My Vanity and Pretty Tacx Bottle Cages

[smurfalicious]

Today was supposed to be such an awesome day. I was gonna go to work early, get my joyous box of bike goodies, go home and ride. And, mind you all that happened but I only got to work early because sleeping was not in the cards and I just gave up.

Anyway, got home with my pretty Tacx Tao cages and fought tooth and nail to get the stupid things off the card. Then I struggled like mad to put them on only to finally realize that duh, even though it looks weird the long end of my Pedro's hex wrenches work. Duh! Wow, and I built an entire bike, and it hasn't collapsed.... Miracle upon miracles.

Okay, so problem number one. When I put the first one on I got it feeling erm, semi-snug and gave another maybe half turn because last time I went just to that point they got loose after just a few rides. Anyway, there was a small creak and I'm freaking because it's a carbon frame. The bosses are metal, and I'm 80% sure it was the cage leveling because the had a bit of a bend to them. I did the other three bolts about the same tightness with no issue. Ack, someone calm me down.

The second problem is there is no way on this green earth I can get the seat tube bottle in and out while riding. My frame is really compact for a 52cm and the absurdly fat tubing on this bike doesn't help. I really don't want to send them back, there are no side entry cages that get me all twittery. So I'm tempted to hack the little rubber center bit so I can pull it forward and out. Just afraid it won't hold at all. Any chance someone has tried this? I can't find anything on the intertubes.

Argh, they just look so perfect. Why must I be so stinking short?

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/004.jpg

[Pedal Wench]

First, take a few deep breaths.

Good.

Gorgeous bike, gorgeous cages.

I have a similar issue with one of my Bianchis. Two solutions - shorter bottles. And, I found that if I take the bottle out to the right, it doesn't hit the brake cable housing. Looks like you have just enough clearance to try that too.

[arielmoon]

I love the look, it has lovely symmetry right down to the bottles themselves. I might have to look into finding those! I think they would look sharp in my pink bottle cages!

I hope you can get it to work!

[reddDesign]

I have a 50cm bike, with two cages, and a pump that fits on the frame.

Holy heck I have problems even getting short water bottles out...long ones won't fit at all!

So yeah...try shorter bottles...they'll give you more of an angle to get them out.

[kenyonchris]

I have the same problem. I have Arundel cages...

http://www.arundelbike.com/products.html

they are FABULOUS, come in all different types (yes, they are carbon and yes, expensive!) including side entry....

I lived with one short bottle and one tall bottle for a while, but in Texas heat that doesn't cut it on a long ride.

I promise these will make you twittery!

Nice bike!

[sundial]

Shorter bottles should do the trick. I really do like the clean lines of your cages. :cool:

[Eden]

I ride a 44cm frame - only short bottles will fit (no matter what cages I use). I tried Tacx cages, but they were much to difficult to remove the bottles from. I didn't have to go to side entry ones, but I did switch to a style that is split all of the way down the front so I don't have to pull the bottle so far out to free them.

[batsheva]

it would be such a shame to remove those water cages - they look so hot!

i ride a 47cm frame and when the water is all gone from the bigger bottle on my downtube, i pour the liquid from the shorter bottle on the seattube into the big one that IS easy to access... it only takes 20 seconds...

batsheva

[smurfalicious]

Okay, I have been assured by my dealer/coworker/wishful BFF (her husband is adamant she needs more friends, but I ride too slow for her and she doesn't eat meat, drink beer or coffee so we have little do but BS at work) that I have not killed my bike. She also reminded me the B2 Bomber is largely carbon and my bike can take gentle hand tightening of bottle cages. Whew.

When I had standard plain old cages, you know the little bent metal ones that are like, $2 it was still a tight fit. I always rock a short bottle and a long bottle, and usually dump the contents of short into long because the long one on the downtube is easier to get to. So for illustration purposes, here are the bottles I have collected, with ya know, some other familiar objects for perspective.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/005.jpg

From left to right we have a 24oz Polar Bottle (whose lid reappeared post picture, yay), 24oz Camelback Podium, 12oz of Blueberry deliciousness, 20oz Polar Bottle, LBS bottle of slightly larger than average size, 21oz Camelback Podium, local running store bottle of average size stolen from jerkface old roommate (kind of on accident), and 12oz of hoptastic goodness from Oskar Blues (first microbrewery to can, awh yeah).

