iPhone X (with case) bike mount - flex by timmay

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

See updates below.
In looking for a new phone mount for my bike, I designed my own (not published) when I didn't see one that I liked. I printed and cracked it twice. Still using it, with some hook and loop cable ties.
I decided that I wanted to print one in flex material. My search came to Marrrs phone mount. So, I derived my mount from his idea.
A couple of things concerned me. 1 - Last mount I made, my rubberized phone case was really grabby, and wouldn't slide nicely into the mount. So, to make this work better, I made ribs and designed the edges to minimize contact, while still allowing install/removal. 2 - iPhone X swipe up gesture is extremely useful/required in some instances. So, I cut a relief in the bottom to allow the swipe up. 3 - I leave the mount on my bike, and sometimes my bike rides to work strapped to the back of my car... in the rain. I like the weep holes that Marrrs had, and added more. 4 - I added slots to allow the sound out. Now sure if they are big enough, but I added them. 5 - Knowing that I decreased the friction on the case, I still wanted enough holding power to be sure that the phone wouldn't pop out when I inevitably hit some bumps. So, I lengthened the holder to get it closer to the center of gravity.
I modeled this from scratch using plain jane AutoCAD 2016
Not yet printed. I plan to use TPU (Ninjaflex) or something like it.
07-02-18 - Update: Printed and used...
First note, this was designed to cradle the stem specifically on my bike. My bike is a Specialized 2017 Sirrus carbon sport. I believe that all the Sirrus carbon series use the same stem, YMMV. I will probably make a version for people with generic round stems. I have one on my trek mountain bike.
First print was at 5% fill... not good, my mistake for not looking at the fill percentage. Not bad if you just want a squishy toy.
Second print was at 75% fill using standard Ninjaflex settings (right off the box). I have a Prusa i3 clone with a modified generic all metal hot end.
Issues that I have with the design: In hand, the phone with my case (Model brand Apple silicone clone) on it fits snug. I can shake it vigorously upside-down and the phone doesn't fall out. However, After strapping it to the stem, the mount develops a slight bend. This spreads the sides, IMO too much. I am contemplating what to change in the design.
To use, I wrapped a hook and loop cable organizer around the stem and mount and rode 56 miles. I like the angle, and the fact that the screen is fully visible. The charge cable seems to be positioned well.. have not actually tested it. All the speaker holes are clear, too.
Will update with pictures later.
07-05-18 - Update - Added sides
I volunteered to help SAG a road race at Gillette Stadium, and needed something fast to help shore up my phone. I needed to use the GPS for the event, and didn't want a strap going across the screen. Here is what I came up with.
Printed in PETG, I came up with these side rails that attach with the same zip ties used to hold the whole contraption to the stem. When I first saw them printing, I thought that they would be too thin to be of use. However, they provide enough stiffness that my phone didn't move for the whole event, road bumps and all.
I'm not sure if this is the final design of the supports. I can think of ways to improve them. However, I am pretty satisfied with the phone pocket. Next iteration of the phone pocket will be to accommodate round cross-section stems.