Small Frame - no room for 2nd bottle cage

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

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.

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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 (:

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?

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Originally Posted by Artista

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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?

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by tulip

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

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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! So, I have two on order that will match my frame. Yay! Just needed to use the old noodle and attack the problem logically.

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Originally Posted by 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!

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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.
Attachment 16026

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

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/c...ottle-12-46168

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!

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Originally Posted by 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!

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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.