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Staying hydrated is one of the top priorities for any athlete. Cyclists usually carry one or two bottles on their daily trails to keep water intake up to a standard.
On longer trips, they might need a Camelbak filled with an even higher volume of liquid.
This article talks about the top characteristics of the best bike water bottles and provides insight into the market's leading products.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Bike Water Bottles
- OUR TOP PICK: 50 Strong Sports Squeeze Water Bottle
- RUNNER-UP: Polar Bottle Breakaway Wave
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Vetra Sports Squeeze Water Bottle
Comparison of the Best Bike Water Bottles
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How to Choose a Water Bottle
Having tested most of the best bike water bottles for this article, we've put together a list of features a quality product should have. Some of them are objective, as the quality of the plastic or engineering solution on the cap. Others are subjective, such as the need for insulation and capacity. Let's dive deeper and discuss each one separately.
Material
The quality of the plastic is the most crucial feature of any bottle. It should be BPA-free and meet all health safety standards. It also needs to be squishy enough to get water out with minimal effort and not be prone to scratches. Most importantly, the bottle should let you taste the water, not the plastic.
Nozzle
The ideal nozzles are those that allow one-handed use or don't require opening and closing at all. Squeeze-and-drink self-sealing bottles are the best options.
Polar Bottle Breakaway Wave
Capacity
Although staying hydrated is crucial, you wouldn't want to add too much weight to your bike. The best bike water bottles are around 21 or 24 oz to balance the ease of use and water intake volume during short rides. Adding a second one is also an option.
Insulation
Temperature control is one of the most requested features. It's also a matter of personal preference. If you like long rides and live in a sunny climate, you might need a good insulated bottle (we provide options if you read further).
Review of the Best Bike Water Bottles
In this section, we've selected the best products on the market, tried them, and compared them to the described criteria. We've also considered user reviews to add opinions from real people who had used the bottles.
Best Overall:
50 Strong Sports Squeeze Water Bottle
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users like the product, saying that it does what it's supposed to: holds water, fits in the bottle cage perfectly, and doesn't leak in most cases. A couple of users mention that not all bottles in the multipack orders are of high quality; others say they'd prefer insulation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the problems with water bottles is the smell and taste of plastic that can transfer to the liquid. With this product, we didn't observe such issues. Give it a good rinse before you use it, and the bottle will serve you as expected.
Another positive with 50 Strong is that it's a US brand that strives to make a difference in people's lives. This sports squeeze water bottle is an excellent product for cyclists and overachievers in other fields. Plus, the variety of prints, designs, and cap-and-nozzle selection elevates the experience.
Bottom Line
We love a quality bottle that covers basic needs and does it well. Although some temperature control would be nice, you can freeze it and have your water cold even on a hot summer day. 50 Strong Sports Squeeze is an excellent value for the money and a worthy addition to your bike.
Runner-up:
Polar Bottle Breakaway Wave
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users mention that the bottle is squishy enough and doesn't leak. It might come in handy in climates or for people that don't have temperature control as a priority. People's opinions split on the topic of smell and weird taste. However, it's nothing a thorough wash can't eliminate.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Besides being a lightweight and convenient product made from top quality materials, it's also a local brand. Polar Bottle is crafted in Colorado, making it an excellent choice for fast delivery in the USA. The merchandise has been around for longer than ten years, so it has a loyal target audience.
Its high flow and excellent design make it the best choice for cyclists who like to stay hydrated and do it in style. However, the top positive for Polar Bottle Breakaway Wave is its special valve and self-sealing technology.
Bottom Line
Due to intelligent engineering and squeeze-and-drink mechanism, the bottle is leak proof. It also fits most water bottle cages. If you don't need to keep the drink cold or warm for long, this is an excellent choice.
Best for the Money:
Vetra Sports Squeeze Water Bottle
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers are content with the product, saying that it does what it's supposed to. However, some three-star reviews mention that the bottle is too stiff. You can put it in a dishwasher, lid removed. Some reviewers discuss its durability and how nicely it fits into all kinds of bottle cages.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This bottle showed us two essential characteristics during testing. It didn't make the water taste funny and it had just the right amount of liquid squirting out. Although the second one might be subjective to each user, we love the satisfaction we get out of squeezing the bottle and getting just enough water.
