Classic & Vintage - Bottle Cage Lust + Bottles

I don't think I've ever wanted a cage with bottles any more then this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360339373519&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1798wt_1141

One small problem, the price....YIKES!!!!!

Mutt

The corks are in bad shape.

Beautiful !!! - Gilbert [Galibier95] always has some fascinating old components and accessories. He's also a very reliable eBay seller. And, I'm delighted that he always has excellent photos of his rare bits (for my archives... and dreams). I'm afraid that set will soar way out of my price range...

I would guess that those may date from the late 1950s. Earlier cages (from the 1930s and 40s) always seemed to have been constructed with very flimsy looking wire frames. These cages look like they will still last for a good many years. COLORAL (in the UK) had made some double bottle handlebar mounted cages during the 1960s, and they may have been among the last produced anywhere. Specialites TA (France) had still made single bottle handlebar cages at least into the 1980s... perhaps they still do?

A shame that similar double cages (and bottles too) are no longer produced. Maybe this is an opportunity for Chris at Velo-Orange to capture a new market.

For that matter, I wonder whether TOEI in Japan offers anything similar. I've seen some of their bikes equipped with vintage bottles and cages but I've never heard of them being offered as an option for their custom bikes...

A shame that similar double cages (and bottles too) are no longer produced. Maybe this is an opportunity for Chris at Velo-Orange to capture a new market.

This seller in Italy has been selling reproductions for several years now.

http://cgi.ebay.it/STUPENDE-BORRACCE-GABBIETTA-CICLISMO-VINTAGE-EROICA-/360340368701?pt=Abbigliamento_Ciclismo&hash=item53e5f5ad3d

I'm going to fashion a somewhat passable substitute by polishing two 18oz Kleen Kanteens. I could probably find corks, but I'll likely just use the plastic flat tops. I'll use these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-handlebar-to-water-bottle-cage-mount.html) and these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-retro-cage-type-ii-with-hook.html).

Colonel, before you begin crafting, check out an old ind. hardware store they often have corks for bottle tops, sometimes quite large dia. Also I saw in a Bar Supply catalog, ss bottles that looked perfect. No funds at the time so I did nothing...would have been a lot less than the $361

I hope this thread turns into a "show us your vintage water bottles and cages" thread...

I hope this thread turns into a "show us your vintage water bottles and cages" thread...

OK, I'll play.

I sold the silver bottle and bought a matching blue one.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/Bikes/Cinelli_Model_B030-1.jpg?t=1296672341



I traded some pedals for this.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/Bikes/1948Frejus128.jpg?t=1296672385

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/Bikes/1948Frejus130.jpg?t=1296672424

I'm going to fashion a somewhat passable substitute by polishing two 18oz Kleen Kanteens. I could probably find corks, but I'll likely just use the plastic flat tops. I'll use these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-handlebar-to-water-bottle-cage-mount.html) and these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-retro-cage-type-ii-with-hook.html).

been there, done that.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bYNfObzpWyA/TPa7QxgoevI/AAAAAAAAATQ/UtHhFk5vm1g/s640/DSCF1003.JPG

i had them on until my LBS owner made fun of me, then I took them off :)

Beautiful !!! - Gilbert [Galibier95] always has some fascinating old components and accessories. He's also a very reliable eBay seller. And, I'm delighted that he always has excellent photos of his rare bits (for my archives... and dreams). I'm afraid that set will soar way out of my price range...



I'm jealous of his inventory , I'd like to have suff like this for sale, I feel like a small player.

i had them on until my LBS owner made fun of me, then I took them off :)

Ha! I'll bet if I do it my LBS owner will rig the same thing up on one of his bikes.

Seriourly though. close to 400 dollars?

Seriourly though. close to 400 dollars?

Do not underestimate Japanese collectors. Nothing surprises me anymore.

Aesthetically, and functionally too, I find the modern options sitting too high and being inadequately supported. Every one of mine will sag on even a short stretch of cobbles or other rough surface. Most of the genuine vintage holders put the neck of the bottle at or slightly above the bars, like iab's.

Seriourly though. close to 400 dollars?

Why not?

As a matter of fact, as collectables, bikes and their accessories are cheap compared most every other collectable market.

Let me ask you, exactly how many double bar cages and aluminum bottles have you actually seen in your lifetime? You don't think these things are rare? Would you rather spend $400 on a penny, basball card or comic book?

Do not underestimate Japanese collectors. Nothing surprises me anymore.
What makes you think the buyer was Japanese? Trust me, they're not always the high bidder.

What makes you think the buyer was Japanese? Trust me, they're not always the high bidder.

