Adding Water Bottle Cages to Bicycles without Braze

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

Sure you could cobble something together using funky hose clamps (jubilee clips), tape, or by drilling holes where you shouldn't be drilling holes and installing Rivnuts, or by trying to fasten it together with cable ties, but it looks tacky and unprofessional, and holes for RivNuts can damage the structural integrity of the tubing.

Use one of the methods listed below to do the job right. I've tracked down sources for most of the products on this site.


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.		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 steering tubes on folding bicycles.		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.

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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 (U.S.: www.bromptonbike.com, U.K.: www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk, Taiwan: http://www.nordicgroup.us/bromptai). 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.

Basically what you need to do is to create a pair of 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 of cable ties because this is not a secure mounting method.

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. 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)

iHome IH85B Bike Speaker for iPod

Soma Stash Bottle

Topeak X-15 Adapter helps water bottle access in tight locations without the need for a side-entry water bottle cage.

Jacket Bag
Use Modula EX cage for best fit.

Airzound II
Use Modula EX Cage for best fit

Cage Rocket
Waterproof storage pod fits most standard water bottle cages

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

A mountain biker I encountered on a Sonoma County fire road shows why you should always have sufficient water to cool yourself.

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.

CLIC Self-Locking Nylon Pipe Hanger
Marketed in the U.S. by Litchfield International, Inc, www.li-clic.com/plumb_broch.htm. This is a European product but I couldn’t find any information about European retailers or the manufacturer on the web. They are easily available in the U.S., in any quantity, from McMaster-Carr’s e-commerce site, www.mcmaster.com.

I like taking cheap industrial products and using them for purposes that they never were intended for. This is certainly the case here. These devices are cheaper than the Zefal Gizmo clamps and do the job just as well.

As with the Zefal Gizmo Clamps you need to choose the proper size. You are unlikely to find these at any hardware store. From www.mcmaster.com, buy two 30075T6 (Self-Locking Nylon Pipe Hanger) and two 30075T21 (Threaded Rod Adapter). The first part will vary based on the diameter of your tubing (I used the size for the 1.375" Brompton handlebar stem). From Home Depot (or other store) buy a pack of two 1/4"-20 x 1/2" Stainless Steel Socket Cap Screw Button Head, UPC 3069969788 (these are in the drawers of specialty fasteners). The threaded rod adapter is just a flat nut that slides into the slot on the pipe hanger; instead of screwing the clamps onto a threaded rod hanging down from the roof of a building you'll be screwing a small screw through the holes on a water bottle cage into the nut (you may need to enlarge the water bottle cage holes slightly depending on the cage but I didn't have to on the Kool Hand Keeler). McMaster is a very good supplier.

Remember, when choosing the proper size that the McMaster catalog diameters are inner diameters of the conduit or tubing. Measure the diameter of the tubing you're using with a vernier caliper. Choose the outer diameter that is the closest to the diameter of your tubing (choose a size equal to, or a bit smaller than the diameter of your tubing). It can't be too much smaller (the 1" GRC trade size, which was 1.315" outer diameter, worked fine on the 1.375" tubing I had (a difference of 0.06"). If you need to buy a size that is slightly too big you could use some rubber shims if it's too loose. These clamps need to fit tightly to stay on. If you're worried about them popping open on big bumps then put a drop of epoxy on the latch before you close it, but these are hard to remove without prying open with a screwdriver.

Trade Size Designator Inner Diameter (for reference only)	Outer Diameter (choose the size, smaller than, but closest to your tubing size)	McMaster Part #
½" GRC	0.84"	30075T3
¾" EMT	.922"	30075T16
¾" GRC	1.05"	30075T4
1" EMT	1.163"	30075T5
1" GRC	1.315"	30075T6
1.25" EMT	1.510"	30075T19
1.25" GRC	1.660"	30075T18
1.5" GRC	1.9"	30075T11
2" EMT	2.197"	30075T13
2" GRC	2.375"	30075T7

Attach the water bottle cage to the clamps then snap the clamps around the tubing. They attach very securely but they can be removed by prying up the latch with a screwdriver.


Self Locking Nylon Pipe Hanger on a Brompton Steering Tube with a Kool Hand Keeler Cage		Self Locking Nylon Pipe Hanger on a Brompton Steering Tube with a Kool Hand Keeler Cage and a JSB-500 Bottle

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, seatpost 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.

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.

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.

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 seatpost 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.

Minoura SBH-300 - Dual Bottle Cage Holder
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 "

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.

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 $8.95 a pair (just went up from $7.95). Harris Cyclery (the store Sheldon Brown is associated with) sells them for $15.95 a pair (ouch!).

I saw this at the Taipei International Bicycle Show in March 2008. I have never seen it for sale in the U.S..

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

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 Unlimited Web 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 handle bar tube.

Twofish products are very difficult to purchase, as many retailers have ceased carrying them.

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. 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.

Raleigh
Available in the U.K. only. Sold at many on-line stores, and probably in many shops as well.

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.

Beto B012 Universal Handlebar/Downtube Bottle Cage
All composite, this rather unique cage looks like it has a quick release. Vertical or horizontal mounting. Can be purchased from the UK. Not sold in the U.S..

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.

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.