Adding Water Bottle Cages to Bicycles without Braze

Earth's Leading (and only) Authority on Water Bottle Cage Mounting since 2002


No! Please don't even think about using tacky hose clamps! That's almost communistic. They look terrible, and they'll slip off the mounting ears of a cage. They'll scratch your frame unless you use tacky tape or rubber strips.		Argh! Are you sure that you want to drill holes in your frame? RivNuts weaken the frame, eventually loosen and spin in the holes, and should never be used on steer tubes on folding bicycles or on aluminum or plastic (carbon fiber) frames.		Cable ties are a wonderful invention, But don't try attaching a water bottle cage by putting them around the mounting ears of a metal water bottle cage. They won't hold securely. The Elite VIP WC9115 are essentially strong cable ties with threaded screw holes for the cage—use them instead.

A Word About Rivnuts

A properly installed Rivnut does not exert any stress on the inner and outer walls of the tubing. The stress all radiates outward from the splines of the Rivnut into the circumference of the hole.The friction between the splines of the Rivnut and the hole keep it from rotating.

Recently, one person became very upset at my statement about Rivnuts. He correctly points out that Rivnuts are used by many aluminum frame manufacturers, at the factory, for bottle cage bosses. So why shouldn't it be okay to grab an electric drill, drill some holes in a frame, and insert some Rivnuts? The reason is because a frame manufacturer using Rivnuts on a frame at the time it is manufactured is very different than an end user drilling holes in their complete bicycle and trying to properly insert Rivnuts themselves.

Here are the differences:

1. The frame manufacturer is able to precisely drill the proper size hole at the proper angle, perpendicular the frame tube.
2. The frame manufacturer is able to properly install the Rivnuts, tightening them to just the right torque level to avoid damaging the frame.
3. The frame manufacturer is able to install the Rivnuts prior to the frame being painted.
4. The frame manufacturer warranties the frame, generally for life. The end-user voids the warranty by drilling holes in the frame.*

Without a machine shop, It would be very hard for someone to drill perfectly sized holes, perfectly straight, and compress the Rivnut to the exact optimum tightness. In a steel frame it's not a big deal if it's not exactly right. In an aluminum frame it's a very big deal because the integrity of the frame will be compromised. And even if you managed to do it properly, you've still voided your frame warranty.

Even manufacturer-installed Rivnuts occasionally cause problems. Usually it's just the Rivnut coming loose and spinning in the hole, but sometimes the frame ends up cracking at the site of the Rivnut.

As Jobst Brandt stated: "I don't know many riders who believe that drilling a hole in a frame tube is a reasonable concept."

* Trek: This warranty is void in its entirety by any modification of the frame, fork, or components.
Cannondale: This limited warranty is void if the bicycle is subjected to....alteration, modification.
Specialized: This limited warranty does not apply to ...alteration.

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Helmet Myths and Facts: While I'm very much against mandatory helmet laws, I got tired of all the junk science and junk statistics regarding helmets from the "anti-helmet" zealots that seem to have made "pathological liar" their career choice. So I compiled a list of the myths that these people love to promulgate.

Bicycle Coffee Systems: Combine a healthy beverage with a healthy activity using the devices detailed on this site.

Is anyone else blown away by the staggering number of devices created solely to correct problems created by the bicycle manufacturers?

It's amazing how many inquiries you see on various message boards asking how to attach more bottle cages (or even one cage) onto a bicycle. There are many factors that have made it more difficult to have enough cages. Non-cage friendly frames abound. These include folding bicycles, many compact frame road bicycles, and women's hybrid and mountain bicycles where the space between the top tube and down tube is very limited. It's incredible (to me anyway) that there are so many devices on the market designed to get around a problem that bicycle manufacturers caused in the first place. It's almost like the accessory manufacturers are in cahoots with the bicycle manufacturers, urging them to leave stuff off so there is a market for this sort of product.

