Bicycle Water Bottles - Plastic, Alloy or Stainless Steel?

Riding bicycle everyone has at least one bottle cage mounted on his or her bike, in it is one bottle. For convenience some people put small water, carbonated or sports drink bottles (500 ~ 600 cc) as they buy them supermarkets or convenient stores.

Experienced cyclists buy specially made cycling bottles or bidons (French for a bottle) in which they pour their drinks of choices. These could be an own mixed sports drink, juice or even plain water and everything in between.

I carry two bottles; in one I pour only water while in the 2nd bottle I throw one Effervescent Tablet. These tablets are cheap, convenient and came in different tastes and contents. From her last trip to Germany my daughter bought three different Effervescent Tablets:

- Vitamin C with Lemon taste

- Calcium with Peach-Passion Fruit taste

- Magnesium with Orange-Grapefruit taste

Be aware that by buying too many of these German made tablets President Trump might view them as a 'security threat' and enforce punitive tariffs like onto German cars!

Bicycle Bottles are made out of different materials like plastic, alloy, and stainless which I want to describe below.

Plastic:

is 'the' common material for drinking bottles - no professional rider in the ProTour or World Tour either enters a race nor do drinks from plastic bottles during a competition. They are so cheap and so convenient that riders just throw them beside the road after usage; lucky fans pick them up for their personal shrine at home. Or other riders, like Mario Cipollini, use plastic bottles as projectiles for race officials.

During my own cycling life, I had so many plastic bottles with different brand names on them that I do not even try to count them. Some have been made out of a solid color, some had a clear window while some were completely clear to visualize how much fluid is still left. A current trend is 'insulated' plastic water bottles in which an insulation material (alloy foil, 'nanogel' or even cork) is manufactured between the inner and outer wall of the bidon thus keeping it cooler or warmer over a longer period of time.

For me, as a mortal cyclist, plastic, in general, is not great material for cycling bottles. Not only because of the material itself (see BPA below) but also because of its influence on the contents. I live in Taiwan, a hot southern country with a often very high ultraviolet (UV) index. The result is that whatever plastic bottles I use the contents becomes 'plain' or 'spiritless' after a while. Water does not have a refreshing taste; even when you drink it you feel thirsty.

The above-mentioned pros have a constant supply of fresh drinks, either from a domestique (a cyclist whose job is to support the higher-ranking members of the team, by carrying water etc. ) or from team members waiting beside the road for the riders to pass. I would and could not ask my wife to wait for me on a certain point at the road only to handle me a bottle of fresh water...

Furthermore, plastic bottles can not easily be sanitized and scratch on the outside by moving them in and out from the bottle cage; they look 'worn out' very fast.

A warning about BPA (Bisphenol A) in Plastic

BPA is a common building block in resins and some types of plastic. It's what's known as an endocrine disrupting compound. In the body, these chemicals can act like hormones or disrupt normal hormone functions. Mounting public pressure pushed companies to move away from BPA, leading to an influx of products touting their “BPA-free” status. But the FDA only officially bans the compound from use in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging.

- How to Identify BPA products?

Consumers can also take steps to avoid BPA and BPA alternatives entirely, notes Trasande. He suggests steering clear of plastics with the recycling numbers 3, 6, and 7, which all contain compounds of concern.

- How to treat plastic products in general?

Don’t put plastics in dishwashers or the microwave, which can damage them and cause them to leach more BPA or its alternatives. Throw away plastic when it looks aged or scratched.

(BPA information courtesy of https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2018/09/news-BPA-free-plastic-safety-chemicals-health/)

!All plastic cycling bottles should be BPA free!

Alloy or Aluminum

without inner coating could be a healthy dangerous material for food and drinks. Generally aluminum has a very low level of toxicity to humans, meaning, in general, it can be considered safe. The concern comes from overexposure, a problem that could occur more easily in the modern era. Studies have pointed out that increased amounts of dietary aluminum may contribute to skeletal issues in preterm or at risk infants. Additionally, in higher doses, the metal can cause neurotoxicity (a form of toxicity in which a biological, chemical or physical agent produces an adverse effect on the structure or function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system) of the blood-brain barrier.

( courtesy of http://www.isustainableearth.com/green-products/understanding-the-health-risks-of-aluminum-water-bottles)

That's why alloy bottle manufacturers use a coating within the aluminum bottles. I don't have any information about these coatings but in my humble experiences, every coating will sooner later dissolve.

