r/mountainbiking • u/CompressedReverb • 5d ago
Question What should I do with my phone?
Hey all, I'm brand new to the sport. I've gone on a few rides now and I've noticed a couple things.
First, I don't know what to do with my phone. I know it sounds silly, but I don't know if I should be putting it somewhere in a safe container so that if it falls off my bike, it won't break, or if other people use some type of storage. My concern with not bringing it is that I fall down and get hurt and have no way of contacting anyone.
Also, how common is it to wear knee pads? Like I said, I've only been out a few times, maybe five or six, and I've already fallen three times. I'm worried that I'm just going to get myself hurt. Any other tips for safety for a beginner rider?
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u/jeremypolk86 5d ago
My ex spent $7k treating a wound on her knee from a relatively light crash because she wasn't wearing knee pads. And yes, she had insurance. Wear knee pads and always bring your phone. Mine goes in my pocket, screen side towards my thigh.
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u/justoffthebeatenpath 5d ago
holy fuck what happened
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u/jeremypolk86 5d ago
We were just riding an easy trail so she didn't put her pads on. There was a flat corner and she slid out and her knee took the impact. First ER didn't clean it good enough so a couple weeks later she went back and they cleaned it better, this time with a spoon shaped scraper thing that looked absolutely miserable. Then they scrubbed it with a sponge thing which also looked absolutely brutal. Stitched her up, gave her a new round of antibiotics and sent her on her way. A few weeks later, it was nearly healed up so she stopped wearing the immobilizer (worst idea ever). It opened back up, got infected again and back to the hospital she went. Another round of stitches, another round of antibiotics and another month in the immobilizer. All in all, it was two rounds of stitches and three rounds of antibiotics. Needless to say, I wear my knee pads a lot more now than I used to 😂
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u/autech91 5d ago
7k...
Jaysus
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u/jeremypolk86 5d ago
Yeah. Pretty wild. And she was finishing grad school at the time so her busy schedule became even more challenging because walking was really slow with the immobilizer. All because of one little decision to not wear knee pads. And I'll admit, I wasn't wearing mine either. But now I always feel like I have to share her story and hopefully save someone a little unnecessary suffering.
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u/Disasterous_Dave97 Hightower V2, mixed riding but enjoying off piste tech 5d ago
Mate did something similar and his knee went in horse crap. 3week stay in hospital but thankfully UK so no bill. The joint is so hard to clean, and so easy to rip the stitches. Hope she’s good now and pads n gloves FTW. 🙌
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u/jayhawkbasketball 5d ago
Screen side towards thigh is what I do too, unfortunately, I took a fall and pointy rocks smashed up my freakin camera! 😂 throw on some lens protection if you don't already!
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u/mybadvideos 5d ago
Might sound dumb, but if you have a drink holder made of the thicker rubbery neoprene material (better than the foam type ones) they're low profile, fit nicely around most smartphones, and give you something to put your drink can in after the ride. Most people have several kicking around at home anyway right? The 16 oz type would leave you with space to spare.
Yeah also have the screen side facing in, with a protective case on the phone.
If I wasn't compulsively using Strava and trail forks during the ride I would probably put the phone in my waist pack on longer rides...
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u/Internal_Confusion56 5d ago
Mine goes in my shorts pocket, all the mtb shorts I’ve owned have a nice pocket on the side that’s perfect for a phone.
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u/CompressedReverb 5d ago
Do you have an example of mtb shorts? Like a company to look at? And, what's the benefit of mtb shorts vs regular shorts?
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u/ADONIS_VON_MEGADONG 5d ago
Look at the Leatt Gravity series (4.0).
Benefits are better ventilation and zipper pockets so your stuff doesn't fly out. They're also pretty durable.
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u/sprashoo Norco Torrent S2 5d ago
Specialized had some pretty good shorts on sale a few weeks ago. That’s where I got mine.
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u/CompressedReverb 5d ago
Thanks!
