The EASY Way to Add Water Bottle Mounts to Your Bicycle
- Randy Reek, The Great Out There
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
Learn how to install mounts for added water bottles or accessories to any bike.
Most bikes include at least one set of mounts for a water bottle. I always carry two water bottles on rides over an hour.
Many touring bikes also have additional mounts for water bottles or accessories on the forks, top tube, or the underside of the downtube. These additional mounting points are especially important on extended bikepacking routes where you need to maximize water capacity. In other cases, added water bottle mounts provide storage for cages, racks, or bags for fast access to tools, snacks, and personal items.
For long tours, I especially like to add water bottle cages on the front forks.
I have carried two large water bottles here, then used these larger bottles to top off my smaller bottles that ride on the frame or in my stem feed bag. When water is readily available, I have also used the fork mounts to attach bags for my cook kit, first aid kit, and dry food items.
Recently, I bought a new bikepacking rig that did not include these fork mounts. This article will detail the addition of adapters that provide secure mounts for water bottle cages.
A few years ago, I began to carry my tools in a small case designed to fit into a water bottle cage under the downtube.
I have found that this case provides exactly enough room for my tools - with the exception of spare inner tubes. My bike had a set of mounts on the underside of the downtube which placed the tools low for better balance while being easily accessible.
Later, I bought a different gravel bike that lacked these downtube mounts. Again, I added the water bottle mounts so I could install a cage to hold my tool pack.
For these accessory cage mounts, I prefer the unbreakable aluminum water bottle cage. After adding the tool pack, I add a Velcro strap around the frame and pack to added security. I have toured for thousands of miles, and nothing has ever worked loose. I even transport my bike on my vehicle without removing this tool pack.
For the fork mounts, I prefer the larger "Versa Cages" that can hold either water bottles or soft packs. Then I have more flexibility when packing my gear and supplies. Of course, it only takes one minute to swap a smaller water bottle cage for a larger cargo cage.
So, after deciding which cages meet your needs, it is time to buy the rest of the parts and supplies required to install the water bottle mounts.
First, you will need one cage adapter for each cage that you plan to install. These adapters include the short mounting screws required to attach the cages. Here is the link for the black mount: Click HERE.
If you look closely, you will see that these mounting pieces have a groove near the top and bottom of the mount – and these are to add zip ties around the frame and mount for even more strength.
The combination of the super-strong adhesive tape and two zip ties should be more than enough for carrying anything on your bike. Especially on front forks, you want to carry lighter gear or water bottles that you drain during the day.
It may be unnecessary, but I added a THIRD groove in these mounts. The groove is exactly the width of the edge of a file, so it is fairly easy to create this third groove. A shot of black spray paint and they are ready for mounting.
Place the mounts where you intend to attach to the frame or forks. Mark the top and bottom of the mounting location. Note that the mounting base has four threaded holes to attach the cage – but you will only use two of these to mount a water bottle cage. You will use three bolts to mount the larger "Versa Cages". Also test fit the bolts that are provided. It’s likely that only the shortest bolts will be required.
On the forks, I mark the center of the fork when looking square on from the side. Then I mount the adapters with the front edge on this center line, which positions the cages offset slightly to the rear.
Next, you will need some heavy-duty double-sided adhesive tape. I use the “60-pound” Gorilla tape: Click HERE.
This adhesive mounting tape is reinforced with a mesh layer for added strength. Six inches of tape will hold over 10-pounds – which is far less than even a large water bottle. The adhesive adheres to painted bicycle frames and forks and provides a fast permanent bond.
The tape is wider than the adapter base, so I apply a layer to the underside of the mounting base, then use a razor knife to trim around the edges.
Grab two or three zip ties that wrap completely around the frame and mounting base. Then test position the base on the tube. When you have everything aligned properly, remove the cover layer on the tape and carefully position the base on the frame, making sure that the mount is parallel with the frame or fork.
Use your hands to press the base tight against the frame to get the maximum adhesion. Then add the zip ties around the tube and in the 2 or 3 slots. Pull the zip ties tight and trim off the excess.
Now you can install the water bottle or cargo cages. I always add a drop of semi-permanent Loctite to all my accessory bolts.
What do you think? Does this inspire you to add water bottle mounts to your bike? You could use the same process to add mounts to the roll cage of a 4x4 or SXS - any tube where you prefer not to drill any holes.
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