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I’ve got no bottle
 

I’ve got no bottle

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Taking the view that there’s no such thing as being overbiked, I’ve built up a mad trail bike with a Bergamont DH frame and Zebs giving me 210/190 travel, 220/200 rotors, etc.  It’s a total giggle to ride, climbs surprisingly well for what it is, and is my go to machine when I’m nipping out for a local ride around my Peaks trails.

The only downside is there’s nowhere to but a bottle which means having to grab my Camelback, making nipping out a teeny bit more effort.

I’d much rather stick a tiny saddle bag on for basic tools and just grab a bottle when I go.

But where can I put a bottle?
The top tube is out because of the seat tube brace and leaving me enough ‘clearance’.

Seat mounts cages always seem a bit exposed and I can see the bottles bouncing out on big hits.  Also, it would probably give me problems with th saddle bag - I suppose I could use an enduro strap on the frame instead.

Any thoughts or experience of how I can keep my big smiles but through moistened lips?


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 8:23 pm
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Sadly I suspect a bum bag with bottle pocket/s is going to be the least obtrusive option.


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 8:56 pm
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Two example ideas comes to mind...

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Topeak-Cage-Mount_34453.htm (I have one somewhere in the spares boxes, was great for third bottle during '18 heatwave)

https://www.merlincycles.com/topeak-freeloader-stem-bag-1l-284365.html (yet to try it, but bought a PlanetX version of this few years back)


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 10:28 pm
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My lad's got a Polygon with no cage mounts. I've used fat zip ties and a rubber pad to mount a cage on the downtube. It's a bit exposed to mud but works at least.


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 10:32 pm
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This is the Zipmaster 3000. A plastic chopping board cut to a crudcatcher shape. Zip tied to the frame and 2 bottle cages bolted to it. An easy to reach 2 l of water carrying. 64F5F2E3-BFFA-4F4D-961D-1008BEBA3593


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 10:59 pm
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I do have bottle cages, and have completely ditched the pack these days.

However when I want a bit more water I chuck a folding water bottle into the rear pocket of my cargo bibs which have a roadie style rear pocket.

Maybe an option for shorter rides?

Or for anything under an hour just have a big swing better you go?


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 11:04 pm
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Title and first paragraph had me expecting to read that you'd built a bike too capable for your bravery and level of skill.

Behind the stem bag on the top tube, stick a small bladder or flexi bottle in it?

I reckon you could get a quarter litre inside the handlebar. Seal both ends, put a removable cap on the end of one of the grips.


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 11:16 pm
reeksy and reeksy reacted
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I used to use a pocket bottle when i had a frame without water carrying ability.
Can’t remember where I got it from but it’s a standard bottle (almost) with a tapered bottom. Would fit a rear jersey pocket. Obviously, you then need a jersey with pockets, a roadie top under a normal top can work in the current spring weather.

You can also get flexible bottles which you could strap to the frame or stuff in a pocket.


 
Posted : 25/04/2024 11:38 pm
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You can get saddle mount bottle cages. Or even on the bar.


 
Posted : 26/04/2024 3:43 am
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Peak District eh? Just drink direct from the streams or the reservoirs. What could possibly go wrong? 😆


 
Posted : 26/04/2024 3:54 am
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Finally put my Podsac stem/bar bottle bag on the hybrid at the weekend, due to the weather and wanting two bottles. Little bit of faff to fit it how I would like, but then absolutely fine on the road, stayed in position I wanted it and no threats of bottle jumping out.


 
Posted : 13/05/2024 1:24 pm
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Sweet rig - much more interesting than the latest enduro weapon.

As for a bottle, just get a small bumbag like the Camelbak Podium Flow.

I use mine for 95% of my rides now.


 
Posted : 13/05/2024 1:39 pm
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Behind the stem bag on the top tube

I know these are v popular, but is there a  quicker way to make any bike look extra stupid and ugly?


 
Posted : 13/05/2024 1:50 pm
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Make sure all your rides have a pub strategical at the half way point. It's the only sensible choice.


 
Posted : 13/05/2024 2:23 pm
integra, jeffl, jeffl and 1 people reacted
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I’ve got a brand new Lowe Alpine bum bag with a bottle holder like that Bontrager one. Lightflyte Hydro - it’s on vinted now if you’re interested.

IMG_9491IMG_9493


 
Posted : 14/05/2024 1:07 am