Cheap Carbon Bottle Cages from AliExpress
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
- I spent the last year testing cheap carbon water bottle cages. Of the 6 I tried, only 1 was even worth considering.
SIROKO CLOTHING LINK - Additional 10% off - srko.co/tracevelo
If you are looking into ways to drop some weight from your road bike, carbon fibre bottle cages are a great place to start.
But look on AliExpress and eBay, and there are 1000’s of listings for cheap carbon bottle cages. I’ve had success with some in the past, but over the last year I have been looking for a better one.
In trying to find a lighter more durable carbon bottle cage to recommend, I’ve tried all sorts of different designs, including one of the lightest I have ever seen. It clearly took inspiration from a bottle holder designed by a Germany company called CarbonWorks, and it weighs only 6 grams!
The majority of the cheap bottle cages were terrible, but one of them was definitely worth recommending.
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
00:39 - Sponsor segment
02:08 - Intro
04:03 - Elita One Bottle Cage (21g)
07:10 - XXX/Comego Bottle Cage (18g)
08:05 - Toseek Bottle Cage (15g)
08:56 - Toseek Bottle Cage (14g)
10:07 - Super Light Bottle Cage (10g)
11:23 - Ultra Light Bottle Cage (6g)
13:20 - Final Thoughts
15:10 - Finishing of Cheap Carbon
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives,
Lakey Inspired ( / lakeyinspired )
The Process
Noir Et Blanc Vie ( / billyocean2185 )
MydNyte, Still Not Rite, Fonkee Ryde, Knowpe
NoMBe ( / @nombe )
Take Me Down to The Fashion Show
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
/ tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!! - Sport
Love the new exposed concrete walls, gives off that classic derelicte vibe.
My Man!!!
"You can dere-licte my balls!"
"All I want for Christmas is a new Trace Velo carbon video 🎶🎶🎶"
Love your new garage and the lights Luke... Soooo stylish.... So Londoner
Glad you liked it Francesco!!
The blu tac holding the cages with the spinner thing was cool.
All part of the magic baby!!!!
I appreciate how much work you put into these videos. The quality of all of your videos is superb. I don’t know how you find the time.
I also have your "bontrager" ones but without the branding and I love them! Awesome for road and never had a problem, but also gravel rides were no problem! I really have nothing bad to say except that I would love the bontrager branding for my trek bike 😅
Awesome, thanks for the comment ewtcizs! But glad to hear you had some success too!
@@TraceVelo will you reply to me how can i get full carbon 29er MTB ?
I live in India so AliExpress is not possible.(or is it ?)
Is there any option available?
Can you please do me a favor and let me know , how !! How do i get it here in India ?
Same here, have them on a gravel bike and never lost a bottle even on tough terrain.
Same here, i have them on my hardtail MTB and road bike. Have a 3rd set on the way for my full suspension MTB (bike is also on the way).
Have been riding them for a year now, no problems at all. Keep them better in place then my original bottle cage. No bottles lost on the trails so at all.
I have them also on my Canyon Grail. Never had an issue even with normal drinks from vending machines, the bottles never come out.
I love how you got that premium Wera Hex Set, even though your Channel is all about cheap chinese carbon, you really got your priorities straight
It hurt to spent 37€ on hex keys but damn that set is amazing
Thank you Luke for another informative and entertaining video. I'm a long time subscriber and fellow 'cheapskate', so your content is some of the best cycling related one on CZcams IMO. Happy new year and cheers from Bulgaria!
I have the same “Bontrager” ones I bought off eBay and have been using them since early 2020. Not lost a single bottle and that’s even on full 900m bottles. Super light and well put together!
Same and same, so good I bought another set for my other bike!
Same!
Same here. I even have these things at my gravel bike, and I never lost just one bottle. They are super light and super cheap.
I have a pair of those too. They lasted quite a while, but unfortunately one side split near the lower boss. It was on the side I pull the bottle from, so the most stressed location on the cage.
I have them too. Not that it was ever in question but you can tell that they're fake because they, at least mine, say that they're made with "OCLY" (instead of "OCLV) carbon.
I bought the actual carbonworks knockoffs (without the extra lip at the top and reinforcement at the bottom). $50 total for a pair from Ali. They have worked great so far. Have held filled 33 fl oz bottles just fine!