I think if I just slit the rubber up front I could get it in and out, but would it hold? If my engineering degree holding roommate wasn't working in Alaska for two weeks I'm sure he could figure something out. There's just no wiggle room in the height adjustment. But, if we redrilled it. Ugh, do you see how much I love these cages? They're just sooooo perfect!

I guess I could rock the TACX on the downtube and something else in the back but no matchy-matchy? Anyone who has seen Candy knows I'm a sucker for aesthetics, and this is THE nicest bike I've ever owned and I want it to look hot, because the hotter it looks the more I want to ride him. He is El Tiburon (not named after the cheesy song by Proyecto Uno, but a that song is about a guy who is always snagging other guy's girls and in some weird way it seems fitting) so he must look fierce!

[hilldweller]

Can you not just drink from the one you can get in and out, and swap them over when that one's empty? Or do have one for water and one for energy drink or something?

[Karma007]

Okay. That just looks hot. If it weren't for having to actually drink out of them...

[lunacycles]

Your bike is designed for Dale's Pale Ale or Bud Light only on the seat tube. I agree that Dale's is one fine brew in a can. No, really, they should have put one of the bottle cage bosses below the front derailleur mount-it usually works well there and still allows for a bigger bottle...but, nevermind...

If you are ready to explore with other cages, you might consider the one made by Velocity. Not nearly so space agey and blendy with the frame, but they have some adjustability in how they attach so you could get it a few mm lower on the seat tube and probably have good access that way. The only side-access cages I have seen don't impress me.

[wackyjacky1]

Your bike is designed for Dale's Pale Ale or Bud Light only on the seat tube.

+1. That will have to be your carb replacement drink. :)

[ZenSojourner]

Camelback.

'Nuff said.

[ilima]

Can you not just drink from the one you can get in and out, and swap them over when that one's empty? Or do have one for water and one for energy drink or something?

That's what I do. The bottle on the down tube is the one I drink from. I switch the bottles out when I stop or if I'm riding in a place where it's safe to switch them; just hold one bottle in your mouth when you make the switch.

[Eden]

Camelback.

'Nuff said.

not really - some of us would find this to be terribly uncomfortable and/or have other reasons that we cannot use one and need a solution that allows bottles

[ZenSojourner]

Have you ever used one? I'm not sure what sort of discomfort you fear, but I've never had any.

At any rate, for those of us who's properly configured bike frames don't allow easy access to water bottles, a camelback is a wonderful thing. Also, I've found since switching to a camelback I drink more frequently. I actually don't use the camelback brand, my first one was a camelback, but the ones I'm using now have velcro closures instead of the narrow opening on the camelback, basically I can clean it much more easily. It's open all the way across the top, then you velcro it closed and roll it up kind of like a dry bag. I have 2 sizes, one as big as I could get for those 50 to 75 mile rides, and a smaller one for short rides/commuting.

If you don't like 'em, don't use 'em, but don't dismiss it out of hand for everyone. My camelback means I can ride with one to no bottles, still have my frame pump, and not have to worry about dehydrating. I literally do not notice it up there on my back. And I ride in some heat, over 100 on blacktop.

Otherwise I'd have to carry water in my panniers and stop to get a drink, because I only have room for one small water bottle on my short-person, small-frame bike. And it's hard to get in and out while riding.

I'm awful glad I don't have to try to manage with "traditional" water bottles.

[sundial]

All Camelbaks are not created equal. Some do sit wrong on the back, or the straps dig into the shoulder, or what have you. I have one and use it occasionally--even on my mtb. I usually carry water bottles.

[ZenSojourner]

Just like a bike seat, or a whole bike for that matter - find one that fits YOU.

:D

[MartianDestiny]

I swear by my camelbak on the mountain bike.

