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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?
Sadly I suspect a bum bag with bottle pocket/s is going to be the least obtrusive option.
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)
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.
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. 
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?
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.
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.
You can get saddle mount bottle cages. Or even on the bar.
Peak District eh? Just drink direct from the streams or the reservoirs. What could possibly go wrong? 😆
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.
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.
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?
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.


