The bottle is the flagship cycling accessory! The arrival of hydration packs has not spelled its retirement — quite the contrary — notably because it has the advantage of being refilled in just a few seconds. Combining both solutions allows you to vary your drinks, carrying for example glucose- and fructose-rich drinks in the hydration reservoir and water in the bottle(s), or vice versa.
In order to meet all expectations, manufacturers now offer a wide range by playing on materials, textures, and functions.
Bottle features
- Bottle types: capacity, closure and valve systems, compressible models...
- Materials: plastic, aluminium or a plastic/stainless steel/gel mix for insulated models...
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTTLES
Bottle types
The volume contained varies greatly, ranging from 400 ml to over 1 litre of liquid, with the most common capacities falling between 500 and 750 ml.
Some bottles are made from compressible material, allowing their volume to be considerably reduced (by approximately three quarters) once their contents have been emptied.
The bottle closure can be via a clip-on pull tab cap or a screw cap. A dust cap is sometimes provided to keep out mud, dust or insects. The valve, flexible or rigid depending on the model, is generally unlocked with the teeth, but some models feature a teat allowing you to drink with a simple suction.
Materials
Plastic is a lightweight and inexpensive option. The greater or lesser flexibility of the bottle makes it easier to grip. However, it does not retain the original temperature of the liquid.
In aluminium, bottles are heavier but more durable, most often with interesting insulating properties. Furthermore, the taste is less likely to be affected by this material.
Finally, some high-end insulated models feature a double wall, with a plastic exterior and an internal insulating layer in the form of gel or stainless steel. These bottles thus combine both advantages, namely great ease of grip and a drink that retains its original temperature for several hours.
Which bottle should I choose for my riding style?
Your choice will be guided by several criteria, namely:
Capacity
The first criterion when choosing a bottle is capacity, based on the duration of the ride: for a short ride, 500 or 600 ml is sufficient. If it is very hot, a 750 ml model is justified. Larger bottles, up to 1.1 litres, are suited to rides of 2 or 3 hours. It is also sometimes possible to carry several bottles, on the frame, in a bag, a backpack or even a jersey pocket.
Diameter
Although a diameter of 66 mm is sometimes found (bottles for children or for professionals on short rides), the standard is 74 mm, for a better grip when the volume is large. Compatibility with the bottle cage is therefore generally not an issue. Simply choose a bottle cage suited to the length of the bottle and its weight when full.
Materials
Regarding materials, if you are looking for lightness above all else, opt for a plastic bottle. In that case, choose a BPA-free (Bisphenol A) bottle: the taste will be better preserved, not to mention the harmful health effects of BPA.
Finally, some bottles do not contain liquid but... a tool kit! Another means of hydration, such as a hydration pack, then becomes essential.
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