Choosing the right water bottle is vital, but the water bottle of your choice is no good if it doesn’t fit in the cage holder. The standard cage has a diameter of 2.9 inches (73 mm) and is 5 inches (127 mm) tall. When looking for the right cage for your road bike, make sure that your best water bottle will fit, and you can shop accordingly. You will have to find a specialty size if you don’t think your water bottle will fit the cages listed here.
Let’s start with a few of the best water bottle cages for road bike.
Comparison Chart
USHAKE Water Bottle Cages, Basic MTB Bike Bicycle Alloy Aluminum Lightweight
This product comes in a set of two, allowing the rider to carry extra water on a long ride. Water bottles with a capacity of 26 oz fit perfectly in this product. These cages are made of heat-treated aluminum alloy, giving extra strength and durability to this product that is intended for long-term use.
They are easy to install, with screws included. The cage has arms that wrap around the water bottle, holding it securely. However, they can be adjusted if the water bottle is a little loose or too snug.
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Two holders for more water on those long rides
- Adjustable
- Will not scratch your plastic water bottles
Cons
- Will scratch aluminum water bottles
- Requires pre-drilled holes on bike frame for installation
FiveBox Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Water Bottle Cage
The FiveBox brand water bottle cage is similar to the USHAKE cage. It is made from aluminum alloy focusing on texture, durability, metallic appearance, and anti-rust. Easy to install, and a flexible arm can be adjusted to hold a water bottle snugly. There is only one cage, but two should fit on the bike frame.
Also easy to install, with screws included. This water bottle cage comes in four colors – a benefit to riders who want to color coordinate their bike. It has a sleek design that complements your bike, no matter what color you purchase. This water bottle cage also works on multiple types of bikes: road, mountain, commuter, fixed gear, and others.
Pros
- Lightweight material
- Adjustable
- Comes in four colors
- Works on multiple types of bikes
Cons
- Requires pre-drilled holes on bike frame for installation
- Only one cage
Accmor 2 Pack Bike Water Bottle Holder
This water bottle holder comes in a set of two, which makes it convenient for installing on your bike as well as a bike stroller or walker. It holds more than just a water bottle; it will also hold a travel mug and children’s tumblers. No installation is needed, simply clamp it to the desired location on your bike and go. Because of its clamp design, it can be placed in various locations on a bike from the handlebars to under the seat.
The holder is made of plastic steel with metal parts, all high quality. It fits the needs of all cyclists, including those who travel with a child in a stroller or walker. The 360-degree feature allows you to put it anywhere on your bike and adjust it to fit your specific needs.
Pros
- No installation is needed
- Pack of two
- Can be installed anywhere on the bike for convenience to the rider
- Holds more than just water bottles
Cons
- Made of plastic steel and plastic is an unreliable material in extreme weather conditions
Bicycle Water Bottle Holder 2 Pack
Here is another one of the best water bottle cages for road bike. This brand of water bottle cage comes in a pack of two and is made of plastic. Though mounted by screwing the cages onto the bike frame, the screws are not included. These are lightweight, making them ideal for bike riding without too much added weight. They are perfect for more than just road bikes, they work for mountain, hybrid, touring, triathlon, and electric bicycles, as well.
This product was specially designed by a cyclist, with cyclists in mind. The plastic is premium quality to withstand the bumps of the road. It also comes in multiple colors for the adventurous cyclist who wants to coordinate their water bottle with their bike.
Pros
- Easy to install, screwing onto the bike frame
- Multiple colors
- Lightweight
- Pack of two
- Designed by a cyclist
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Screws for installation not included
Ibera Bicycle Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle Cage
Made of 6061-T5 heat-treated aluminum plate and reinforced for extra strength, this product has an ovalized design to help hold your water bottle perfectly. It screws onto the bike frame and the screws are included. It is lightweight and comes in multiple colors; the perfect accessory for any stylish cyclist.
The top of this water bottle cage is flared for easy water bottle removal while riding. However, the design also helps hold water bottles in place securely for any rough terrain. This 2-pack cage also holds oversized bottles for perfect hydration.
Pros
- Easy installation – screws included
- Multiple colors
- Lightweight
- Fits oversized bottles
- 2-pack
Cons
- Can only be installed on the bike frame
- 4 mm hex key to fasten screws not included
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right and the best water bottle cage for road bike is a critical decision. As a rider, there may be times you cannot stop and pull a water bottle out of a bag, so having one at hand when cycling is a good idea. Cycling dehydrates the body quickly, and keeping enough water on hand will keep you hydrated and healthy.
There are many decisions to make when looking for the right water bottle cage, with many questions to ask as you peruse your choices. Do you need a specific color? Do you need one or two cages? Will you be installing it yourself, or will you have someone else do it? So many questions and the answers to them will help you make your final decision.
Material
Cycling can be exhausting, and there’s no need to add extra weight to your ride. Therefore, you will be looking for a lightweight material that will not drag you down. You need to determine if the cage material possibly scratching aluminum water bottles is an important issue. If you only use plastic water bottles, then it’s not a con you must consider when making your decision. You need to determine if the water bottle cage color is essential or if you prefer black that goes with everything anyway.
Ease of Install
When deciding on the water bottle cage that suits your needs, think about who will install it. Do you have tools? Do you have time? These questions are essential to making your choice.
Number of Units
So many questions about whether you need one or two cages. What would you use if you installed them? If you didn’t get a set of two and end up on a ride that necessitates two water bottles, what then?
Conclusion
Finding the best water bottle cage for road bike takes some research and an understanding of what you’re looking for. The outcome of the research shows that a 2-pack is better than just one cage. Hydration should always be uppermost in a cyclist’s concern and having room for two water bottles is an excellent idea.
Durability is key, as well, because whether you’re riding on city roads or in the mountains, there is a lot of shaking and bumping that takes place. A water bottle cage that will withstand the tremors of a prolonged ride is ideal. Biking is also done in the weather; the sun and the rain can cause plastic to become brittle and eventually break during a bumpy ride. The aluminum design is the best option.
A lightweight design is also the best since no cyclist wants extra weight added to their ride. And the last thing to remember is that accidents can happen if accessories are falling off the bike during a ride so a water bottle cage that is securely attached is a top priority. Having one that screws directly to the frame of the bike is the best. Therefore, out of the products listed, the USHAKE water bottle cage would be the best buy.