I first ran into the problem of needing to attach a water bottle to a bicycle that had no provision for one on my Brompton. It was surprisingly hard to find a clean method of doing so. I thought that automotive hose clamps looked terrible and I didn't want to drill any holes in the frame. The TwoFish QuickCage was okay, but it wasn’t the kind of cage I wanted. Since folding bikes often use large diameter tubing to compensate for the lack of a top tube you need to find clamps that can accommodate the diameter. The Elite VIP WC9115 Universal Cage Mount 22-50mm may work on such tubes (measure the tube diameter with a piece of masking tape or string).

Limited Space Between Top Tube and Down Tube (women's frames and compact frames)

One of the unintended consequences of the bicycle industries deplorable cost-saving move to compact frames for road bicycles is the loss of the second (and sometimes third) set of braze-ons for bottle cages--there simply isn't room for so many bottles on the smaller frames, in fact sometimes there's not room for even one bottle. Sometimes, on women's frames, they'll put cage braze-ons on top of the top tube. This works, but the rider ends up hitting the bottle when they mount and dismount. On the frame below, they've taken a standard cage and used Velcro^TM straps to attach it to the top tube. Not a good plan.

The yellow bottle cage in the left and center picture is attached to the frame with Velcro^TM because there's no space between the top tube and the down tube for a bottle. This is not a good method for attaching a standard cage. I suspect that the photographer of this model wanted a water bottle on the bicycle and simply improvised.

The bottle on the right will be difficult to remove because of the limited space inside the main triangle--a side entry cage or a rotating cage should be used in this case.

City Bikes

Many "City Bikes" lack a top tube and use very large diameter, often non-round, tubing to compensate so it's difficult to find clamps to use on the frame. The Elite VIP WC9115 Universal Cage Mount 22-50mm may work on such tubes (measure the tube diameter with a piece of masking tape or string). However I love the front rack with the light attachment.

Classic Older Bicycles

The good thing about classic older bicycles is that they generally have threaded headsets with long quill stems, have a lugged steel frame, and have features like fenders, racks, chainguards, kickstands, and even dynamo lights as standard equipment. The bad news is that these bicycles were made before the era of braze-ons for bottle cages, so you'll need to use one of the devices on this web site to add cages.

The Goal: Creating Mounting Holes for M5 Water Bottle Cage Bolts (or Finding Another Way to Attach a Cage or Bottle Holder)

...and doing it securely without it looking like a kludge.

Basically what you need to do is to create a pair of M5 (metric 5mm) threaded mounting holes for the water bottle cage. Don't try to strap the mounting ears of the cage directly to the frame with hose clamps or cable ties or Velcro^TM straps because this is not a secure mounting method. Hose clamps look tacky, they rust, they scratch the frame or bars, you have the ends sticking out when you tighten them, and they're unusable on many types of cages. But yes, they are less expensive, you can save $2-8 using hose clamps versus most of the devices described on this site.

You may be at this web site because you somehow destroyed the braze-ons on your frame. Remember, braze-ons are not as strong as the frame on your bicycle and in some cases may not be "braze-ons" at all but Riv-Nuts. It's easy to wreck braze-ons and Riv-Nuts by cross threading them, or over tightening bolts (you can also damage your frame). Don't get the bright idea of designing a bicycle accessory that mounts to the braze-ons, or even threaded holes elsewhere on the frame, without taking into account just how fragile they can be. On aluminum frames you have to be extra careful because aluminum can easily crack around the holes in the frame.

The advantage of clamps that go around a frame tube is that they distribute the load across a much wider surface area. By the same token, don't use clamps on carbon fiber frames--ditto for carbon fiber handlebars and carbon-fiber seat posts. The Two-Fish hook and loop attached cages would probably be fine. Of course it's best to not foolishly buy a carbon fiber bicycle in the first place.

Accessories that Use Bottle Cages or Bottle Cage Mounts
A lot of accessories need a bottle cage, or bottle cage mounts, so it is a good idea to buy a bicycle that has at least two sets of mounts, or add additional mounts by the use of various cage mounting accessories. One person called the water-bottle cage braze-ons "the Altoids tin for bicycle accessories."