Of course they're not always the highest bidder. However, it is indisputable that wealthy Japanese are big buyers of high-end, vintage bikes and parts. I didn't say the buyer was Japanese as I'd have no way of knowing. But, I find it plausible.

OK, I'll play.

I sold the silver bottle and bought a matching blue one.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/Bikes/Cinelli_Model_B030-1.jpg?t=1296672341



Who makes this one? I've got one of unfinished aluminum, but it has failed from the stress in multiple places...it's really flimsy. Do you know the vintage?

Why not?

As a matter of fact, as collectables, bikes and their accessories are cheap compared most every other collectable market.

Let me ask you, exactly how many double bar cages and aluminum bottles have you actually seen in your lifetime? You don't think these things are rare? Would you rather spend $400 on a penny, basball card or comic book?

Sorry my friend. I am only a collector of practicality. For 400 dollars, I could buy a new kayak, tent, and backback, plus a stainless bottle of my choice. Not that Water isn't at the top of my list of necessities, it's just that I would have to drink close to 4 million gallons worth of water to even consider that functional enough for my taste. Or better yet, if I was dead set on spending 400 on a rare water bottle rack that WORKED, I would have one custom built by one of many LOCAL skilled craftsman in the area. (we know steel where I come from). To each is own.

Who makes this one? I've got one of unfinished aluminum, but it has failed from the stress in multiple places...it's really flimsy. Do you know the vintage?

Coloral. 1950s.

Sorry my friend. I am only a collector of practicality. For 400 dollars, I could buy a new kayak, tent, and backback, plus a stainless bottle of my choice. Not that Water isn't at the top of my list of necessities, it's just that I would have to drink close to 4 million gallons worth of water to even consider that functional enough for my taste. Or better yet, if I was dead set on spending 400 on a rare water bottle rack that WORKED, I would have one custom built by one of many LOCAL skilled craftsman in the area. (we know steel where I come from). To each is own.

Why don't you think the one pictured doesn't work?

Here's the thing that you seem to miss. You spend $400 on your LOCAL skilled craftsman, you can resell it for $20. Buy the vintage one for $400, use it for 2 years, sell it for $600. What's smarter?

I'll play too:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/Head_High_and_Glassy/1984%20Fuji%20Opus%20III/DSC01480.jpg

Scott

Why don't you think the one pictured doesn't work?

Here's the thing that you seem to miss. You spend $400 on your LOCAL skilled craftsman, you can resell it for $20. Buy the vintage one for $400, use it for 2 years, sell it for $600. What's smarter?
I did not say that one didn't work. I was aiding their quality by saying that is some peoples argument for why the vintage is the 'bees knees'. I was simply adding that I could as well obtain a functional cage. You seem quite offended by a remark that something was 400 dollars. If even as a collector you can't see practicality to cost adjustment that just does not make sense, then you aren't paying attention to the terminating value. (An object is only worth what somebody will pay for it) I agree that this object that sold is worth that 'monetary' amount, but that doesn't prove it's value to anybody but people with too much money and a means to sell it to the highest bidder. In the end you are collecting dollars, not vintage water bottle cages.
From my point of view, even to argue with a resale of it, if Vehicles from the 1950's that haven't even left the showroom floor are only worth at best 15-25x their original value, why would the value of something like this would be close to 100x the original value?
If we're talking about 'smart' in terms of collecting, it's to NOT be the guy who got stuck paying way too much.

And if you want to go the classy but economy route, these shaken and not stirred bar implements make lovely water bottles at times .. $1 at my local thrift store.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/Head_High_and_Glassy/1974%20Fuji%20Ace/_MG_5287_2.jpg

Scott

I tuck old bottle holders away when I get one is decent shape. Though I have several down tube holders that I do not have the courage to clamp on, I did find one really nice handlebar mount. It is still mounted to my Peugeot PX10.
188532 188533

Aesthetically, and functionally too, I find the modern options sitting too high and being inadequately supported. Every one of mine will sag on even a short stretch of cobbles or other rough surface. Most of the genuine vintage holders put the neck of the bottle at or slightly above the bars, like iab's.

I agree. I keep buying those contemporary holders that attach to the bars, and each time I'm disappointed that the bottles ride so high. The one I do still use is my Jim Blackburn cage that slips over the stem. I bought it new in 1986 or so.

Neal

I agree. I keep buying those contemporary holders that attach to the bars, and each time I'm disappointed that the bottles ride so high. The one I do still use is my Jim Blackburn cage that slips over the stem. I bought it new in 1986 or so.

