Your bike can take you anywhere - cycle on roads, in parks, in forests and on mountains to see some great views and experience different terrain while you exercise.
You can get to where you want to go by bike, and stay fit while you’re at it; cycling is quicker than walking and burns more calories. What’s not to love?
One thing that is essential to remember while cycling is to stay hydrated. There’s nothing worse than setting off on a long bike ride without any way to replenish your internal liquids.
Cycling is thirsty work, so you definitely need to make sure you take a water bottle with you that you can easily access while on the go. Dehydration can be very dangerous to your system, and your body needs more water than it would usually when it’s working harder.
If you don’t drink enough, you may start to experience light-headedness and nausea, as well as feeling extremely tired.
All of these symptoms can affect your general well-being, and they will certainly have a negative impact on your bike ride.
Once you’ve recognized the importance of having a water bottle, it can then be very difficult to decide which one to get. There are many different types on the market, and not all water bottles are made the same.
They will vary in terms of material, size and extra features, so how do you know what you need? Well, in short, the best bottles to get are bidons that are both BPA-free and insulated.
We will explore these functions in more detail further on in the article, but in the meantime, here are our top 10 picks for water bottles to take cycling.
This funky patterned water bottle comes in various colors and two different sizes: 20 oz and 24 oz. These equate to roughly 600 ml and 710 ml respectively, meaning you can fill them with plenty of water or other drink.
The shape makes this bidon easy to fit into a bottle cage, and it will sit there snugly for as long as you want it to. It also has extra grip, making it easy to squeeze so you can access the water inside.
Because it was designed by cyclists for cyclists, it is sure to do its job properly and cater to all your needs.
Pros
Triple wall insulation reflects heat and keeps fluids at the right temperature for twice as long as earlier versions.
The cap is made up of two components: a cap and valve. This makes it easy to clean because it comes apart completely to give you better access.
Safe to load into a dishwasher.
Covered by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
You need to make sure that you screw the lid on properly, as it will sometimes end up sitting not quite level without you realizing it.
It is not as pliable as some other bottles, making it slightly harder to squeeze.
Have you ever wanted to know exactly how much water you’re consuming at any given time?
Sure, you can estimate with any transparent bottle if you know its capacity, but it makes your life easier if you can buy a bottle that has measurements printed down the side.
This bottle is not only labeled with ounces, but it also shows you the amount you should be drinking throughout the day.
While this doesn’t necessarily apply on a bike ride as you will be drinking a lot in a short space of time, it is definitely a useful feature to have.
If you purchase this bottle now, you will also gain access to an ebook with 10 infused water recipes, so you can stay hydrated with a tasty twist.
Pros
The flip top lid makes it easy to grab a swig of drink quickly. It also has a lid lock, which stops any leaks.
You can keep track of your fluid intake with the markers, which might also encourage you to drink more than you usually do.
It has a wide opening, so you can add extra items such as fruit slices or ice, and you can access the inside easily to clean it.
Comes with a removable strap for added portability.
Cons
Not dishwasher safe, so you will need to wash it by hand.
Sometimes condensation builds up on the outside of the bottle when filled with particularly cold liquid.
As the name suggests, PRO BIKE TOOL is a brand that is dedicated to providing professional equipment for cyclists everywhere. This easy squeeze bidon is no different, offering enhanced performance and promising ‘more fluid with less effort’.
The bottle is made with double wall and foam liner insulation to keep your liquids cooler for longer than single wall insulation.
Although you can buy a bottle holder from the same range, this bidon is compatible with all bike bottle cages, so be sure to take it with you on all your road and mountain biking trips.
Pros
The fast flow valve gives you access to more liquid per squeeze, so you can take in as much as you need in one gulp.
Lighter and easier to drink from than metal insulated bottles.
Some bottles that require squeezing to release the contents are tough and unyielding, but this one is made from easy squeeze material.
Safe for use in the dishwasher.
Cons
Layers are a bit thin compared to similar products, so the bottle may be more prone to breakage.