The Topeak Modula EX cage is the best option for many of the items below, especially the ones that aren't shaped exactly like a bicycle water bottle.. You can add bottle cages behind the seat, on the handlebars, or to the frame. The Topeak X-15 Adapter helps utilize tight spaces on the frame. Don't fill your bottle cages with all this other junk and forget to carry some water or other hydration!

Click Picture to Go to a Web Site that Sells or Describes Each of These Items (if available). Some Links May Be Out of Date.

	l
iHome IH85B Bike Speaker for iPod	Soma Stash Bottle	Tacx Tool Tube	Topeak X-15 Bottle access in tight locations.	SKS Cagebox	Jacket Bag Use Modula EX cage for best fit.


Airzound II Use Modula EX Cage for best fit	Cage Rocket Waterproof storage pod.	Cell Safe DX4 Use Profile Cage for best fit	Tool Bag Use Modula EX Cage for best fit	Cygo Lite Night Rover 12 watt 6 volt Gel-Cel Lightset	29pc Water Bottle Bicycle Tool Set


Master Lock Street Cuff Bracket	Fuel Bottles (for bicycle camping) Use Modula EX Cage for best fit	MP3 Player	Compact Pumps Fit Next to Cages Using the Cage Bolts

This is a unique product that I saw at Interbike. The tool pouch holder mounts to the bottle cage braze-ons and has another set of holes for bolting on a bottle cage. The bottle cage is not included (use any standard bottle cage). The holder and bag sell for $35 from http://www.tallacdesign.com/ or http://www.kingcage.com/products-waterbottle-cages.html.Perfect for minimalists that don't want to carry a larger seat bag for their tools. On bicycles with compact frames you need to check that there is su

Minoura seems to be the leader in bottle cage mount accessories but unfortunately Minoura products are often hard to find in the U.S.. They don't have a good U.S. distribution system. The specifications on their web site are often incorrect or non-existent.

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits.

Minoura BH-95X - Single Bottle Cage Holder
From the Minoura web site: "This convenient device allows you to install an extra water bottle on the handlebar or the seat post. Our unique stainless band grip grasps any diameter between 22.2 and 28.6mm. The bracket can be set at a right angle so that you can install the BH-95 on both the handlebar as horizontal place and the seat post vertically." Weight: 50 grams. MSRP: US$7.00 I think I'd use a piece of thin rubber around the frame where this mounts, or cover the steel band with heat shrink tubing.

This holder, when attached to the steering tube of a folding bike, can be rotated when the bike is folded to move the cage out of the way to allow the steering tube to be folded all the way down.

Note that while the Minoura web site states that the range of diameters is 22.2-28.6mm, the units I bought from Bike Nashbar say "22mm (7/8")-35mm (1-3/8")"on the packaging, and indeed this is the case as I tried one on my Brompton's steering column which is 1-3/8" in diameter.

The new model (BH-95X) now allows more mounting angles as you can go 6 degrees either way off vertical or horizontal. This can be helpful for slightly angled handlebars.

One really nice thing about this device is that you can mount the steel piece with the threaded holes either vertically or horizontally, so it can be used on handlebars, quill stems, or frame tubing or seat posts, as the need arises. It can also be used on oval tubing.

Steel Band and Plastic Piece inside the BH-95

The way the BH-95 works is that you choose the hole on the band to make the band diameter as small as possible and still go around the tubing, handlebar, or stem. You insert the free end of the band behind the nut in the plastic piece. A screw goes through the outer plastic shell, into the plastic piece which has the band inserted inside, into the nut, and through the holes in each end of the steel band. As you tighten the screw it pulls the band forward into the outer plastic shell, tightening the band against the tubing. You can cut off any excess on the band if using the holes that make it a smaller diameter than the maximum.

No instructions come with the BH-95. Once installed it is very sturdy, but installation can be tricky, and it can be easily damaged or destroyed if improperly installed.

