Levo Gen 2 iPhone mounting advice for noob...

[ChrisGillie]

Hi all, I’ve just picked up my first ebike. I got a great deal from someone upgrading and picked up a 2018 levo.
I’m loving the bike so far, but I’ve ordered 4 phone mounts and none seem to do what I need, which I thought would be simple, but is apparently not.

I’d like to mount my iPhone directly central on the handle bars, I looked at stem mounts, holders etc like these.

https://k-edge.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/K13-520_ob-1.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/262953858150-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

Etc

But they done seem to work with phones, just specific garmen devices etc.

Is there ANY device (ideally available on Amazon) that would allow me to mount my phone (iPhone 8) central on the handle bars.

I can’t have one of the angled holders that clips to the bar, then “L” brackets off as I had added a battery pack to my bars and it’s held on with 2 brackets already, so the only way to mount my phone is a central option.

Does anyone know of any method to get an iPhone, completely central on the bars/stem etc?

Hope you can help a newbie out

 

[deksawyer]

Quadlock.

Bike Kits - iPhone

The Quad Lock® iPhone Bike Kit is the lightest, strongest and secure phone holder on the market. Perfect for road cycling, mountain biking (MTB) and commuting.

www.quadlockcase.co.uk

 

[McInner1]

Roadbike Bundle

Die nächste Bestzeit. Der höchste Berg. Die längste Ausfahrt. Rennradfahren ist ein Sport der Superlative. Da ist es nur konsequent, dass du dich auch bei der Montage deines Smartphones nur mit der schnellsten und sichersten Lösung zufriedengibst. Das SP Connect™ Roadbike Bundle enthält alle...

sp-connect.de

 

[fraatti]

Roadbike Bundle

Die nächste Bestzeit. Der höchste Berg. Die längste Ausfahrt. Rennradfahren ist ein Sport der Superlative. Da ist es nur konsequent, dass du dich auch bei der Montage deines Smartphones nur mit der schnellsten und sichersten Lösung zufriedengibst. Das SP Connect™ Roadbike Bundle enthält alle...

sp-connect.de

I am also using mount from same manufacturer, perfect!

 

[Akiwi]

Get the GUB: This one
You can mount this centrally on your headset. I would suggest putting a tap washer between it and your stem cap.

Aslo get One Of These for added security.

 

[ChrisGillie]

Thanks for the replies, however these don’t meet the criteria unfortunately. The quad lock is an L shaped bracket that hooks onto the handle bar and sits the phone centrally, as mentioned above I can’t do that due to an existing battery.

The DAS sp connect is the same above, it clips on the handle bars not the stem/neck area.

The gub also only fits onto the bars it’s not wide enough to fit a 2018 stem as I actually bought 2 of these previously and still have them, they are to small and can only fit around the handle bar region.

I Believe those devices would ALL work on a kneevo but they don’t work on a 2018 levo in the desired manner.

The 2018 Levo has a short, thick, stumpy oval shaped stem and finding something that will go around it is incredibly difficult it would seem.

Any other options or possibilities?

 

[Akiwi]

Thanks for the replies, however these don’t meet the criteria unfortunately. The quad lock is an L shaped bracket that hooks onto the handle bar and sits the phone centrally, as mentioned above I can’t do that due to an existing battery.

The DAS sp connect is the same above, it clips on the handle bars not the stem/neck area.

The gub also only fits onto the bars it’s not wide enough to fit a 2018 stem as I actually bought 2 of these previously and still have them, they are to small and can only fit around the handle bar region.

I Believe those devices would ALL work on a kneevo but they don’t work on a 2018 levo in the desired manner.

The 2018 Levo has a short, thick, stumpy oval shaped stem and finding something that will go around it is incredibly difficult it would seem.

Any other options or possibilities?

I have mounted my GUB like this.
Though I removed the 2 screws left and right of the central screw you can see in this image. Also as said, I put a tap washer under it so I didn't have metal on Metal.

 

[ChrisGillie]

Ohh I see!

So let me get this clear... I think you screwed it directly into the head/stem and didn’t use the grip / clamp method, right? ... interesting!

