The best bottle cages? How much difference can they make? Well, there's more to them than meets the eye, though I will admit they are all relatively similar in terms of functionality. Below I've rounded up 24 very good options, including plastic, carbon, and metal options, as well as some more specialist ones for smaller frames, odd-shaped bottles, and high-capacity units. Even the weight weenies will be happy, as I've weighed them all too.
So you want some new bottle cages? Maybe you're fitting out a new bike, or maybe you just fancy a cheap and easy upgrade. I've gone through the best of the bunch to bring you my favourites. If you want cheap and cheerful then go for plastic, if you crave the lightest bike (or just want to show off a bit) then go carbon, and if you want classic styling or care about durability then pick from the metal options.
The best bottle cages you can buy today
If you've got a small frame then I've also picked out some excellent side-loading options, meaning you can pull the bottle out from the side rather than upwards, where it can often foul on the top tube or on a frame bag. Finally, if you want to carry a Nalgene, a big thermos, or even a portable speaker then I've got you covered for those eventualities too.
The best bottle cages also make great gifts for the cyclist in your life as they are (relatively) inexpensive. Pair with some of the best cycling socks and you're onto a winner.
We regularly check our guides to make sure that all the products included are still available to buy. This guide was last checked in April 2024, when the products shown below were all still current designs.
Plastic
Plastic bottle cages can rival the low weight of carbon, but come in at a much lower price on the whole. They are usually easier to make colourful, so if you want to jazz things up then they are likely the material of choice. Don't be fooled into thinking they're flimsy though, as many are reinforced with glass fibres to add strength, and are used by pros just as much as carbon bottle cages are.
40.6g
+ Chosen by pro riders
+ Inexpensive
- Retention may be too strong
The bottle cage we see most often on pro bikes here at Cyclingnews is the Elite Custom Race Plus. It's an inexpensive option that looks the business, doesn't weigh too much, and has a tenacious grip. There are plenty of colour choices too, to match your frame and kit. The only real downside is that the grip is so strong that it takes a bit of effort to get the bottles in and out - great for avoiding losing your drink in a race, but more of a task for us mere mortals.
46.1g
+ Many colours available
+ Classic shape in plastic form
- High RRP for a plastic cage
Arundel is perhaps best known for its classic-looking stainless cages, which I've also covered below. The Grypto is a plastic recreation of the stainless shape, and while this one is black it does come in a variety of extremely lovely block colour options. The bottle retention is secure but is easier to get in/out than the Elite Custom Race Plus thanks to a lack of rubber gripper.
40.6g
+ Low RRP
- Branding may not be to all tastes
The Lifeline Essential bottle cage comes in at under £5 and weighs less than more premium offerings. It has a lively matte finish, but the bright branding may not be to all tastes; it's a bit overkill for a bottle cage in my opinion. That being said, it's cheap, and does the job very effectively, with a retention similar to the Arundel Grypto for a fraction of the price.
41.7g
+ Adjustable retention
- Looks a bit odd
Elite Pria Pavè solves the bottle retention conundrum by adding a dial, meaning you can leave it loose for smooth riding, and tighten your bottles up before rough ground like you'd tighten a BOA dial on your shoes before a sprint. These come in handy if you're riding cobbles, or probably more likely if you're riding over mixed terrain - just don't try and over-tighten the dial as it can jam.
42.1g (without tools and Airtag)
+ Neat tool storage
+ Airtag compatible
- Multi-tool is limited
In terms of added features, it's hard to beat the Topeak Ninja. Not only does it have the capability to stow a multi-tool underneath but it's also got a socket to house an Apple Airtag so you can track your bike if it gets stolen. The Multi-tool isn't the most well-appointed, but it is tiny, so if you want the most streamlined setup then this should be high on your list.
31.2g
+ You can tell your pals you have Enve bottle cages
+ Pretty light
- More expensive than many plastic cages
Better known for its lightweight carbon offerings (we're talking wheels, bars, and now complete bikes). Enve also has its own line of finishing kit and accessories. The Enve CIM cage is most similar in form and function to the Arundel Grypto, but the Enve option is a little lighter and has a slightly easier action when getting the bottle in and out. If you yearn for Enve wheels, but can't quite stretch to north of £2k, then maybe just get these instead.
