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.

[nscrbug]

X2 on the Arundel Sideloaders. I have 2 of these on my bike. I had to switch to sideloading cages when I bought my 51cm Cervelo, because standard cages would not work due to the small frame. Yeah, they are carbon like someone else already mentioned...but I did manage to find mine for $40 a piece at trisports.com, so while that is way more than I really wanted to spend on bottle cages...in the end, they do look nice on my bike. There is a much cheaper aluminum sideloading cage offered from Elite...$12.99 at Performance Bike.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...:referralID=NA

[OakLeaf]

Specialized has a nylon one for around $20.

I need a sideloader for my commuter. I rarely go far enough on it to need water, but it sure would be nice to have once in a while.

[Pedal Wench]

I have Velocity bottle cages that are adjustable, so they can be mounted much lower.

On another bike, it only had one set of bottle cage mounts, so I've had to go to the Profile Design seatpost mounts. Can't get used to using it while I'm rolling, but it's great when I'm stopped.

[tongue_tied]

I appreciate all of the feedback... I think I have a good idea of how I need to work it.

This is incredibly vain of me, probably, but what if I don't want a standard black (sideloader) cage... anyone know of manufacturers that make colored cages? Specifically either red or white?

[Pedal Wench]

The Velocity ones I have are pink, so I'll assume they come in other colors too.

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail...-173-0,00.html

[OakLeaf]

The Specialized Zee cages come in both red and white (also silver, black, matte black, and blue/white), but they're out of stock on the website. You might be able to find a dealer that has them in stock.

[spokewench]

I've had a couple of bikes that had very small triangles; so I would put one bottle in with sports drink type drinks on the bike (whatever size of bottle that would fit) and then carry a very small camelback on my back.

I know, I know, some people think you can't wear a camelback on a road bike; but I say why not????

spoke

[tulip]

I know, I know, some people think you can't wear a camelback on a road bike; but I say why not????

spoke

I've never heard of that restriction before.