Best Mountain Bike Water Bottle Cages For The Tough Terrain

As mountain bikers we like to step off the beaten path for a while and get our hands dirty. Riding this type of road isn’t for the light hearted and, with this sport comes scraped knees, bruised forearms and dehydration, if you aren’t careful.

Since our love is to ride on the type of terrain that causes us to bump, jump, and bounce a lot, it’s important that we have a way of storing our necessities while we are riding. Wouldn’t it be a pain if your water bottle popped out and you didn’t even notice? 

That’s why we thought we would take a look at the best water bottle holders on the market for mountain bikers. Below is a one stop area for anyone looking to add a water bottle holder to their mountain bike. It’s informative and gives you some great choices to consider.

Best Mountain Bike Water Bottle Cages Comparisons

Brand

UShake Water Bottle Cages

Ibera Bicycle Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle Cage

accmor Upgrade Edition Bike Cup Holder

Pro Bike Tool Water Bottle Holder

Matte Black Bike Water Bottle Cage

What Is Mountain Biking?

We can assume that everyone reading this already knows the answer to this question or we can go with the reality that there are some people out there who have heard of this sport but don’t truly understand what it’s all about. 

Sure, technically it means that you go off-road with your bike. This can mean you ride in the actual mountains, or in the desert, on big rocks, or wherever the terrain is considered off-road and tough. Riding like this is adventurous and can be dangerous if you are not well equipped.

Mountain biking,

This is why so many mountain bikers carry tools to make repairs in case one of their spills damages the bike. In their backpacks you might find other necessities like granola bars and energy drinks, matches for a fire if they get lost and a first aid kit. Riding off-road can take people to some remote places to it’s important to always be prepared.

History of Mountain Biking?

Now that we know what it is, when did this style of riding become a thing? The 1970s were the time and California was the place where this once “fringe sport” got its start. It wasn’t until the late 70s that Downhill Mountain biking races were organized and this daredevil hobby became a sport.

Still, it caught on quick and the first National Mountain Biking Championship was hosted by the United States in 1983. Seven years later that championship was recognized by the International cycling union. When the Olympics were held in Atlanta, this was the first year mountain biking was considered a sport.

What is a Mountain Bike?

You may think that all bikes can be taken off-road but that is not the case. There are different kinds of bikes, which is pretty obvious when you walk into your local bike shop. We have cruisers, children’s bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes. Let’s distinguish the difference between the two readers might confuse; mountain bikes and road bikes.

Mountain Bikes, Bicycle
Road Bikes, Bicycle

Mountain Bikes

Road Bikes

Here we have a sport that requires a different type of bike. Riders go into areas that have mud, snow, rocks, sand, and the type of stuff a light road bike might not make it through so the tires are broader and the wheels more resistant to shock. On this bike, the handlebars are flat and the rider sits upright for better control.

This type of bike was created for riding on smooth surfaces. It is typically lightweight so speed isn’t an issue. They also have thin tires and are made from steel, aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber so the frames are stiff but still light. Road bikes require the rider to lean forward for the sake of speed.

Benefits Of A Water Bottle Holder

As we’ve said earlier, there are certain necessities a mountain bike should bring with them on a trek and water should be at the very top of that list. The risks of dehydration are high especially if you are the type of rider who likes to venture out into the middle of nowhere. 

But I can just put a bottle in my backpack? That’s true. And, unlike road riders, mountain bikers can stop, get the bottle out of the backpack and drink. Speed is not that important in some cases.

Yet, a water bottle cage will hold that extra bottle of water if you are planning on a long ride. You can also let the cage hold your one bottle and free up your backpack for other things or just lighten your load.

What Should I Look For?

There are more aspects to choosing a water bottle cage than one might think. I’ve broken them down into simple categories below hoping each one touches on the needs of everyone.

Weight

When you are taking a dive down a mountain the last thing you need is to add extra weight to your bike. You have to be buoyant, in a sense, so a lightweight material would be your best choice.

Sturdiness

This is especially important for mountain bikers. You do a great deal of bumping around and hitting all kinds of terrain so, you definitely want your water bottle cage to stay in place. If it starts bouncing around that can be distracting when you need to focus on what’s ahead.

Grasp

It’s all great that your holder stays attached to your bike without rattling but, if the bottle shakes around when in it, bounces out, or doesn’t fit at all then it doesn’t matter how secure it is to the frame. Know your water bottle size and make sure your’s fits before attaching it to your bike.

Best Mountain Bike Water Bottle Cages

Now that we’ve broken down what mountain biking is and why someone interested in this sport would need a water bottle cage attached to their bike, let's take a look at five top selling water bottle cages and what they have to offer you.