I recently used one of these on a quill stem on my wife's bike because she didn't like the bottle on the low step-over frame because her foot kept hitting the bottle when she got on. The photo below, right, shows the BH-95 with an old-style Profile Kage which is best for holding a stainless-steel vacuum bottle.

Mount cage to handlerbar or stem. Quick release. $12.79-14.03 from Amazon. Probably a good idea to put some heat shrinkable tubing over the clamp to increase friction and prevent scratching the handlebars, seatpost, or frame. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Mounts cage to handlebars only (does not rotate). Should be used on straight handlebars only. $12.68 from Amazon. Probably a good idea to put some heat shrinkable tubing over the clamp to increase friction and prevent scratching the handlebars. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

This costs $8.98 from the one web retailer I found it at. The piece that the cage mounts to can be rotated 90 degrees. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

I saw this at the Taipei International Bicycle Show in March 2008. I have never seen it for sale in the U.S.. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

CH-111BS is for the tube size from 20.0~22.2mm
CH-111BL is for the tube size from 22.2~25.4mm

Similar to the Botlle Fix above, but this model lets you remove the entire cage without tools, using KlickFix's fastening system. This is an ideal product to use on folding bicycles where the cage needs to be removed in order for the bicycle to fold. It can mount vertically or horizontally for use on stems, handlebars, or frame. Naturally it is not sold anywhere in the U.S., because that would violate some unknown law about importing useful bicycle accessories. It can be ordered on-line from xxcycle.com in France. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

KLICKFix Bottle Fix
This German company (http://www.klickfix.de) has an awesome line of bicycle products including the bottle mount shown below. Their web site states: "Retrofit kit for bottle holders on frame, seat post etc. The 90° revolving top allows the mountage <sic> even on handlebars. Easy mounting with stainless strap on Ø 15-45mm. For all bikes without integrated frame threads." These are not sold in the U.S. but can be ordered on-line from xxcycle.com in France. I guess that I'd either put a thin rubber strip around the frame to protect it from the clamp, or cover as much of the clamp as possible with heat shrink tubing. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

Some frames are a real challenge when it comes to finding a place to attach a cage. Mixte road bikes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity but the two thin frame members that replace a traditional top tube mean there's no way to have traditional braze-ons on the top tube, but there's limited clearance between the top tube and the down tube on some designs. A headset mount is a good idea but mounting cages on threadless headsets is difficult because of the large diameter of the headset spacers.

I saw this very clever device at Interbike in Las Vegas in 2009. Of course I try to avoid threadless headsets like the plague so it would only work for me on one of the 12 bicycles in our fleet. Cage is not included. Any standard cage can be used. I'd advise using a bottle that seals well so liquid doesn't lean out.

There are some Mixte frame bicycles with no cage mounts at all, and no other place to really mount a cage.

This solution might require some aluminum fabrication. Velo Orange sells 10mm threadless headset spacers with a tapped hole to use with bells (I am not sure of the threading of the hole). If you have space on the spacer stack for two of these, you could fabricate a piece of aluminum flat bar with one set of holes for attaching to these spacers and another set of holes for bolting on a bottle cage.It's possible, though unlikely, that you there's a tall enough stack of spacers that you could arrange things so that there is no need for an intermediate piece of aluminum flat bar. You also may need the flat bar to add space between the cage and the spacers so the top of the cage can clear the stem.

Minoura SBH-80
From the Minoura web site: "Mounts one extra water bottle cage just behind the saddle where is the best location for less aero resistance. Steel with black painted finish. Weight: 80 grams. MSRP: US$4.00." Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

From the Minoura web site: "Light weight bottle cage holder for dual cages that may be installed behind the saddle, giving you the best position against wind resistance. Made of light weight but durable #2017 Super Duraluminum. Titanium color anodized finish. Weight: 135 grams. MSRP: US$13.00 " Cages not included. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back.

Another seat rail mount dual cage. Useful for compact frame bicycles that use a very long seat post to compensate for the ridiculously small frame. Cages are integrated. $14.95 from Amazon.

