>In a message dated 6/14/2004 1:13:25 PM PST, wheelman@nac.net writes: Why did handlebar mount water bottles fall out of favor. I do my share of riding and find it a bit more difficult to reach down and retrieve my wb from the down or seat tube and then put it back. I would think the hb mount to be safer and easier to access. Is it a matter of the additional weight over the front wheel? Most people drop their water bottles on a ride from trying to remove or replace it without looking. Is it possible that it is asthetics?
Ray Homiski
>Perhaps handling? I have a water bottle mounted on the bars on my 1970 bike.
Sure it is pushing the envelope, but I think it looks cool...
Stephan Andranian
I don't think you're pushiing the envelope at all...
Looking at race photos, handlebar-mounted water bottles seem to disappear after the mid to late 60's, but they were fairly popular items in bike shops for at least a few years after that. My '72 Peugeot PX-10 came with one and I loved it. I had it for a few years until the bike needed a repaint and I fell victim to the siren song of DT braze-on bottle bosses.
I remember seeing quite a few photos of handlebar-mounted bottles with straws in them... one did not even have to remove the bottle, just lean over a bit and sip. Now that beats even a Camelbak for ease of use, doesn't it... as long as you don't poke yourself in the eye.
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA