Small Frame - no room for 2nd bottle cage

[velo]

I am about to take delivery on my new Wilier road bike that I've been having built up over the winter (will post pics after I get it tomorrow). The frame is a small and much to my chagrin, at this late stage it has been discovered that two bottle cages will not fit in the frame. Not the end of the world, but certainly something that I am not happy about. I know many here are small riders with even smaller frames. One bottle cage will NOT cut it and I don't like carrying water in my jersey - it's just uncomfortable enough to distract me. I've been googling for some other options, but wanted to know if any here have encountered this, what has worked for you. My first inclination is a rack (like tri riders use) under the saddle and carry tools in a wedge in front. Second is to use a camelback (and to heck what other roadies think :p). Any thoughts on this? I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

[goldfinch]

Same problem.

I tried the camelback and don't like it.

I bought this stem mount for a water bottle and it works perfect: http://www.cambriabike.com/King-Cage-Stem-Water-Bottle-Cage-Mount.asp

http://www.cambriabike.com/images/product/large/kingcage_stem_mount.jpg

But, you can't easily flip your bike over to change a tire.

For another bike I found another type of water bottle mount that goes off of the handlebar. For the life of me I can't remember who makes it and I can't find a link. Maybe tomorrow in the daylight I will look at the holder and see if there is a brand name on it. I like it. It doesn't interfere with flipping the bike over and it is really stable too.

I did not go for the cage off the rear because I have carbon rails on my seat and a carbon seat post. In restrospect, that might not have mattered as much as I thought.

[goldfinch]

Found the other mount I have, it is a Topeak cage mount:

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bottle-Cages/cagemount

http://www.topeak.com/mediafiles/products/2543/

I do not mount it so it is straight up and down, instead, it rides below the bars with the bottle facing forward at a slight angle up. It is easy to remove the bottle and it isn't in the way. The downside is that it is on your handlebars. I put it as close to the stem as I could.

[Catrin]

I use a hydration pack and like that fine but not all do. I love it for ice water :)

[Artista]

I don't like carrying regular water bottles in my jersey pockets but I don't mind carrying these soft water pouches (http://www.rei.com/product/849835/platypus-softbottle-water-bottle-17-fl-oz) because they're relatively flat. I keep filled pouches in the freezer so that I always have one ready to slip into my jersey pocket. By the time I finish the water in my bike mounted water bottle, the frozen water in the pouch is mostly melted and icy cold.

[luvmyguys]

I have a small frame, and while I can fit two bottle holders, I can only fit a small water bottle in the second one. So it only has one spot to put a bottle cage, or is it just that you can't fit a second bottle?

Which bike is it?

[Penny4]

Artista, those soft pouches from REI look great! Are they relatively durable?

[ny biker]

Artista, those soft pouches from REI look great! Are they relatively durable?

Agree! I want one. Or maybe two. I have two bottle cages but some rides don't have frequent enough rest stops to refill them often enough.

You can also get bottle holder that attaches to your seat post and holds two water bottles behind the saddle.

[Penny4]

Exactly! I'm thinking i could shove one in my seat bag, which is pretty big and I don't carry a ton in there. In the summer, I go through my 2 water bottles after about 30 miles or so.

[Artista]

The water pouches have been very durable. We used them 2-3 times a week last season and they still look new. Another benefit of the water pouch is that it can be flattened as the water level goes down, and rolled softly once it's empty so that it takes up very little space. The top third of the filled pouch sticks out of my jersey pocket but I've never had one fall out, even though I mountain bike with them.

[Pedal Wench]

I have the same problem with a new build so I'm gonna try this: http://www.xlab-usa.com/delta-wing.html The more expensive XLab Delta 200 has gotta good reviews with regard to the problem of the bottles bouncing out (a known problem with Profile Designs system.)

[tealtreak]

I use a camel back on road trips of more than 40 or so miles because I sweat so much even 3 bottles would not suffice. I have never given a second thought to what folks think, maybe because I think of myself as a mountain biker anyway......Plus as Catrin said- you can really get ice water to stay cold in a decent camelback! Heavenly when its 96!

[velo]

Goldfinch - thanks for the ideas. I'll check into first example you gave, but that is usually where I mount my computer, which can obviously go elsewhere on my handlebars. Even if you take the bottle out of the cage, does it make it difficult to flip over to change a tire? The second one is a good alternative, I think. It would have to go on my handlebars somewhere, but don't think it would go anywhere on the frame as it's oddly shaped.

Arista - I actually have one of those and they are really convenient for hiking, but I'm not sure I would like it for riding. For starters, it doesn't hold enough water for longer rides and secondly, it's a little cumbersome to get the water out when it gets low - using two hands as it get low because it's oddly shaped and rolling it up to get the last bits. Great for when you don't need a hand on the handlebars. :) It would be good to rehydrate when stopped, but not mid-ride, I think. Thank you, though!

Pedal Wench - that was what I was thinking of - behind the saddle, then I also like that wedge to use for tools that is in the first picture. Thank you for the link!

Teal - you know, I have to admit that 10 years ago I cared, but not any more. One thing life has taught me is that comfort trumps looks every.single.time. If you can be comfortable and look good, great, but if you have to choose, choose comfort. It's why you haven't seen me in high heels in a decade. ;) I'm thinking very much that a camelback is going to be the winner because I'm tired of trying to find a place to refill on long rides, which is just as often as not from some nice person's garden hose which tastes like crap. Might as well be comfortable and practical at the same time, right?

[nuliajuk]

It used to be possible to get bottle cages with clips for bikes that didn't have built-in bottle cage bosses. Perhaps you could get something like that to hold a cylindrical case for your tools, underneath the downtube. (Many touring bikes have bottle bosses under the down tube, usually used to carry the bottle of camp stove fuel.) That would leave the space behind the saddle clear for bottles.

[Artista]

Arista - I actually have one of those and they are really convenient for hiking, but I'm not sure I would like it for riding. For starters, it doesn't hold enough water for longer rides and secondly, it's a little cumbersome to get the water out when it gets low - using two hands as it get low because it's oddly shaped and rolling it up to get the last bits. Great for when you don't need a hand on the handlebars. :) It would be good to rehydrate when stopped, but not mid-ride, I think. Thank you, though!
Velo, this still may not be an acceptable solution, but I frequently carry 2 water pouches in addition to my regular water bottle. I've also been known to pour the water from the pouch into my empty water bottle so that I can access it more easily while I'm riding.

[tealtreak]

I don't have a small frame, but I've tried to use a hydration pack on a road bike, and found it quite uncomfortable. In a more upright position--mountain bike or hybrid, it's no problem.


It might be the type of pack- I ride in the drops- (belly to bar) all the time- especially down hill (FUN) and mine is comfy (: There are many styles/sizes/shapes (:

[OakLeaf]

As far as hydration pack ... I don't like to wear them on the bike either, but on the road bike, I let the shoulder straps all the way out and let the waist strap support the weight of the water on my hipbones. That's the only way I can wear it without straining my back. If needed, I CAN ride all day like that.

Nathan makes a hydration vest for MTB. I have no idea what it's like, but their running vests are EXTREMELY well balanced and comfortable, if that's any indication.

As far as triathlete water systems ... what about one of those frame mounted wedges with the straw? Expensive, but no more than a wearable pack. Would that leave you enough room for a second bottle on the seat tube?

[ny biker]

Velo, this still may not be an acceptable solution, but I frequently carry 2 water pouches in addition to my regular water bottle. I've also been known to pour the water from the pouch into my empty water bottle so that I can access it more easily while I'm riding.

That's how I would expect to use it. After both water bottles are empty, pour water from the pouch into one of them, then fold it up and stick it in the seat bag or handlebar bag.

[Trek420]

I have a small frame, and while I can fit two bottle holders, I can only fit a small water bottle in the second one. So it only has one spot to put a bottle cage, or is it just that you can't fit a second bottle?

Which bike is it?