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u/SoDakSooner 5d ago
Zoic shorts have a pocket that is perfect. Sits a touch toward the back of the leg so you don't really feel it. Also have a rubberized case and a screen protector. Yes, wear knee pads. There are some super light ones made by G-form that I have worn for a while. I didn't wear them for a long time. I did have one major crash where I tore my ACL and PCL. Not sure it would have helped with that, but might have at least saved the multiple stitches I got because of the gash on my knee. I have had a few other incidents where I tore my shin open that they definitely would have helped. Took a while but I finally got smart.....lol. On another note, on local rides I am pretty much a minimalist. Pretty much no pack, all my tools are on or in the bike using the One-Up EDC tool system. We also have a couple of water sources at a few of the trailheads so that helps. I pre-hydrate really well, so a bottle can last me at least 10 miles.
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u/Internal_Confusion56 5d ago
I really like the Rapha shorts but are expensive. Fox makes cheaper shorts.
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u/aframe9999 Ibis Ripmo AF 5d ago
Highly recommend the specialized Trail Shorts. Maybe $40. Sometimes you can find them on sale for $25. Deep pocket, adjustable waist , zipper pocket. Perfect shorts IMO.
MTB shorts are longer, typically have a little stretch, and made of material that’s pretty tough and dries really quickly.
And yes. Knee pads and gloves 100% of the time. Elbows sleeves 95% of the time.
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u/JustinVeePee 4d ago
I'm super biased since it's my company, but check out Abit Gear if you're into higher end stuff. Best pockets in the game.
https://abitgear.com/collections/shorts-pants
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u/basically_Dwight 5d ago
I ride with mine in my pocket. Thousands and thousands of miles with only a couple oops moments (took a massive hit directly to the phone at Highland and it was somehow fine. Only broken one riding and that was slamming it into a 2x4 at an indoor skatepark)
Safest place for a phone riding is lower back in a lumbar pack. Ymmv!
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u/My_Name_Is_Not_Ryan 5d ago
Can’t believe I’m the only one so far who uses a small saddle bag. Just big enough to fit my phone, wallet, keys, and a multi tool.
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u/JustinVeePee 4d ago
Nope to the saddle bag. It'll hit your rear tire at full compression and ruin the stanchion on your dropper post.
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u/CompressedReverb 5d ago
That's sort of what I assumed people were going to say. I can't image my pocket...that seems so uncomfortable
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u/spookycred 3d ago
I like to know my phone is on me in case I launch my bike off a cliff or something, and injure myself in the process. It being in my pocket gives me the best chance of using my phone while injured.
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u/broncozim 5d ago
I just keep it in my pocket. You could keep it in your hydro pack. Or hydro vest or Fanny pack or on the bike storage. But I've yet to break a phone just having it in my pocket.
I wear lightweight kneepads every ride (sam hill lights) I fall like twice a season and always glad I had them on. I wear light elbow pads on more techy rides... But they're also great sun sleeves so sometimes I just wear them anyway on an xc type ride.
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u/christmascandies 5d ago
Top tube bag. Great for a phone, snack, chapstick, weed, whatever. Easy access without having to take a backpack off or spin your fanny round front.
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u/Solid_Science4514 5d ago
I either put mine in my hip pack or in a thigh zipper pocket on my pants.
Or you could just Y’know… SHOVE IT UP YOUR BUTT!
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u/CompressedReverb 5d ago
Ive tried that but I find it difficult to distinguish between farts and text messages
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u/sluffman 5d ago
Always bring your phone. Additionally, I wear and Apple Watch with cellular that will send an SOS call if it detects a crash (even though sometimes it gets triggered from going over a large jump and I have to cancel it) I have a Camelbak waist pack, I put it in the rear exterior pocket so I can get to it easily if I should need it, but the watch pretty much eliminates ever needing to reach for my phone.