Another seat mount dual cage bracket. Very adjustable for different seat rails. $12.99 from Amazon.

Profile Design Dual Cage Rail Mount Bottle Holder Black

The nylon cages on this mount are one of my favorite cages because it holds a vacuum bottle securely without scratching it, and the cages themselves are very inexpensive.

Seat Post Mount

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) seat posts.

Seat Post Bottle Cage Mount

Available for 30.9mm and 27.2mm seat posts. Sold direct from Specialized. Interestingly, I received a phone call from a bicycle shop in May 2012 asking where to buy these since a customer had inquired about them after seeing them on this site. Don't use these on a carbon-fiber seat post.

About $10. Mounts with fabric strap. Choose a cage that doesn't hold the bottle extremely tightly. This one might be okay for carbon-fiber seatposts, but no guarantees.

Doesn't state the diameter but it looks pretty adjustable, unlike the device above. Use M5 bolts that don't extend out the back. I think that the Specialized devices, pictured above, would be better since the weight of the bottle would be more distributed. Don't use this on a carbon-fiber seat post.

Designed to hold two water bottles attached to the seat post. It's aerodynamic, strong and light. Made from 6060-T6 Aluminum clamp and extension with two Profile black Kages attached. Fits 26.0-27.2 seat posts. Available in matt black only.

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

I bought this at The Off Ramp bicycle shop in Mountain View California. It doesn't appear on the Giant web site. It was $4.95. Made out of aluminum. This would also make a good handlebar mount flashlight holder with the addition of two conduit clamps secured by the cage bolts and some small fender washers, or bolt on a piece of aluminum flat plate, then secure the conduit clamps to the flat plate by tapping appropriately sized threaded holes into the flat plate. This exact same product is sold under a bunch of different brand names. I saw this in about fifteen different booths at the Taipei Bicycle Show in 2008, and I've seen it sold under a variety of name brands. The buy link goes to Velo Orange.

While this seems to look a little better than the Minoura BH-95 it's actually not. Much less surface area contacts the tubing, and it doesn't stay in place as well. The rubber padding is supposed to stop it from loosening, but it wears out and falls off; use heat shrink tubing over the the metal for a longer-lasting installation. Also, this is limited to handlebar diameter while the BH-95 fits a wide range of tubing. Also, the BH-95 can mount vertically or horizontally as the need arises, i.e. you can mount it on a quill stem or on the handlebars, or on the frame tubing.

$8.49 from Amazon. Rather high priced but if you need a thumb-screw model then your choices are limited. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Similar to clamp above, but with two bolts and no rubber padding. Use heat shrink tubing over metal, at least on the shorter piece. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Minoura QB-90
From the Minoura web site: "Unique quick clamp mechanism allows you to install an extra water bottle cage anywhere you want. When the cage is not needed, can be removed in a second. Rust-proof ED finished steel. Weight: 80 grams. MSRP: US$9.00." No data regarding range of tubing size this fits is available. Looks like it would be good for folding bicycles where the cage needs to be removed for folding. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Minoura BH-2B
From the Minoura web site: "Holds two water bottle cages in exactly center of your handlebar. Made of rust proof ED painted finish steel. Weight: 60 grams. MSRP: US$8.00." Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Minoura BH-60
From the Minoura web site: "You can install one extra water bottle cage on your handlebar with BH-60. It can step over the handlebar stem so that you can a bottle cage in the exactly center of your handlebar for good balance. Made of rust proof ED painted finish steel. Weight: 65 grams. MSRP: US$5.00." Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Elite VIP WC9115 Universal Cage Mount 22-50mm
This is the best device I've found for adding mounting bosses for a standard cage. Better than the Zefal Gizmo clamps because they are one-size fits all, and they will work larger diameter tubes such as Brompton steer tubes. Better than the Minoura band set because they won't scratch the bicycle (as well as fitting up to 50mm diameter tubing whereas the BH-95 is limited to 35mm). They are much more expensive, at $8 a set in the U.S., £4.70 in the U.K.. On the Brompton, the bottle cage can be rotated on the steer tube when folding, so it doesn't get in the way. After you tighten it, you snip of the excess length.