So can I just. Screw my stem screw, then use the same screw to go through the mount back down into the stem/head or do I need a longer screw to compensate the extra thickness due to the added mount?

That’s quite ingenious if that’s what you’ve done, I was trying to clamp it on to the stem/neck that connects to the handlebars, but this would be vastly superior if it’s as easy as it sounds.

 

[Akiwi]

Ohh I see!

So let me get this clear... I think you screwed it directly into the head/stem and didn’t use the grip / clamp method, right? ... interesting!

So can I just. Screw my stem screw, then use the same screw to go through the mount back down into the stem/head or do I need a longer screw to compensate the extra thickness due to the added mount?

That’s quite ingenious if that’s what you’ve done, I was trying to clamp it on to the stem/neck that connects to the handlebars, but this would be vastly superior if it’s as easy as it sounds.

That is correct. No clamp is used. It makes it much lower and less prone to damage if you crash.
My GUB came with a second longer screw explicitly for this purpose. I used my existing screw which just fitted, as it had a black head instead of silver and looked better.

 

[ChrisGillie]

That is correct. No clamp is used. It makes it much lower and less prone to damage if you crash.
My GUB came with a second longer screw explicitly for this purpose. I used my existing screw which just fitted, as it had a black head instead of silver and looked better.

Ingenious!

Never even thought of doing this, but you may just be onto the perfect plan here.
So just to clarify, to ensure I don’t do something stupid.

I can unscrew my stem/head screw...
Pull out the screw.
Place the GUB on top of where the lid of the stem used to be.
Use the SAME screw and push it through the mount (now on top of the stem) Screw the SAME screw back in and this can be done without damaging, weakening or endangering my steering etc in any way.

And I should be left with 1 piece of metal (which was previously the “specialised” stem lid (as that’s now replaced by the new “Lid” aka the gub... or do I leave that in place so I’m left with no spare parts.

I’m a total newbie with bikes not just ebikes here, so please forgive my stupidity and I won’t take offence if you dumb it down for me, as I’d rather be embarrassed at my lack of knowledge as I learn, than make a dangerous mistake.

This is ingenious if it works, never thought this was possible and totally solve some my problem.

 

[Akiwi]

Nope.
Leave the stem cap on there.
Take the screw out.
Unscrew the little silver bit on the GUB as it is only there to stop it twisting on the standard mount.
Put a tap washer or something on top of yout stem cap.
Screw the Gub down. Assuming your screw is long enough.
Also don't forget to make sure it is tight enough and not over tighten it for your headset bearings.

 

[lumpy]

Don't do it. The iPhone 8 has optical image stabilization using magnets where the camera "floats" between the magnets. Mounting it on your handlebar will shake the camera and the camera will break

 

[Jamy]

your looking at the wrong quadlock. you want the stem mount (the one thats not L shaped)

Bike Kits - iPhone

The Quad Lock® iPhone Bike Kit is the lightest, strongest and secure phone holder on the market. Perfect for road cycling, mountain biking (MTB) and commuting.

www.quadlockcase.co.uk

 

[ChrisGillie]

your looking at the wrong quadlock. you want the stem mount (the one thats not L shaped)

Bike Kits - iPhone

The Quad Lock® iPhone Bike Kit is the lightest, strongest and secure phone holder on the market. Perfect for road cycling, mountain biking (MTB) and commuting.

www.quadlockcase.co.uk

I might be wrong, but I just don’t see how that fits onto the neck of the 2018 levo? The levo has no length for it to clip to like the bikes in the demo. It would however fit on the handlebar but it’s measurements just don’t work for a 2018 stem?

Don't do it. The iPhone 8 has optical image stabilization using magnets where the camera "floats" between the magnets. Mounting it on your handlebar will shake the camera and the camera will break

No worries, my phone going on the bike is not my main phone, it’s scuffed, scratched and I don’t really care about it to much

Nope.
Leave the stem cap on there.
Take the screw out.
Unscrew the little silver bit on the GUB as it is only there to stop it twisting on the standard mount.
Put a tap washer or something on top of yout stem cap.
Screw the Gub down. Assuming your screw is long enough.
Also don't forget to make sure it is tight enough and not over tighten it for your headset bearings.