We also don't like eating plastic particles with water. Whatever the material is, we like it.
Bottom Line
While some users might complain that it's too stiff, we at least know that your water is safe from outside influences. The best part of the product is its jet valve, which makes the usage super easy.
Best Insulated Bike Water Bottle:
Polar Bottle Sport Water Bottle
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers are generally happy with the product. The top comment is that it is truly good at keeping the water temperature. One commenter says that the water stayed cool for at least three hours. Another buyer mentions that the lifetime guarantee worked for him, as the support staff went above and beyond to replace a broken lid after a few years of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Here is another Polar bottle that we love. Compared to the one above, this one is insulated and makes it possible to keep the desired temperature longer. It's a similarly equipped one with its three-layer thermal protection and lovely design to complement your bike.
Unlike any other bottle in the list so far, this one offers a handle that may be helpful in more extreme situations. It also seals well to prevent leakage.
Bottom Line
The tri-layer insulation technology is Polar's way to ensure that your bottle is as reliable as you might expect. It's a versatile, environmentally friendly, and quality product to satisfy your needs.
Best Road Bike Water Bottle:
CamelBak Podium Bike Water Bottle
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
CamelBak Podium Bike Water Bottle carries on with mostly positive feedback in the US and abroad. Buyers state that it's easy to use and conveniently fits a variety of bottle cages. Some customers even use it instead of a sippy cup for their kids.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We've chosen this bottle as the best road bike addition for a reason. Although it isn't insulated, it keeps the liquid temperature for about as long as a recreational ride would need.
You don't need a dirt cap or additional coverage during a light ride around the neighborhood, and this bottle gives you just enough water for casual afternoon hydration. It doesn't leak and doesn't have that weird plastic aftertaste.
Another plus is that you can take it apart and wash the parts separately. This is crucial for removing any weird odors the water may carry if it stays sealed in one spot.
Bottom Line
Yet again, CamelBak delivers on its promise of a top product. The bottle can be an excellent gift to somebody who's just bought a bike and has hydration as a top priority.
Best Mountain Bike Water Bottle:
CamelBak Podium Dirt Series
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers like the CamelBak Podium Dirt Series for its size, as some bikes cannot accommodate taller bottles. A three-star reviewer mentioned that it's shinier than it looks in the photos. However, many customers are thrilled about the mud cap, which seems to be the product's selling point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Here is another premium-quality bottle from CamelBak, optimized for mountain bikes and off-road performance. Like the previous pick on our list, this one accommodates 21 oz of liquid, although it's slightly shorter than most bottles. The product has an easy-to-squeeze design, allowing the user to open the cap and drink at once.
The material is a highly-functional plastic that doesn't contain toxic elements like BPA, BPF, and BPS. It's also safe to put in a dishwasher. The self-sealing valve makes drinking water convenient, even when you're on the narrowest dirt road.
Bottom Line
Although it lacks insulation, this is one of the best choices for mountain bike structure and perfectly fits most bottle holders. Due to its size, you can even accommodate two on your bike to maximize your water intake on a longer trail.
Best Camelbak Bike Water Bottle:
CamelBak Podium Chill
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Although the Chill is advertised to keep the drink temperature longer, some lower-star reviews advise that it doesn't work as well as expected. Some buyers are more content with the old version than the redesigned one. However, the bottle has a loyal customer base who'll buy it every time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Besides the fact that the bottle is insulated with a double-wall design, you can freeze it and be positive that it won't break. It uses the same TruTaste™ plastic as all other ones from the same brand, making it one of the best CamelBak bottles on the market.
After using it in harsh conditions like extreme cold and heat, we're quite satisfied with how it keeps the water temperature.
Bottom Line
While the brand has been around for a long time, it continues to deliver. With this entry, CamelBak stays on top as usual.
What Size of Water Bottle Do I Need?
The decision of how much water to carry has objective aspects. However, it's also personal. First of all, everything depends on your water intake vs. metabolic rate. Simply put, you need to account for how much you sweat.
