Xlab Gorilla Carbon Bottle Cage - Carbon Matte

When it comes to bike gear, it's easy to focus on the big components: frame, wheels, drivetrain, and power meter. But one of the most underrated — and most important — components on your bike is the water bottle cage. It keeps you hydrated when it matters most and can be the difference between finishing strong or fading before the line. As the range of bottle cages has expanded, choosing the right one has become more important — depending on your setup, riding style, and ambitions.

Bottle cages now come in a wide variety of shapes and materials — from ultralight carbon fiber to durable aluminum or reinforced plastic. While the classic mounting points remain on the down tube and seat tube, there are also more specialized options: BTA (between-the-arms) setups between your aero bars, behind-the-saddle mounts, and fully integrated aero systems designed for minimal drag. These are especially popular among triathletes and time trialists.

Regardless of placement or material, all bottle cages share one goal — to hold your water bottle securely, whether you're riding cobblestones, gravel, or a 180 km Ironman bike course.

Choosing the right bottle cage shouldn’t be random — it should reflect your riding style, bike type, and hydration requirements. For long-distance riders and triathletes, carrying more than two water bottles on the bike is often essential. That’s where alternatives like BTA (between-the-arms) cages and behind-the-saddle mounts become valuable.
A BTA bottle cage is typically mounted between the arms of triathlon handlebars, offering quick and easy access to hydration with minimal need to shift your gaze. This setup is not only practical but also aerodynamic, helping you save energy over long rides.
Behind-the-saddle mounts are another popular solution among triathletes and endurance riders. They provide space for one or two additional bottles, freeing up frame space for tools or aerodynamic bottles. While reaching behind to grab a bottle takes some practice, this method allows you to carry up to three bottles without cluttering your frame.
If you prefer traditional road cycling or gravel riding, the classic frame locations on the down tube and seat tube remain the most straightforward choice. Here, fit and grip are key. A quality bottle cage should hold your water bottle securely—even on rough terrain—while still allowing fast and easy access when you need a drink. Many gravel riders also add extra cages under the down tube or on fork mounts to increase their fluid capacity for long adventures.

When selecting a bottle cage, it’s important to consider which features matter most to you: lightweight construction, aerodynamics, ease of use, or secure hold. Many competitive riders choose ultralight or aero-optimized cages designed to reduce drag and save valuable seconds. These models are often tailored to specific bottles and mounting positions and may come at a higher price — but they’re worth the investment if you’re chasing marginal gains.
For recreational cyclists and daily training, functionality and reliability tend to take priority. A flexible cage with excellent grip is often the best choice here. Material matters as well: carbon fiber offers light weight and stiffness but can be more fragile if dropped or subjected to heavy pressure. Aluminum and reinforced plastic cages are typically more durable, budget-friendly, and perfectly suited for most riders’ needs.
Finally, aesthetics also play a role. Bottle cages come in a wide range of colors and designs, so you can match your bike and gear perfectly. While it may seem like a small detail, having a cage that both fits well and looks good is a key part of a well-equipped bike setup.