Perfect!
Going to try this when I get home!
Great info, very much appreciated and fingers crossed it works!

Thanks for all your help and advice, such an ingenious idea, thanks for taking the time to help me out

 

[aarfeldt]

I’d like to mount my iPhone directly central on the handle bars

May I ask....why do you want your phone there ?
What's the idea..??..

 

[ChrisGillie]

May I ask....why do you want your phone there ?
What's the idea..??..

So it’s central, lower to the bike (safety / less prone to catching on branches/bushes) easy to use, easy to see, less wind resistance, cable management for the charger (cables can be strapped to stem) and because it looks like a more complete package, as if it’s supposed to be there not just clamped to the bars.

@Akiwi This is another stupid question, but I hope you can help.
I already own 2 of the mounts, but i think mine are slightly different, they don’t have the metal plate and they have “ridges” along the bottom...

Link to my current version...

As you can see I have no flat surface to mount securely to, so for ease of use, I think I should buy the one you linked to. I found the one you linked to on amazon UK for £10 (as it seems there are quite a few variations of these mounts) so I’ll order this today.

So my question is, if I get the exact mount you have, as I don’t have any washers etc. I’ll need to order some of those too.
Amazon has bundles of “O Rings” and bundles of “washers” do I need (for best stability/connection/seal) a particular size or material? Would a rubber “O ring” do or do I need a “vinyl 1” washer” etc? What would you suggest, what do you recommend for maximum connection.

I know this may seem trivial, but as I don’t have them or any parts etc and can’t just try all different ones etc I just want to ensure I buy the correct ones initially. As I’ve already bought 4 incorrect mounts I can’t return

Thanks again for all your help, as this is the perfect solution and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to help me out, give advice and point me in the right direction.

Here are the links to the 2 like the one you posted from amazon uk. They again have slight variations in their design, do you suggest one over the other?

Option 1

Option 2

 

[Supratad]

I'm down with that. You want it to look correct, not just an add-on afterthought. Design is everything.
As an alternative suggestion, I use the Topeak case and bracket. There's one that clamps to the bars, each side of stem or one that replaces the stem cap. The phone needs to be in the Topeak case much like the Quadlock one, but the Topeak case has it's own built in stand for off-bike use.
I felt the handlebar bracket held the phone too far out for my liking so got the stem one instead. If Blevo would work in landscape on IOS, it would be perfect but in portrait, sometimes my belly touches the phone if I'm standing over the frame, reaching for a gate etc. iPhone X though, so fairly big phone too.

 

[Zimmerframe]

I have a similar one to @Akiwi . I think the one he's linked to should work. There are about 12 different versions though.

Mine also came with the extra stem screw.

Cheap Phone Mount

OK, so this won't appeal to a lot of you as it doesn't have the necessary "0" or "00" added to the price to make it "bike" suitable .. Despite that, it actually seems pretty good. €7 with free delivery to Europe and Asia. Mine came in about 6 days. If you want the more expensive version...

www.emtbforums.com

Remember you can order from any Amazon and the postage is about 5 euros for small amounts, using your existing Amazon I'd. Assuming it's shipped by Amazon.

 

[ChrisGillie]

I'm down with that. You want it to look correct, not just an add-on afterthought. Design is everything.
As an alternative suggestion, I use the Topeak case and bracket. There's one that clamps to the bars, each side of stem or one that replaces the stem cap. The phone needs to be in the Topeak case much like the Quadlock one, but the Topeak case has it's own built in stand for off-bike use.
I felt the handlebar bracket held the phone too far out for my liking so got the stem one instead. If Blevo would work in landscape on IOS, it would be perfect but in portrait, sometimes my belly touches the phone if I'm standing over the frame, reaching for a gate etc. iPhone X though, so fairly big phone too.

Yea, I think a clean looking bike makes a big difference, and at the moment it looks tacky with my battery pack, phone etc all on the handle bars.