4'11" here so natch a teeny, tiny frame. My custom frame fits two cages easily. The Trek 420 I had before had two as well. Both are touring so perhaps more relaxed style gives enough space. My habit is the larger bottle on the down tube, shorter bottle upright. When riding I drink from the down tube in motion and use the rear bottle as a back up, refill.

But if two would not fit I'd find a camel back I liked. And on a century or tour I carry that too anyway. You'll be fine. Congrats on the new ride. Pictures, please!

[Koronin]

My road bike has room for 2 water bottles, however my mountain bike not only can only hold 1 water bottle, it has to have a side holder (where you put the bottle in from the side, not the top) and cannot fit a full sized water bottle at all. I don't ride that one very often so it's never been an issue.

[velo]

Well, for now I have just one cage on it and will continue to look for low-profile cages that may allow two bottles to fit. I'm not going to need two bottles for a couple of months yet, so I have some time to figure something out. I just hate carrying bottles in my pockets, which I've done in the past for long rides, because I feel like my mind is on the bottle poking my back instead of the ride. I am going to send an email to Wilier and see what they say. Thanks all for the thought! I'll start a new thread to post the pics.

[tulip]

For long, hot rides, you can attach a double waterbottle cage to the back of your saddle. They are out of the way enough, usually, unless you really scoot back on climbs. I usually carry an extra bottle in my jersey pocket (middle) for really hot rides. My 49cm frame does have room for two cages/bottles, but the bottle on the seat tube must be a short bottle. Some cages are side entry, which might work for your, too.

I dislike carrying water on my back with a camelback. It really fatigues my neck and shoulders.

[velo]

For long, hot rides, you can attach a double waterbottle cage to the back of your saddle.

That's what I meant when I was talking about "tri bottle cage". The only problem is that I ride almost exclusively solo, and really want that "space" for a decent saddle bag because I need to be self-supporting on my rides.

However!! The good news is that I think that I have found a solution. I have like 20 bottle cages loose and on different bikes, and I just spent some time yesterday swapping out different configurations to pinpoint the exact problem spot and how to fit them in. I found a "style" that worked! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CSUOJ2/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=) So, I have two on order that will match my frame. Yay! Just needed to use the old noodle and attack the problem logically.

[Seajay]

I am about to take delivery on my new Wilier road bike that I've been having built up over the winter (will post pics after I get it tomorrow). The frame is a small and much to my chagrin, at this late stage it has been discovered that two bottle cages will not fit in the frame. Not the end of the world, but certainly something that I am not happy about. I know many here are small riders with even smaller frames. One bottle cage will NOT cut it and I don't like carrying water in my jersey - it's just uncomfortable enough to distract me. I've been googling for some other options, but wanted to know if any here have encountered this, what has worked for you. My first inclination is a rack (like tri riders use) under the saddle and carry tools in a wedge in front. Second is to use a camelback (and to heck what other roadies think :p). Any thoughts on this? I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Are there two sets of bottle bosses but no room or only one set? If 2...Sometimes you can use a spacer to move one bottle up a bit to create room. Specialized has side entry cages that work well with small frames.
The other option is to mount a bottle cage off the back of the saddle.
16026

[pll]

If there are two sets of bottle bosses, perhaps a magnetic mount?

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/accessories/water-bottle/product/review-vincero-design-edge-16-mount-stratus-bottle-12-46168

[velo]

I should have updated after my post #24 - those bottle cages that I linked to worked, so no more issues. Yay! I also discovered braze-ons on the underside of the frame, although I doubt that there would be wheel clearance for another water bottle mount. Two cages are enough for most of my rides and on those that I need to refill, I plan in advance, so I think I'm good to go. Thanks!

[pll]

I should have updated after my post #24 - those bottle cages that I linked to worked, so no more issues. Yay! I also discovered braze-ons on the underside of the frame, although I doubt that there would be wheel clearance for another water bottle mount. Two cages are enough for most of my rides and on those that I need to refill, I plan in advance, so I think I'm good to go. Thanks!

Congratulations! Not being able to take two bottles in the frame would be major! The additional bosses might be for other stuff, like a pump.