Congrats for supporting those copies. This ruins small and innovative companies!
Very happy to see these results. I bought the same "bontrager" bottle cages about the same time you did (before you reviewed them anyway) and I have been completely happy with them. The only time I have dropped a bottle was since relocating them to a rear saddle TT mount that sticks them out the rear at about 60 degrees. A full 800ml bottle on a sharp bump with speed was enough to allow it to drop one. Going to make a small strap to limit the opening to solve that.
Great stuff Luke, exactly what I was interested in finding out about. Thanks for your outstanding ongoing content.
Congratulations on the new studio / house.
Thank you Jose!
This guy is great. Love his videos!
just love these reviews of different items in one single video! especially these (kind of) cheap bottle cages which you have a ton of offers but never know which to buy...
I had one of those Bontrager model for some time, it didn't work for me, too narrow and scrapped all my bottles.. ended up getting a pair of Elite Cannibal which comes at 30g/each, not the lightest but still light, look good and are trustworthy..
and yeah, watching the video I was just questioning why TF a company makes a bottle cage out of bottle standard diameter!?!? haha and still not advertising correctly leading to issues for customers..
Congrats on the new workspace and on the first shop video (that I've seen at least!) with a dirty bike! Finally peeling back that curtain a bit so we can see what all that commuting REALLY looks like on your bike. I appreciate it as someone who only washes his bike when it really needs it. :)
I bought some cages identical in design to those Bontragers but advertised as being made from nylon and like them a lot thus far. I also have a Bontrager "Elite" nylon cage (labeled as weighing 38g) I got locally, which feels quality and fits standard bottles quite nicely.
Really very useful! I honestly love your testing...
Sweet thank you ! Well timed! About to get some new cages.
I have had the same design as you prefer on my road bike for 2 years and they are as good as the very expensive profile design bottle cages I had on my previous bike- thanks for the video as always
Good to see you again luke 😀
Thanks for the bottle cage reviews!
Any time!
Great review buddy, thanks!
I was just looking at water bottle cages yesterday and boom here's your video
I can never have enough of ypur videos Luke. I just wish there was a channel like yours for MTB as well. (chinese friendly I mean)
HNY Luke. Where would us budget cyclists be without you ! Yet another great video. Never realised about the industry size bottle and the indentation. Its clearly a minefield when buying bottle cages but you've now made it that bit easier so thanks for that. Ted
Message to Sigma Sports for many of us you are the go to store for everything bicycle ( and of cause Matts video's ) so to find Luke recommending you is a compliment indeed. That given any chance of sponsoring one of Luke's video's please.
Why do you keep doing this to me man! I just received my Cheap Carbon Bottle Cages from AliExpress.... First the brake review, now this...
Love the channel! Keep them coming!
Ha, thanks Nick!!! Glad you like the channel my dude!
I bought a set of the XXX as well based on the previous review from Trace, Great cage, I have a second set that I am waiting for the alloy ones to fial before mounting on my gravel bike.
Thanks Luke
I've two sets of light weight bottle ages from AliExpress. They are just as light as the expensive brands (~
Awesome, good to hear. Yeah there are defenitely a few decent ones floating round AliExpress thats for sure!
Nice new upload from my favorite cycling channel
Thanks MrJohn!!!!
I've gone down this road many times. Keep going back to the Planet Bike Alloy bottle cages. A little heavy but the work well and really hold up
Yay! I've got the absolutely genuine Bontrager ones
I got also carbon cage for a long time, mine looks a bit like Toseek one from video but acually hold on well to my bottle and survived 1st year of use just fine.
I also have plastic one, it's "Elite Custom Race Bottle Cage" i bought it in local store, but that's how it's called in amazon. It was pretty cheap.
And i got it for 3 years already without issue. Actually i'm a fan of plastic ones. Aluminium cages i had were breaking from vibration, seems like the glue between holder and mount wasn't very good.
Best intro yet!
I see a ton of the CarbonWorks knockoffs on AliExpress that have more of a 'shaped' lower support. Tempting ... but my latest (used) MTB came with an actual carbon Arundel. Thanks for the great video and greetings from the Atlanta (USA) area. I always love seeing your pop up in my feed!
Excellent work and thanks for sharing. 🌟
Thank you! Cheers!
a 17 minute video on bottle cages, just what I needed
Happy to help!!!!