This bottle has ‘best’ in its name, and who are we to argue with branding? There are many features that make this bidon ideal, from the hardwearing co-polyester material to the ergonomic design and leak-proof lid.
All these things add up to a handy accessory for all bike enthusiasts.
Not only this, but the bottle is fully recyclable, meaning that once it reaches the end of its usable life, you can dispose of it without worry.
However, before that happens it should have plenty of use in it, so you can drink from it for years on end. With a capacity of nearly 1 liter, you will never go thirsty again.
Pros
Water tastes just as pure as if it were dispensed from a glass bottle.
Made from 100% recyclable materials.
It is highly durable and can be dropped onto hard surfaces without breaking.
Cons
The air hole on the lid sometimes lets a bit of liquid leak out, so you will need to be careful when you drink.
Another one of the large offerings on our list, this 32 oz bottle makes a perfect gift for the fitness enthusiasts in your life.
Like the Caktaki model, it also has time markers of how much you should have drunk at any given time, which works well for reminding you of the need for hydration.
It even has a motivational quote printed on it , giving you the kick that you need to get on and achieve your goals.
The removable strainer fits nicely into the design and allows you to infuse different flavors - choose from a number of refreshing fruits or teas.
Pros
Comes in many different colors so you can pick and choose your favorite.
The lid is a flip top with a fast water flow opening to help you rehydrate quickly.
Wide mouth for easy cleaning.
Cons
Although it has the time markers, the bottle itself isn’t transparent so it may be difficult to keep track of your consumption.
Time markers showing hydration levels seem to be all the rage among cyclists, and this list certainly reflects that.
While you will naturally drink more water when cycling anyway, you can think of the markers as targets to reach at certain points throughout your journey.
You can also take it to the office when you’ve finished, refill it, and observe the measurements as normal.
The safety lock on the top ensures that the contents stay safely inside until you need to drink; then, you can just use one hand to press the button and get the lid open.
Pros
More affordable than some similar designs, so you get more for your money.
Leak-proof and dust-proof, with a practical flip top lid.
Available in a range of colors to suit you.
Cons
The wrist band isn’t removable, so it can get in the way when you want to clean it, for example.
The frosted plastic shows wear and tear more readily than other materials.
One of the smaller options on this list, the 500 ml KOM has a reduced height that means it won’t come into contact with your legs while cycling if stored in a bike bottle holder.
The factory that produces it also makes bottles for Tour de France riders, so you know the name is well-respected in the industry. Each bottle has inspirational messages on the side to encourage your training habits.
With its wide mouth, you will be able to clean your bottle without issues, and if you want to use a bottle-brush to ensure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly, you can do so. It is also dishwasher safe and has a smooth pull-out spout mechanism for disassembly.
Pros
You can open the valve with just your teeth, allowing you to keep your hands free for better stability.
Doesn’t leak even when placed upside-down for extended periods of time.
Cons
The lid slopes at the sides, which doesn’t allow for a strong grip when opening and closing it.
This bottle comes in an interesting geometric design, helping it to stand out among other bottles your cycling companions might have.
Made from low density polyethylene, it can hold 23 oz of liquid (680 ml) and is easy to squeeze.
The Purist MoFlo is infused with silicon dioxide, which helps to keep your water tasting fresh and pure. Its push-pull cap ensures easy access to your drink, as well as keeping it leak-proof once it’s closed.
Pros
The outside doesn’t frost up or gather condensation due to the contents.
Completely recyclable for when you’ve finished with it.
Incorporates an innovative three-sided design so you can grasp it in your hand easily.
Cons
Some users have experienced a slight plastic aftertaste, but most use the bottle happily and don’t have this issue.
Only available in one design, which may be too busy or colorful for some.
While many of the models discussed here are made of various plastics, this one is a metal bottle, meaning that it won’t crack under the pressure of a tough cycling session.
It keeps hot water warm for up to 12 hours, and cold water chilled for around 24!
The shape of the bottle is specially designed to be ergonomic, so you can easily use it with one hand.
There are also two separate caps: a loop cap, which you can attach to outdoor equipment, and a sports cap, so you can enjoy an unobstructed flow of water.