UShake Water Bottle Cages

Our first water bottle cage can be used for both mountain and road bikes. When ordering you get two cages, which doubles the amount you will be able to bring on your ride. The design of this holder makes it easy to understand why these devices are called cages since it’s black with bars and design to lock your water bottle in. 

It comes with screws to attach it to the frame of your bike but you do need to have holes threaded beforehand. Made of treated aluminum alloy this pair of cages also comes with a 4mm hex key to secure the device into your bike. It can fit a 26 ounce water bottle with the maximum diameter being three inches. It also comes with a ten year warranty.

Pros

  • Weighs very little
  • Installation is easy  
  • Comes with 4mm hex key
  • 3” diameter water bottle fit  
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Not good for all bikes
  • Requires hole threaded before installation

Who Should Purchase This?

This is a great choice for the rider that is looking to set out for a long ride. With two bottle holders you should stay well hydrated. It’s also a good choice for anyone who is planning on taking their biking to the next strenuous level.

Ibera Bicycle Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle Cage

Next we have another pair of cages that have a unique look when compared to other holders on the market. It is reinforced and treated with aluminum plate , which is sturdy, and it weighs less than one and a half ounces. 

Any water bottle under a 3 inch diameter should fit into this holder and it’s functionality was designed so that access to your bottle was easier than the standard slip-in shape. This one wraps around the bottle like a hug.

A 4mm hex key is required for installation but there isn’t one included like the first cage on our list. You need to thread holes into your frame for this model as well. This cage comes with a one year warranty and a 30 day Money Back Guarantee.

Pros

  • Weights under 1.5 ounces
  • Installation is simple  
  • Unique design for better access
  • One year warranty  
  • 30 day money back guarantee

Cons

  • Color may leak
  • Water bottles may get scratched

Who Should Purchase This?

This choice is also good for a person looking to double up their water reserves. It’s also a good choice for anyone who is looking to try something different or is unhappy with the standard design.

accmor Upgrade Edition Bike Cup Holder

The third cage on our list doesn't come with two devices, but the one it does provide is also quite unique when compared to other cages on the market. It can rotate 360 degrees and can fit in several places on your bike. It is lightweight and the design is meant to keep your bottle secure while riding. 

Transferring this cage from your bike to a stroller to someone’s wheelchair is easy. You don’t need any tools to install it, you don’t need extra screws, and you don’t need to thread holes into the frame of your bike. It fastems to your vehicle via clamp, which can wrap around a great many things.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Transferable  
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install  
  • Rotates 360 degrees

Cons

  • Doesn’t fit 32 ounce bottles
  • Can come loose

Who Should Purchase This?

This is a great choice for anyone that doesn’t want to treat holes through the frame of their bike. It’s also a good choice for anyone who is interested in transferring their bottle cage from one vehicle to another.

Pro Bike Tool Water Bottle Holder

Here we have another singular cage that is a bit different than that others we’ve seen. It has a retention system that keeps a firm grasp on the bottle while riding. It can hold bottles all the way up to 33 ounces, which means the ability to hold more water. This cage is made from flexible materials so it keeps any bottle snug. 

You do need to thread holes into the frame of your bike to attach this cage but, once it is on, it stays in place. It comes with bots and the manufacturer promises a refund or replacement unit if there is a problem with the cage you purchase.

Pros

  • Installation is easy
  • Sporty design  
  • Holds water bottles up to 33 ounces
  • Sturdy material  
  • Problem products will be replaced or refund given

Cons

  • Can be stiff
  • Doesn’t work well with carbon fiber bikes

Who Should Purchase This?

If style matters to you this might be the right fit. It has a sporty look that would likely match all kinds of bikes. More so, this holder is a great choice for anyone who plans on bringing a bottle that is larger in size.

Matte Black Bike Water Bottle Cage

Our final water bottle cage is somewhat like the others but it is still unique in it’s own way. It is matte black in color and is made with a retention system to your bottle doesn’t shake around when you are riding. It can fit bottles up to 33 ounces and the cage part is designed to be flexible. 

It has an aluminum alloy finish and it weighs in at 1.69 ounces. They offer a refund or replacement if you are unhappy with your purchase and the mounting holes, which are oval, make for easier positioning on the frame. The bolts needed for installation are included.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Durable material  
  • Sleek finish
  • Lightweight  
  • Fits bottle up to 33 ounces

Cons

  • Might stretch
  • May scratch bottles

Who Should Purchase This?

This cage is also a great idea for someone who doesn’t have the standard shaped water bottle. It’s also a nice choice for the rider who wants a sleek look to their bike.

Conclusion

Mountain biking is a lifestyle and not something the novice should take lightly. That said, when starting out on a journey to conquer a sport like this, it is always best to be prepared. Water should be a number one priority in life let alone during exercise routines as challenging as this one. 

One of these water bottle cages should appeal to your personal needs. If you found this article helpful please let us know in the comments section or share it with your friends and family.