Water bottle cage placement is always an issue on small frame bikes. This is my wife's 47 cm bike. When I was having the frame built, I worked with the builder to optimize water bottle size and placement. We also made adjustments to the down tube cage bosses so they would not interfere with the front derailleur. I was putting a mountain bike crankset on the bike, which required the front derailleur to be placed pretty low. We had these issues on her other bikes, and knew how we wanted to set this one up. I know this is not an option, but I do empathize with the problems of small frames. Our daughters ride 50 cm and 42 cm bikes.


Is there a reason you are carrying 80 oz. of liquid on your bikes?

I would think about using regular water bottles and cages on your GF's bike. Or maybe one KK and one regular bottle. These "Clean Bottles" are great for long tours. Both the top and bottom of the bottle come off, which make cleaning a lot easier. While 2 of these bottles are only a little more than half the capacity of 2, 40oz. KKs, we also each carry a Platypus collapsible 2 liter bladder (1.3 oz.) in case we need extra water. We have a lot of capacity, but it does not take up much weight or space until we need it. I also carry 3 bottles on tour where extra water might be necessary.