Pros
Available in a range of sizes and colors so you can choose which one best fits you.
Comes with a free gift box - perfect for sending it as a gift.
Cons
Some of the component parts aren’t as sturdy as they could be.
Stainless steel is heavier than the standard plastic materials that make up other bottles.
The markers on the outside of this bottle indicate levels of a specialized Science in Sport powder that you can use in conjunction with it. This contains electrolytes that give you more energy to complete your bike ride.
However, you can also use the bottle on its own without the powder, and just drink pure water to your heart’s content.
With a capacity of 27 oz (800 ml), this bottle lets you stay hydrated throughout your whole training session. The easy squeeze material and lockable spout mean that you always have access to water when you need it.
Pros
Designed for use with the brand’s isotonic powder that keeps you energized.
Perfect balance between soft and firm so water only comes out when you want it to - no spillages.
Cons
The coloring may start to fade within a few washes; however this doesn’t impact on its effectiveness at doing its job.
Buyer’s Guide
Size
Drinking bottles usually have a capacity of 500ml-600ml, which is generally considered to be ideal for sports and everyday usage. This size can fit in most backpacks, and some have a dedicated pouch on the outside that is designed to carry your bottle.
However, if you tend to need a lot to drink and you have a particularly long journey ahead of you, you may want to consider something bigger like 750ml or even 1l. This will ensure you always have some water available and you won’t need to stop en route to find somewhere to fill up.
Insulation
Buying an insulated bidon means that whatever liquid you put in there will stay at your desired temperature for longer.
If you like your water to be cold and refreshing, this is the best way to keep it that way - add in a few ice cubes before you leave and you’re prepared for even the hottest of workouts.
Some people prefer to take hot drinks with them, such as fruit tea or even coffee, for those days when it’s super cold out and you don’t want to go anywhere.
BPA-Free
BPA is the shortened name for bisphenol A, which is a chemical found in various plastics. Sometimes plastics containing BPAs are used to make food and drinks containers, but unfortunately traces of the chemical can transfer onto your foods from these.
This has been linked to possible effects on the health, such as neurological problems, increased blood pressure and compromised immunity.
Only low levels of BPA are present in such items, so it shouldn’t cause too much worry for the consumers. However, to be on the safe side, you should choose products that are known to be BPA-free - this will usually be specified on the packaging somewhere.
More and more products are being manufactured without bisphenol A nowadays, so it is easier than ever to have peace of mind where this is concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Bidon?
Bidon is just a fancy term for a sports bottle used by cyclists. It is the French word for water bottle, which in turn comes from the Old Norse word ‘bida’, meaning some kind of container.
Original bidons were made of metal with a cork in the top, and cyclists would affix them to their handlebars, whereas nowadays they are placed further down on the bike.
There is a tradition in professional cycling, whereby a cyclist will throw their empty bidon into the waiting crowd at a race, so someone can catch it and take it home as a souvenir.
However, this practice has been banned by the International Cycling Union at organized events on health and safety grounds.
How Can I Attach A Bottle To My Bike?
To attach a bottle to your bike so you don’t have to carry it, you will need to get a water bottle cage. These are widely available in most specialist sports stores, or check out Amazon’s range.
In your bike frame there should be bolts on both the down tube and the seat tube - remove these and position the bottle holder where you would like it. Replace the bolts and tighten with a wrench so that they are secure.
If your bike doesn’t come with these bolts, you can still fix a bottle holder to it in different ways. The most common solutions people have found are by using duct tape or cable ties to hold it in place.
Play around and see what works best for you. We would also recommend taking a look at this guide, which takes you through the necessary steps for attaching your bottle holder to a bike with no holes, so you can feel more comfortable about the process.
Hi, my name is Andrew Daniels, and I have been cycling as a hobby for the last 10 years. I love all types of cycling, and it is one of my biggest passions. The Monster Cycle will be an extension of my passion for cycling, and everything related to it.
I will be focusing on the best accessories to purchase, and the best bikes. In addition to this, I will be providing informational content to answer any questions or queries surrounding cycling that you may have.