Due to above reasons, I don't use alloy bottles on my bike; our family has 'banned' everything made of alloy out of our kitchen and even replaced our beloved rice cooker with a newer model containing a stainless steel pot a long time ago.

Stainless Steel

is for me the material of choice. All professional food- and kitchenware is made from this material, a hospital operating without sanitized stainless steel cannot be found! It does not leach chemicals, is corrosion resistant, is neither affected by hot nor cold temperatures and can cleaned easily and safe.

On my training rides, I use stainless steel bottles with a plastic spout (BPA free). Surely I can not squeeze stainless like plastic and therefore a sip might take seconds longer, but a fresher and 'safer' drink makes them worthwhile.

During cycling tours longer than one day I a pair of two stainless steel bottles:

- one single wall bottle for refreshing drinks

- one double wall (thermos) stainless bottle for hot and cold drinks (mainly coffee) or as storing liquids for the single-walled bottle. This thermos bottle has a screw cap made of stainless steel with a rubber ring; I don't mind to stop for my fresh coffee beside the road to enjoy the scenery or the camaraderie of fellow cyclists ...

If someone does not believe my experience with the 'taste' differences I suggest to use two different bottles on your next ride: one made of plastic and one made of stainless steel both filed with the same liquid at the same temperature. Leave in each bottle some rest while you ride and you will surely notice a taste difference after riding three hours in the sun.

A Word of Caution

   Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike not the other way around. It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks to recover in a hospital and/or at home! Ride responsible, defensively and safe! You, your body, your parents, your family and friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.

Take care, Gerhard

Disclaimer: I've owned and own these bottles; used them over a period of time. I've paid for them and I am n o t endorsed by anyone! I have a new homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/cycling. Visitors, subscribers and/or followers are more than welcome...

Vittoria Zip Case - Review

Before purchasing a new favorite tire, the Vittoria Corsa Competition 700x25c foldable tire (https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/cycling/post/vittoria-corsa-competition-700-x-25c-foldable-tire-unpacking-mounting-riding) I thought that I should also clean up my 'emergency kit'.

Vittoria Zip Case - closed

My Emergency Kit
When I had the cut through the tire and the inner tube I stopped beside the road. I have a rolled waterproof bag on my handlebar in which I throw everything in: my 'emergency kit' and all the other necessities like my key, phone, wallet etc. right before my eyes. Upon need, I have to unroll the opening and go through all the stuff and even have to take things out sometimes only to find what I need. Not very convenient.

This 'emergency kit' contains everything I need in case of a puncture: 3 inner tires, 2 tire levers, a glue patch kit with one rubber solution and my multi-tool. I don't like to be stranded somewhere besides the road and depend on the help of others so I take this kit with me wherever I ride.

Before I have seen cases shaped like water bottles and could be put in Bottle cages and even in the pockets of my bike shirt. Because of the compact size I can also store it in my other bags so I thought I could give these bags a try.

My Emergency Kit in the Vittoria Zip Bag-opened

Two large compartments

So I went into my favorite bike shop and bought the new tire with the Zip Case from the same manufacturer. The case was empty and enclosed by a zipper in the colors of the Italian flag - hence its name. Opening it the case opens in half and has two identical inner compartments with an elastic net half way to keep things tidy. Back home I packed my emergency kit as mentioned above in this case and it looked indeed very tidy.

Specifications:

- Size: 18 cm (height) x 8 cm (diameter)

- Material: Vittoria specifies 'long-lasting material', I suspect is it EVA or PE as the main

material

- Color: Outer black with nice white graphics, zipper in colors of the Italian flag

Conclusion:

I like this Vittoria Zip Case very much and should make my 'job' as a bike mechanic fixing a flat beside the road much more easier. I am good organized and prepared in case of an emergency. I doubt that this case is waterproofed, the water would penetrate through the zipper. But it looks nice on my bike and who would argue with beauty?

Vittoria Zip Case in the Bottle Cage of my Bike 

A Word of Caution

Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike and not the other way around. It is senseless to gain some seconds but spend weeks to recover in a hospital and at home! Ride responsible, defensively and safe. I am sure you, your body, your parents, your family and friends will surely appreciate your precautions during a bike ride.

Take care, Gerhard

Disclaimer: all technical details are based on Vittoria's own homepage, otherwise specified! I  own the case and use it daily. I've paid for it and not endorsed by anyone. Subscribers or followers are more than welcome! I have a new homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/cycling.