I never heard of topack, and just searched them. They too, do exactly as I need, except they have 2 downfalls. They are not universal, so every time I change phone I must buy new a new case, or if my partner uses the bike they need a case too. This can get expensive as the cases alone seem to cost around £25 and up, and it’s an expensive eco system to get into.

I saw this one on amazon uk...

Which is £50 and I admit, for sure, it’s much tidier and neater looking, much more integrated, has angle adjustment is light weight... but it’s costly and requires a new case every time I change phone or anyone’s who I let ride it, needs a case for their phone too. It’s a shame they don’t just offer a clamp version of this item. Same item but with a clamp rather than a clip, then I would be all over it.

With that said, I’m going to check eBay and see if I can find any cheaper versions of this as it’s a very nice solution.

it’s neater, more streamlined and looks more integrated, but it’s also more costly. I now need to weight up the pros and cons...
the cost effective / universal method that @Akiwi has described
vs a
costly, less flexible but much neater, more professional and more integrate finish that the topack offers.

2 very good solutions that cover both ends of the spectrum. I really appreciate everyone’s help here as I made so many poor decisions already, bought so many incorrect items that I can’t return that I’m already out of pocket by about £50 on useless items.

Thanks for this, I’ll do some research on topack stuff along with the current GUB method.

 

[ChrisGillie]

I have a similar one to @Akiwi . I think the one he's linked to should work. There are about 12 different versions though.

Mine also came with the extra stem screw.

Cheap Phone Mount

OK, so this won't appeal to a lot of you as it doesn't have the necessary "0" or "00" added to the price to make it "bike" suitable .. Despite that, it actually seems pretty good. €7 with free delivery to Europe and Asia. Mine came in about 6 days. If you want the more expensive version...

www.emtbforums.com

Remember you can order from any Amazon and the postage is about 5 euros for small amounts, using your existing Amazon I'd. Assuming it's shipped by Amazon.

Nice! Very cost effective too in case of an accident, bike change, phone change etc. There are indeed so many variations of these, it’s would seem the 4 I bought thus far are all the wrong ones.

I do prefer using amazon, as with prime, I get same day delivery on most items that are listed as “prime” and it saves registering on another site and waiting days for delivery as I also have an amazon locker a few feet from my door whichever means I never miss a delivery

Great to see others have tested these GUB methods and recommend it. I’m excited now to move forward with this. Did you also use a washer between the stem head and the GUB? If so what kind did you use? Do you happen to know of the correct version I should buy, if I buy from amazon?

In your thread I notice many people say the same, there are around 8+ versions of these mounts and you must find the correct one, do you know which one, which design is best for the LEVO 2018 stem/head?

Is yours a rock solid fit?
Does yours have the metal plate underneath or a + carved into the metal etc?
Do you recommend any particular one over another?

Do you think the 2 I linked to on amazon uk are correct and will do the right job?

Thanks everyone, very excited to move forward now with direction, as I was feeling rather deflated after making so many incorrect purchases.

 

[Supratad]

I never heard of topack, and just searched them. They too, do exactly as I need, except they have 2 downfalls. They are not universal, so every time I change phone I must buy new a new case, or if my partner uses the bike they need a case too. This can get expensive as the cases alone seem to cost around £25 and up, and it’s an expensive eco system to get into.

Yeah, good point. I'm not a big phone changer though. I went Nokia 8910i, iPhone 6 and now iPhone X.

 

[aarfeldt]

So it’s central, lower to the bike (safety / less prone to catching on branches/bushes) easy to use, easy to see, less wind resistance, cable management for the charger (cables can be strapped to stem) and because it looks like a more complete package, as if it’s supposed to be there not just clamped to the bars.

Maybe by question was bad formulated....let me try again.
I'm not interested in the actual position...I'm interested "why do you need the phone" on the handlebar?
What's the purpose....navigation, texting, live weather, speed, elevation..??..

 

[ChrisGillie]

Maybe by question was bad formulated....let me try again.
I'm not interested in the actual position...I'm interested "why do you need the phone" on the handlebar?
What's the purpose....navigation, texting, live weather, speed, elevation..??..

