
Bottles
SKS Mountain bidon 750 ml
The SKS Mountain is a 750 ml bottle with an ergonomic shape and a leak-free valve. A roomy bottle for long rides.
What you get
- SKS Mountain bottle
- 750 ml capacity
- Ergonomic design with leak-free valve
Why a good bottle?
Drinking while you ride is the basis of a good ride. Drink too little and you get headaches, cramps and a slower pace. A bottle is made for one hand: you squeeze, drink and put it back without looking.
The size varies. A standard bottle holds about 500 to 620 ml, a large one 700 to 750 ml. An average rider often drinks 500 to 750 ml per hour, depending on heat and effort, so a 750 ml bottle is enough on shorter rides. For long rides, carry two bottles or refill along the way.
The material sets the taste and durability. A good bottle is made of odourless, BPA-free plastic that neither smells nor tastes of anything. An insulated bottle keeps your drink cooler for a few hours, useful in hot weather, but it is heavier and less squeezable. Metal bottles are tough, but not soft to squeeze.
Look at the cap. A wide opening flows faster, a small one leaks less. A lockable cap keeps your bag dry when you carry the bottle with you.
How bottles compare
Volume, insulation and material decide what a bottle does well.
| Type | Volume | Advantage | Drawback | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | About 500 to 620 ml | Light, easy to squeeze | Needs refilling more often | Short to medium rides |
| Large | About 700 to 750 ml | Fewer refills | May not fit every cage or frame | Long rides, warm weather |
| Insulated | About 500 to 550 ml | Drink stays cool longer | Heavier, stiffer | Hot days, long distance |
| Metal | About 500 to 750 ml | Durable, neutral taste | Cannot be squeezed | Touring, regular stops |
A guide. Volumes and performance vary by model.
Choose it if
- You want to carry plenty to drink on long rides
- You care about a bottle that will not leak in a pack or on the frame
- You ride for more than an hour and want to drink on the move.
- You want a bottle that fits your cage well and does not leak.
Choose something else if
- Your frame is tight on space: a smaller bottle slips in more easily
- You ride short distances in town. A bottle in your bag is enough then.
- You want to carry a lot of fluid and prefer a hydration pack.
How to use a bottle
Rinse it first
Rinse a new bottle with warm water and a little washing-up liquid before first use.
Fill it
Fill the bottle before the ride. With a sports drink, follow the mixing instructions on the pack.
Put it in the cage
Push the bottle into the cage until it holds. Check it does not jump out over bumps.
Drink regularly
Take a few sips every 10 to 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
Clean after every ride
Wash the bottle and cap with warm soapy water and let them dry open. That prevents smells and mould.
Good to know
- A 750 ml bottle is taller, so check it fits your cage and frame
- Read the care advice on the packaging, which differs by model
- Sugary sports drink leaves residue in the cap and the nozzle. Clean them thoroughly.
- Check the bottle fits your cage and under your frame. A bottle that is too wide jams or falls out.
- Plastic wears: scratches, smell or a discoloured cap mean it is time to replace.
- Not every bottle is dishwasher or hot-water safe. Read the maker’s instructions.





