This question is for those who worked in bike shops back in the day. What is the trick to mounting a TA bottle cage while using the original bolt? Do I just need to apply a more liberal use of foul language to get it to reach?

Try holding everything together and pinchig the "ears" with a pair of pliers and see if that give you a few threads to work with.

I recommend cursing in French... although I haven't really tried that myself.

A slightly more productive method might be to use a longer bolt to get everything "settled" into place, and then replace it with the T.A. bolt. This will help get the "ears" properly bent into the final shape.
I've struggled with this myself, especially with the handlebar cage.
While there aren't really issues with just using a longer generic bolt, it is nice to use the intended bolt.

I do like the T.A. Criterium cage. Very simple mount and very effective. No plastic bits to get old and brittle either.



Steve in Peoria

Yeah, I tried that.

I did some digging around and also found out that some came with some sort of plastic insert to presumably protect the frame. I imagine those being even worse. So far, I think I have mounted 4 of those cages, and I got a longer bolt for all of them.

If I run into an old frame that has no collector value and no water bottle bosses, I just drill it and insert some riv-nuts.

I suspect some of these clips were made for French diameter tubing. The difference in circumference (28mm vs 28.6mm) is about 3mm. I had to use a longer bolt to fit mine.

Sounds like a shim for installation on French/Metric tubing.

I've always just started with a longer bolt and then refitted the original bolt, same as with most clamps for two-bolt cages.

My favorite by far is the REG cage with spring latch and two integral clamps, which seem easier to install.

get a longer bolt and use that to squeeze the ears of the bracket together

then re-install the original if you can make it fit

I do not care for this type of clamp.

you might line the inside surface of the clamp with clear tape trimmed to shape

/markp

I use a longer bolt and then leave the longer bolt place because (1) I'm lazy and (2) by the time I've managed to install the cage I've had enough fun for one day.

As for the appropriate language for cursing, French won't get it done because, even if you are calling someone the most unholy of unholies seven times over, it sounds like suave dinner conversation or a smooth seduction when said in French. Anglo-Saxon has always worked for me. The trick is to come up with new combinations and variations.

I use one of these on my vintage rides. Never leaves a scratch.
Those old TA and Reg cages mar frames endlessly.

Universal Cycles -- SKS Anywhere Velocage Strap Mount Bottle Cage [11569]

I've tried this three times, but never had luck with it. It always ends up springing back out on me. I've then tried using some sort of pliers to hold the tabs closer, but that failed too. I guess I have settled on sticking with the longer bolts.

That is a good point, but the photo in the original post is my Pelissier, so it is French. Admittedly, that bottle cage came used, so I guess I don't know that it was the original bolt. I've also had trouble with an old Romic that I built up maybe a decade ago, and more recently on a late 60's Cinelli.

That mount would look a bit too off for a late 60's bike. It came to me repainted, and I have never been a fan of repainted bikes. I rather like that I am adding a few chips/scratches to the paint. I won't mind if the cages leave a bit of patina.

I mostly agree, except that I can remove the cage in seconds.
Works well for the occasional vintage ride. Then, off it comes. Gotta hydrate!

Kind of like strap-on LED lights: they work great, on and off in seconds, plus you only need one set for your entire fleet. The only problem with that cage is that it will be visible during the daytime.

Let's not stop there to spoil the complete vintage look.
No modern lights, clothing, helmet. Must ride toeclips and Detto Pietros.
Plus, old leaky water bottles and Silca frame pump.
All in jest, of course, but one must draw the line somewhere!