The list is endless... speed, elevation, weather, battery, satnav display, assistance levels, see who’s calling/texting, see what songs or podcasts are up next on my playlists, search for local rest stops or poi easily by touching the screen quickly and easily, bike battery information (not easily visible on 2018 Levo) ... I mean pretty much every reason I bought the phone

When it’s in a pocket or on your bicep etc in a holder it’s not so easy to access if you want to search for something or send a text or drop a quick email or take a picture etc. especially if you wear gloves. Now I have gloves with touch screen capability, no point hiding my phone in my pocket making it difficult to access etc.

 

[Markymark]

Don't do it. The iPhone 8 has optical image stabilization using magnets where the camera "floats" between the magnets. Mounting it on your handlebar will shake the camera and the camera will break

iPhones eh? Pffttt! lol

 

[Banktramp]

 

[Akiwi]

By the way I have the G-85, and as I said earlier, add the silicon loop thing for added security

 

[tophies]

Hi all, I’ve just picked up my first ebike. I got a great deal from someone upgrading and picked up a 2018 levo.
I’m loving the bike so far, but I’ve ordered 4 phone mounts and none seem to do what I need, which I thought would be simple, but is apparently not.

I’d like to mount my iPhone directly central on the handle bars, I looked at stem mounts, holders etc like these.

https://k-edge.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/K13-520_ob-1.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/262953858150-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

Etc

But they done seem to work with phones, just specific garmen devices etc.

Is there ANY device (ideally available on Amazon) that would allow me to mount my phone (iPhone 8) central on the handle bars.

I can’t have one of the angled holders that clips to the bar, then “L” brackets off as I had added a battery pack to my bars and it’s held on with 2 brackets already, so the only way to mount my phone is a central option.

Does anyone know of any method to get an iPhone, completely central on the bars/stem etc?

Hope you can help a newbie out

I have bought from this company and they have various sets for different phones.

FitClic Neo Bike Kit for iPhone | TIGRA SPORT

Versatile securing system that allows you to clip/unclip your phone effortlessly; it keeps your phone securely fastened even in the most difficult conditions.

www.tigrasport.com

I went with the stem mount one, you can get direct or ebay, amazon etc

I use a note 9 so have a soft case that can take various sized phones but you can get a specific case to match your phone

 

[Dirk74]

I went for SP connect solution. They have a wide range of cases, mounts, adapters etc. Not the cheapest product, but the build quality of every piece is great.

For the Levo I used the Steam Mount Pro,


that brings the spamrtphone (in my case a Samsung) in perfect center position over the steam/handelbar.




Using the SP connect adhesive universal interface and adapter I was able to optional stack a mini power bank (10000mAh)
between the steam mount and the phone. It works great and has clean optic.
(Don't worry if it holds, it holds. One time I dropped over the handlebar and the bike after me 1.5m down. The power bank and the phone were in the same postion as before, all intact.)




There are a lot of other mounts available from them, for bike, motobike, car, ...

The only disadvantage I found compared other products like quadlook is, that e.g. for the steam mount a change between horizontal an vertical postion for the phone requires a tool (allen key) .

 

[Salespunk]

Please for the love of all that is good in the world, just put your phone in your pocket. A phone mount is the MTB equivalent of a pocket protector plus you are putting an expensive device directly in harms way.

You are much better off buying a cheap Garmin unit which will give you all of the information except music. Also, if you are going to ride with headphones you should ride with one earbud out. I can't tell you how many times I have caught someone from behind and tried to politely let them know. Most times I continue to raise my voice until I am yelling as loud as I can and they still can't hear me. Then they freak out when they get passed and it becomes dangerous for everyone.

 

[Venlo]

I've got this one with nfc powerbank. Works like a charm:

COMPIT - SKS GERMANY

COMPIT is een unieke en heel gebruiksvriendelijke smartphonehouder die de volgende functies in zich verenigt: smartphonehouder, Qi-gecertificeerde + COM / UNIT voor inductief smartphone-opladen met geïntegreerde NFC-chip, en een houder […]

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