Getting A Grasp On Hydration
We love to have our trusty bottle of water on hand when we are out riding. There are a few necessary things when it comes to cycling, good shoes, a comfortable seat, and water access when you need it.
Maybe your bottle holder has come loose, or you've kept your bottle in your backpack instead, which isn't very convenient. Getting a water bottle holder for bike use can save you time, hassle, and dehydration. For that reason, we put together a few of our favorite bike water bottle holder models for you to review and consider.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Water Bottle Holder?
Also called "bike bottle cages" due to their shape, a water bottle holder is a cup holder attached to your bike frame. The bottle cage mount allows you to store water in mounting holes on the underside of the bike frame. You can fit most standard sized water bottles in it for a drink mid-ride.
Why Do I Need One?
Easy access to hydration is in your best interest. Plastic water bottles (or whichever water bottle you use) provide a much-needed water source that stops your body from losing water.
Why Stay Hydrated?
Have you ever heard of dehydration? If you have, odds are you are aware that this is not a good thing. When our bodies dehydrate, there are all kinds of problems that can occur. We get dehydrated when we expel more fluids than we consume.
If we are dehydrated, our bodies can't function normally. There are tons of causes for dehydration, including illness, fever, increased urination, and excessive sweating, which can come from exercise. We sweat when we do aerobic exercise and, if we aren't careful, we can become dehydrated.
Heatstroke is a byproduct of dehydration, and it includes cramps and heat exhaustion, kidney or urinary issues, seizures, and hypovolemic shock. As for biking, there are a whole unique set of issues regarding not dehydration.
When cycling, if you don't drink enough water, you can see a reduction in blood flow, a decrease in sweat rate, an increase in core temperature, and decreased digestive system functions.What To Look For in a Bike Water Bottle Holder
When it comes to something like a bike bottle holder, the things you want are pretty simple. Here are a few that come to mind:
Is It Sturdy?
Bike accessories need to last as long as the bike itself. Getting something made from a reliable set of materials is the first need. The clamp or strap should hold onto the bike frame so it can carry the bottle.
Is It Stable?
When we ride our bikes, we don't always stay on smooth roads. Even urban riders hit the occasional rock, twig, or pothole. There isn't a rider out that can claim they never experienced bumps when riding. Your holder needs to withstand these issues with stability.
What Does It Weight?
Speed can be important to some riders, so is buoyancy when bouncing from rock to rock. How much your holder weighs will affect the weight of your bike and how you ride. Most cages are made with lightweight materials, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that meets your needs.
Is Anything Included?
Some bike bottle cage models come with two holders, which is great for mountain bike riding for distance and length. Let's face it: sometimes, one water bottle isn't going to do the trick for long rides. They come with screws, but others come with a key for installation while others don't.
You may also consider whether the bicycle covers you use can adequately protect the bottle holders. Bicycle covers shield your bike from the elements and allow it to stay dry and dust-free when you aren’t using it.
What Are The Benefits of a Bike Water Bottle Holder?
Besides staying hydrated, the advantage of having a holder attached to your bike for your water bottle is ease of access. Have you ever been riding and needed some water, but it was in your backpack? You have to stop, get the bottle out of your pack, and completely stop your trip before you can continue.
That leads us to the next benefit: saving time. How much time do you suppose that backpack scenario would cost? Besides, when you are mid-workout and sweating while riding, stopping will decrease your heart rate, not the direction you want to go.
What Is The Best Way to Use A Bottle Holder?
If you are a new rider, then you probably only need one. But you might love endurance training, which can keep you riding for a while. If that is the case, then you might want two holders to keep you hydrated on the move. All holders fasten to your frame so you can reach down and grab it while pedaling.
You might also consider using a cup holder. Bike cup holders are shaped differently to keep cups and mugs from spilling during the ride. Depending on what beverage you’ll take during the ride, cup holders might work better than bottle holders.
Best Bike Water Bottle Holder
Now that we've covered all you need to know about water bottle holders for your bike, let's take a look at five products on the market that we consider some of the best choices for you.
UShake Water Bottle Cages
Our first selection is a "cage," which is a pretty common term in the cycling world. The way the black bars reach around the bottle gives the impression that the bottle is locked in.
The screws are included, which should secure this cage made of a heat-treated aluminum alloy into the frame of your bike. The 4mm hex key needed to do this is also included. The cage is light, weighing in at only 61 grams.
UShake's Cage is easy to install, but the bike frame needs threaded holes before installing the cage. The bottle cage mount can fit a water bottle up to 26 ounces with the largest diameter to fit in the cage begin 3 inches. This cage comes with a 10-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Who Should Purchase This?
This is a good choice for the person looking to purchase more than one bottle holder because it comes in a pair. It is also great for anyone interested in keeping their bike light when they ride.
Pro Bike Tool Water Bottle Holder
This next bottle holder offers a retention system that offers a sturdy hold to ensure your bottle stays where it is supposed to when you are riding. It can hold water bottles from 20 ounces to 33 ounces. Due to the flexible material, it can match tons of water bottle shapes.
This holder is as easy to install as the last holder we've discussed. Yet this one also requires that you thread holes through your frame first. The bolts are included, and the manufacturer offers a refund or replacement if you are having issues with this holder.
Pros
Cons
This bottle holder would be great for anyone buying bikes with sporty styles. While the last one was simple, this product seems to have more of a "design" behind it. This product is also a good choice for someone who is using a larger water bottle.
Ibera Bicycle Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle Cage
Here we have another holder that comes as a pair. It is made of sturdy material that is lightweight, and it is treated with an aluminum plate. One cage weighs under 1.5 ounces, and they are reinforced for more strength.
It fits any water bottle up to a 3-inch diameter. The unique design holds around your bottle for access while riding.
You need a 4mm hex key when installing this cage, and you also need to thread holes just like the others. The screws are included, and the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
Cons
FiveBox Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Water Bottle Cage
This cage is made of aluminum alloy, which offers durability and strength.
Screws are included for installation, which is easy once you have the holes threaded through your frame. A 4mm hex key is needed for installation as well. Most water bottles should fit in this lightweight cage.
Pros
Cons
Anyone who is looking for a little flair on their bike should consider this bottle holder. Sure, it has a standard shape, but the color gives it a little something extra. Since you only get one with this order, this might be a good choice for the beginner rider who may not be out as long.
Wiel Full Carbon Fiber Bicycle Bike Light Drink Water Bottle Cage Holder
The last holder on our list is snazzy. They didn't go for the standard color scheme of plain black and added a little red, which gives them a unique feel. Also, they use the "wrap around" design, as opposed to the standard "slip it in" construction.
Made from carbon fiber material, this is also the first and only holder on our list that isn't made from aluminum. It weighs only one ounce and is resistant to corrosion. The design lets you easily remove the bottle, but keeps it in place during bumpy rides.
Pros
Cons
If you own a carbon fiber framed bike, then this would be perfect for you because, as we've seen with holders made from aluminum, pairing a holder with that bike isn't easy. It's a great choice for someone who likes red and is looking to ride on tough terrain.
Conclusion
A water bottle holder will make your riding experience easier, and your workout will be more enhanced and effective. Which one you need depends completely on your personal needs and how you like to ride. If you found this article helpful, let us know in the comments section or share it with your friends.