@Everyone is this thread, very sincere ‘Thank You’ for your great info & help.
Lots more to digest here than I thought! Thought it would be a simple Reco → Buy, Done.
The vibration damaging the camera mentioned by @ArHu74 is very real. Apple cautions on their website about motorcycle vibrations. No mention of bike vibrations by Apple. But dozens of other sources, people saying it happened to them.
Sounds like [unconfirmed] it only applies to phones w Optical Images Stabilization, OIS. Which might explain why many have ridden thousands of kms w a phone on a mount w no issues, and others have cam issues. Link below, but it’s just stated, no source.
@windwarrior: Why the heck didn’t I think to check Outdoor GearLab ??? They are fantastic! Truly independent, well and rigorously tested reviews. SMORT!
@AJS914 raised a really important point that [I know…”DUH!”….] I never considered; smashy-smashy if you fall. One fall in ten yrs, so I’m pretty confident it wouldn’t happen, but… wanna bet your phone’s value on that? I always rock the oldest iPhone that’s still usable, 6s currently, but still. If I had to replace it, probably need to move to at least an 8, $ 200 CAD = approx. $ 150 USD.
So there’s def a case for going dedicated head unit.
The top tube bag is an absolutely stellar idea. Significantly dampens vibrations, plus gives some protection in case smashy-smashy, especially around the edges, where most needed.
I’m either going to see how cheap I can grab a head unit used, or grab a top tube bag, and possibly a charger pack if turns out to be needed. Might not need it. Sounds like running on airplane mode, I’d be OK for quite a few hrs of turn-by-turn. Using the phone would also allow point-to-point navigation at any time, as some have said these units are crap at that, and only really work super well for downloaded routes. Some say using it to nav, even Garmin 530s are crap, choose bad roads, don’t nav well, etc. I currently use Komoot Free for bike nav and turn-by-turn. You can import routes easily right on your phone.
It would be good [obvi?] to be able to make route changes on the fly, re-direct to food, water, etc, change route due to construction, unexpected road surface conditions, etc.
Again, massive thanks. You’ve helped me save a ton of wasted time, and maybe even saved my cell phone!!! I love being part of this community. I try to contribute back by giving helpful answers and info to others, as often as I have something valuable to share.
I hope you have a great ride today!
https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/wuv39r/are_all_iphone_susceptible_to_camera_damage_from/