A top tube phone bag is a neat way to easily use your phone as a navigation device when bike touring. Is it better than a bike phone mount? Let's find out in this guide on reasons to use Top Tube Phone Bags for cycle touring!
Top Tube Bike Phone Bags
Bicycle touring is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see beautiful scenery as you pedal around the world.
One of the challenges that many bicycle tourers face though, is how to view their phone while biking if they're using it as a GPS.
The solution? A top tube phone bag!
But why would you choose a top tube bag with a phone holder?
Advantages of a Bike Top Tube Bag for Phones
The top tube bag provides a stable place to store your phone, and is better than a handlebar or stem phone mount because it is more securely attached.
The bag also gives you a place to store some essentials like snacks and sunscreen under your top tube, so they're accessible while biking without requiring any additional gear!
In my opinion, top tube bags are safer places to keep your phone than a handlebar mount.
With smartphones costing up to 1000 dollars (or more!), the last thing you want is a stone being flipped up by passing traffic and hitting your phone. A bag on the top tube will keep your phone more protected.
I guess you've probably got some questions about using a phone tube bag though such as these ones:
Are top tube bike bags heavy?
Weight is always a concern when bike touring, so a natural thought might be is using a top tube phone bag just going to add more weight.
A top tube bag with phone holder might be slightly heavier than a traditional handlebar or stem mount, but the difference is going to be just a few hundred grams maximum.
In many cases, the top tube bag may weigh just the same as a traditional looking phone mount for a bicycle.
How does a top tube bag attach to the bicycle?
A top tube bag is normally attached to the bicycle by three velcro straps. Two of these go around the top tube itself, and one goes around the stem.
This makes it quite stable, and there is little chance of the bag moving or rotating.
Can you see the phone clearly in a top tube bag?
Typically, top tube bags with a compartment for a phone have a see-through, touch sensitive plastic shield through which you can see the phone.
This allows you to use the phone as a sat-nav without having it in direct contact with the elements such as direct sun or rain.
The advantage of this is that there are no worries about getting any water, dust or mud on the phone, unlike with some traditional bike mounts for phones positioned on the handlebars.
Are top tube phone bags waterproof?
Top tube bags are not entirely waterproof, but they do provide protection from the rain so can be said to be water-resistant.
Some designs of top tube bag come with a waterproof cover, which in all honesty does kind of defeat the purpose of using it as a means to see your phone when cycling.
On the other hand, it makes sure your expensive smartphone stays dry!
Will my knees hit the bag when cycling?
This depends on the type of bike you're riding, and your saddle height. Assuming your saddle is set at the correct height, you'll find that most touring bikes have longer top tubes, so your knees shouldn't hit the bag when riding.
Do Ortlieb make a top tube bag for smartphones?
Surprisingly, it appears that Ortlieb do not currently make a stem bag for phones. My guess is, that they have not found a way to make it completely waterproof whilst assuring quality that lasts.
They do make a variety of other top tube bags, just none with a phone compartment designed so you can use the phone when cycling.
Note: I always love to be corrected. If you have seen an Ortlieb bag that fits on the top tube and is designed so you can use the phone when riding the bicycle, leave a comment below!
Best Top Tube Bags For Phones
So if you're looking for a top tube bag with phone holder, consider these some of the best on Amazon:
1. RockBros Top Tube Bag Bike Phone Case Holder
If you want to have your phone in a convenient place for accessing maps while cycling and looking cool at the same time – Rockbros Bike Phone Cover is just what you need! A functional bike frame holder plus a protective hard shell case.
No more adjusting when going up hills and braving through an upcoming speed bump. No more messing around with cables from battery packs, arm bands and other holders. It's bike touring-friendly, durable & lightweight design will make cycling as much fun as it should be!
Lot's of storage space for wallet, puncture repairs kit, or other accessories.
More here: RockBros Top Tube Bag Bike Phone Case Holder
2. Opamoo Bike Phone Front Frame Bag
Top Tube Bike Phone Bag, the bike phone mount that’s compatible with your iPhone 11 XS Max XR! Keep your phone safe and sound during those long rides with a versatile front frame bag.
With various ways to adjust it so you can customize the fit for your needs, this Top Frame Bag Bicycle Bag is great for any type of ride, whether it’s a day ride or long distance bicycle touring.
More here: Opamoo Bike Phone Front Frame Bag
3. WILD MAN Bike Phone Mount Bag
The WILD MAN Bike Phone Mount Bag will protect your phone from scratches and damage while out on a bike ride.
Its simple, lightweight design doesn't break the bank, but includes thoughtful features like touch screen accessibility and an interior mesh pocket for holding small items.
More here: WILD MAN Bike Phone Mount Bag
Want to read some more bike touring tips on gear and kit? Take a look here:
- 7 Reasons to take a Powerbank on your next Bike Tour
- How to choose a camp stove for bicycle touring
- Top Pillows for Camping
- Duct Tape Bike Repairs
- Touring bike accessories and gear
- What to look for when buying a lightweight tent
– Dave Briggs
Dave has cycled around most of the world on different bicycle touring trips, and is always looking for the best way to make a tour easier. A top tube bag does just that, which is why he wrote this guide and review!
In addition to this blog post on reasons to use a bike phone top tube bag for cycle touring, he's written many other guides about bike touring.
Follow Dave on social media for travel, adventure and bike touring inspiration:
I’ve tried a lot of bags and nothing compares to this ROCKBROS Top Tube Bike Bag. This tube bag is spacious enough to store all my essentials. It holds my phone, keys, ID, cash,…. It is 22 cm long and only weighs 90 grams, which is just the right size for me. With the bag’s slim body design, the tube bag does not rub on my knees. It can store several belongings without being bulky. Besides that, the bag guarantees ease of access thanks to the smooth zipper that I can close and open using one hand. In addition, The fabric used for this bag also effectively resists wear and abrasion.