dvai

So until now I use a conventional Bontrager downtube cage and one of those cage-less bottles by Fabric in the seat tube. The setup was good as the cage-less bottle fits with no issue (750 ml) and despite the size, will go in and out easily. The issue with the Fabric system is that you do have the risk of losing the bottle if you go through a big bump (as gets dislodged). For a year I was good, but yesterday I did lose the bottle - I didn't even realize... I stopped for water and was not there (not nice in the middle of a 60 mi ride).

Today I installed another Bontrager cage in the seat tube, but because of space I wont be able to fit a 24 oz bottle.
And to clarify... the difficulty is to get the bottle in the cage (as once in, there is no issue)

Thoughts for any alternative?
The idea is to carry 2 24 oz bottles.

Bontrager has this "sideswipe" bottle. But no sure if will make it easier.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/e...olorCode=black

DrIsotope

You can use a sideloader cage like the Bontrager or an Arundel, or you can use something like the Wolftooth B-Rad to move the whole cage lower.

rm -rf

How much shorter do you need?

I use Camelbak bottles because the valve works great.
But I needed a shorter bottle on my adventure bike's third cage on the bottom of the down tube. Normal bottles hit the front fender.

The REI bottle has no plastic taste even if the water is in there for more than a day. Camelbaks too. (I can't stand older water bottles, the water tastes terrible, even after a short time.)

REI no longer carries the $6 Novara bottle (maybe I got it on closeout). Now they have the same design at $10: MTB 22 ounce.


Actual measurements, height to top of spout, and water to the top of the bottle:
Camelbak:
9 3/8 inch, 26 ounces water

generic event "free" bottle:
8 7/8 inch, 24 ounces water

REI novara bottle:
8 1/4 inch, 23 ounces water. It's over an inch shorter, and only a few ounces less water.

I see that Camelbak has a "21 ounce" bottle, which is likely 22 ounces filled to the top. It should be short, too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lowering the cage
Is there room to move the seat tube cage downwards? or will it hit the downtube bottle?

This "problem solvers" adapter would work, but I don't really like the single setscrew that holds the two halves in place. I'm guessing it could slip. I'd mark the location of the top piece, loosen it, and superglue the two halves together, then reapply the setscrew. (This adapter would also move the cage away from the downtube, which might affect how far down you can move it.)

~~~

I don't have experience with side loading cages. You'd want one that held the bottle securely.

dvai

Very interesting.

A camelback I have (9.5 inches long - podium chill 21 oz) can barely get in... It does with some effort.
Not much space to go lower

Regarding the sideloader... how does the bottle go in? Sliding it from above too? Im trying to understand how is different Vs a regular cage.

Thanks so much

TimothyH

Arundel side loader cages have two holes and can sit lower in the frame if the top holes are used.

Lowest price I can find right now is at Steep and Cheap.

Pair: https://www.steepandcheap.com/arunde...der-cage-combo

They have the OtherSideloader for the down tube for right handed people or for the seat tube for left handed people at https://www.steepandcheap.com/arunde...er-bottle-cage

I own a pair of Arundel sideloader cages as well as Arundel Dave-O cages. The SideLoader cages allow me to run a frame bag on my gravel bike. The sideloader does not grip as well as the Dave-O cages but I use them for pretty rough gravel and have not lost a bottle in six months of use.


-Tim-

dvai

Tim, so it's literally side load or you still have to slide from the top?

My issue is that the top of the bottle bumps with the top tube when trying to load it on a bottle cage mounted on the set tube.

I saw the Arundel you suggested. Thanks for the tip. Nice that you can mount lower. I think I will end up trying it.

TimothyH

The bottles go in diagonally. You still have to push the bottle down from above but the bottle doesn't have to be parallel to the tubes - the top of the bottle can be angled roughly 30 to 45 degrees to the side. I tried to take some photos but can't really get a good shot of how the bottle clears the frame.

Arundel isn't the only company making side loader cages but theirs are top shelf, really high end products.

Lezyne "SL" cages are also side loader. I've seen others.
Here is how mine will be used tomorrow for gravel.





-Tim-

dvai

Great. I guess the Arundel also has the advantage of being able to mount lower.

I will try them.


.. and very nice bike BTW

valygrl

Arundel makes a plastic version of that cage if you don't want to spend that much on the carbon one.

https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...jor=3&minor=19

I have it on one of my bikes, works fine, just a little heavier.

dvai

I ordered the Arundel. We will see. Thanks to all for the help

WorldIRC

Similar idea to the Arundel, I use the Specialized Zee Cage II bottle holders on my bike for side loading. Allows me to use the Camelbak Big Podium bottles without any issues.