Luke the superlight bottles work perfectly if you carefully cut the cross piece and then tie them togeth with black elastic, I have done in excess 8000 miles over all sorts of terrain and no issues, when I go away cycling I take some extra black elastic in case one breaks.
In addition if you remove the metal washers in the screw hole you can get them down to about 6-7 grams each.
Thank you for showing the copies of the CarbonWorks - cages. I refuse to buy them just to have a look at their quality. So I am very happy to hear your feedback ;)
It took me years to develope the perfect design and it is very frustrating to see all these copies now. Recently even Topeak presented a copy of my design.
Thanks ;)
Greetings from Germany
Simon
Congrats on the move. Give us a tour of the new place
havent watch the video, but give like because of the starting
Man right before you said that, I was thinking "kinda refreshing to see a bike on CZcams that actually looks used."
I just can't quit on Tacx's Deva cages. Yes, they're 29g apiece, but they're under a tenner each, grip bottles flawlessly and are available in pretty much any colour under the sun. My girlfriend and I have had six bikes between us. All of them have had Deva cages.
the intro was hilarious. thanks for the entertainment and education.
Welcome to Oxfordshire, hope it's a great place for you and Trace Velo Productions
Oh how the moistness arises when I see a new TraceVelo vid
The Lip on modern bottles is because originally, bottles were small and tapered where the lip is. Newer bottles all have "extended capacity" so they still include the original lip, even though few people use original-sized bottles any more ...
Ahh good to know, thanks for the comment!
I have 3 comego/FCFB/Bontrager bottle cages and I like them a lot. But one of them delaminated at the lower bolt point. I have 2 exact replicas of the carbonworks cage, they lack the upper part that clicks in the bottle indent, but still hold the bottle tightly enough for XC MTB riding in rough terrain. But I got mine for $35 each, with titanium bolts. I love them!
I too have used the bontrager style and found them good, but am currently using zefal pulse L2 - I picked up a pair for £20. They are just as light but better quality and look great.
The presenter is very expressive with body language. Good job.
Bontrager (imitations from AE) for me. Have had them for a few years, no problems at all. Studio is looking good! Love the picture! I use that same Jens inspiration wherever I can. And no worries, that is a fine Patina on your Whip!
Glad your'e still named Luke!
I've been missing my Trace Velo productions for a minute now! Great to hear your name is still Luke... Just off to the Siroko website to check out some new gear.
Nice one, thanks Joe! Glad to have you back!
I need those bib's !
New TV video? Instant like! I'm using AliExpress bottlecage for years now, I rather buy one that's more sturdy instead of really light.
Arundel mandible knock-offs are excellent too.
I own a set of carbon works, and when I bought my second bike I decided to give those 'ultralight' versions off aliexpress a try. Right away I knew they won't hold up long term, so instead of throwing them out I use each of the carbon works on the down tube position of each bike. The aliexpress ones are on the vertical tube position. I only use the downtube position cage 100% of the time when riding. When I run out of water I will manually switch the bottles. This way the 'aliexpress' ones dont get the stress of removing the bottle back and forth. So far so good and works well for me.
Great man cave you have there! Keep the videos coming! ;)
They have a winter sale starting tomorrow! Got all my "name brand" socks, jerseys, gloves and glasses loaded in my cart! My OG EVKIN integrated carbon bars are still holding up great too, put about 3,500 km on em.
I’ve got the Bontrager on one of my bikes and they have been great with all of my bottles. I bought a pair of Lightweight cages and they are a slightly different size but a quick Google found that Lightweight branded bottles are made by Elite so thought I’d try some of theirs and they fit perfectly.
I also have the exact same "bontrager" ones. I find it holds the standard bottles really well, BUT not the tools bottle that are slightly short. I lost the tools bottle after couple bumps, but it can be solved by using the standard bottle and cut into half, use it as a tools bottle.
I clapped seeing the new place
I'm surprised there aren't more YT'ers like you covering the "budget" cycling scene. There's a certain challenge and satisfaction of building out your own bike while keeping it within a reasonable budget. I don't mind cheap'ing out on bottle cages, when that money could be put elsewhere like a quality groupset or a nice pair of cleated shoes!
Hey Luke what a fantastic custom paint finish your bike has......
