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.