Cages + Water Bottle Clearance = Advice

[tongue_tied]

I installed a water bottle cage on my seat tube, however I noticed that when I try and put my 24 oz. CamelBak podium bottle in it, it doesn't clear the top tube and I can't get it in the cage. Anyone know of other cages that have a deeper bottom so this water bottle can settle lower on the seat tube?

[OakLeaf]

Try a side entry cage. Lots of manufacturers make them.

[tongue_tied]

Try a side entry cage. Lots of manufacturers make them.

But the top of the bottle still hits the top tube which doesn't allow it to fit. If the depth of the side entry cage is still the same, my water bottle would still be too tall.

[rubywagon]

I had the same problem and had to downsize to the 21 oz Camelbak podium bottle. It still is a little bothersome getting it out of the cage, but it fits.

[tulip]

I use a smaller water bottle on my seat tube and a larger one on the downtube. I think that's the only solution. You lose 3 oz., but it has not been an issue for me.

[MartianDestiny]

It doesn't necessarily need a deeper bottom if the mounting holes are higher on the cage (making the cage sit relatively lower).

This would be an issue of going to the bike shop and measuring distances, finding a cage that has "sliding" mounts (larger, elliptical, holes so you can position where you want rather than one fixed circular hole), or I believe they also may make an "adaptor" of sorts that would effectively change the position of your mounting holes (basically a piece of metal/plastic that has mounts for your cage AND another set of mounts that will mount to your bike and lower the cage).

Lots of potential solutions.

However, if you want to actually get that bottle in and out of the cage while you are riding you'll still likely want a side entry in addition to the fix because the fit will still be quite tight.

I use Arudel "sideloaders" http://www.arundelbike.com/products.html With no issues at all. Never lost a bottle. Unfortunately, because they are carbon, they aren't the cheapest out there. Hopefully they will soon make a "plastic" version of this because they are great cages. (Also, you'll note if you look at the close up picture of these that they are drilled for two mounting positions to help alleviate your current problem as well).

I manage to get two full sized (24 oz) standard bike bottles (a camelbak bottle would not fit, they are taller) on an Extra Small, sloping top tube, thick tubed, carbon frame. And I can access both of them on a ride. There are many a trick and it can be done

[GLC1968]

I use a smaller water bottle on my seat tube and a larger one on the downtube. I think that's the only solution. You lose 3 oz., but it has not been an issue for me.

This was my solution for my mountain bike.

You could also get the adapter that allows you to put bottle cages on the back of your saddle - I did this on my second road bike that didn't even have holes on the seat tube because the frame was so small.