It actually looks quite cool how the dirt has deposited itself on the down tube 😂
I've got two of those 'Bontrager' cages mounted on the back of my TT saddle, perfect.
I bought two from AliExpress from the same brand (bontrager after watching your videos!). One was brilliant and had lasted me over a year now, other one couldn’t hold a bottle for a single ride! Seemed like quality control is a bit of an issue, but bought two for less than the cost of one from the UK.
Yeah, quality control with alot of the chaper carbon stuff is definitely an issue, not doubt about that!
A lot of these are designed for smaller 500ml bottles as used in the pro peloton which are a lot lighter. I have one of the 6g ones and it's still going after a few years. Most people going for a weight weenie build aren't using the bikes for long hard miles, just the occasional hill climb effort and hard intervals, chaingangs etc. where a full size bottle wouldn't be needed anyway. Different use for a different market
I buy the specialized rib cage clone (II & III) and have been using them for more than 10 years, they are strong and hold the bottles well. The earlier ones (II) do leave black marks on the bottles, but with the latest ones less so). Apparently there are some fibre glass mixed into the carbon so it’s now tougher and more durable. The cheapest I found are around €13 for a pair.
Hi Trace, thanks for another entertaining and informative video! I was wondering if you have ever done anything on lights and visibility safety devices?
In case my request was not clear, I would love to see you doing reviews of bike lights. Are branded lights worth £80 or £100 more than the cheaper Chinese options?
Bontrager stopped making the design ages ago since there were so many copies around. Those bontrager style bottle cages have been around for like 10 years or more.
Just FIY, you can buy the cheapest plastic Decathlon bottle cage (the one marked Triban) for 5.99€ and it weights 25g, so pretty close to the carbon level and cheaper than aliexpress carbon.
I’ve had a few sets of the ‘Bontrager’ ones and two kitchen cupboard little round ‘soft pads’ (stop the doors banging) stuck to the inside of the ‘wings’ makes them perfect.
Genius idea Rob!!!! What a winner 🏆
Nice video, greetings from Italy
I bought model 2 (under a different 'brand') and they have been excellent for over 12 months. I think they measured 16g each and they hold very tight. I might give the wet sand a go, that's a good idea.
You are the best!
Thanks Captain!!!
I bought two similar but random ones a decade ago for my then road bike, worked like a treat and they are still in use today. On my new bike I got tacx branded ones from the store with the purchase, they however scratch my bottles up like crazy. I haven't bothered to find out why, but I guess I'll be sanding them down. ;)
Yeah just hit them with a bit of 500 grit sandpaper, and you will be golden. It's actually a super satisfying process tbh!
I have unbranded "Arundel" bottle cage copies. Before that I used the bontragers copies. These work fine too can recommend.
Another suuuuuper vid. No need to apologise for the dirty bike…after weeks of rain the UK roads are absolute filth at the moment. I swear I spent more time cleaning my bike than riding it for the whole of December. 😫
My cheap Chinese carbon frame came with the 2 carbon cages, in the style that you recommend. They work great, BUT, the top edge of the cage is sharp, and has been digging into the plastic of my water bottles. No leaks yet, but one day. I have some aluminum cages in the same style, but they have a flanged top edge. No scrapes when using those.
Best knock offs are the Bontrager xxx carbon cages. I've had two for a few years with no issues. In saying that I've got the elite cages made in Italy and they are very strong and quite light.
The points are a but sharp and scratch away at the bottles so I went sanded the sharp off and all good.
25 quidaroonies for the 6 gram one is an example of more is less.
I just wonder if luke started to dabble
In gravel cycling world.
You know opening new content.
Keep up the good content
I've got the Bontrager cages on all of my bikes - 16 cages at last count. Some are genuine Bontrager; I can't tell the difference now. Never had any fail or lost bottles, whether on road, gravel or TT
I was kind of wondering if you could do a review on the cheap carbon forks toseek makes. Wanted to buy one and want to see if they're good.
Great video as always 😊
Perfect video, I just ordered the XXX from Aliexpress. Thanks... USD 14 for 2 cages... what's not to like!
Perfect Content
Cheers Robert!
bontrager and specialized version are the most common shape available when searching cheap carbon bottle cage. myself use the spez version, it's fine although need to wet sand it to eliminate sharp and rough edges.
