
Exspider mobile phone pack
The Exspider mobile phone pocket is a small black and red fabric bag with Velcro closure and stretch panels on the sides, designed to carry a range of mobile phones.
In practice, it copes with the dimensions of modern smartphones although smaller mobiles will tend to rattle around a bit. More importantly, it doesn't have a window through which to view the screen. Therefore, it can't really be used with a Smartphone as a GPS device or training tool, where you'd need to be able to see the screen. The pocket attaches to either the handlebar or seatpost of a bike via a bracket and band, much like a rear light. It can also be fitted to a rucksack too.
The pocket itself is fairly robust and closes securely with the Velcro lid, however, the connection port at the base of the pocket and the slits in the sides provide a handy way in for rain and spray and would mean that an additional covering (e.g. a plastic bag) would be a good idea if you wanted to keep your phone fully functional. Although not huge, the pocket still takes up a lot of handlebar space reducing the prime territory that would otherwise be used for lights, computers or other gadgets.
I have to confess that the Exspider phone pocket is not something that I would ordinarily look to have on one of my bikes. Despite racking my brain, I can't really see how it gives any advantage at all over placing your mobile in one of your jersey pockets or even in a saddle bag, for that matter. If it had a clear plastic window then I could see it having potential for use with a Smartphone as a GPS or training tool, but the opaque fabric makes this just a small handlebar or seatpost mounted bag that doesn't have much flexibility for carrying anything else.
Verdict
It'll hold a phone securely on your handlebars but you won't be able to see the screen without taking the phone out and jersey pockets can do that too, without cluttering your handlebars.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Exspider Mobile Phone Pocket
Size tested: Black/Red
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Quick release buckle
Stretchable cloth to fit most phone sizes
Connection port on base
Eva hard shell lid
Patented buckle to fit Exspider Backpack shoulder straps
Versatile Seat post/Handlebar fitting bracket
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It holds a phone but I can't really see a need for this product in its current form.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Nothing
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
More clutter on the handlebars for no discernible benefit
Did you enjoy using the product? No
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No
About the tester
Age: 36 Height: 1.78m Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Surly Long Haul Trucker My best bike is: Litespeed Saber
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, Triathlon
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1 comments
Good idea, but with a opening to use a gps phone would help
Also in your review it was black and red, but if the pic is the one you tested, it looks ermmmmm yellow to me