Carbon
Carbon fibre is the holy grail for many cyclists. Light, stiff, strong... and often expensive. If you're chasing grams or want to have the flashest bottle cages at the cafe stop on a Sunday morning then this is the section for you - just bear in mind you'll need to fork out a little more for the privilege.
30.0g
+ Understated looks
+ Multiple finish options
- Vice-like grip
Like the Elite Custom Race Plus I found the Arundel Mandible to be so grippy as to be almost detrimental, but if you like a rattle-free experience then it's a great choice. The classic shape and understated branding wouldn't look out of place on classic bikes, and it comes in a variety of finishes, with gloss and matte, unidirectional or woven, and flashes of colour too.
25g
+ Drops weight from Custom Race Plus
+ Firm hold
- Tends to look grubby
The Vico cage has the same design as the Custom Race Plus, just in carbon instead of plastic, which saves 15g of weight, making it a pros' favourite. The dropped central section makes getting bottles in and out a breeze and the Vico holds bottles without complaint. It does tend to attract dirt and scratches though.
26.5g
+ Great for small frames
+ Classy finish
- It doesn't look like carbon
If you want carbon bottle cages so you can show them off then the Rocko Carbon from Elite ain't the one for you - It looks like a plastic cage but comes in lighter on the scales. I found it has an easy action, and thanks to its shape it almost acts like a side loader. With a little tug upwards it can then pivot sideways, so if you have a small frame and want standard-looking cages then this is a great option.
21.7g
+ Left and right options
+ Multiple finishes
- High RRP
If you want a carbon cage, but you have a small frame or run a frame bag then there are still great side-loading options like the DTR / STR from Arundel. DTR (down tube right) or STR (seat tube right) is just a more confusing way of saying there are both right and left entry options. You still get the same choice of finishes as the standard Mandible, but with no colour flash options, and the hold is marginally less secure (but still pretty grippy).
24.7g
+ Includes Mounting Straps
+ Easy action
- Not as secure as some
If you're tight on space, I mean really tight, or you want to mount a bottle somewhere non-standard (like if your frame doesn't have downtube bosses) then the Granite Aux Side Loader is the one for you. While it can mount using standard bottle bosses, it also includes a rubber pad and straps, meaning it can be mounted anywhere on your frame (within reason). Perfect if you want to drop it lower to get it out of the way of a frame bag, or add extra hydration wherever it'll fit.
11.8g
+ Crazy light
+ Still cheaper than some
- Worryingly skeletal
If lightweight is your aim then the Feza cage is the one for you. The G12, technically a gravel version of an even lighter R10 is easily the lightest on test because there's barely anything to it. A torque wrench is definitely needed for installation, along with the included bolts. It still grips securely, and I'd wager that the 2g hit over the R10S is worth it for a slightly more solid construction. Let's be real though, all else aside it looks extremely cool.
Metal
Unless I'm aiming to hit a particularly low weight for a build then metal cages are always my preferred option, but I also ride a great many steel bikes so they fit aesthetically in that context perhaps better than on a carbon machine. In any case, they will last far longer than any other option, and if you get titanium rather than stainless steel they can be competitively light. An added benefit is that, as metal is malleable, you can bend the cages inwards slightly to increase the retention - just don't do it too often or you'll fatigue and snap them!
48.0g
+ Beautiful
+ Works well on small frames
- Perfect, no notes
These are my bottle cages of choice (and I have a stack to choose from). They are beautiful, they grip like a vice and are built to last. Sure, titanium ones will be lighter (there is a Ti version of the Iris), but there's no substitute in my mind for the beautiful curves of the Iris cage. What's more, given the shape, they work really well on small frames if you don't quite need to go for a side loader. Like the Elite Rocko Carbon, pull up a bit and tilt and you're golden.
