Getting a new bike next week so I need a recommendation for new bottle cages. Due to the bike having compact geometry (necessitated by me having "compact geometry"), I need side-loading cages. I'm not a weight weenie, and I don't need carbon, especially at $50 each. Not a big fan of buying off ebay (so there go the Chinese CF bottles). Really all I'm looking for is a first-hand recommendations for a good-quality side-loading cage, that are either flippable or come in left and right versions so I can access both cages with my right hand.

I've seen some Ibera alloy cages on Amazon that have a faux-CF finish, but I don't think they meet the requirement for flippable or left/right versions. I saw that Arundel has a plastic sideloader that's flippable. Also, Elite has an aluminum one that's flippable. I think right now, it's down to these two. Anyone have experience with these (or possibly other recommendations, e.g., Specialized, Lezyne, Blackburn all make side-loaders as well)?

Thanks,

KB

Arundel makes quality cages that work. My sideloading Arundel cages have worked perfectly. I have never had a bottle fly out when hitting a bump. In short they are simply the best.

Specialized has their zee cage which is side loading. They make left and right, but most shops I've only seen them stock 1 side. You can order direct from their website, if wanted.

I've used a pair for 3 years. No issues.

I've always wanted to try the Specialized Zee cage, but they never have the colors I want in stock...

I'm currently using Zefal's Wiiz cage. These are cheap plastic cages, and they look like it. If you need a cage that looks cool, you'll need to pay more for an Zee or Arundel. At 65g, they're twice as heavy as a carbon cage that would cost 8X more. The only time they've dropped a bottle is when I got T-boned by a car. One nice feature of the design is that you can flip the cage over to create a left-handed or right-handed orientation. I bought mine at Amazon for $8. I've been using mine since January of 2009 without a problem.

Timing is everything. I just discovered my water bottles don't come out of cage either. Here's another one for you to look at - Cannondale Alloy Side Cage Bottle Cage. I'm liking the looks of the Spec Z cage at $20, left and right, so they will both open to the same side on the seat tube and down tube, but that is just for looks. Maybe I'll go with an faux carbon alloy though. And has to match the silver / black them of my bike.

Check out Bontrager sideswipe. ambidextrous so you can flip for left or right handed and they are actually pretty sturdy as well

Bontrager: Sideswipe RL (Model #11219)

I've also been using the Specialized Zee cages, and they've been perfect. Dunno what else to say - they just hold onto the water bottle securely, pretty easy to get it in and out, they just work.

Perfect match for my bike - I have Bontrager components, and the color is perfect. But I want it more ... stylish. Blast it anyhow.

I have the Specialized and they work great!

Another + for Specialized. I use the Podium Ice or Chill bottles and they have an undefined shoulder. If any bottle should get ejected from a cage those would be them (and in fact they redesigned it and the new ones have a shoulder now).

I've done crits with a fully loaded big bottle on roads with such bad/sharp-edged potholes that people were moving bars, levers, breaking wheels, crashing, and of course ejecting bottles. I actually moved my bars once on that course, also moved one lever. However I never dropped even a totally full Podium bottle from my Zee cage.

I use the regular one for the other spot, which I can top load.

This is the bike with the small Podium bottle (Podium Ice).

And they don't bend like aluminum ones will periodically do if they get bumped.

All right. I think I'll give the Specialized a try.

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone.

KB

+1 on the Arundel cages.

If I don't like the Specialized, Arundel is next up.

From experience, both Arundel Side Loaders and Zipp Alumina / SL cages work great for your desired use. Good luck!