These are not widely available. I have never seen them for sale in a bicycle shop. In the U.S. I ordered them online at Lickton's, where they cost $9.95 a pair (just went up from $7.95). Harris Cyclery (the store Sheldon Brown was associated with) sells them for $15.95 a pair (ouch!).

Minoura Extra Cage Clamp-Band Set
From the Minoura web site: "To mount a bottle cage to a bike that doesn't have water bottle braze-ons on the frame. Fits tubes 31.8mm in diameter. Stainless steel made. Weight: 35 grams. MSRP: US$2.00." I have not found this product to be available anywhere; use the Zefal Gizmo clamps or Elite VIP Universal Cage Mount 22-50mm straps instead. I guess that I'd either put a thin rubber strip around the frame to protect it from the clamp, or cover as much of the clamp as possible with heat shrink tubing. I think these may be available in Japan, but the fact that they only work on 31.8mm tubes greatly limits their appeal. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Velo Orange Clamps
These clamps hold the tabs of a cage directly to the frame tubing, you don't bolt the cage onto them like you do with the Minoura clamps above. These are only for "standard" diameter steel tubing which excludes most bicycles sold today. Does not work with all cages, check Velo Orange web site for details. These are very historical! Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Zefal Gizmo Clamps
These clamps come in four sizes, Small fits-1"-1.125" tubing, Medium fits 1.125"-1.25" tubing, Large fits 1.25"-1.375", X-Large fits 1.375"-1.625" tubing. The large fits the long Brompton steering tube (at least it does on the Neobike Brompton, I don't know if the UK Brompton uses the same diameter tubing). They are not the ugly kind of clamps with the bolt protruding like on the old cheap water bottle cages. Note that Zefal may call these M, L, XL, and XXL, rather than S, M, L, XL, so check the sizes before you buy. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

DealExtreme Clamps
This clamp looks similar to the one used on the Beto BC105C but you supply your own cage. Manufacturer unknown. Could be used to mount other accessories as well. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Bell Universal Water Bottle Mount & Cage
I saw this for sale at Wal-Mart for $6.48. It's a standard aluminum cage with a mount similar to the older Minoura BH-95.The range of tubing mentioned is 22.2-28.6mm, similar to what the web site for Minoura states for the BH-95 (even though the Minoura web site is incorrect). Unlike the current Minoura BH-95, this mount can only be horizontal or vertical, with nothing in-between. Unlike the Minoura, the Bell unit comes with a piece of rubber to protect the frame from scratches.

The product packaging states: Installs on handlebar or frame! Stainless steel band fits any diameter between 22.2mm and 28.6mm. Adjustable bracket allows horizontal installation on handlebar or vertical installation on frame. Rubber shim prevents scratching! Warning: Check mounting hardware frequently for tightness. The UPC is 035011887296. I have not seen this for sale on any web site, but you can try http://www.mygofer.com/shc/s/p_10175_27151_080W341584110001P. This device has won the highly coveted Nordic Group Best Buy Award.

Bell has been doing a great deal to promote practical cycling with a lot of new products aimed directly at commuters and casual cyclists. It's a great company that wants to expand bicycling to the masses.

Beto BC105C Universal Handlebar/Downtube Bottle Cage
All composite, this rather unique cage has a quick release. Sold under various brand names. Vertical or horizontal mounting. Good for folding bicycles where the cage needs to be removed in order for the bicycle to be folded. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. May be suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seatposts, or handlebars, but be gentle.

