SP Connect Smartphone Mounting System Roundup
At CABDA Midwest in February, I came across the SP Connect booth. While talking to the rep, staff from my LBS joined the conversation. They mentioned the shop carries SP Connect and had nothing but positive feedback about the brand’s quality products.
I was planning several bikepacking and multiday cycling trips for the summer, and figured it would be the perfect time to test a variety of SP Connect components.
The SP Connect ecosystem uses a unique Twist-and-Lock system, integrating a smartphone case with the bike mount, powerbank, etc. The Twist-and-Lock system is extremely secure, and even on the bumpiest of gravel roads, your smartphone isn’t going anywhere.
The company provided me with a range of products for testing and review, including phone cases, a bike mount, and a wireless charger. Below are my thoughts on each of these products.
Phone Cases
https://sp-connect.com/collections/phone-cases
Price: $39.99
Color: Black
Models: Available for a full range of Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi phones
Options: Glass screen protector ($19.99) and camera lens protective glass ($19.99)
SP Connect offers phone cases for a wide range of Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi smartphone models. The shockproof TPU case provides lightweight protection and is compatible with the company’s Twist-and-Lock mounts.
The case is designed for wireless charging without removing the phone from its case. In addition, the integrated magnets work with the company’s magnetic accessories like a card wallet or ring mount.
The only negative comment is that the case is available only in black. It’s an issue for me because I always lose my phone at the bottom of my purse. A brightly colored phone case helps me find it quickly. But that could just be me.
Phone Case Xtreme
https://sp-connect.com/products/phone-case-apple
Price: $79.99
Color: Black
Waterproof: IP68 rating
Military Drop-Test Certification: MIL-STD 810
For adventures that may include dusty trails and inclement weather, take a look at SP Connect’s Phone Case Xtreme. It is IP68-rated, with the “6” meaning it is completely dust-tight and prevents dust, dirt, or sand from entering. The second digit, 8, indicates the case protects your cell phone from heavy rain, accidental drops in water, and submersion.
With 360-degree protection, including a lens cover, the Xtreme case is certified to MIL-STD 810. This U.S. military standard covers drop tests and environmental stresses such as temperature extremes, shock, vibration, dust, and humidity.
The Xtreme case offers all the same features as the standard phone case mentioned above, including MagSafe compatibility, wireless charging, Twist-and-Lock mounting, and support for portrait or landscape orientation.
Universal Phone Case
https://sp-connect.com/products/universal
Price: $29.99
Color: Black
Sizes: M, L, and XL
To protect your smartphone from the elements, the Universal Phone Case does just that. Simply slide the phone into the case, roll down the opening, and seal it shut with the hook-and-loop closure. The phone’s touchscreen is functional through the case’s plastic window. The two functions that aren’t available while storing the phone in this case are the camera and charging port. If you have a MagSafe™ compatible phone, you can charge it using SP Connect’s Wireless Powerbank.
The specs state the case is weather-resistant; I used it when I got caught in the rain during a ride, and it kept my phone dry and safe.
Gravel Bike Mount Pro
https://sp-connect.com/collections/bicycle/products/gravel-bike-mount-pro
Price: $49.99
Material: Aluminum
Attachment Point: Handlebars
Smartphone Orientation: Portrait or landscape
Handlebar Widths: Fits standard ISO 1” (25.4 mm), 1 ¼” (31.8 mm), or 1 3/8” (35 mm)
If you use a smartphone for navigation, the last thing you want to risk is damaging it. SP Connect offers a variety of mounts for road, gravel, or MTB bikes. I tested the Gravel Bike Mount Pro. The difference between SP Connect’s regular bike mount and the gravel mount is the shock-absorbing mount head. The shock absorber reduces vibration and improves stability.
Included in the box beside the mount is an adapter plate for a light or action camera (GoPro), two diameter adapters, and handlebar mounting protection film. The mount was easy to install, similar to any out-front mount.
Wireless Powerbank
https://sp-connect.com/products/wireless-powerbank
Price: $99.99
Battery Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Output: 10-watt
Cable-free Charging: Yes
Weight: 221 g
Dimensions: 2.74’’(W) x 4.33’’(H) x 0.894’’(D); 69.6(W) x 110(H) x 22.7(D) mm
Weather-proof: Yes
Wireless Charging: Yes
From smartphones to bike lights, long or multi-day bike adventures drain batteries. Charging on the go or at a remote campsite isn’t always easy. But SP Connect’s Wireless Powerbank makes it easy and convenient to keep your electronics charged.
Simply attach the powerbank to the SP Connect mount using the Twist-and-Lock mechanism. Then, mount your smartphone in an SP Connect Phone Case on top of the powerbank. The powerbank delivers up to 10 W of charging power and charges the phone wirelessly. Use a USB-C cable to charge a bike computer or light while on the go.
The powerbank case is weatherproof, and there are LED status lights to monitor remaining battery charge.
Bottom Line
After reviewing a handful of SP Connect products from the company’s ecosystem, I can attest that they are high quality. Pricing for the individual products is aligned with that of similar smartphone products.
I have a few suggestions regarding the system:
- It was tricky to align the Twist-and-Lock system after I finished taking a picture with my smartphone and had to line up the quarter-turn mount. I found it especially difficult to do when cycling.
- You can’t switch a smartphone’s mounting orientation from landscape to portrait on the fly. The mounting position is fixed and must be changed on the mount.
- The phone case is available in only one color: Black. Yes, I know I said the company already has too many SKUs, but it would be nice to have at least one option besides black.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