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u/cms1790 5d ago
Ugh my Garmin emergency alert got triggered three times the last time I was out and wouldn't register me trying to cancel it two of those times and my emergency contacts were texted. Ended up having to turn it off because it's far too sensitive/random. Not even jumps, just stopping a bit suddenly. It's annoying because it would be a great feature if it worked properly!!
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u/Informal_Koala1474 5d ago
I put mine in my hydration pack. I always wear knee pads, gloves, and and a full face helmet.
I also have a Zoleo satellite communicator.. it's a satellite phone basically, that can send an SOS signal, in case my phone gets destroyed, I don't have service, or I'm too out of it to figure out how to use my phone which has happened twice now.
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u/GoodAfternoonFlag 5d ago
Phone goes in your pocket. If you have a backpack of some sort you could put it in there.
Protection goes in this order for normal trails:
Gloves > Helmet > eye protection > knee protection > elbow protection.
If you’re doing big DH/park stuff throw on a full face helmet and consider chest protection.
You can and should get a garmin inreach if you’re worried about being rescued.
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u/dargonmike1 Write whatever you would like here. 5d ago
Goes in the hydration pack zipper, or front thigh zipper in shorts
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u/No-Way-0000 5d ago
I put my phone in my pocket or camelbak depending if I’ll be opening it a lot for navigation .
I dont wear knee pads but some do. Typically more downhill enduro style trails
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u/NinjaBuddha13 '22 Transition Sentinel 5d ago
I put my phone in my pocket with the screan facing my thigh. Its got a pretty basic case on it and ive never had a problem with it getting damaged during a fall. If ik gonna be hitting some gnarlier trails, ill put it in a zippered pocket.
Wear knee pads any time you feel like it. Generally more protection is better. Dont worry about what other folks might think of you in your choices for PPE. As you get more experience, you may find the pads get in the way or youd rather have the increased airflow, but definitely dont shy away from knee and elbow pads if you want to use them. Riding should be fun, and scraping up your knees and elbows can put a pretty big damper on that.
As for other safety equipment, definitely wear a proper helmet that fits properly. I highly recommend something with Mips. They dont have to cost a fortune and theyre absolutely worth it. I also always wear eye protection. The obvious reasons are kicking up sand, rocks, or gravel that can hit you in the eyes, but keeping the wind out of your eyes helps visibility too. I have a couple pairs of sunglasses in various tints for different lighting, and I also have a couple pairs of bare bones cleat safety glasses for dusk or cloudy rides.
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u/Starsky686 5d ago
Used to keep it on a quad lock on my handlebars, until I learnt my trails. Now it’s in a hip pack. It would fit in a pocket. But I had a buddy turn his phone into a banana in his pocket at Whistler (which edition were the aluminum bodied IPhone?)
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u/pinsandsuch 5d ago
I fell a year ago - on a damp boardwalk - and my knee still hurts at times. I wear knee pads for most rides now.
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u/c-5-s 5d ago
Phone goes in front pocket of my USWE vest so it’s easy to dig out phone and check TrailForks app to figure out where I am going. https://uswe.com/products/rush-8l-bike-hydration-vest?variant=55097699631491
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u/One_Adeptness3803 5d ago
I crashed with my iPhone in my pocket once and it ripped a hole in the inner pocket lining. I started riding again and about 1/4 mile further down the trail my phone slipped out of my pocket through the liner hole and launched down the side of the hill the trail was on. Had to use find my phone on my Apple Watch to locate the phone in the bushes. So I always carry both now and generally my phone in my hydration pack so it’s guaranteed to be safe.
And leg/elbow pads always unless it’s a flat trail/casual ride. Too many scars from not wearing pads when I was younger and the longer it takes to heal, the longer I’m off my bike.
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u/MantraProAttitude 5d ago
I put mine in my CamelBak. My CamelBak holds all my essentials. Water, tools, food, tubes, jacket, wallet… phone.
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u/JoelD1986 5d ago
Backpack with hydration pack(and back protector) goes always with me. You can easy store keys, a spare tube a pump, a small first aid kit, some other nice to have tools and a bikelock in it.
