Mounting Water Botttle Cage on Alum Down Tube

[rockethead26]

I currently have my water bottle cage on my handle bars of my Electra Straight 8 and don't like it there. I went to my LBS to see if they had a solution for mounting the cage to the 1.75" down tube, but all they could suggest is going to a hardware store and buying something ugly.

I really don't want to drill the tube. I haven't the skills. A frame builder at the shop said it was a bad idea anyway on an aluminum frame.

Does any one have an elegant, nice looking, easy to implement solution?

This is all about the looks! 8)

Thanks

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

there's just something wrong about this setup huh?...

but seriously, there are other tri setups where the cage mounts to the seatpost. some seen here: http://recklesscognition.wordpress.com/ ... nd-bosses/


or how about wearing a small hydration pack and forgetting about the bottle?

 

[rockethead26]

You're right! There's something a little wrong with that photo.

Thanks for the link, though. It looks like they show some great options for me. I am constantly amazed that when I walk into my LBS with a simple problem, they never have a solution, but two minutes on the forums, never fails to provide great answers. My LBS, by the way, is voted to be one of the 100 best in the country. I don't know why I bother anymore.

Much appreciated!

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

You're right! There's something a little wrong with that photo.

Thanks for the link, though. It looks like they show some great options for me. I am constantly amazed that when I walk into my LBS with a simple problem, they never have a solution, but two minutes on the forums, never fails to provide great answers. My LBS, by the way, is voted to be one of the 100 best in the country. I don't know why I bother anymore.

Much appreciated!

I hear ya. Hope you come up with something that works for you.

 

[rockethead26]

Ordered this:

http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Bicycle-Wat ... amp;sr=8-2

Should work fine.

Thanks again.

 

[deorman]

I've seen them just zip tied on, even hose clamps. :|

 

[sloar]

go to wal mart or any other department store that carrys bikes. for about 7 bucks you can get a cage and bottle with mounting hardware. 2 aluminum bands that wrap the tube tightened with nut and a bolt.

 

[Bendix]

An actual framebuiler said it was a bad idea to drill holes in an aluminum frame?

Nearly every alu MTB on the market has at least 4 holes drilled into it for bottle bosses and rack mounts. Manufacturers use 'riv-nuts' that press/crimp into place, and they have been doing so for nearly 2 decades!

All other solutions are indeed ugly... :wink:

 

[rockethead26]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I'll try the solution I ordered to see what it looks like, then I can always fall back on standard tie wraps. I wanted to avoid the metal clamps for visual reasons. I'm just using a simple Blackburn alloy cage which I hope fits the mounting straps I ordered. I'll find out on Tuesday when it's scheduled to arrive. If not, then a little rubber backing on the cage to prevent tube scratches and 3-4 tie wraps should do the trick.

The frame builder at the LBS was just a visitor and was talking to one of the shop guys. He said that drilling aluminum was fine, but it should be reinforced. I know nothing about such things, and besides, I really didn't want to go that route anyway. This shop does most of it's business with expensive road bikes, so I think I'm just a fly in the ointment to them. The do have about 75 Electra bikes in stock, but seem to know very little about them.

Thanks again, everyone!