Thought I wouldn't care on the road bike. WRONG. I didn't care when I rode with it, but then I rode without it. Huge difference. I still wear it on the mountain bike (only reasonable way to keep the amounts of water, food, first aid, and bike tools I need on a mtn. ride with me) but not again on the roadie (unless it's a crazy long, unassisted, leisurely ride).

I have XS, sloping top tube frames. I've still managed to get two full sized bottles on them (side loading cages are my friend). I do have to switch the seattube bottle to the downtube cage to use it, but I haven't found that to be a big deal.

I can see how a bike any smaller than mine would relegate someone to smaller bottles, which could necessitate alternative means of hydration on longer rides. Not many bikes are smaller than mine though! The OP could, if she chose, go to side loaders and run full size (or very nearly) in both cages. I can see why she wouldn't want to though with the awesome matching job she's done.

Camelbaks work for some applications, but they aren't the end all and be all some try to make them out to be. Certainly they have their drawbacks.

[Eden]

Not sure why you are so defensive.... I never said they were bad for everyone, they just aren't the end all and be all solution for everyone. Personally I have a bad shoulder and any strap, even on a light, well supported backpack would bother me pretty quickly. I also race and would not be able to use one then even if I wanted to, so I need to be able to use my bottle cages.

There's nothing wrong with them. It's good that a camelback works for you, but its not really "nuff said", some of us do need to use bottle cages and need to talk about solutions using them.

[ZenSojourner]

" 'Nuff said" was intended to be humorous, not whatever you seem to think it was. Which I frankly can't quite figure out.

Interesting that you characterize me explaining my point of view as "defensive". LOL!

Like I said, if it doesn't work for you, don't use it - and I know from shoulder pain, I'm still recovering from frozen shoulder and don't have full range of motion in that shoulder, probably never will again.

Between the bad shoulder on the left, and the bad elbow on the right, I just don't want to be struggling with getting a water bottle in and out of a cage with next to no clearance, LOL!

All I'm saying is that a camelback-style hydration system is an option. And again, if it doesn't work for you, that's a shame, nobody says you have to use it after all. It all depends on your motivation to try something new and different, which is probably lacking if you have enough room on your bike to fit a couple of full size bottles, and the mobility to feel comfortable reaching around to snag them.

For me, the camelback gives me all the water I need for even long rides, leaving the frame mounted water bottle for gatorade. So when I stop, I can wriggle the water bottle out and have some alternate hydration to go with my peanut butter crackers, raisins, or dates, and still have easy access to water while I ride.

[canonsue]

I use a camelbak with my mountain bike, but have not ridden my new road bike enough to see if I would like it or not. However, I think for very long rides and touring it probably is a good idea for me.

I will say that last time I backpacked it was great to not have to take off the pack to find my water bottle. (oops, wrong forum)

-Sue

[tzvia]

I almost make 5'2" if I try very hard to stand up real straight, and ride a 44cm Ruby. As much as I would like to use a light weight beautiful cage like those, I know I will need to yank the seat-tube bottle sideways, so I use these:
http://home.earthlink.net/~l.segal/images/bottles.jpg

They are Elite Ciussi tubular SS cages. Not as light or pretty as the CF cages I wish I could use, but they 'give' a bit so I can get the bottle out. They look kinda retro on a CF bike, but I just don't have the room to pull the bottle straight up. They do work great; I've never lost a bottle, even on my MTB (use it for an energy drink.)

Camelbacks are fine for MTB, where you need to carry more water than you would on a road bike (no 711 on the mountain side), but the weight, carried high on the back or hips, just does not feel right on a road ride IMO. I used to do that, but went back to the bottle, and much prefer it.

[smurfalicious]

Your bike is designed for Dale's Pale Ale or Bud Light only on the seat tube. I agree that Dale's is one fine brew in a can. No, really, they should have put one of the bottle cage bosses below the front derailleur mount-it usually works well there and still allows for a bigger bottle...but, nevermind...

