Can't use my water bottle cage- too close to my crotch
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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.
It's a Dahon Mu so a very VERY thick frame which won't take hose clamps. Thanks so much.

#2
more daylight today!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 12,474
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5110 Post(s)
Liked 3,605 Times
in
2,502 Posts
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.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,952
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1340 Post(s)
Liked 1,634 Times
in
840 Posts
Likes For curbtender:
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the Topeak link. that looks do-able even if the handlebar has to be folded down. Keep other options coming, folks. Thanks!
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,555
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2966 Post(s)
Liked 5,170 Times
in
2,097 Posts
Hose clamps come in many many sizes, including some that will fit the thickest of frames.
Likes For tomato coupe:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sin City, Nevada
Posts: 2,756
Bikes: Catrike 700, Greenspeed GTO trike, , Linear LWB recumbent, Haluzak Horizon SWB recumbent, Balance 450 MTB, Cannondale SM800 Beast of the East
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 496 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 192 Times
in
149 Posts
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

Likes For VegasTriker:
#7
Senior Member
I have these. They are quite adaptable to different size tubing
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bottle-C...p%2C151&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Bottle-C...p%2C151&sr=1-1
#8
Banned.
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
May get two, another one for bottle, my thighs also rub the bottle on the seat tube.
#9
Knurled Nut
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 14,860
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7829 Post(s)
Liked 8,366 Times
in
4,674 Posts
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/
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/
Likes For livedarklions:
#10
Knurled Nut
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 14,860
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7829 Post(s)
Liked 8,366 Times
in
4,674 Posts
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.
Likes For livedarklions:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,764
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1305 Post(s)
Liked 1,445 Times
in
721 Posts
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


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



Likes For BobbyG:
#12
Knurled Nut
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 14,860
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7829 Post(s)
Liked 8,366 Times
in
4,674 Posts
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



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



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?

#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,120
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2195 Post(s)
Liked 1,435 Times
in
908 Posts
Is your tube bigger than 2-1/4"?
Carded Hose Clamp Assortment - 6 Pcs, 1/4" to 2-1/4" 5204058: Advance Auto Parts
Carded Hose Clamp Assortment - 6 Pcs, 1/4" to 2-1/4" 5204058: Advance Auto Parts
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Salem Oregon
Posts: 963
Bikes: 2019 Trek Stash 7, 1994 Specialized Epic 1986 Diamondback Ascent 1996 Klein Pulse Comp, 2006 Specialized Sequoia Elite
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 334 Post(s)
Liked 386 Times
in
222 Posts
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.
They come with a lot of velcro straps and have lots of ways to attach to your frame.
#15
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 15,292
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 120 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9634 Post(s)
Liked 6,021 Times
in
3,464 Posts
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?
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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.
They come with a lot of velcro straps and have lots of ways to attach to your frame.
#19
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Is your tube bigger than 2-1/4"?
Carded Hose Clamp Assortment - 6 Pcs, 1/4" to 2-1/4" 5204058: Advance Auto Parts
Carded Hose Clamp Assortment - 6 Pcs, 1/4" to 2-1/4" 5204058: Advance Auto Parts
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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.
Likes For amyvegan:
#21
Knurled Nut
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 14,860
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7829 Post(s)
Liked 8,366 Times
in
4,674 Posts
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.
BobbyG 's photos really are awesome.--very clear what he did and why.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,800
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1076 Post(s)
Liked 981 Times
in
581 Posts
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 700 Ft. above sea level.
Posts: 3,046
Bikes: Not as many as there were awhile ago.
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 548 Post(s)
Liked 995 Times
in
492 Posts
Have you tried Home Depot for hose clamps? Dryer vents and HVAC applications use clamps in the 4 to 6 inch range.
__________________
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,403
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2097 Post(s)
Liked 493 Times
in
359 Posts
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.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,501
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 119 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3989 Post(s)
Liked 2,874 Times
in
1,870 Posts