Zefal Z-Console Universal Smart Phone Holder

The Zefal Z-Console Universal Smart Phone Holder is a handy method of carrying a smartphone on your handlebar, especially if your phone is an odd size (or a different size from your previous one). It lets you access the full functionality of your phone, as well as holding it securely in place.

There are two products in the box: the bar mount and the console mount/support – the bit that keeps your smartphone/device safe.

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The bar mount will fit bars or stems of 20-45mm in diameter, and comes with a thin rubber strap to avoid marking your bar/stem as well as providing a bit of extra grip when clamping. A hex key is supplied to tighten the mount.

The console mount/support should fit most medium-sized phones up to 74mm wide by 122-156mm long, and 13mm deep. I used it with an iPhone 5c and there was plenty of adjustability to get the phone securely mounted.

Cutouts along the top and bottom give you access to all ports and buttons.

A number of pads come with the console mount to adjust the fit around your phone. Once you've got your phone mounted as you want, there's a switch on the back that locks the dimensions and keeps your phone/device exactly where you want it, without fear of it rattling about.

The instruction sheet explains how to attach and lock the bar mount to your bike, and they're quite clear, describing each function with a series of diagrams.

As with the Zefal Z Universal Mount I tested at the same time, the console mount attaches to the bar mount with an eighth of a turn, in portrait or landscape mode. Two buttons release it from the bar mount; you just press these two side buttons together.

Having tested the almost identical Tigra phone-specific console mount last year, I'm pretty impressed with the Zefal. It allows you to put your smartphone into a holder, even if it has its own case. It holds secure, both on the mount and the console holder itself, and the console locking mechanism gives additional peace of mind.

Rainproofing

The Z Console Universal M comes with a rain cover. It's a wobbly/slightly stretchy silicone cover that stretches over the entire console mount. It's actually pretty good at keeping splashes and light rain off the phone, though I wasn't keen on trying it in serious downpours, for obvious reasons.

Instead, I wrapped a rectangle of cardboard in some paper and put it into the console then fitted the cover, set level or on a slight slant (as it would be mounted on the bike), then tested its waterproofness.

In the first test I splashed some water on the cover by hand; I also splashed some from beneath to mimic the effects of road-spray from wheels/mudguards. All was good, and there was no ingress.

For the second test I used the shower on a low setting to simulate rain, again from above and below. There were no issues with water ingress into the cover or through the unit from below.

Finally, I put the shower on a high setting, but still kept the unit at a distance as I didn't want any pressure from the shower forcing the cover off, as this wouldn't really happen in a real life situation. The top cover was fine after a few minutes, though there was some beading of water around the edge of the cover/console interface. In reality, this drips away as there's a bevel around the edge of the console unit to keep the waterproof cover in place. The carefully wrapped paper/card inside remained dry.

> Read more road.cc reviews of phone mounts here

The cover is also nicely transparent, and lets you use your touchscreen, though not without some fairly careful prodding. It becomes pretty hard to use once you have gloves on though.

Generally, though, it's a useful universal mount with a good waterproof cover. If you have an odd-sized phone, or you change your phone with any regularity, it's definitely worth considering.

Verdict

A good option for use with multiple devices, or you like to upgrade your phone regularly