WorldIRC

Hi There

I currently have the Z style Specialized Bottle Cages on both the seat tube and bottom tubes of my 54cm bike.

I use the larger 25oz Camelbak Podium bottles and thought the Z cage style would make it easier to get the bottles in and out, especially on the seat tube.

Suffice it to say, getting the bottle in, while in motion, is a bit of a balancing act.

Wondering if anyone has any other ideas, other than getting smaller bottles.

bung

I use the Fabric cageless bottles and have no issues sliding even the largest bottles into the pegs.

WorldIRC

Interesting concept, and cool look. I hadn't seen that product. Too bad the 750ml isn't insulated

WorldIRC

Maybe something like the Blackburn Slick Racing Bottle Cage would work. It has a wider opening (and its super light, not that I am looking to save weight here).

https://www.blackburndesign.com/p/sl...r-bottle-cage/

However, since its Polycarb and pretty light, it may not be "stiff" enough.

Thoughts?

eduskator

Ice does the job well for me. My rides never go over 2-2.5hours and they stay cold. I don't ride in hot weather though (20c max!). I know, I am a princess.

znomit

My bikes are around 54 and I don't have problems with regular type elite cages even with 950ml bottles. Is it just awkward and you need more practice? Did you get the opposite side cage for the seat tube?

WorldIRC

I meant the Fabric cageless bottle that comes in 750ml doesn't have an insulated option. I'm happy with my Camelbak bottles!

WorldIRC

Yep opposite sides. I am a lefty so the openings are always on my left.

I could give it some more practice of course. I think it's just the combination of a larger bottle, stiffer Z cage, and in motion, all at the same time. You have to force the bottle in (which in turn means it'll likely never fall out).

Ogsarg

My Roubaix is a 54 and I have the Specialized Rib Cage II cages. I'm using 24 oz Polar bottles so i'm guessing a similar size to the 25oz podium. After installing the cages and seeing how little space was left above the bottle I wasn't sure it would work out. What I've found is that getting the bottle in/out of the cage on the down tube is no problem. The seat tube one is a little more trouble so I just use up the down tube bottle and then swap the two. It's worked out so far.

My only issue with these cages is that they leave black marks on the bottles. Not a big deal for me but some might have an issue with it.

noodle soup

If you lived in Phoenix AZ, you would only have a 3 month riding season.

eduskator

Yep. This is why I ride in the morning (that and, less traffic!). How's hot is it usually before 9-10AM where you live?

noodle soup

it's 81F at 8:11am

eduskator

Ok, I'm out!!

mgopack42 

BUT... it is a DRY heat! I ride well over 110F (43C) all of the time in summer here.

Seattle Forrest

******g show off.

Seattle Forrest

I didn't find they did a great job of insulating, but there's no reason to buy new bottles if you're happy with yours.

I bought cheap cases from Amazon. You can get a pair for $10 in carbon. There's a lot of variation, I got a pair that was too tight to use with most bottles. But in general they tend to work well.

The thing I like about the cheap ones is making the bike look slightly different every now and then. It's like changing your bar tape to a different color, but less pain in the ass.

I also like to have an icy brawndo waiting for me when I get home (or back to my car).

noodle soup

It's got what plants crave.


BTW, these bottles are what you want if you like cold liquids while riding.
https://www.camelbak.com/en/bottles/...f043375b859707

Digger Goreman

Salsa side loading cage is not expensive. Check @ rei.com

sean.hwy

How well do the insulated water bottles work? I have been wanting to buy some.

Thank you

Ogsarg

I've been using these since I started road riding 3 years ago or so. Haven't used an uninsulated bottle so not sure how they compare. In the summer, I usually fill them about 1/3rd and freeze them.On a warm day, the ice is melted in 1-2 hours so the insulation isn't all that great but I would guess it's better than nothing.

mvnsnd

I use the Blackburn Camber cages, but you can find less expensive equivalents on Amazon. I always use the Podium insulated bottles and don't have any issues.

SethAZ 

Hottest I've started a ride here in the PHX area is like 112-114 F or so. And on those rides I started with two insulated water bottles in their cages, one crushable plastic water bottle in my jersey pocket, and still stopped at a gas station and refilled, chugged, and refilled again before completing the ride (with empty or mostly empty water bottles by the time I got home), and that was for a 32-mile ride. I also had to really moderate my pace simply because of the danger of overheating.

I've gotten some interesting experience over the last week or two during our current mini-heatwave. I did a couple rides where it was like 100-101 F, interspersed with other rides where I got out early and it was only in the upper 80s or 90 or so, and at 101 F when I kept my heart rate at the same level as the 90 F rides my speed was about 2 mph slower. That's pretty remarkable how much of a load the heat will put on a body.

woodcraft

(to the OP) Have you tried regular bottle cages?

I'm left handed, but usually grab the bottle with right hand. It's about keeping a hand available for the front brake I think,

& also a fumbled bottle is less likely to cause a problem (happened once on a wet cold morning).

noodle soup

The people that say that, have never been here in July/August.

DrIsotope

Arundel Flip Flop.

Also, c'mon Arizona people. I wanna see some real heart of the desert numbers from you guys.

Inland SoCal, July 2019, the boardwalk on Huntington and Seal Beaches was 92º. At the Pacific Ocean. But miles 94-140...