Neal

I also have two of the VO mounts with King cages .. they do sit up high but I angle them somewhat to reduce the height. I'd rather it look a little goofy then be thirsty ..

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff142/Head_High_and_Glassy/1973%20Raleigh%20Competition/DSC01787-1.jpg

Scott

I think with a little effort and some aluminum stock I can fashion an elegant extender that allows the cages to sit lower (as the originals do). I'll post the results when I get around to it.

I get thirsty when I ride, I like to reach for a water bottle and be able to drink from it without fanfare and put it back...that is all I require.

If I ever repainted my Super Course, I would braze-on water bottle mounts...no doubt in my mind.

I'm going to fashion a somewhat passable substitute by polishing two 18oz Kleen Kanteens. I could probably find corks, but I'll likely just use the plastic flat tops. I'll use these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-handlebar-to-water-bottle-cage-mount.html) and these (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/water-bottles-cages/vo-retro-cage-type-ii-with-hook.html).

I agree with the VO hardware and using Kleen Kanteens. But I wouldn't bother using the cork stuff as a cap unless it is "just for show." The Kleen Kanteen 2.0 sport cap (http://www.amazon.com/Klean-Kanteen-Sport-Cap-Replacement/dp/B003SPODNE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1296688356&sr=8-3) is a great top for a KK bottle. The older version leaked a bit and the top had the possibility of popping off and choking you. They had a recall and gave out 2.0 versions instead. A lot of reviewers complain that they make a funny noise when you drink out of them but if one is smart enough to push down on the white button at the top more air is let in and it doesn't make that noise when you suck water out.

Kleen Kanteen makes their own bottle cage and it holds the KK bottles better but if you have it on the downtube without the a bottle in it the thing really catches your pants bad. Just a heads-up for those who think they might want to get one -realize it is bad to ride around without the bottle and you have to be careful when you are drinking as it can really catch the pantlegs before you get it put back in.

I did not say that one didn't work. I was aiding their quality by saying that is some peoples argument for why the vintage is the 'bees knees'. I was simply adding that I could as well obtain a functional cage. You seem quite offended by a remark that something was 400 dollars. If even as a collector you can't see practicality to cost adjustment that just does not make sense, then you aren't paying attention to the terminating value. (An object is only worth what somebody will pay for it) I agree that this object that sold is worth that 'monetary' amount, but that doesn't prove it's value to anybody but people with too much money and a means to sell it to the highest bidder. In the end you are collecting dollars, not vintage water bottle cages.
From my point of view, even to argue with a resale of it, if Vehicles from the 1950's that haven't even left the showroom floor are only worth at best 15-25x their original value, why would the value of something like this would be close to 100x the original value?
If we're talking about 'smart' in terms of collecting, it's to NOT be the guy who got stuck paying way too much.

Huh?

Are you upset because this cage is 100x its value and the cars you collect are only worth 15-25x?

Those bottle and cage sold for $400. Period. That is what they are worth. Period. In 2 years, they are likely to sell for more. Period. What exactly don't you understand about that? You do realize if you don't value them at $400, that means absolutely nothing. Don't you?

I watch Meecham auctions and watch ugly ass muscle cars sell for 100x more than I would pay. They are still worth the 100x amount.

I've been going a little nuts reproducing accessories lately and don't really want to wear out my welcome. But since the topic has come up (sort of) I thought I'd show off a repro '50s-'60s french cage I did recently. Same old story - I was looking through "The Golden Age..." and realized that I'd finally seen a clamp-on cage which looked good. I prefer the one I did out of stainless but I don't have clamps for it yet.

188555188556188557

Nice job...what wire did you end up using this time?


I've been going a little nuts reproducing accessories lately and don't really want to wear out my welcome. But since the topic has come up (sort of) I thought I'd show off a repro '50s-'60s french cage I did recently. Same old story - I was looking through "The Golden Age..." and realized that I'd finally seen a clamp-on cage which looked good. I prefer the one I did out of stainless but I don't have clamps for it yet.

188555188556188557

Thanks. It's just some 1/8" brass rod and a bit of silver to attach the top loop and tie everything together. The clamps are 1/32" brass stock (badly shaped at the moment) with some SAE hardware from Ace since they don't carry brass stuff in metric sizes.

Nice work, Cinco!

I've been going a little nuts reproducing accessories lately and don't really want to wear out my welcome. But since the topic has come up (sort of) I thought I'd show off a repro '50s-'60s french cage I did recently. Same old story - I was looking through "The Golden Age..." and realized that I'd finally seen a clamp-on cage which looked good. I prefer the one I did out of stainless but I don't have clamps for it yet.