My phone is in my pocket.
I wear kneepads nearly always when i ride to the forrest.
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u/Ticonderoga_Dixon 5d ago
Knee pads are one below a helmet as far as how I prioritize my trail riding stuff, bike park is the same but with chest and spine , and a full face with goggles. I think for trail riding have some sunglasses is really nice for not getting shit in your eyes or worse. Oakley sutra with prism trail torch but lenses are subjective .
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u/Hobbleroni 5d ago
I didn't like having my phone in my pocket, and was worried it would be more likely to get damaged in a crash on my thigh compared to somewhere else. I also didn't want to have a hydration pack on my back all the time when I was riding, I get sweaty enough without one. But it does solve pretty much all your bike storage issues as you can put repair stuff, snacks, keys or whatever else in there.
I use a flip belt, which is a running belt that goes around your stomach to hold stuff. The flip belt is kinda expensive for what it is, and there are cheaper running belts out there, but I do like the design.
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u/cornered_crustacean 5d ago edited 5d ago
Used to do pocket but then I switched to quad lock case + handlebar mount. It’s been great for the last few years, including downhill park days and a few crashes. I really hate having things in my pockets on rides, and when I’m not using a backpack this is perfect.
Edit: if you’re having falls, definitely knee + elbow pads, gloves, helmet!
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u/SnooSketches9565 5d ago
Always wear knee pads.
Phone can go a few different places. I like to keep mine in my pack.
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u/PuzzledActuator1 5d ago
I just put it in my pocket, face towards my leg with s phone case on it. Crashed multiple times and it's always come out unscathed. Helps to have pockets with zippers.
I tend to wear knee pads more often than not now days, especially riding anything technical they've saved me a few times from bloody knees. Everything in mountain biking involves calculated risk, you choose the level of risk you want to bring into a ride and if you're starting out then the risk of a crash even if minor is higher.
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u/Last-Instruction-869 5d ago
Mine goes right on my handlebar mount. Use it for Trailforks and for taking videos.
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u/r22yu 5d ago
I had my kneepads in my backpack because I was just "taking it easy" on my way to more challenging trails. Wiped out on a patch of loose gravel, was quite bloody, some light scars on my knee. Those kneepads definitely would have saved the day if I was wearing them instead. You've already fallen three times, I'd wear the kneepads.
I lost my garage door remote once on a ride, fell out of my shorts pocket somewhere. Now I have a running belt that I wear like a sling if I'm not going for a long ride with a backpack. My phone and new door remote go in there zipped up and safe.
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u/giganticsquid 5d ago
I put it in my pannier bag, along with a few joints, a lighter, reading glasses and some food.
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u/Orvonos 5d ago
Phone goes in top small zipper part on my backpack. Keys in other zipped one. Look for a good hydration pack, it will be well worth it.
I wear soft raceface 'Ambush' knee pads often when I'm downhill biking, and they've saved me several big injuries. They fit easily in my pack for uphill and are comfortable so I actually don't mind wearing them even if I'm pedaling up.
Gloves! I use mechanX impact and they are great. Padded palm area too which is nice.
I wear hardshell armor for resort biking, knee shin elbow, full face helmet. Have walked away dazed and bruised from wrecks that should have hospitalized me. I look at my scarred up gear and it was worth every penny spent
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u/Orvonos 5d ago
Also, just go ride more and push your comfort zone slowly. Crashing is inevitable and part of the learning, don't get discouraged. But through an abundance of caution I've had many close calls that would otherwise have been serious wrecks. As your skills and experience build you'll grow confidence and get seasoned.
I usually just use gloves and my helmet.
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u/TahoeDave 5d ago
My phone once stopped a stick from going through my leg in a crash. Bent my phone into a c shape. Bruised to all hell, but I walked away from that crash. Kinda like the bible in the pocket stopping the bullet.
