Pros:
-Holds bottles tightly
-Allows entry from either side, which a lot of side-load cages don''t
Cons:
-65 grams is twice the weight of an average bottle cage
-When the cage is empty (say, you have 2 holders, but only took one bottle on a ride), the edges of the cage slap together constantly and are very irritating. The photo shows the edges are about a half-inch from touching, but in reality, they ARE touching, and the cage is flexible. So, with every tiny bump you hit, the edges smack together. It''ll sound like something is broken throughout your entire ride.
If you plan to always have a bottle in the cage, and don''t mind an extra 30g of weight, you''ll be very happy with it. Otherwise, you may want to find some other side-load cage.
I have a rather compact bike frame, so taller bottles won''t fit or are difficult to access while riding. After putting these Zefal Side Mount cages on, I can grab the bottles with ease. Since they can be mounted for either right or left exit, I have set them both up for right hand access. Most of the other side mounts that I had interest in are one-piece units, so if you have two cages on your bike, one will be left handed and the other one right handed.
They''re quite light weight; plenty light enough for a non-racer such as myself. Of course, carbon side mount cages are lighter, but I find it somewhat amusing as other group riders have to look down at their cages to be able to figure out where their minuscule carbon cage is and I can just jab my bottles back with confidence. The crazy easy access means that I actually sip water more frequently (which is a good thing, if you''re wondering).
The height can be adjusted (with screws, not on-the-fly) which is more useful than I thought it would be. I started out with both cages at the lowest setting to accommodate taller bottles, but the side exit allowed me to put both to the highest setting and still be able to get 24oz bottles out with ease. The higher the cages are mounted, the less you have to bend over to reach your bottles.
The only negative point I have noticed is when I ride with the cages empty. The plastic is quite flexible so that riding, especially on rough roads, caused the tips to rattle against each other. Not a big deal for me.
My wife has not-so-subtly hinted that she wishes she had these cages on her bike, so here I am back on Amazon ordering two more.
Buy Zefal Side Mount Bicycle Water Bottle Cage Now
I bought a Thermos HS4080 24 oz. water bottle but the 3" diameter did not fit into my wire cage or any of the holders I tried at a bike shop. I decided to buy the Zefal side mount cage 170001 since one reviewer said his 24 oz. Polar bottle (also 3" diameter) fit well. I tried the Zefal for the first time today and it is fantastic. The Thermos did not move at all and is easy to put in and get out of the Zefal. The Thermos water bottle is tall and is heavy compared to a plastic bottle, but did not budge at all. The Zefal mount is slotted so the whole holder can be moved up or down for optimum location. My regular size bottle fits great also, but I doubt I''ll ever carry that non-insulated one again. I''m a street rider so have no idea how it would fare on a mountain bike.
Read Best Reviews of Zefal Side Mount Bicycle Water Bottle Cage Here
It''s light, and the side entry is something I never would have grown to like if I never tried it. It makes retrieving my bottle THAT much simpler! Very good product!
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As others have commented, it''s convenient to be able to mount two cages and be able to grab either bottle from the same side while riding. The cage and mounting bracket are two parts, held (firmly) together by the cage bolts (on your bike, not shipped with the cage). Much more attractive than the old standby aluminum cages, at about the same price. Holds a 20oz Powerade or Gatorade bottle just right.
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This jar arrived pretty quickly and to my surprise the school emblem on the front wasn''t a flat decal but a nice raised logo. Almost like a coin. Very nice looking ( pic on Amazon does it no justice ). Its a great conversation piece for my desk, that people always ask about.
