Most cages are top loading.
Side loading cages are useful for small frame sizes, where it's difficult to pull out the bottle since the top tube is too close. (Either very small road bike frames, or some styles of mountain bike frames.)
I'm right handed and always use my right hand to grab the bottle.
Originally Posted by
VegasTriker
I've been riding for years and never knew there was a "handed specific" cage. I looked it up and saw it was by Lezyne. Price is around $10
https://www.rei.com/product/846484/l...hoCs98QAvD_BwE. I guess I will stick with the old style cage that matches the color of my frame, costs under $2 (postpaid) and will last for at least a couple of years.
My
stainless steel cages have lasted for 15 years so far. They don't put black marks on the bottles, and they don't get worn down where the bottle slides in. The steel is springy and grips the bottles securely -- no aluminum cage bending needed. I can slam the bottles back into the cage without looking -- some carbon or plastic cages aren't as easy. Stainless steel is way better than an aluminum cage. They weigh the same, too.