from Rookie’s keyboard
Hello, friends
Long time no see. But luckily, I am back with another post. I won’t get into excessive detail why I skipped the last week. Let’s just say that life hasn’t been ideal lately.
But do you know what’s ideal?
Tool bottles.
Yeah, right. They are awesome and IMO better than small saddlebags.
Don’t belive me?
Well, check out their pros:
Hidden Cargo
A tool bottle made out of an old bidon (or a dedicated one) is a stealthy way to carry your tools.
A thief is more likely to be interested in a saddlebag than a dirty water bottle on a bike.
Of course, you have to choose a non-transparent water bottle of a low visibility color (e.g., black). The goal is to avoid dragging attention towards the bottle and to prevent others from seeing its insides.
Seat Post Real Estate
A tool bottle would free some “seat post real estate” for lights, clip-on fenders, larger saddlebags…etc.
3. Quick Access
The quick-release on saddlebags can never match the speed of access offered by a tool bottle.
To get to the bottle, you simply have to take it out of the cage. There’s close to no thinking involved and the failure rate is small to none.
4. Aesthetic
If you hate the looks of saddlebags, a tool bottle could be a very good choice for you.
100% Waterproof
A tool bottle is as waterproof as it gets. It can even be submerged into water. However, this does not apply to tool pouches with a zip.
Multiple Locations
A tool bottle can be placed at any location that would take a water bottle mount.
The possible options are downtube, seat tube, handlebars, seat post, seat, top tube, fork legs…etc.
Can Be Used as a Bottle
In an emergency, the tool bottle can be used as an actual vessel. For example, if you’re riding on a hot day, and you need extra water capacity, you can throw the contents of the tool bottle in a bag and fill the thing with water.
Sanitize the insides of the tool bottle before using it as water storage.
Visible During Riding
Unless you mount the tool bottle on the seat post or under the saddle, it will be easily visible during riding. This reduces the chances of losing it unexpectedly.
Of course, nothing is every perfect.
Here are the negatives of tool bottles:
Take Water Bottle Space
The main shortcoming of tool bottles is that they steal one water bottle cage.
In the summer, this may be a problem, and you may have to add an additional water bottle cage to the bike.
If your frame doesn’t offer other mounting spots, you will have to use adapters.
Another option would be to get a hydration bladder in a top tube bag or a backpack.
Falling off
A tool bottle isn’t attached to the bike as securely as a saddlebag and there’s a real chance to drop it.
A while back, my tool bottle fell off the bike and cracked.
I don’t know if you can see it, but the cap of my tool bottle was cracked and glued back together.
Less Convenient Access To Some Tools
The items stored at the bottom are not easily accessible. To access them, you first have to remove everything else. Hence why it’s recommended to first slide the spare tube in and then follow through with the rest of the tools.
Obviously, I’ve made my choice. I’ve been riding with a tool bottle for more years than I care to remember.
That said, for a while, I was using a saddlebag.
And since I want to make each post as complete as possible, I will list the pros and cons of saddlebags too. (Ultimately the choice is yours, fellas.)
< The Pros of Saddlebags >
Do Not “Capture” Water Bottle Spots
Saddlebags are tucked neatly under the saddle and subsequently do not take any of the water bottle spots on the frame.
Having said that, a saddlebag will prevent the use of water bottle cages mounted on the seat.
Note: If you want to have both a saddlebag and a water bottle under the saddle, purchase a saddlebag with a mesh water bottle compartment.
Aero
Saddlebags, especially the small models, do not add drag to the bike because they’re positioned behind the rider – a location from which they cannot hurt the aero properties of the bike.
Strictly speaking, a tool bottle installed on the frame is a bit less aero. (But who cares? I certainly do not.)
Somewhat Discrete
A small saddlebag blends with the saddle, especially when the colors are matching.
No Mounting Hardware Required
Most small saddlebags do not require additional hardware. They attach via Velcro loops or a quick-release mechanism that comes with the bag.
Better Internal Organization
A tool saddlebag usually has two separate compartments – a big one for a tube, patches, and a mini-pump plus a small one where you can put a banknote, keys…etc.
In different, some tool bottles don’t offer any sort of organizing.
There are also “zip tool bottles” which have two separate compartments. However, those are bottle-shaped organizers rather than actual bottles.
And now the cons of saddlebags:
Criticism
Some cycling clubs do not like the silhouette that saddlebags give to a bike and often scrutinize those who dare to use such equipment.
Obviously, it’s up to the rider to decide what kind of gear to use, but most cyclists are looks focused and do care about external judgment.
A tool bottle, on the other hand, is technically a fake water bottle and thus fits the appearance criteria.
Not Waterproof
A good saddlebag will be waterproof or at least extremely water-resistant. However, since most bags use a zip with a cover for the main compartment, water will enter the bag during a submerge or through the zip which wears down with time.
Conversely, a tool bottle is as waterproof as it gets because it’s made out of plastic and has a screw-down cap.
If a tool bottle is letting water in – there’s a crack. Nonetheless, such a problem can easily be fixed with glue and silicone.
My Zefal tool bottle cracked a while back, and I successfully glued it back together. It’s still waterproof.
Not Visible
Saddlebags are positioned behind the rider and aren’t visible when pedaling. Thus, you may lose the bag without even knowing.
It’s rare, but the bag may get stolen too. For example, if you’re waiting in line someone behind you may steal it while you’re holding the bike.
Until next time,
Rookie
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