The climate is another factor to affect body temperature, and subsequently, the rate at which you need to replenish water resources. If it's hot, you might need a larger bottle (or two). Ride intensity is a third point to consider. You might be riding in a milder climate, but high-energy endurance races aren't the same as recreational park rides.
As a bonus tip, think about the location of your ride: can you find a natural spring, or maybe some locals can refill your bottle? If it's a short ride, you might not need a refill at all.
Polar Bottle Breakaway Wave
Comparison Overview
Those who are new to cycling ask about which water bottle to buy. Although we've already made our picks above, let's look at some comparisons.
Polar Bottle vs CamelBak
Polar and CamelBak are long-standing brands that have already proven their usefulness to many athletes and cyclists worldwide. Both companies have a wide selection of the best bike water bottles for sports enthusiasts and cover a pretty wide range of needs.
To compare apples to apples, we need to take compatible bottles, but in the end, it's a matter of preference. Some people own both and rotate them.
CamelBak Podium Chill
Camelbak vs Water Bottle
CamelBak hydration packs are an excellent way to keep your water intake high during long and intense rides. Its first difference from a water bottle is the volume of liquid it can carry. You also don't have to reach out to take the bottle out of the cage, saving time and energy.
How to Clean a Water Bottle
Wash the container daily to avoid unwanted bacteria and microorganisms from lingering on the walls. Those can upset your digestion or cause worse problems. Here is what you need to do.
Daily
- Separate all the parts on your water bottle
- Wash them thoroughly with detergent and warm water
Pro tip: use special long brushes to wash the inside of your bottle if you're particular about its cleanliness.
Weekly
- Wash the bottle in a dishwasher as instructed for full sanitization
- No dishwasher? No worries!
- Mix 50/50 baking soda and water in the container and let it sit for 15 minutes
- Rinse it with warm water
- Let the bottle air dry
- Mix 50/50 baking soda and water in the container and let it sit for 15 minutes
Photo credit: TheSpruce.com
Conclusion
Hydration is a priority for most cyclists, and a lovely bottle that covers their needs can serve as an additional motivation to drink more fluids. Choose yours according to our criteria, and you'll be covered!
People Also Ask
Although we've covered quite a vast ground in the above article, let's go through some frequently asked questions to clarify more details.
How Many Ounces in a Water Bottle?
A standard bike water bottle usually carries anywhere between 20 and 24 oz of fluid. Although 34 and 48 oz bottles exist, most cyclists prefer lighter ones, as larger ones might interfere during pedaling.
What is a CamelBak?
CamelBak is a USA-based outdoor equipment company. A "Camelbak" likely refers to the backpacks from the brand that can carry all kinds of cycling accessories, rain covers, overflow pockets, and of course, a lot of water. These come in handy during long endurance races.
Photo credit: camelbak.com
How Many Ounces in a CamelBak?
The CamelBak sports series has a few water bottles, with standard ones ranging between 21 and 24 oz and larger ones that accommodate 32 and 34 oz of liquid. Hydration packs can take up to around 100 oz of water.
How Often Should I Wash My Water Bottle?
At least once a day is the recommended frequency if used daily. Otherwise, you can rotate the bottles and clean them all at once. If you want full sanitization, use a baking soda and water solution.
How to Fix a Cracked Plastic Water Bottle
It'd be better to replace a cracked water bottle. However, here are a few quick methods.
- Fix on the go with scotch tape, plastic/silicone glue, or superglue. Caution: this is a temporary solution for thicker bottles. Glue and tape might expose your drink to toxic elements.
- Heat a separate patch of plastic and melt it onto the water bottle. Let it cool and manipulate the section until the crack seals.
- Friction welding is the method where you use an additional plastic piece rotating at high speeds. As it does so, it melts and fills in the crack.
Photo credit: wikihow.com
How Many Inches is a Water Bottle?
Most bike cages fit the standard 21 or 24 oz bottles, so everything depends on how wide the container is. The ones in our list are pretty standard - around 5 inches tall.
Where Do You Mount a Water Bottle on a Mountain Bike?
If your bike comes preset with the spots and screws for bottle cages, it's easy. You simply need to choose the right holder. Usually, it's either the down tube or the seat tube. Using both locations simultaneously is also possible.
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