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Best Bike Water Bottle Holders
While simple in their design, bike water bottle holders (or better known as water bottle cages) will differ from one another in several different ways. Knowing what to look for (such as the materials, compatibility, and stability) in each model is going to help you select the ideal model you need.
And, that is where we come into play. We have taken a lot of the guesswork out for you. With the assistance of this guide, you will gather the knowledge you need to pick the best bike water bottle holders that you know will work well for you.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Stability
The main order for a bike bottle holder is to securely hold your water bottle, period.
Without question, the primary function of bike water bottle holders is to hold your water bottle while you are biking securely. For them to do that, they must be designed in a manner that prevents your container from bouncing up and down. But, from model to model, the secure retention system may be different.
More traditional alloy cages are preferred for the secure grips that they provide to your water bottles. However, some designs will sport wraparound structures that will be used to secure the body of your bottle. But, these can be somewhat troublesome when riding on rocky roads. Also, some engineers will implement rubber collars or inserts to absorb the impact of the road better.
Of course, this is where things can get tricky. After all, you want your bottle cage to keep your water bottle in place. You also need to be able to access and remove it without hassle. So, in other words, a container that is too secure can also be an issue.
Ideally, look for retention systems that achieve the best of both worlds. Thankfully, there are many of them out there that do such with excellent efficiency.
Materials
Your second order of business is to find a model that is made with high-quality materials.
The most common bike water bottle holders will either be engineered from carbon fiber, aluminum alloy or plastic. Out of the three, carbon fiber and aluminum alloy tend to be preferred. But, between the two, which one is better?
Let’s start with alloy cages as these tend to be the most popular. While they tend to be the heaviest of the bunch, they can typically be easily bent to accommodate different bottles. Additionally, alloy cages are durable, for the most part.
The reason we say “for the most part” is it depends on the grade of aluminum alloy that is used. Arguably the best is 6061 as this is a medium to high strength alloy. It is also heat-treatable, which is why you will so many alloy cages being heat-treated. This aluminum alloy also has an extremely high resistance to corrosion.
But, carbon fiber is just that much better. It can be seen as the premium material when it comes to all types of components. Though it comes at a cost, carbon fiber is lighter, stronger, and stiffer than aluminum. But, for bike water bottle holders, the difference in performance is very minimal.
Weight
Most models will be light enough so you will never notice them installed. But, some will be lighter than others.
For some of you, it will be a priority to add as little weight as possible to your bike. Whether for performance or portability reasons, it will be very important to some of you. Thankfully, you can take comfort in knowing that most water bottle cages are pretty darn light (and that is putting it lightly).
Most models will range anywhere from 29 to 70 grams in total weight. And, even the difference between 29 and 70 grams is very minimal. To put it in perspective, let’s convert this to ounces. The same range is roughly 1 to 2.5 ounces, respectively. Yeah, you can see that the difference is not substantial in the slightest.
But, if you require the lightest models on the market, then you may want to stick with carbon fiber. Again, carbon fiber is much lighter than aluminum. Of course, aluminum itself is known for being light when compared to various other metals.
You also need to keep in mind that the weight of your actual water bottle (when filled) will be more than the cage itself. Also, keep that in mind if you are looking to literally save every gram of weight possible.
Compatibility
Not only does the bottle holder you buy need to be compatible with your water bottle but also your bike itself.
There are two crucial buying decisions that you need to make to choose a bike bottle holder that will work for your needs. Firstly, you need to know the water bottle size you have. After all, if it will not fit in the cage, then you will be in a pickle.
Now, most bike water bottle holders are going to hold standard water bottles. One of the advantages of some designs, though, is they will allow you to adjust to accommodate larger or even smaller water bottles. Of course, as noted, alloy cages can often be bent in different positions (which can also be useful).
However, you also need to check to make sure that the bottle cage you buy will install on your bike. For the record, you can purchase models with either a front mount or rear mount system. The main reason to go with a rear mount system would be if you did not want to sacrifice the aerodynamics of your bike.
Anyway, either way, you will need to install the holder to your bike frame (most of them, anyway). To do this, your frame will need to have pre-drilled, threaded holes. Later, we will talk about what to do if this becomes an issue.
Color
Even though it is subtle, you may want a bottle holder that matches the style of your bike.
When you add accessories and components to your bike, ideally, you want to make it, so everything matches. The last thing you want is componentry that is randomly colored. And, even though the color of your bottle holder will not alter the performance of it, it can be important for this reason.
Some sellers will do you solace by selling their model in a plethora of different colors. Meanwhile, others will not be so kind. Anyway, while you should not base the crux of your purchase on visual appeal, look for a style you like. Oh yeah, and you can never go wrong with black or silver finishes.
But, could you not just paint the bottle holder a different color? Well, you could, but here are some things to consider. Firstly, for alloy cages, you will want to buy special spray paint that is designed to adhere to aluminum. Secondly, for carbon fiber, things can be a bit trickier as you may want to sand it down first.
