Staying hydrated is crucial for road cyclists, especially during long rides on hot days. The right water bottle can make all the difference in keeping you fueled and hydrated on the road. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best road cycling water bottles for 2024. We include considerations such as size, where to carry, insulated vs. non-insulated, and water bottle vs. hydration pack.
What Size:
The size of your water bottle will depend on your hydration needs and the length of your rides. For shorter rides, a standard 20-ounce water bottle may be sufficient. However, for longer rides, you may want to consider a larger bottle. Such as a 24-ounce or 32-ounce bottle, to ensure you have enough water to stay hydrated.
Where to Carry:
There are several options for carrying your water bottle while cycling. The most common option is to use a water bottle cage mounted on your bike frame. Most modern road bikes have mounting spots for 2 water bottle cages. This allows for easy access to your water bottle while riding. There’s also a seat mount option that will allow you to carry 2 additional bottles. If you go this route, I’d suggest you only use the smaller 16 oz bottles in it. I’ve used this system before and the smaller bottles just seemed more secure.
Another option is to use a hydration pack, which is a backpack-style system that allows you to carry water on your back.
Insulated vs. Not:
Insulated water bottles are designed to keep your water cold for longer periods, making them a good option for hot weather or longer rides. However, they tend to be heavier and more expensive than non-insulated bottles. Non-insulated bottles are lighter and more affordable, but they may not keep your water as cold for as long. My personal recommendation is for summer riding, go with the insulated bottles. Fill with 2/3 ice before adding water or electrolyte / carb drink. They won’t keep your water super cold. But nothing is better than having cool / cold water on a long hot bike ride.
Water Bottle vs. Hydration Pack:
They each have their pros and cons. Water bottles are easy to access while riding and can be mounted on your bike frame. But they may not hold as much water as a hydration pack. Hydration packs can hold more water, but they can be bulky. This can be a good option for longer rides, but realize that this adds a lot of weight / bulk to your back. I’ve ridden with a hydration pack and found it to be much hotter (back gets really sweaty).
Conclusion:
When it comes to road cycling hydration, there are several factors to consider. Including size, where to carry, insulated vs. non-insulated, and water bottle vs. hydration pack. Based on these considerations, here are three recommendations for the best road cycling water bottles for 2024:
Best Overall: CamelBak Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle – This 24-ounce insulated water bottle keeps your water cold for longer periods. Making it a great option for hot weather or longer rides.
Best Budget: Zefal 164 Water Bottle – This 33-ounce non-insulated water bottle is affordable and lightweight. Making it a good option for shorter rides or cyclists on a budget.
Best Hydration Pack: Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack – This hydration pack holds up to 3 liters of water and has plenty of storage for other essentials. Making it a great option for longer rides or cyclists who prefer not to use a water bottle cage.
By considering these factors and choosing the right water bottle for your needs. You can stay hydrated and fueled on the road, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Here’s another article on the Hydration for Road Cyclists: Here’s What You Need to Know!