If you are ready to explore with other cages, you might consider the one made by Velocity. Not nearly so space agey and blendy with the frame, but they have some adjustability in how they attach so you could get it a few mm lower on the seat tube and probably have good access that way. The only side-access cages I have seen don't impress me.

Ha ha yes indeed that is the answer. If only it was a cross bike, then it would be 100% appropriate. I do, actually, enjoy taking a long ride out to Oskar Blues, chilling on the patio for a burger and beer, filling up water bottles, emptying my bladder and heading home.

I'm just frustrated because my friend I bought it from seems to think it's no big deal that I have to use a "solution" type cage on a 52.5cm frame. Blue is a small company, certainly she can put a bug in someone's ear. This is a totally racey bike, and I plan to race on it so I need two functional cages, and I ideally they should make me swoon. There's a size smaller than mine, what in the world are they supposed to do?

So that said, Camelbak is um, way out. I think that looks so dorky on the road.* Not to mention out on the road, as opposed to in the trees, you're in the sun all the time and those things get HOT! I've lived in BFE, and do most of my riding on BFE roads and there's nowhere so far that hasn't been more than two water bottles away from a quicky mart with fresh, cold beverages. I like to carry different things, and refilling a Camelbak sounds like such a hassle. And I've found that much like eating in front of a TV riding with a Camelbak makes me drink too much. And unlike rural Oregon there a way fewer places to steathfully pee.

Now there is the new Camelback Racebak that is part baselayer, and part Camelbak, but it just sounds like a laundry nightmare if I wanted to use it regularly. However, it might be my crit solution because I am so lopsided that I could take out a whole pack trying to get my bottles. So bad that I might end up going 45 minutes with no water. I've never done a crit, but I doubt that's "just what you do."

*Note I said, "think." This is merely my opinion and nothing to get butthurt over.

[Eden]

tzvia - I ride a 44cm ruby too. I've got these cageshttp://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/20-4442-CAR-ANGLE.jpg
and they work great for me. This design with the front open and very low works nicely. They have enough give to get the bottles in and out, but they are stiff enough to keep them securely held. They are light and pretty good looking to boot. (not to mention pretty cheap for carbon cages at $30 each) When I first got them I was afraid they'd break - they look and feel so fragile, but I've had them for a couple of years now with no problems.

[SnappyPix]

I have the same problem. I have Arundel cages...

http://www.arundelbike.com/products.html

they are FABULOUS, come in all different types (yes, they are carbon and yes, expensive!) including side entry....

I lived with one short bottle and one tall bottle for a while, but in Texas heat that doesn't cut it on a long ride.

I promise these will make you twittery!

Nice bike!

Kenyonchris, thanks for the heads-up on the Arundel cages.
They're exactly what I've been looking for. I have an XS frame and struggle even with 500ml bottles.
They even do right and left side entry versions. :)

Sorry for the hijack, Smurf.
Hope you find the right cage for you.
Tall order as the Tao cages do look good with your frame, together with the Camelbak bottles.
I currently have the Taos on my frame - but have exactly the same problems. :o

[sundial]

" 'Nuff said" was intended to be humorous, not whatever you seem to think it was. Interesting that you characterize me explaining my point of view as "defensive". LOL!


It can come across wrong, and it was a little unsettling for me. ;) Impressions are limited to typed replies. :)

I do enjoy my Camelbak and it does fit. I start wearing it on the road bike during long rides when temps are above 90 so that I don't get too dehydrated. I also use it on the mtb, but lately my preferences have shifted to bottle cages.

[lunacycles]

I almost make 5'2" if I try very hard to stand up real straight, and ride a 44cm Ruby. As much as I would like to use a light weight beautiful cage like those, I know I will need to yank the seat-tube bottle sideways, so I use these:
http://home.earthlink.net/~l.segal/images/bottles.jpg

They are Elite Ciussi tubular SS cages. Not as light or pretty as the CF cages I wish I could use, but they 'give' a bit so I can get the bottle out. They look kinda retro on a CF bike, but I just don't have the room to pull the bottle straight up. They do work great; I've never lost a bottle, even on my MTB (use it for an energy drink.)