The Chain Reaction Cycles LifeLIine lightweight carbon cage weighs about 19g for £24.99. Sometimes you can get it for £19.99 in a sale.
Ahh nice! Yeah just goes to show, the cost of the more mainstream stuff has definitley plummeted recently!
Yeah but made in china probably so not real cheap consideringy.
@@glennoc8585 Whilst your point is valid I would love to know where I can buy an inexpensive, light, ethically sourced bike anything? Short of growing my own bamboo (something I am seriously considering for my next adventure bike) where, prey tell, do I source all of the other components? Find me a retailer selling ethically sourced spider silk gear cables and I'll happily give them a go. I'm not against cycling becoming better for the planet or the people making the parts but when it comes to cost monetarilly and environmentally, this isn't the hill you want to die on. As a form of transport bicycles are incredibly efficient and have revolutionised the world in countless ways.
Great intro...as usual!
Great video, like your determination on a bottle cage to even sanding it down, even though you have lots of alternatives. Perfection in your purchase or not wasting your money!?😂😂
I use the tune Wasserträger 2.0 bottle cages which only weigh 11g but cost around 40€ a piece. Pretty light and super snug fit, almost too snug for my likings. Other downside is that they don't feel really stiff in the construction (alot of flex), i always watch out when putting a bottle back in
Everywhere Carbon ⚡We love IT :)
I've been using the 'bontrager' cages for about a decade now and have them on 4 different bikes without any issues
I had the toseek ones and your correct the bottom lip broke. And on a few rides that were bumpy I would lose my bottle or if I hit a bump. Got some more from AliExpress but they loose on all bottles to they rattle. Added some rubber grip stickers on the inside which helps a lot but not ideal. Think I need some more
Sorry to hear they broke on you, but im not super suprised. Its always tough to see how these things are going to perfrom until you actually put them through thier paces ...
Great video. You have taken some of the guess work out of the overseas ordering again. Gravel bike build for you next?
Blackburn Slick bottle cage - the one to rule them all. 23g for polycarbonate cage, costs 7 Euro. Would last for years on a road bike. Also the shape is very good at guiding the bottle in, when you put it back from the side.
Pretty sure the Siroko bottles are Tacx. The ones that give lots of issues are the Camelback Podium, they are a bit fatter and can be hard to get out when you're riding, can get a bit dangerous but depends on how flexi the cage is.
Can also recommend the Siroko gear. Might need to watch for customs charges now though.
With the huge variation in the quality and quality control of these Chinese made non-brand items, I only feel safe to buy Carbon bottle cage, Front/Rear Light, Gloves, perhaps clothing, items that even if they fail, all I loose would be the purchase price and not really putting myself in a danger situation. With carbon, they can make the OUTSIDE looks as good as branded ones but it is hard to tell the inside. I saw a lot of people trying to sell very new second hand Chinese carbon wheels, carbon stems, seatposts, seats and handle bars etc. Having say that, I am sure there are a few Chinese manufacturers do make quality products.
I like this kinda stuff...
I have the toseek bottle cage that look like your Bontrager one. They are vety tight fitting. 74mm stated size and will scuff your paint work of your water bottle. So I use a non coloured sharper end water bottle (Abloc) . Otherwise the normal water bottles are hard to fit in.
There are designs similar to the Arundel Mandibel cages on Aliexpress, those work really well and haven‘t failed me for 20k+ km on 2 bikes. 2 pcs for 20€ with 15g each.
hi Luke love the videos, thanks to your great in-depth review of there product, I have just purchased the Sensah carbon fiber group set with disk breaks with a 50-34 crank set. my question is I want to buy a 53-39 chain ring for racing. do you know what crank set is compatible with the carbon fiber sensah crank set. I cant find any 53-39 chain rings made by Sensah on Aliexpress.
The CarbonWorks copy I got a year ago for $40aud, this was an 8g model but it had a re-enforced lower, front lip and the exact same shape as the real copy.
I only purchased 1 to test but by the time it arrived the listing was gone and replaced with the 1 tested in this video. There is 1 more listing of a 6g model but it does not have the front lip. So im stuck with 1 which I regret because the bottle cage is amazing and holds my bottles better than any other ive used. It hasn't broken in over a year so can't complain.