screw and a thumbscrew (shown above). This view also shows the optional accessory attachment point. |
Once the mount is attached to your handlebars and positioned/locked to you’re liking, it’s time to decide whether or not you wish to add the accessory mount. In the image above, it’s been swapped in, though no accessories are shown attached.
Positioning the accessory mount
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| I use a DJI Action 2 to record my rides through Seattle. The positioning allows for an unobstructed wide field of view. |
The included GoPro-style accessory mount attaches underneath the smartphone platform via the hex screw. In the image above, we’ve affixed DJI’s magnetic-style Action 2 mount to the Peak Design rig. This setup allows us to remove both our smartphone and action cam via magnetic quick-release. Nice.
We also have plenty of room to position the camera just right.
Experience: On the street & trails
I came across the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount while searching for a simple action cam mounting solution. For the past 15 years I’ve been an avid city cyclist but only recently have I felt the urge to have a second set of undisputable eyes capturing my rides, both for safety’s sake and for fun.
I already have a lot of accessories mounted to my bike, including both an old-school ‘ding ding’ belll, as well as a high-power, chunky headlamp. Fortunately, it took only a little bit of rejiggering to add the Peak Design mount into the mix and get everything positioned to my liking.
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| Here’s an action cam still from a recent afternoon ride. |
Initial hesitations
My biggest hesitation about going all-in on Peak Design’s bike mounting solution was letting go of my current smartphone case. As an iPhone 12 Mini user, I really appreciate slim, low-profile phone protection to match my Hobbit-sized device. Fortunately, it really didn’t take me long to become a fan of the Everyday Case. Yes, it’s a bit chunkier than my previous one but it also seems to provide better protection.
Moreover, it’s a breeze to attach and detach from my bike; both operations can be done using a single hand. Locking it into place, in particular, results in an oh-so-satisfying ‘click.’ This is how you know you’re good to go.
Also noteworthy: After more than a month and 75 miles riding with the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount, neither my phone nor my action cam have slipped or moved in position in any way. This mount is rock-solid.
Added safety
Prior to using this mount, I experimented with several different action camera mounting positions and options. As a cyclist who has been struck by distracted drivers on several occasions, and recently had a close call, I’m more concerned than ever with being able to identify license plates and faces if I have to.
With the DJI Action 2 firmly mounted just above my front wheel and recording in 1080/30p, I’m easily able to accomplish this, which provides me a great deal of relief during rush-hour commutes.
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| Don’t be that guy who cuts off pedestrians in a crosswalk when they (the pedestrians) have the right of way. |
Conclusion
| What we like | What we don’t |
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Is the best smartphone bike mount on the market worth between $100 and $130? That’s for you to decide. In our opinion, the answer is yes. The mount alone is a $70 investment, while a compatible smartphone case will run you upwards of another ~$50. That may seem like a lot of scrilla but for serious cyclists especially, we think it’s worth it.
“After more than 75 miles riding with the Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount, neither my phone nor my action cam have slipped or moved”
Peak Design has a reputation for taking existing adventure photography and videography accessories and reinventing them for a more forward-thinking audience. And like the Peak Design Everyday Bags and Travel Tripod, the Out Front Bike Mount is a winner. It does what it’s designed to do, and it does it incredibly well.
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| Think I have enough accessories on this bad boy? |
But, like a lot of Peak Design kit, it is pricey. For a little less cash, Quad Lock makes a line of smartphone bike mounts that are well-reviewed but not as versatile. Similarly, Nite Ize makes the Squeeze, a fairly universal smartphone bike handlebar mount that is, admittedly, a tempting budget alternative. But like the Quad, there’s no option for an additional accessory attachment, so neither is a 1:1 comparison.
The Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount is our favorite solution for attaching both a smartphone and an action cam to a bike, using the same mount. It is a bit of an investment and requires that you purchase a compatible smartphone case. But like most Peak Design products, this one is extremely well-thought-out, easy to use, adaptable and seemingly built to last.
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Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