Why do I use a Mustache or Moustache Handlebar on my Racing Bike?

   Checking out different homepages of bike part sellers one will notice that there are different styles, materials and finishes of handlebars widely available. Each handlebar serves its own purpose and the needs of bikers. Below I will cover some common styles:
   BMX bikes have their own BMX handlebars which are mounted directly on a stem right above the steering tube and therefore have a high rise. The welded cross brace adds strength and rigidity.
   Comfortable North Road style bars like Townie and Tourist bars come from the roadster bike (today's city bikes) era. Due to their higher rise and swept back construction they offer an upright riding position and consequently a good view on the road. They are designed for cruising along and daily errands like shopping etc.; some styles can be mounted upside down for a slightly aggressive position. Porteur bars are similar but offer a swept back position with grips parallel to the top tube to control heavier loads loads. 

High rise Porteur bar on a roadster bike

   Cruiser handlebars look great on Beach Cruisers but need, because of their size and shape, some time to get used to. They make the riding and steering slow and cumbersome in tight situations. I've struggled to find a comfortable position on longer rides.
   The first mountain bikes (MTBs) came with flat straight handlebars in the late 1970s, from this base developed the more comfortable riser bars with the outer section rising higher from the center of the clamp. Bullmoose handlebars are welded with a 'V' shape onto the stem.
   Drop bars are found on racing bikes, the riding position in the drops creates a low profile and therefore less wind resistance for higher speed. Track handlebars come originally from track bicycles but can also be found on single speed or fixed-gear bikes. A variation is the Randonneur bar with a slight rise in the center for touring and Audax riding, long distance cycling within a predefined time limit.
   According to one source the grandfather of the mustache or moustache bar was developed for the Penny Farthing Bike in the 1870s (http://www.mortaljourney.com/2011/03/all-trends/penny-farthing-bicycle-and-the-history-of-the-bicycle). Watching different designs in my books and online this statement is at least questionable. The riding position on the high wheeler was very different from today's bicycle. The rider was sitting very close to the handlebar which was actually mounted in line with axle directly over the large front wheel. The rider's legs moved the pedals mounted on the axle of the wheel and sat so close to the handlebar that it hardly swept back, a-typical from today's mustache handlebar design. On almost all pictures the steering bars of a Penny Farthing Bicycle were straight like on early mountain bike bars or had a bend to give space for the up and down movement of the legs below (!) the handlebar.
   Growing up in the 1970s mustache handlebars were the choice of some racers on their training bikes and occasionally fitted with bar-end shifters, a big improvement in comfort over the than-common down tube shifters. From the design mustache bars are somehow 'flattened' drob bars; the clamp, tube diameters and the material of both handlebar designs are identical.
   Mustache handlebars slipped out of my mind until some photos of the Bridgestone XO-1 appeared in the 1990s. I did not only like the bike design but admired the bold move to produce a road bike with fast accelerating 26' Mountain Bike wheels and tires with a road profile.
   Some 10 years ago, already in my 50s, I've decided to build my first bike from scratch. Due to costs and availability I chose a Mountain Bike frame with a rigid fork and 26' road tires as a base. The bike came out great but the straight traditional Mountain Bike handlebar did not work for me. Even adding bar ends did not make it comfortable and active enough for me. I've considered several options and came across the long forgotten Mustache Handlebar. Beside a pair of aero brake levers for my linear pull brakes, new brake cables and a set of bar tapes there was not much more to invest. After mounting all the parts I had a very nimble modern day Bridgestone XO 1 with an alloy frame.
   As I’ve progressed to a road bike I wanted to use some of the mountain bike parts incl. the mustache handlebar to keep costs down. As I used caliper brakes I had only to invest in a new pair of brake levers and a new bar tape.

   
   Generally I like the comfort and the versatility of a mustache handlebar very much. I have to admit that it took some tinkering with the bar and the brake levers to find my ‘personal’ position. Some people use a short high rising stem for a comfortable position; I am using a 120mm low rising stem with the outer tubes of the bar parallel to the road for a more aggressive forward position on my race bike. With 54mm they are wider than the widest drop bars (44mm) which give me a nice balance downhill on faster sections or high speed corners.
   To save some physical distance between braking and shifting I’ve cut 4 cm off the length on each side. I still cannot shift and brake simultaneously like integrated STI Shifters do so I have a kind to predict when and where I should shift or brake. 
   A great improvement of the brakes came after the purchase of Shimano Ultegra R8000 caliper brakes. I’ve dialed them so I can either brake with one finger of each hand off the straight handlebar tubes or with a full grip (thumb under the handlebar and the other four fingers on the brake lever) in the ‘drop’ or round shape of the bar.    