Twofish Unlimited 'The Quick Cage'
This is not really creating water bottle cage bosses but it does achieve the desired result of adding a cage. The Twofish Unlimited Quick Cage is a plastic bottle cage for bikes that can't use standard cages either because they have no braze-ons for water bottle cages, or because the frame tubes can't use standard clamps. From the Twofish site: 'Goes on any bike instantly, anywhere room is available on the frame or seat post. Great for cruiser bikes, BMX bikes, kids' bikes, and the serious commuter. The most convenient and cost-effective way to put a water bottle cage on a bike without braze-on lugs. Includes a 23 ounce water bottle with the Twofish insignia.' Great for the Brompton steer tube. Probably okay for carbon fiber tubing, and non-round tubing.

Twofish products are very difficult to purchase, as many retailers have ceased carrying them. However you can order them direct from Twofish.

This is one of the few devices that can be used on non-round frame tubes. The top one is for standard bicycle water bottles. The bottom one is for beverage containers and comes with cozy. Probably okay for carbon fiber tubing, and non-round tubing.

Twofish products are very difficult to purchase, as many retailers have ceased carrying them. However you can order them direct from Twofish.

Twofish now sells the mount only, so you can use your choice of cage. $15.75 from Amazon. Probably okay for Carbon Fiber. Frame only, not for handlebars (does not rotate)

Always Check the Diameter of the Tubing to Ensure that it Falls Within the Range of Diameters that the Device Fits. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

These cages clamp directly onto the handlebars, rather than attaching to a device that provides a place to bolt on a standard cage. Cheaper than using the Minoura handlebar mount device and a separate cage.

Daiso
I found this at Daiso in Mountain View California (out of business, but other Daiso stores are still around). Daiso is a Japanese dollar-store like chain, but most items are $1.50. It clamps onto the handlebars with two small bolts. The entire cage and the clamps are plastic coated. Daiso has a bunch of bicycle accessories, including patch kits, bells, rubber straps, umbrella holder (very unique), lights, reflectors, quick-release seat binder bolts, and safety vests. They sell two screw-base 6V/2.4W dynamo bulbs for $1.50. No online sales. You can see a list of Daiso stores outside Japan at http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/storeinfo/storeinfo03.html. You need to attach it very tightly to prevent it from swiveling around the bars. While it's cheap, it's not the best option. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

This model uses a sturdy metal clamp that won't break as easily as a plastic clamp. In black, pink, or silver. Around $8-9 depending on color. Clamp would be suitable for mounting other accessories as well. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Crazy Cage and Clamp

Another integrated clamp and cage, but this clamp uses much closer hole spacing. The clamp may be useful for other accessories as well, and is sold separately for slightly less. Cage and clamp are $1.85. Clamp-only is $1.55. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Cage and Clamp: Clamp Only:

Raleigh Handlebar Mount
Available in the U.K. only. Sold at many on-line stores, and probably in many shops as well. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Interesting one-piece design. I worry about how securely it can be mounted to the handlebars. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Yet another handlebar mount bottle cage. Available in multiple colors. About $5. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

Not really for adding additional bottle cages, but handlebar mount cup holders may solve the problem of carrying more liquids without more bottles. See many more of these devices at Bicycle Coffee Systems. I don't want to duplicate my efforts.

Bell Cruisin joe to go cup holder
Sold at Target for $5.99 or so (comes and goes). Very nice aluminum cup and bottle holder. Clamp is also solid metal, unlike many of these devices that have plastic or flexible steel clamps. These sell out very fast at Target. I've bought twelve so far. In the right two photos below I show it installed on my commute bike. By not using the rubber shim I installed it over the handlebar tape. I have not seen these at any other store, including other stores that sell Bell bicycle accessories (Wal-Mart, RiteAid), but one review I read said that they had them at Toys R Us (not at the one I checked) for $7.99. This is a very good deal compared to the ridiculous prices of less capable cup holders. Requires a tapered cup, you can't use it with a straight thermos. Bell has been doing a great deal to promote practical cycling with a lot of new products aimed directly at commuters and casual cyclists. It's a great company that wants to expand bicycling to the masses. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

One more accessory for top of threadless stems. Kind of awkward in my opinion. They say that it's also useful for holding a wallet but I don't see that unless you have a cup-shaped wallet.