Camelbacks are fine for MTB, where you need to carry more water than you would on a road bike (no 711 on the mountain side), but the weight, carried high on the back or hips, just does not feel right on a road ride IMO. I used to do that, but went back to the bottle, and much prefer it.

On this bike Specialized used their collective brain and put one of the bottle bosses BELOW the front derailleur clamp on the seat tube. On Smurf's bike they are both above the clamp. Your bike is smaller than Smurf's but fits a bottle hers won't. It's not the cage that is magical. It is someone thinking about details.

[VeloVT]

Poor Smurf. I keep looking at the picture and hoping that some magical solution will pop into my head.

At first I was having a hard time wrapping my head around it because my bike is a smallar than yours and compact (XS/49 with a 51.5 cm virtual tt), and even though it's a bit tight, I can functionally fit two 24oz bottles on it -- they *do* have to be the new wide-mouth, screw top style that's a teeny bit shorter than the old "flip-top" style, but I can actually use them both while riding.

9101

But as Margo points out, the lower boss on my bike is below the derailleur mount. Grrr. Boo on Blue.

Have you thought about Arundel side loader cages? I have regular Arundel cages on the bike in the picture and I've been very happy -- they're very solid but also reasonably flexible. Not that light though.

Anyway, I hope you find something that works. I empathize!

[madscot13]

I am 5'2" on tall days (although the doc tells me that I am now 5'1" on very tall days). My trek has a waterbottle brazeon below and above the derailleur. it helps to get the bottle out. I also have on the underside but I use that one for my pump.

has anyone considered the side pull out cages? I like to use a frame bag and that makes it a bit harder to pull out the bottle when I am cycling

[tzvia]

0000h I had not noticed that the Blue puts both bosses above the clamp... I can't imagine anyone thinking that there would be enough room for a decent sized water bottle on the small frames.

I took a peek at the Arundel bottles at their website, and I am mighty tempted to get two of those side entry cages; they look mighty nice. But I have to really convince myself, as the Inox cages work rather well and are well made (they just look so dated.)

Maybe they would work well on that Blue.

[smurfalicious]

Yeah, side mount cages would work, sure, but they don't give me that Assos mentholated cream feeling in my chamois. I picked these out before I even brought the bike home. I saw them, squealed, and just knew they'd look poifect.

I can get by with plain old boring standard cages I just don't want to. I'm so stupidly vain that I'm half tempted to send my frame to Calfee to see if they can fix it. Actually, I'm tempted to see if there are any local carbon builders. Ha, right? But this is like, cycling central so who knows?

[sundial]

I'd hate to see you give up on those bottle cages. It's such a neato fashion accessory. :cool:

[HillSlugger]

Those Tacx cages are my favorite, too. I only take the bottle out of the front cage while riding and use the one on the seat tube for refilling the others since I also have a bit of a clearance problem.

[ZenSojourner]

Yeah, side mount cages would work, sure, but they don't give me that Assos mentholated cream feeling in my chamois.

:eek:

[crazycanuck]

Smurf..man I love your posts :cool:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I can get by with plain old boring standard cages I just don't want to. I'm so stupidly vain that I'm half tempted to send my frame to Calfee to see if they can fix it. Actually, I'm tempted to see if there are any local carbon builders. Ha, right?

It's obvious to me that you should throw that frame right in the dumpster and have them build a whole new one around the bottle cages. ;)

[fidlfreek]

+1 on the Arundel side entry cages. They work like a dream on my 49cm compact frame.

They come in righty and lefty styles so you can use whichever hand feels most comfortable. And they look SO SO smooth :)

[7rider]

It's obvious to me that you should throw that frame right in the dumpster and have them build a whole new one around the bottle cages. ;)

You sound like my DH, The Enabler.

Me: "Hon. I got a flat tire."
He: "Well, maybe you just need a new bike!"
:rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You sound like my DH, The Enabler.

Me: "Hon. I got a flat tire."
He: "Well, maybe you just need a new bike!"
:rolleyes:

Hey, he sounds like a great guy! :D