51.7g
+ Classic aesthetic
+ Comes in black too
- A little hefty
If you're into classic curve drop bars you're probably already familiar with the Elite Ciussi cage, also called the 3C on some outlets. It takes the familiar form that so many metal cages take and adds a couple of anti slip buttons to help bottle retention. It's a timeless looker that would suit any classic bike well and comes in at a price a lot lower than King Cage options.
48g (stainless) 28g (Ti)
+ Lowering option great for smaller frames
+ Beautifully made
- A little basic looking
The 'standard' cages from King Cage come in stainless or titanium flavours, depending on your budget and penchant for gram-shaving. What's more, there are also 'lowering' and 'flat top' versions, which sling the bottle lower in the frame and do away with the tab to accommodate non-standard bottles respectively. Well made, and extremely durable, but they do resemble many other cheaper alternatives, so you'll have to be happy just knowing you've got a more premium, made-in-the-USA product.
58.3g
+ Great on vintage builds
+ Easy bottle action
- Heaviest of the metal cages
The Stainless cage from Arundel has a vibe that suits more vintage, or vintage-inspired builds. The bottle action is among the easiest on the list, too, so if you're slinging this under a downtube then I advise using a strap to secide your third bottle. On the flip side, it's super easy to get your water in and out. If the aesthetics are for you the only real downside is the weight, only bested by the high-capacity options and the admittedly more specialist Lucky Cat below.
35.9g
+ Dual sided
+ Can mount other things to it
- Looks a bit odd
While many manufacturers offer side loading cages by opening up one side of the cage itself, King Cage instead takes the normal shape of a metal bottle cage and, through the use of enlarged backing plates and multiple holes, allows you to simply mount the whole cage on its side. While it looks a bit odd, it does mean you can also use the free mounting holes to mount other things like a mini pump, or simply use the central holes and mount it like a normal cage when side entry is not required.
64.5g
+ Fun!
+ Sideloading
- Heavy
Being made of plate aluminium has made the Lucky Cat version of PDW's Animal Cage the heaviest metal one on test, but that doesn't really matter. It's fun, it's frivolous, and it looks good when empty too. Given it's a side loading cage it'll also work well in small frames, and if the Cat isn't to your tastes there are dog, owl, sparrow, snake, and even otter options to choose from.
High Capacity
Maybe you don't want to carry a standard water bottle. Maybe you want to carry a Nalgene ( a popular type of water bottle), a Kleen Kanteen, a big thermos of coffee, a baguette, a bottle of delicious Malbec, a portable speaker, a dry bag, a bundle of sticks... If any of these sound like familiar or desirable scenarios to you then you're in luck; I've tested a slew of high-capacity and cargo cages to cover you for more or less any eventuality.
124.2g
+ Adjustable height and depth
- Hard to use on the fly
- Heavy
If you're wanting to carry all sorts of random, vaguely cylindrical things then the Modular Java from Topeak is your best bet. The base plate can slide in and out to accommodate various diameters, and the upper support strap can move up and down too. The only real downside is the upper support strap is one you have to manually cinch down, so getting your bottle/speaker/merlot out on the fly is less easy. It's also the heaviest on test.
158g
+ Fits a Nalgene or Kleen Kanteen
+ Comes in Black
- Looks a bit odd empty
Taking the form of two overlapping halves, the Velo Orange Mojave can easily accommodate a Nalgene, a Kleen Kanteen, or anything else of a similar diameter. You can bend the sides in or out to adjust the retention, and there's no upper tab, as Nalgenes don't have a little indent like regular water bottles do. I have used this on my own bike for years and it's good as gold, but it does look a little odd without a bottle in it. Unlike the Litercage below which looks at a glance just like a regular, but larger standard cage. It works best with three bosses but can be used with two, it's probably best to avoid doing so on a carbon frame though.
55.2g
+ Fits basically any bottle
+ Adjustable tension
- A little ugly
The Arundel Loony Bin is similar to the Elite Pria Pavé in that it utilises a dial to open and close the aperture. Where it differs though is the amount of adjustability. The loony bin can happily hold a stand bottle, or be opened up to take a big supermarket 2L water bottle, or a bottle of wine, whilst still allowing you the adjustable tension. There's no upper tab, so if you do use it with a standard bottle remember to clamp it down a little to keep things secure.