188555188556188557

Have you made one that will fit on handlebars yet?
P.S. very nice work.

Mutt

I wonder what that VO clamp and cage (along with the Kleen Kanteen) would look like on the handlebars of a Raleigh Sports? It's period correct but not really a 3-speed thing is it...

I'm thinking aloud of a way to carry water on the Raleigh while still looking all tweedy-correct.

Have you made one that will fit on handlebars yet?
P.S. very nice work.

Mutt

As a matter of fact... sort of. I made a bar-mounted cage of a different type a while back (link (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/701999-First-toeclips-then-the-world)) and as soon as I get some time I'm going to come up with a bar-mount adaptor clamp for these new ones. Right now everything in my life seems to be redesign work :).

I wonder what that VO clamp and cage (along with the Kleen Kanteen) would look like on the handlebars of a Raleigh Sports? It's period correct but not really a 3-speed thing is it...

I'm thinking aloud of a way to carry water on the Raleigh while still looking all tweedy-correct.

This is a cell phone pic and there's no bottle in it, but you get the idea. It works well for me with the Kleen Kanteen as well as my thermal coffee cup.

http://gallery.me.com/justinhughes/100105/My%20Photo_3/web.jpg?ver=12880457310001

Thanks, That looks nice. I like it.

I have a bullet headlight mounted to the headset bracket so the cage would have to be to one side. I'll have to mock something up to see if I like it but maybe I'll en up buying the VO clamp and the "vintage" cage.

Of course I'll have to polish up the Kleen Kanteen to make it match the headlight ;)

lol at iab, only reading the parts he wants to. Keep wasting your time justifying your 'collectors' price scheming. I hope you read the fine print in the purchases you make more thoroughly than you have been reading my posts.

Yes, Nice work cinco!

Thanks, That looks nice. I like it.

I have a bullet headlight mounted to the headset bracket so the cage would have to be to one side. I'll have to mock something up to see if I like it but maybe I'll en up buying the VO clamp and the "vintage" cage.

Of course I'll have to polish up the Kleen Kanteen to make it match the headlight ;)

A friend of mine has a "retro", chrome LED headlight on her fixed gear. It's pretty cool and I'd probably hang one on my Heron bracket if I weren't parting with this Sports. It's just not my size.

I'm converting my Virge "vintage looking" bullet to LED. I could have bought the LED version cheaper had I done my homework. The screw-base 1W LED light was nearly $14 shipped and that leaves me with one of the bulbs still incand. Add another couple bucks for a diode bridge and a capacitor to rectify the AC from the bottle generator and I've got a bunch tied up in it plus all the work to convert it.

Still, it looks nice.

iab . . .
Saw literaly hundreds of double bottle cages with aluminum bidons when I was a kid growing up in Belgium in the 1930s-40s.
Used double hb mounted TA cages on my Peugeot PX-10 in the 70s.
Still use hb mounted bottle cage on my c/f tandem and single bike.

Why don't you think the one pictured doesn't work?

Here's the thing that you seem to miss. You spend $400 on your LOCAL skilled craftsman, you can resell it for $20. Buy the vintage one for $400, use it for 2 years, sell it for $600. What's smarter?

iab - any chance you have a picture of that simplex arrangement without the bottles in it?

iab . . .
Saw literaly hundreds of double bottle cages with aluminum bidons when I was a kid growing up in Belgium in the 1930s-40s.
Used double hb mounted TA cages on my Peugeot PX-10 in the 70s.
Still use hb mounted bottle cage on my c/f tandem and single bike.

How about in the last 10 years.

lol at iab, only reading the parts he wants to. Keep wasting your time justifying your 'collectors' price scheming. I hope you read the fine print in the purchases you make more thoroughly than you have been reading my posts.


Incorrect. You are too narrow minded to see what you value isn't only thing with value. Try again.

iab - any chance you have a picture of that simplex arrangement without the bottles in it?

I can get you one soon.

I picked up two different handlebar mounted cages this past summer for a buck a piece. One was a REG with the spring activated lever and unbranded Italian made cage. I mounted the REG on my Raleigh Comp as I can't stand the downtube clamp on units. I couldn't believe it was only a buck as the seller was a big bike collector. This is kind of freaky though cause I didn't see this thread till this morning and had a dream last night about how to make saddle mounted bottle cages. WHo the heck dreams of bottle cages? lol. I'll take a picture of my cage and bottle on the Comp. It just looks so lonely with just one bottle on the handlebar.

You got a great deal. Even those REG cages go for a pretty penny.