This bolts directly onto the handlebars. I suggest covering the U-Bolt with some thin plastic hose, or a few layers of heat shrinkable tubing. $35-40. Also sold at Cabela's. Not suitable for plastic (carbon-fiber) frames, seat posts, or handlebars.

When you completely run out of space on your frame, handlebars, seat post, etc., don't despair. A new helmet that I saw at Interbike in 2009 now sports an integrated bottle cage. Alas this cage is permanently attached and you are limited to this specific cage unless you want to remove the rivets and change it to something else. Available only in black. Personally I think the weight of a full water bottle would be uncomfortable and that it would be inconvenient to access the bottle. I would also think that the bottle and cage could affect helmet performance. On the other hand a bottle could provide extra impact protection. Combining head protection with hydration is so obvious that it's amazing that no one thought of it before. The manufacturer stated that the APR1 would be available in the U.S. on February 30th, 2010 but I haven't seen it yet.

I saw this at Interbike 2011 on September 14, 2011. There is a slot behind the cage for a tool bag. The tool bag is made by another company but I think Twofish distributes it. I think that the tool bag is made by King Cage http://www.kingcage.com/products-waterbottle-cages.html and the cage may be made by them as well. There is some sort of a relationship between Twofish and King Cage.

This cage may help those people that have compact frames where the water bottle cannot be removed by sliding it upwards due to frame tubing being in the way. It might enable the existing braze-ons to be used instead of going to a different type of mounting.

This product is sold under a variety of brand names, including Raleigh, Avenir, and Cyclepro, but it's all the same exact item. Nashbar sometimes has them for $2.49. They mount either direction, so the bottle can be pulled out to the left or right. I've seen cages with similar functionality costing up to $20. Also see http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=47856 or http://www.bicyclebuys.com/item/0100011S which have them for $7.99. You can imagine the mark-up on this type of item if one store is selling it for $2.49 and another is selling it for $7.99. Be sure that the bottle is pushed all the way into the cage, or it can fall out.

Adjustable Width, Tilt-Loading Cage from Iberusa

This cage could be used to solve the problem of bottle removal/insertion on small or compact frames. Also useful for non-standard diameter bottles (smaller than a standard bicycle water bottle, not larger). This cage is not designed to be used in the tilted position, the tilted position is only for removal and insertion. When tilted, it could interfere with pedaling.
$9.99 from Amazon

I was looking for bicycles on the sfbay craigslist.org and came across this ad: "I make flask holders for bikes get one before I get bored with making them or stop making them because my hobbie <sic> is starting to feel like a job." Try this link: http://tinyurl.com/2e4fz9q. $15. Personally, I just use a steel vacuum bottle to carry whiskey while riding.

This adjustable cage is similar in capability to the Bike Buddy. Rather than two metal bands, it uses a single rubber strap with holes in four locations (similar to a belt). The maximum diameter of a bottle appears to be around 4", which is smaller than the Bike Buddy (there appears to be enough space on the strap to punch a fifth hole, which could increase the capacity slightly).

Note that you really can't remove the bottle while riding, due to the friction of the rubber strap around the bottle. But for carrying a thermos of coffee to work, for later consumption, or a bottle of wine, it would be fine. For wine, note that there are now many higher quality wines that use screw tops; screw tops aren't just for jug wine. So for drinking wine while riding, select a good Merlot or Cabernet with a screw top. If you're a Mac user, then choose a white wine. Since this cage has a slim profile when there is no bottle inserted, it may be good for some folding bicycles that have problems folding when a larger profile cage is used.

For riders dumb enough to carry CO2 rather than a small pump, this accessory is interesting.

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Profile Design Dual Cage Rail Mount Bottle Holder Black

The nylon cages on this mount are one of my favorite cages because it holds a vacuum bottle securely without scratching it, and the cages themselves are very inexpensive.

Seat Post Mount

Seat Post Bottle Cage Mount

Avenir Handlebar Bicycle Bottle Cage