69.0g
+ Can hold anything
+ Straps can be included
- Can't use on the fly
Much like the Tailfin option below, the Many Thing Titanium cage from King Cage can basically hold whatever you want, thanks to its open design. Slot in a jar of peanut butter, or a bundle of sticks, and just cinch them up with the Voilé straps (that can be included at purchase for cheaper than you can buy them standalone). The straps are excellent, and the design is beautifully simple, but it does mean you can't access the cargo on the fly as you'd need to undo the straps; better for fork mounts than for use as a bottle cage really.
57g
+ Removable baseplate
+ Works with Tailfin system
- More fiddly than the King Cage option
The Tailfin Cargo Cages are designed to work with the Tailfin bikepacking ecosystem, where they mesh seamlessly with the brand's racks and bags, but they also work flawlessly as standalone cargo cages. They fulfil the same duty as the Many Thing Cage, but with a removable baseplate (that also functions as a bottle opener) they allow you to drop extra long items lower. The strap slits are excellent, but certainly more fiddly to use than the more simple King Cage, though they leave less room for slippage.
135.3g
+ Takes a Nalgene perfectly
+ Looks like a normal cage
- Not as adjustable as the Mojave
The Widefoot Litercage is my go-to cage for carrying a Nalgene, which I do on my cargo bike. It's a little easier to get the bottle in and out of than the Mojave, and looks like a normal cage at a glance, but the flip side is that it's less adjustable to take slightly larger/narrower bottles. It also is best used with triple bosses, as per the Mojave, but can be used with two and it allows you to mount in multiple positions. I'd advise against it on a carbon frame though.
How to choose the best bottle cages for you
In much the same way as choosing a pair of socks, bottle cages on the whole all perform more or less the same function. There are differences, but like with the best bar tape, swapping bottle cages is, in the grand scheme of cycling, a pretty low cost upgrade. You can easily shave a few grams, add a pop of colour, or just change the look to something more you without the risk of anything catastrophic happening.
That being said, as ever there are always some questions that need answering, so having tried a tonne of cages out I'll try my best to answer them below.
What bottle cage do pros use?
In my experience, having compiled a fair few pro bike galleries in my time, the Elite Custom Race Plus seems to be the most common, though pro riders' choices are often determined by sponsorship rather than by free will.
We rarely see the pros using superlight cages, as often their bikes are under the UCI weight limit as standard anyway, and so adding slightly heavier cages is no big deal and helps them make the legal limit.
What's more, bottle retention, particularly in rougher races like Paris-Roubaix, is going to be a greater determining factor than weight.
Are carbon bottle cages worth it?
If you want the lightest setup possible then sure, they're an easy way to shave off some precious grams for a relatively low price. More than that, they're also an easy way to add a bit of bling.
Functionally though they're no different to plastic or metal cages, and are a little more fragile too, so weigh up what's really important to you before pressing 'buy now'.
What are the lightest bottle cages?
It's hard to beat the Topeak Feza, in either the 10g road or 12g gravel version. Despite being crazy light, and looking rather flimsy, I've found the G12 model to be dependable, and grip more tightly than far more expensive models. There are lighter ones on the market, just, but you're going to be shopping with boutique brands and spending big dollar to save around four grams.
Do bottle cages fit all bottles?
More or less, yes. All cycling bottles (or 'bidons' if you're... French) are a more or less identical diameter, and have a little notch at the same height from the base, which helps them clip into the bottle cages. Manufacturing tolerances vary though, and so some combinations of bottles and cages may be tighter or looser than others, but on the whole if they look like they're going to fit, they will.
How tight should a bottle cage be?
Tight enough that you can get it out with a bit of resistance. You don't want it so tight that you'll never actually get to drink any water, and you don't want it so loose that your bottle will bounce out if you go over a bump. All the cages in this guide fall into what I think is an acceptable range of tightness, and some are adjustable by design with dials, or by bending, in the case of the majority of the metal cages in this list.
