SKS Smartgrab 360 mobile phone holder

The SKS Smartgrab 360 mobile phone holder mounts to the handlebars and provides a quick and easy way to see your phone while riding. It fits a wide range of handlebar diameters, but it rattled while riding and the limited adjustment positions meant I couldn’t align the phone perfectly straight ahead.

The Smartgrab 360 mobile phone holder is compatible with handlebars measuring 20.5mm to 35mm in diameter. While this covers a broad range of bikes, it won’t fit non-round handlebars – although it’s unlikely to be the type of mount most riders would choose for aero bars anyway.

Three different clamps are included, along with rubber inserts to fine-tune the fit. I installed the mount on my town and commuter bike, which has flat handlebars with only a slight rise and backsweep. Fitting requires only a 4mm Allen key, although juggling the various components and rubber insert can make the process a little fiddly.

With that done, it’s very simple to secure a phone in the holder. The sprung mechanism strikes a good balance, opening easily while applying enough pressure to hold your phone securely. I found I could insert and remove mine one-handed without any difficulty.

I used the mount mainly on the road, but also took it on some gentle off-road sections. Throughout testing, it held my phone securely, with no unexpected movement. My phone is fitted with a thick protective case, which may have contributed to the secure grip.

The mount offers full 360-degree rotation via a grooved mechanism that can be adjusted one-handed with very little effort. Although the system feels secure, the grooved interface always produces a slight rattle, even on smooth roads. It’s not intrusive, but it’s always present.

While the mount can rotate through a full circle, adjustment is limited to fixed positions rather than being infinitely adjustable. For me, this meant I couldn’t position the phone so that it faced directly forwards.

For riders who regularly use a phone on the bike, a Quad Lock is probably the most popular option. The system includes a range of mounts and dedicated phone cases that work together. It is however considerably more expensive, with build kits costing around £70 and universal kits starting from £42.

At £26, the SKS Smartgrab 360 is more affordable, and its closest rivals are mounts with a similar quick-fit design, such as the Lezyne Smart Vice, which costs £31 and uses a clamp-style locking mechanism.

If you’re after a budget option, we also recently tested the Nook Hack Bicycle Phone Holder and found it to be surprisingly decent for £11.49.

The SKS Smartgrab 360 is undeniably easy to use and should suit riders who only occasionally mount a phone or simply want a basic clamp-style holder. However, the constant, but quiet, rattle and the bulky extension projecting from the handlebars mean it falls some way short of being a standout option.