Can't use my water bottle cage- too close to my crotch
 

Can't use my water bottle cage- too close to my crotch. Any idea for no-holes-required solutions?
It's a Dahon Mu so a very VERY thick frame which won't take hose clamps. Thanks so much.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86e7c86716.png

I would mount it more vertical than horizontal. Probably be better to get one of those bottle cages that mounts to your saddle and hangs off the back. Seems like I've seen some that mount on the seat tube with a bracket that also hold the cage far enough behind the saddle to allow you to get the bottle in and out. Even seen them with two bottle cages side by side off the back.

Thanks for the Topeak link. that looks do-able even if the handlebar has to be folded down. Keep other options coming, folks. Thanks!

Hose clamps come in many many sizes, including some that will fit the thickest of frames.

If you can mount it on the handlebars without interfering with the folding option, there is a simple adapter that makes it possible. These used to be available from China for 2 bucks delivered. Now it makes sense to buy from a US seller. Price is 6 bucks delivered. https://www.ebay.com/itm/373647977492

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...21b8262bc7.jpg

I have these. They are quite adaptable to different size tubing
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bottle-C...p%2C151&sr=1-1

Great! I've been looking for one to use like a handlebar cup holder so I can eat ice cream while riding!

May get two, another one for bottle, my thighs also rub the bottle on the seat tube.

There's a folding bike forum that looks pretty active. You might want to post the question there. You can't be the first person that needed to figure this out:

https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/

I've tried handlebar cages on other kinds of bikes. It really doesn't work except as a rocket launcher every time you hit a bump.

I have a Dahon Boardwalk of similar design. I'm not quite sure what you mean it's too close to your crotch, but in order to preserve 'foldability' you don't want to mount the bottle cage on the bars, stem or seat tube. I mounted my bottle-sized Air-Zound plenum on the underside of the top bar. I think you could also use hose clamps to mount a bottle holder further forward on the top tube.

To keep the bottle in reach you could use one of those behind-the-seat holders, but then the seat would not fold down all the way, but I have a saddle bag and it allows me to lower the seatpost almost all the way.

Maybe there is some sort of bottle handlebar holder with quick release that could be removed and repositioned when folded.

Good luck

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa599854af.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bd9682307d.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1a453c95c5.jpg

I have no knowledge of Dahons but I'm hoping this will help you with OP's question (Mr. Buttinski, here). The top bar on the Mu is clearly different. Do you see somewhere on the bike in this picture where you'd recommend trying your arrangement?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/00...g?v=1626281709

Is your tube bigger than 2-1/4"?
Carded Hose Clamp Assortment - 6 Pcs, 1/4" to 2-1/4" 5204058: Advance Auto Parts

I have a frame bag on my mountain bike and use these on my handlebar. Waterbottle bag

They come with a lot of velcro straps and have lots of ways to attach to your frame.

The bottle cage looks 8-10" below the saddle height where you sit. That isnt enough room?...or do you mean the bottle gets in the way when you are off the saddle with a foot down?

thanks so much! appreciate the suggestions!

thanks. great idea!!

it's a folding bike with a thick rectangular tube, not round tube. but that's not a bad idea w/rubber gaskets to not scratch the frame. thanks.

awesome photos. thanks. the MU frame curves up so the standover is less and i'm 5' tall. love your photos. the stock cage mounts are placed where the bottle goes right into my crotch when i'm standing at a stop light. everyone's given good ideas- hose clamps, water bottle bag for handlebars, clamp for seat post/handlebar post w/mounts, etc....APPRECIATE y'all.

Mu picture credit to Dahon website.
BobbyG 's photos really are awesome.--very clear what he did and why.

Seems like a behind-the-seat bottle cage would work:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d2ab55575b.jpg
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283810856944

Have you tried Home Depot for hose clamps? Dryer vents and HVAC applications use clamps in the 4 to 6 inch range.

The stock location for the water bottle must work. It simply must. Embarrassment while riding a bicycle? I can't see the behind-the-seat location looking any more graceful.

Did you read post #17? The bottle behind the post would be a lot more graceful.