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How to use bottle cages on gravel bikes
Gravel bikes can be used to carry a variety of items for cycling and touring. Bottle cages, in particular, are a great way to enjoy riding without using bags.
Modified at: 2023.7.4Posted at: 2022.10.12
Table Of Contents
Gravel bikes can have a lot of bottle cages on them.
On road bikes, there are dowel holes on the seat tube down tube, and two bottle cages are usually used.
However, gravel bikes, which are often used for situations where you want to increase the load capacity, also have dowel holes under the downtube where bottle cages can be installed. This under-downtube loading is surprisingly important.
It is only one more bottle cage, but it makes a big difference in operation.
It may not be an exaggeration to say that when buying a gravel bike, you should check carefully whether there is a dowel hole under the downtube before choosing one.
How to use bottle cages
Normal Conditions
Under normal circumstances, such as on long summer rides, you may need two drink bottles. In this case, a normal road bike cannot use a tool bottle to hold tools, but a gravel bike with dowel holes under the downtube can carry two bottles plus a tool bottle.
- Seat tube: drink bottle
- Top of downtube: drink bottle
- Under the downtube: tool bottle
The bottom of the downtube is almost completely hidden by the cranks, making the bike look sleeker.
On the other hand, if you only need one drink bottle in winter, but want to have warm clothing, you can use two tool bottles instead of one drink bottle, and put a gilet or packable windbreaker in one of the bottles.
- Seat tube: drink bottle
- Upper down tube: tool bottle (clothing)
- Bottom of down tube: tool bottle (tools)
When touring and bicycle camping
A frame bag is one of the essential items for touring and bicycle camping. When a frame bag is installed, it may not be possible to mount a drink bottle on the top of the downtube or on the side of the seat tube. In such cases, it is popular to put the drink bottle in the cage under the downtube.
However, the area under the downtube is the part that receives the most sand and mud from the road surface, so it can get quite dirty. Use a drink bottle with a cap, or open the lid each time you want to drink, instead of drinking out of the bottle.
- Seat tube: mini size tool bottle
- Top of downtube: x
- Under the down tube: Drink bottle
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How to choose a bottle cage for mounting under the downtube
On gravel bikes with high carrying capacity, there are also dowel holes under the downtube for bottle cages. However, because the drivetrain is located under the downtube, there are unique ways to select the shape of the bottle cage.
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How to use bottle cages on gravel bikes
Gravel bikes can be used to carry a variety of items for cycling and touring. Bottle cages, in particular, are a great way to enjoy riding without using bags.
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Expand your gravel bike with accessories!
Gravel bikes with high carrying capacity can be expanded to include long rides, bull riding, bicycle camping, and other uses by adding accessories.
Advantages of fenders (mudguards) on gravel bikes and how to choose them
Fenders are a major customary installation on gravel bikes that are ridden on unpaved roads. In this article, we summarize why it is a good idea to install fenders, their benefits, and how to choose them.
How to choose a bottle cage for mounting under the downtube
On gravel bikes with high carrying capacity, there are also dowel holes under the downtube for bottle cages. However, because the drivetrain is located under the downtube, there are unique ways to select the shape of the bottle cage.
How to choose a portable pump for gravel bike
A portable pump is essential for dealing with puncture problems on the road. Gravel bikes require a different perspective than road bikes when choosing a portable pump.
Current Article
How to use bottle cages on gravel bikes
Gravel bikes can be used to carry a variety of items for cycling and touring. Bottle cages, in particular, are a great way to enjoy riding without using bags.
Summary of tools and accessories to keep on hand for gravel bikes
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Advantages of fenders (mudguards) on gravel bikes and how to choose them
Fenders are a major customary installation on gravel bikes that are ridden on unpaved roads. In this article, we summarize why it is a good idea to install fenders, their benefits, and how to choose them.
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How to use bottle cages on gravel bikes
Gravel bikes can be used to carry a variety of items for cycling and touring. Bottle cages, in particular, are a great way to enjoy riding without using bags.
Summary of tools and accessories to keep on hand for gravel bikes
Gravel bikes, which are used for long distances and on unpaved roads, require a bit different preparation than road bikes. In this issue, we have compiled a list of tools and accessories that you should always have on hand for your gravel road bike.
