Which phone holder fits a Concept 2 rower PM5 and stays stable while rowing

Part of our guide on qi2 charging pad phone mount for spin bike handlebars

Does the PM5 monitor have mounting points for phone holders

The Concept 2 PM5 monitor itself does not have dedicated mounting points for phones. Its display frame is slim and designed with limited options for attachments.

Users often look for a sturdy place to hold their phones during workouts, but the PM5 monitor provides no built-in tabs, screws, or slots to secure a phone mount.

This means any phone holder must attach elsewhere, commonly to the monitor's supporting frame or the rower's main structural frame near the PM5.

Some users try to attach phone holders directly to the PM5’s plastic casing, but this often leads to poor stability. The narrow edges and smooth surfaces offer little to grip, causing holders to slip or shift under rowing motion. For the detail, see our notes on bicycle rack cell phone holder.

The PM5 monitor’s angle and position also limit visibility and reach if a phone holder is attached to it. This reduces usability during workouts since the phone may be hard to see or interact with safely.

Attaching a phone holder to the rower’s metal frame near the PM5 improves stability and accessibility. The tubular frame is sturdy and offers consistent diameter bars where clamps fit tightly without damaging the monitor.

Which phone holder types attach securely to the PM5

Clamp-style phone holders that grip the PM5 frame or crossbars around the monitor are the most secure. Their adjustable jaws fit tubes or bars between 20 and 30 mm diameter. It helps to understand who uses phone stands before going further.

Rubber padding on clamps is crucial. It prevents slippage and protects the PM5 frame from scratches while maintaining a strong grip.

Some holders use flexible arms or goosenecks to position the phone near the PM5 screen without attaching to it, but these depend on firm clamp points on the frame.

Magnetic mounts are usually unstable because the PM5 monitor lacks a metal backing and motion during rowing shakes the phone loose.

Clamp-style holders with adjustable jaws can fit tightly around the PM5’s support arms or the nearby metal tubing, ensuring the phone stays put during rowing.

Some clamp holders have quick-release levers for easy attachment and removal, making them convenient if you want to switch between machines or carry the holder separately.

Note that holders designed for bicycles or motorcycles often have the right clamp sizes and rubber padding but may require minor adjustments to fit the PM5 frame perfectly.

• Clamp holders: adjustable jaws, rubber grips, fit 20-30 mm tubes
• Flexible arm mounts: need solid clamp base on frame
• Magnetic mounts: generally unstable on PM5 due to lack of metal
• Adhesive mounts: not recommended due to sweat and movement

How stable are phone holders during rowing on Concept 2 machines

Rowing produces moderate to high vibration and forward-backward motion. A phone holder must resist shaking, slipping, and bouncing to keep the phone usable.

Clamp holders with rubber grips on the PM5 frame provide good stability, allowing phone use for tracking workouts or media without constant readjustment.

Holders with narrow clamps or lacking padding let the phone wobble or jerk loose during vigorous rowing strokes.

Flexible arm mounts add reach but can amplify shaking if they are too long or not rigid enough.

Magnetic mounts fail often because the phone moves relative to the mount with each stroke.

Testing a clamp holder with your actual rowing motion is the best way to check stability. Try rowing with a phone inside the holder before trusting it for longer workouts or streaming media.

If the phone holder shakes or moves excessively, it can cause screen taps or damage the device over time. A stable hold keeps your phone usable for apps like rowing trackers or music controls.

Some users add small foam strips between the clamp and the frame to increase friction and reduce vibration further, improving stability during intense rowing sessions.

No Concept 2 PM5 monitor mounts phones directly; clamp-style holders gripping the frame give real stability during rowing.

Can you replace or upgrade the PM5 monitor to improve phone mounting

Replacing the PM5 monitor with a different unit designed with phone mounting in mind is uncommon and generally impractical.

The PM5 is proprietary to Concept 2 rowers, and no official upgrades offer integrated phone mounts.

Third-party devices that replace the monitor are rare and often lack stability or compatibility with Concept 2 software and workouts.

Most users find it simpler to adapt a clamp-style holder to the existing PM5 frame than attempt monitor replacement.

Choosing the best phone holder for your Concept 2 rower PM5

The best holder grips the PM5 frame bars firmly with rubber-padded clamps sized around 25 mm wide.

Look for holders with adjustable clamp widths so you can fine-tune the fit on your rower's tubing and the PM5 frame.

Consider vibration damping features or flexible arms if you want extra phone positioning options, but choose short, rigid arms to limit shaking.

Avoid purely magnetic or adhesive mounts on the PM5 monitor; they lose grip during rowing.

• Clamp width: at least 25 mm for firm grip
• Rubber padding: essential for anti-slip and frame protection
• Adjustability: allows fit on different frame sizes
• Short flexible arms: balance positioning and stability

How to install a clamp phone holder on the Concept 2 PM5 rower

Start by cleaning the PM5 frame area where you plan to attach the clamp. Dirt or sweat residue can reduce grip and cause slipping.

Position the clamp so the phone screen faces you clearly and doesn’t interfere with your rowing strokes or handle movement.

After tightening the clamp, check the phone’s angle and adjust the holder’s flexible arm or mount to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows.

Test the setup with short rowing intervals and keep an eye on the phone’s stability. If it shifts, loosen the clamp slightly and reposition it or add grip tape for extra hold.

Once you find the right spot and tension, the holder should stay firmly in place for your entire workout without needing adjustment.

1. Measure the diameter of the PM5 frame tube or crossbar you want to mount on.
2. Choose a clamp phone holder with adjustable jaws covering your measured diameter plus about 5 mm for padding.
3. Open the clamp jaws fully and position the holder on the PM5 frame tube.
4. Tighten the clamp securely until it doesn't slip when you wiggle it by hand.
5. Attach your phone and test stability by simulating rowing strokes with mild shaking.
6. Adjust clamp tension or reposition if any wobble or slipping occurs.

FAQ

We've installed clamp phone holders on many Concept 2 rowers and tested their stability during real rowing sessions.