The safe bet is to avoid doing this only. After all, you may void any included warranty if you wanted to send the bottle holder back.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bike Water Bottle Holders
1. Wiel Carbon Fiber Bottle Holder
While most bike water bottle holders are actually engineered from heat-treated aluminum, this water bottle cage is actually engineered from carbon fiber. Oh yeah, and you also get two of these with your purchase.
Read moreStability
Even if you plan to ride over rough terrain, this bottle holder will still hold securely. Without question, it has been designed to keep your water bottle safely (while still allowing for easy removal).
Materials
As noted, this has been engineered from carbon fiber. When it comes to bicycle components, it is pretty much universally agreed that carbon fiber is the best.
Weight
And, one of the reasons why carbon fiber is so lovely is due to its strength-to-weight ratio. As strong as this bottle cage is, it still manages only to weigh 29 grams.
Compatibility
While the included screws are certainly not the best (you may want to use some of your own), the installation is not going to be too tricky. Also, this measures 2.87 to 2.91 inches in diameter and is optimized for standard-sized bottles.
Colors
If you are not a fan of the black and red color option, then you can go with the silver alternative. Either way, honestly, both options are designed well visually.
Overall
Sure, this option is a bit more expensive than others. However, that is the price you pay for carbon fiber. While some of you may not deem it necessary to upgrade from aluminum alloy to carbon fiber, it is beside the point.
2. Dimples Excel Water Bottle Cage
Now, this bottle cage is a lot like many of the others on this list. Of course, it manages to somewhat master the concept of an aluminum alloy bottle holder.
Read moreStability
Due to the co-molded grip surface, this manages to stay secure and stable while you are riding.
Materials
For optimal strength, this is one of the many bike water bottle holders that is made of 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum alloy tubing. This is much better than inferior grades of aluminum.
Weight
As you do get a pack of two with your purchase, each cage weighs 69 grams. This is a bit heavy when compared to the rest of the competition but can still be considered extremely lightweight.
Compatibility
Some buyers reported that they never received the screws needed to install this holder on their bike frame. Past that, this is designed to fit standard water bottles.
Colors
It is noted that this is actually available in one of four different colors. Options have been made for black, silver, red and blue.
Overall
This pack of two provides arguably the best value on this entire list. Simply put, these are some of the best aluminum alloy water bottle cages that you can get your hands on.
3. Ibera Bottle Cage
Mark this down as arguably the most popular entry on this list. Due to its lightweight nature, mostly durable core, and ovalized design, it is no surprise to see why.
Read moreStability
Two design implementations allow this to provide superior stability. Firstly, the design is ovalized, and this helps to fit water bottles naturally. Secondly, it is also equipped with sturdy side ribs to prevent bottles from moving around.
Materials
In addition to the fact that the top and bottom lips have been reinforced, this entire cage has been crafted with 6061-T5 heat-treated aluminum. But, do be aware that this cage can scratch your water bottles.
Weight
At only 43 grams in total weight, you will probably not even notice that this cage has been installed onto your bike frame, quite frankly.
Compatibility
If you want to carry throwaway water bottles with you, then this bottle holder is not going to do the trick. Instead, it is optimized for both standard and over-sized insulated containers.
Colors
There are a few color options that you can select from. In a glossy finish, you have options for either white or carbon pattern. However, in a matte finish, the possibilities are for silver or black.
Overall
About the only reason, this is not even better is because it has been known to scratch water bottles in the past. If you are anal about this sort of thing, then you may not be too fond of this option.
4. Ibera Extra Lightweight Cage
Remember the previous Ibera model on this list? Well, this is very similar. But, Ibera managed to shed even more weight off of their design with this well-designed cage.
Read moreStability
As with the other Ibera bike bottle holder, this sports an ovalized design and sturdy side ribs. However, for off-road rides, this is not the most stable cage out there.
Materials
Over time, the finish of this model may end up coming at the heavy contact points. But, it still is a durable sucker and is made with heat-treated aluminum alloy metal.
Weight
There is no fibbing to be found in the title of this entry. Indeed, it is extra lightweight in its design and only clocks in at 29 total grams.
Compatibility
This is yet another water bottle cage that is optimized to hold standard water bottles. Also, your bike frame will need to have threaded holes (as with any cages) to work.
Colors
Each color option, for the record, does have a hint of red which is a nice touch. As for the selection, you have the option of picking silver, white, carbon pattern, or black.
Overall
In spite of the fact that this is really not going to cut it for off-road adventures, it is a compelling option that is both durable and light in nature.
5. Pro Bike Tool Bottle Holder
When you compare the good reviews to the bad ones, there really is no contest here. It is all but universally recognized that this model is well-designed.
Read moreStability
Thanks to the secure retention system of this design, you will not need to worry about your bottle flying off or jumping up and down while you are riding.
Materials
The heat-treated, CNC machined aluminum alloy makeup of this bottle holder is perfect. It also sports a powder-coated finish for enhanced durability. Of course, it does have an issue of scratching insulated water bottles.
Weight
At only 48 grams (or 1.69 ounces), this is a feather-light design. Seriously, chances are, you will forget that the water bottle holder is even installed on your bike.
Compatibility
In addition to the fact that the oval mounting holes allow you to fine-tune the position of this just a little bit, the design itself is adjustable. So, this can help it account for different-sized bottles.
