Bottles

Sportbidon 750 ml BPA-vrij

A 750 ml sports bottle described as BPA-free and waterproof. The title gives no brand or model, so this is a basic bottle for training and longer rides.

What you get

750 ml capacity
BPA-free according to the listing
Meant as a cycling bottle

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 one plain bottle for your frame
You look for BPA-free materials in drinking bottles
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

You want two bottles in one purchase, so look at a set instead
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

The material is not in the title, so read the product page before buying
Check that the bottle sits snugly in your cage without rattling
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.

What you get

Why a good bottle?

How bottles compare

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use a bottle

Rinse it first

Fill it

Put it in the cage

Drink regularly

Clean after every ride

Good to know

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