I’ve got no bottle

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?

https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p3pb26125950/p3pb26125950.jpg

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.

https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/accessories/packs-luggage/bontrager-rapid-pack-one-size-in-black__20401

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?

Make sure all your rides have a pub strategical at the half way point. It’s the only sensible choice.

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.