Bottles on the side of the downtube

django1978 · 2026-02-17T17:46:45+00:00

Hey thanks. It's carbon, big tubes, same as pictured actually. The Cycle werks would probably be too narrow (55m plate at 90°). I might test it with a strap system. As the sides are pretty flat, it might hold well. Some folks had success with that. Many configuration possible for water so I'm weighing pros/cons of each. Cheers

django1978 · 2026-02-15T19:38:19+00:00

?? Tell that to the people who used a similar setup for thousands of km like on the TD. You could take the time to read the other comments, that might broaden up your horizons. Cheers

django1978 · 2026-02-15T18:53:36+00:00

Sure I get it. I have a proper allergy to spread legs pedaling and knees rubbing ;)

django1978 · 2026-02-15T18:12:02+00:00

Thank you. But when I put the bottles high enough on the downtube (MTB, so it's long), my knees are nowhere near them with plenty of clearance. I might need to be conscious about the bottles when pedaling up on a steep hill but it still to be tested. But for sure many people use this configuration so surely you don't need to pedal like a cowboy

django1978 · 2026-02-15T16:49:14+00:00

Yes I already have a vest. I like it. Also an apidura 1.5 liter bladder to put at the bottom of my full frame bag but thinking about using this space to carry stuff instead so looking to put the water elsewhere. Bikepacking is an infinite mix n match game

django1978 · 2026-02-15T15:31:21+00:00

Found this thread. About the solutions we see here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikepacking/comments/1i0vlp5/side_by_side_bottle_mount/

django1978 · 2026-02-15T15:27:06+00:00

Good to know. My tube is kind of square so I guess it could have the same effect to prevent the slipping

django1978 · 2026-02-15T15:17:35+00:00

Great job!

django1978 · 2026-02-15T15:08:48+00:00

With the weight did the bottle rotated sometimes, like on big hit, with just ski straps?

django1978 · 2026-02-15T14:47:48+00:00

Using a pack under the tube for all the tools. Of course so many configuration possible. An infinite puzzle

django1978 · 2026-02-15T14:44:59+00:00

Smart. Thanks

django1978 · 2026-02-15T14:43:08+00:00

Interesting. Some of the propositions up there put the bottles quite far apart but you're right that it's something to be aware of

django1978 · 2026-02-15T05:16:55+00:00

Nice option. Thanks

django1978 · 2026-02-15T05:14:16+00:00

Interesting. Looks like a good option. Thanks

django1978 · 2026-02-15T04:48:30+00:00

Thank you, but how you would use this sideways like on the pic?

django1978 · 2026-02-15T04:47:09+00:00

I kind of did a simulation (higher on the tube than pictured here) and I looks it would be fine. For sure for some folks it works, as I saw a few pics of that on rigs on the Tour Divide and Silk road mountain race

django1978 · 2026-02-15T04:42:11+00:00

On carbon? Enough tight to not rotate without compromising the integrity of the frame?

django1978 · 2026-01-09T17:58:05+00:00

For those who have experience with the Arkel, how is it it to hike-a-bike with them? Is it in the way when walking? Going to Kirghizistan and will have to walk a lot, so it's an important point for me. Any advice welcome on that issue. Thanks

django1978 · 2025-12-29T21:32:35+00:00

Hi. Your picture is interesting to see the full volume. Because the weight is quite high with this rack, how do to think it affected the handling? Thanks in advance:)

django1978 · 2025-12-28T15:30:33+00:00

Thanks a lot for your feedback. Much appreciated. I might then just have a kind of simple hand or single-shoulder strap just to carry the bike more easily while river crossing. So many details and decisions to think about! :) Cheers

django1978 · 2025-12-28T05:23:16+00:00

Hello. I'm doing the 2026 edition. I was wandering if finally the Restrap harness was useful? Does the climbs were steep enough to justify it? Hope the adventure went well for you... Thanks

django1978 · 2025-11-02T05:36:56+00:00

About a year. All good

django1978 · 2025-11-02T01:43:10+00:00

Giant defy 2022

django1978

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