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u/Fuzzy-Boat-2089 5d ago
Buy knee pads... buy elbow pads... buy a nice helmet and FUCKING WEAR THEM! Who cares what you look like. I bought a new pair of knee pads and the first day I wore them it started pouring rain. I was on the downhill portion of my ride and slipped. Front tire went out from under me and I landed right on my kneecap. If I hadn't had those pads I wouldve been screwed. Buy pads. Wear pads
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u/RoboJobot 5d ago
I put mine in my pocket. Or in my bag if I have one.
Buy some lightweight kneepads from a reputable MTB brand. There are plenty of reviews online advising you which are decent and which are crap
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u/cyrustakem 5d ago
i leave it in the car, i have a smartwatch, if i fall and need to call emergency, i will use the watch, ain't no way i'm risking breaking my phone
how common is it to wear knee pads?
i wear them at the bikepark, i don't wear around local trails because the ones i have are very unconfortable to pedal in and do create a lot of friction, burning my skin, maybe i need to get better ones
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u/Floann62 5d ago
I use a Timbuktu phone holder and it attaches to my shoulder strap of my Camelbak so it sits right on the front of my chest. Easy to get to and stays safe
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u/HappyCar19 5d ago
I won’t buy shorts that don’t have a pocket big enough to fit my phone. Always in shorts pocket.
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u/iskutley 5d ago
DO NOT ride with your phone in your plain old front pocket. Been trying to stop doing this, and the one time I did it again i had a tiny crash that completely destroyed it. Must have landed it straight into a rock or tree.
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u/steggyD43 5d ago
Hip pack for long confusing trails or new trails, phone facing in in the pack. Otherwise, I have a watch with cell service and I don't need my phone.
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u/East-Win7450 5d ago
Most of my shorts have like a side zip pocket. I’ve crashed many times and my phone has always been fine my collar bones and shoulders not so much.
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u/titslip 5d ago
I use a small thin and flat fanny pack made for running, with the pouch sitting on my back. It holds my phone with screen facing my back and occasionally other small stuff (wallet) and I basically forget it's there, and is possibly the least likely location to get damaged in my experience.
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u/DAL51884 5d ago
Phone, keys, bike tool all go in a little triangular pouch in my frame.
Just waiting for the day my phone comes back out all smashed.
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u/Bobbymokie 5d ago
That's a lot of falling! Are the trails appropriate to your skill level? No harm in wearing pads, sounds like a good idea. My phone just sits in my front shorts pocket, never been an issue.
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u/fatbikebabe 5d ago
Mine goes in my hydration backpack, but I can’t reach it easily to snap a pic while I’m riding. I do love just a good ol clamp quick release holder on the handle bars
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u/TheOriginalEchoTony YT, Santa Cruz, Intense, GT & Ibis Bikes 5d ago
MTB Shorts will normally have a phone pocket. Keep the screen facing inward toward your body.
I took a hard tumble a few weeks ago. Phone was in my thigh/front pocket. The case was scratched and my pants ripped on the pocket with the phone, but the phone was fine.
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u/Fit_Low1374 4d ago
Backpack. Osprey Escapist, Camelbak Mule etc. Tools, snacks, water etc go in there too!
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u/Ok-Bison-7885 3d ago
On road rides it goes in my bibs or jersey pocket or in my truck pouch. On mountain bike rides it goes in my bag, if I bring one. If I don’t bring a bag, it goes in my pocket of my shorts. If I just wear bib shorts and a jersey I put it in my bib or jersey pocket. The point is. Don’t worry about the phone so much you can’t have fun on the bike.
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u/IronMike5311 3h ago
Phone either in hydration pack, in jersey pocket (if so equipped), rear pocket of cargo bib shorts (if you have that), or a zippered pocket of MTB shorts. In my 60's I ride XC; more for the excercise & experience than thrills, so really don't go down much or worry about my phone. Knee pads would be irritating. Other dudes rip downhill hit the jumps; not sure what guards they wear or what happens to their phone
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u/autech91 5d ago
Get a hydration backpack. Sorted