Desert Ryder

My Raleigh doesn't have any water bottle mounts. How have you mounted water bottles?

I'm debating on cages or using my waist pack that holds 2 water bottles.

Troul 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L8LPN78...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.rei.com/product/159713/h...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

ADguy 

DMR Hinged Clamps, from Chain Reaction Cycles have worked really well for me for mounting cages on ST & DT. (I previously used radiator hose clamps and protected the paint with cotton bar tape)



https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...amp/rp-prod745

Shipping cost from UK is high, but easier to justify if you order several clamps. The clamps are inexpensive but extremely well made.

Desert Ryder

Holy smokes...Hobie sure is proud of that Eclipse universal water bottle kit, $55

That DMR Hinged clamp looks pretty clean..

Ironfish653

Zefal makes one that mounts with a couple Velcro straps. I have them on my kids’ bikes, that don’t have mounts. Also works on bikes that don’t have round tubes, if you have to mount it in a non-typical location

You can find it at Target, W-Mart, and sporting goods stores, usually ~$10

rsbob 

There are also behind the seat mounts which attach to the saddle rails. The issue with those is reaching back to re-seat the bottle.

frogman

Thanks for sharing the info on those mounting clamps. Those are nice.

MAK

A quality LBS might be able to drill and install busses on your bike to allow you to attach a cage. I had it done on a steel frame. I don't know if it can be done for aluminum or carbon frames.

Good luck.

philbob57

https://www.topeak.com/us/en/product.../332-CAGEMOUNT.
https://www.topeak.com/us/en/product...093-VERSAMOUNT.

Iride01 

A bottle cage similar to this but has tabs on it for the screws just like this one.


Bell Sports Clinch 100 Alloy Bicycle Bottle Cage
Then hold it on with a couple worm type hose clamps


Hyper Tough 6 Piece Assorted Size Steel Hose Clamps, 36212WD


Back when I had to do this, I cut a strip of old inner tube to put under the clamp to protect the paint on the frame. Coincidentally that bike was also a Raleigh. My old Competition G.S.

zandoval 

I have been using water bottle cages so long that its hard to imagine not having one. I think it certainly beats a bottle sloshing around in a waist pack. I did see once a Touring Rider that had a 2 liter bottle of water in his handle bar panner and a hose to sip from when ridding...

Troul 

"water" ......

Desert Ryder

I have an issue with my shoulder range of motion. Reaching behind the seat with the right arm while riding is a no go.

I'm not drilling or brazing the frame. Those DMR clamps would be my choice. Hose clamps just don't thrill me. I do want a decent aesthetic appeal.

So, as I see it. I use the waist pack I have which isn't bad actually. The other option I didn't mention. A hydration pack.

zandoval 

I have tried a hydration pack but it threw off my balance, however: my sons who spent a few years in Afghanistan and Iraq have no problem with them. Even the two liters packs they can wear all day ridding or not without even noticing.

I can see it. When I got back to the World years ago it was years before I stopped reaching to my waist for one of my canteens... Ha

Reflector Guy

Zip ties might work also in a pinch.

I remember seeing early primitive bottle cages for sale in the bike department at Kmart.... They clamped on with a mechanism a lot like the hose clamps pictured earlier. I wanted one for my cheap hand-me-down bike but my parents wouldn't let me get one. They said I shouldn't ride so far away that I would get thirsty! Considering the support I got at home, how I managed to not give up cycling forever is a miracle.

rekmeyata

Those are great for kids bikes, but if you put in a full bottle of water those cages have a tendency to move while riding, and they move a lot with heavier large Polar bottles. Ask me how I know! I threw mine away, that's how much it drove me crazy having to keep adjusting it all the time.

rekmeyata

The Topeak one does not work as well as it looks like it should, the attachment wire clamp they use was a real pain to get the hole lined up with the screw and nut as you are working blind when doing it. Depending on the tube diameter the bolt can make contact with the frame when tightening damaging the paint and it could put a small dent in the frame. Not a good design that for some reason they stayed with the idea for quite a few years.

rekmeyata

Any kind of metal cinch or hinged clamp style works the best, however, metal will scratch your paint up, so it's best to put a couple of layers of electrical tape around the frame to protect it from getting scratched.

That Hobie Cat one would not hold the bottle really well either because it too will slip while banging down the road.

MarcusT

I've used these and have not had any problems. Mounted on tubes and forks

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bottle-C...&ts_id=3403511

PGHNeil

My vote is for hydro packs.
1: you can drink with both hands on the bars
2: if you put ice in it it will keep your back cool
3: they come with pockets that you can put stuff in that would otherwise clutter the frame

philbob57

I've never found the velcro or hinged clamp attachment methods strong enough to stay put on roads around here, at least with water bottles.

The Topeak does put frame tubes at potential risk, as does virtually every other type of metal attachment. It's much less dangerous to metal handlebars, and handlebars are great locations for water bottles. The Topeak product does take some dexterity to use, but my hands are arthritic, and I can attach them. I think cotton tape is a better solution than electrical tape. I'm more concerned about getting cut by a metal band, but I find them to be a lot more secure than the 'zon devices.

I'm using C & V parts, and much of the 'zon stuff is made for modern diameters. The Topeak stuff does C & V and modern more effectively than the 'zon stuff, in my experience. YMMV.

For attaching water bottle cages to vintage steel down or seat tubes without braze-ons, I'd go for the hose clamps or straps like these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/29423978966...wAAOSwUN9hO5ZB.

rosefarts

Waist packs are pretty common in the MTB crowd. They hold a bottle, sometimes two. The advantage is that you can carry a full repair kit and get an occasional sip without carrying a camelback. It works out great for sips after a climb, usually not while moving. It’s not something I’d want for an all day ride but are great for a quick lap or two.

I have one and mostly like it. Off road, as described.

I would rather light my hair on fire than use it for a road ride.

Desert Ryder

That's where my waist pack comes from. My MTB days. It holds 2 bottles and can hold quite a bit in the bag.
I'm not a "roadie". I ride a vintage Raleigh 10 speed for exercise and fun rides. It'll work for my needs I guess.
No spending any money on bottle cage mounts and bottle holders.
I have a range of motion issue with my right shoulder so technically I can only use the left side when riding.

After thinking about it, A hydration pack may be the best solution for my situation.

Kapusta

Plenty of options out there for extremely secure ways to add a bottle cage the bike. 2Fish, and Minion both come to mind. But if you are not willing to spend any money on it then it is a moot point.

I always use a hydration backpack for mountain biking. Works great. A very convenient way to drink.

But I use bottles and cages on the road/gravel bikes. I usually just stop to drink.

79pmooney

Zephal used to make plastic straps that tightened with the waterbottle screw. Worked very well for me on my bikes without seat tube bosses. Both bikes needed repaints so I had bosses installed at the time so its been a few years since I needed them. I'd try their website and see it they are still offered. They were very kind to paint and didn't move unless you hit the cage. Big step better than the velcro ones but putting them on isn't something you do on impulse before a hot ride.