Colors
Not that many bike water bottle holders are offered in pure white so it is nice that this is an option. Then again, you can also go with a black finish if you prefer.
Overall
With a bottle holder market that is filled with carbon copies of each other, this is a nice break from the norm. It still manages to be a similar design, though, and that is comforting.
6. Bell Clinch Bottle Holder
As opposed to cages, this is more of an actual bottle holder. It is a lot different than other designs as it utilizes a quick and easy mount system and a tapered hold for your water bottle.
Read moreStability
Even over rough roads, this bike water bottle holder seems to remain stable. There is also a shim that has been integrated to prevent scratches on your handlebars.
Materials
Overall, this is well-made and most consumers agree. The main ring is made of metal while the rubber interior is used to hold your bottle tightly.
Weight
Indeed, this is just another lightweight option that you can choose. That really is the theme with most bike water bottle holders that are available on the market.
Compatibility
The mounting system is both good and bad. It is super easy to install and requires no tools to do so. But, a swivel would have been a nice addition as you are limited to where you can mount it on your bike.
Colors
This comes in a silver finish and it is quite stylish. It is safe to assume that not very many of you will be complaining about this.
Overall
The concept of this design is brilliant. Admittedly, the execution could have used some more work. It is still really good, however, and holds a rightful spot on this list.
7. The Friendly Swede Bottle Holder
Truth be told, this is not going to stand out from too many other bike water bottle holders. That is not necessarily a bad thing, per se, as it really is a highly competent design.
Read moreStability
Even though this will keep a firm grip on your water bottle, one reviewer did complain about the position in which it places your water bottle.
Materials
There have been a few buyers who have made mention of the fact that this can break at the weld point. Then again, this is made with 6061-T6 aluminum alloy that has been heat-treated.
Weight
At 60 grams each (as you do get two cages with your purchase), let’s just say that you will not need to worry about the weight in the slightest.
Compatibility
Your bike frame will need to have threaded holes to be compatible. Meanwhile, this is another model that is optimized to fit standard water bottles.
Colors
This is offered in a black finish. Unless you have a pure white bike and do not want the bottle cage to stick out like a sore thumb, you should be okay with this.
Overall
Yep, this is another great value pick here. However, the issues that prior users have had with longevity can be seen as a concern. But, you do get an extra bottle cage so keep that in mind.
8. Planet Bike Aluminum Cage
Simple yet effective is the best way to describe this next water bottle cage. Of course, you could say that about plenty of bike water bottle holders on the market.
Read moreStability
The consensus amongst user feedback is that this model is going to hold your water bottle securely with relative ease.
Materials
If you put too much stress on this, it may break. The reason being is this bottle holder has been prone to doing such.
Weight
Though 63 grams places this at the more massive end of the spectrum for bike water bottle holders, 63 grams is still just over two total ounces.
Compatibility
Making this a breeze to install is the fact that this can be mounted with our without water bottle bosses.
Colors
If you want variety, then you certainly will adore the color selection of this water bottle cage. The diverse color selection is a lovely touch.
Overall
Though subtle, how you can personalize this model (with all the available colors) will be appreciated by several of you. Of course, you also need to be somewhat cautious with it.
9. UShake Water Bottle Cages
In regard to popularity, this option is right up there with any. As you can tell from the product title, also, you do receive two individual water bottle cages with your purchase.
Read moreStability
To ensure that you never need to worry about your water bottle escaping while you are biking, this is equipped with arms that securely wrap around your bottle.
Materials
Even though this is made with 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum alloy material, it has been known to break. Various reviewers have made others aware of this occurrence.
Weight
Weighing in at 61 grams (each of them as this is not the total combined weight of both), there are lighter options out there. But, it is not as if this is heavy in any way.
Compatibility
For the record, the maximum bottle diameter this can work with is three inches. Also, some users have had issues with the included screws not fitting on their bike frames.
Colors
Each bottle holder you get comes in a black finish. At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with black as it virtually goes with anything.
Overall
Many, many people have raved about the design of this (or these) water bottle holder. While not flawless, you can see why so many users recommend it.
10. Via Velo Water Bottle & Cage
Now, this is the only option on this list that actually comes with an insulated water bottle. However, the cage itself is actually made of ABS plastic. So, do understand that.
Read moreStability
Even on bumpier surfaces, this should still be able to secure your bottle reasonably well. Its no-slip design is optimized to help with this issue.
Materials
Indeed, this holder is made of plastic. But, it is not cheap plastic as it is of the sturdy ABS type. At the same time, it is plastic which some of you may not like.
Weight
Just do yourself a favor and do not worry about the weight of this model. It is made with lightweight plastic, after all.
Compatibility
It is noted that this can be attached to any bike. Then again, some previous buyers have reported that they did not receive the hardware necessary for installation.
Colors
The bike bottle holder itself is black plastic. Again, as has been stated before, it is tough to wrong with black.
Overall
The bonus insulated bottle that comes with your purchase (which is lovely) makes this extremely compelling. And, the holder itself is pretty competent at what it needs to do.
Sources
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