mountainwalker

It's been some time since I've bought new biking gear. Which bottle sizes/types do you recommend and what are the best cages out there? Do most people still use water bottle cages, or has everyone gone the hydration bladder route?

the sci guy 

Bottle cages for sure. I wouldn't use a camelback because sweaty. Most cages are all the same size and all bottles fit because larger ones are taller not wider. As for the best? That's open to opinion and taste and appreciation of aesthetics. Some people spend $50 on a carbon fiber cage that's aero looking. Some spend $4 on a traditionally shaped aluminum one. And some people go in the middle.
I bought the Delta Inox cages on amazon. They are different from standard cages but not weird looking and they look awesome on my Cross Check.

pic: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattle...n/photostream/

the sci guy 

These ones Amazon.com : Delta Inox Bicycle Bottle Cage : Bike Water Bottle Cages : Sports & Outdoors

ClarkinHawaii

Hey, I really like those brake levers, I can read Tektro, what is model? They seem to offer a more substantial gripping surface, actually like Shimano brifters. therefore more comfortable . . .

pdlamb

I really like the Polar insulated water bottles. Load with ice, fill with water, and it'll keep the water chilled for 90-120 minutes (my commute is only 40-50 minutes).

Camelback makes insulated bottles too, but I prefer the Polar because (1) I actually like the loops to hook over a finger as I carry panniers into my work (or out to the garage in the morning; (2) I prefer the traditional cap closure to the Camelback squeeze -- ever grab a bottle around the middle and dribble water over your panniers down the hallway?; and (3) the Polar closure is more reliable, IME, on bumpy roads and bike parts -- vs. water bouncing onto my legs.

NOS88

I use King Cage titanium cages. They're almost indestructible and look like cheap aluminum, making them less desirable for folks to steal.

fietsbob

Mouth piece hose, Hydration bladder advantages are if you are doing gnarly single track
and dont want to let go of the Bars ..

but want a bit of drink .. Or Aerobar Tri Time trialing and dont want to break aero form..


No one favorite .. I have a variety of bottle cages ..

specialized bottles and cages are of course made to work together
[ the 'racers edge' bottle top was something you left open and just grab and squeeze ..
with a rubber valve to keep stuff from going in, or splashing out ]

Older Profile Bottle cages another nylon-fiber composite will take a lot of different bottles
since they grip the bottle with out the hook . theres a thin O ring around the top. for grip.
stainless bottles fit fine.

I use an MSR fuel bottle in one , touring bike , under the down tube
with a toe strap for added security around both.

American Classic Aluminum ones.. , Black burn Mountain , Cat Eye Nylon ..

still have a Blackburn one for 2 Liter 'store bought water' bottles around here.

though not installed on a bike , now ..



Ortlieb now has a bottle cage add on, to put them on the edges of Panniers too..

their Add On pockets will let you put bottles inside of them too..

jrickards

The best are the growler bottles and cages!!!



I've gone cheap with aluminum cages but I got the Camelbak insulated bottles. For my ride out to the camp (cottage, ~60km, 2.5-3hrs), I'll wear my hydration pak.

modernjess

After years of using lots of different cages and bottles at this point I've got my definite favorites.

Cages: King Cages - iris stainless steel - Hand made in the USA - Have never lost a bottle, and they look beautiful on almost any bike. King Cage - Bicycle waterbottle cages handmade in Durango, CO

Bottles: Camelbak Podium chill - keeps water colder longer and warmer longer (winter) no taste added. I like the valve, but YMMV.

Hydration pack: I only use a one (Camelbak Mule) for long mountain bike rides. Having 100oz of water and some room in the pack for extra items and food is well worth it when in remote areas.