   I use a mustache handlebar because it offers me several riding positions; I cruise, tour and even attended races or ‘challenges’, how amateur races are called in Taiwan, with the same bar. It is so versatile that I could call it the ‘Swiss Knife’ of handlebars.

   I encourage every biker to try out different handlebars. It may not only improve the comfort but also the bicycle experience as a whole…

Growing Up, part 6

A German Youth

Grown up in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s

   Mentioning Judo in connection with martial arts let someone imagine that there are a bunch of kids running around learning how to beat up each other but originally it's quite the contrary. Its more about self control than aggressiveness, its more about the mind than the body and more about the art than the martial. Or, to stay with a Japanese example, its more about a solemn tea ceremony than violent Sake drinking games.
   A quiet student is a very easy target for bullies. Once in the early morning one bully asked me to stop and we started to argue. He became physical and after a short struggled he fixed me with a headlock while we were still standing. I fought with myself if I should use my skills for several seconds and decided that it would be better to do so just to have my peace in the future. 
   I grabbed his shoulder, stepped on my the right and with a turn of my waist I let him fall over my left stretched out leg. Because of this unexpected movement he let my neck loose. I jumped on him and, like in training, my right arm went around his neck to fix his upper body on the floor while my left arm controlled his right arm (this technique is called 'Kesa-gatame' in Japanese). Not only his friends became suddenly quiet but also all other students on their way to school stood still for a moment. The school bell rang, we got up, I took his hand and, because I felt this way, said "sorry!". 
   It might sound strange that a son of a violent alcoholic and even more violent mother excuses to a bully but this might be explained by my 'soft' character. It's not like that you think that life is bad or there are many bad things are thrown in my way so I "have to do something". I am more a person who does to judge the person but asking "why does a person do or become like this". For example, we all agree that a bully is bad person. But I would ask "why did he become a bully?" I could imagine his family is broken too, that he got bullied by himself, that he had to show off in front of his so-called friends etc. So, I felt a kind of empathy; that's why I apologized to him even I was the clear 'winner'.
   Because of my parent's constant fights and my retreat into books I was very natural in German, one of the major subjects in primary school. Everyone touching the German language not only get some ideas about the complicated grammar but also about the spelling and particularly the rules when words are written in upper and lower cases. For me being tested by dictations or challenged by essays were tasks I've enjoyed tremendously.

 school excursion

   As I've progressed in elementary school I was shocked to learn that the reading skills of my father were very limited. Once I've visited him in his trucking company while he was reading the BILD newspaper, the cheapest, simplest and most dishonest daily paper in whole Germany. When I've asked him a questions why he reads this paper he brutally honest answered me "because I can't read others!" My mother could only help me with my homework until the 3rd grade then I had to ask my elder sister, classmates or friends...
   For a child it is very important to be taken seriously and to be supported, both I did not receive from my parents. But somehow I understood and accepted it, not blaming them. Even as a loner I've tried to do my best, others might see it as a failure.
   My first bicycle was one way to get away from the cage of my own home. I not only rode to school but also took rides further than the neighborhood. I've got an idea how to enjoy the wind, the speed and the freedom to choose which way to ride; any way just to stay away from home. At that time I've started to get interest in mechanical things, like how  bike shifters and gears work, how to make your bike comfortable etc. But I could not change an inner tire, this was the job of my father. 
   Once my father was not at home so my mother tried to fix my flat. In her rough way she took a pair of handy scissors to lift the tire from the rim, put in the new inner tube and fiddled the tire back onto the rim; all with the help of these scissors. But it did not work, as soon as I pumped the air into the tire immediately left with a 'pfffffffff'. So my mother gave me some money (!), I took of the front wheel and rode my sister's bike to a local bike shop. The elderly mechanic pulled out the inner tube, put on his spectacles, pumped up the tube and held it in a bucket of rainwater. After pumping and checking several time he counted 7 holes! With a worrying look he asked me: "What have you done?" I've answered honestly: "I did not take the scissors to exchange the tube!" With a smile he put in a new inner tube.

(to be continued)