How To Install Water Bottle Cage On Bike Without Holes – Detailed Answer

Bike riding and water bottles go along like bat and ball, left and right, and Bangers and mash. Therefore, it would be weird to know why some bike companies continue producing bikes that don’t come with fixing holes for water bottle cages. What do they expect you to do when there is no place to stow the water bottle? Hold it and cycle one-handed for 20 miles? Sorry but that would be impossible.

Hence, this article is all for your convenience to install water bottle cages on bikes without fixing holes. So, shall we take a look?

Methods to Install Water Bottle Cage on Bike without Holes

Here are several simple methods of installing your water bottle without drilling holes:

1. Zip Cable Tie

This is the most suitable and economical way to tie anything to your bike support, including your water bottle cage.

The procedure is so simple that all you have to do is hold the water bottle cage against one of your bike frames and use a couple of zip ties to wrap around the frame and the cage. Then, you can attach the cage to the seat tube, top tube, or bottom with the bike.

So, when shopping for zip ties, you may want to look for the best material, such as industrial strength nylon ties, better 66 nylon, and tensile strength of 50 lbs. This way, you would be sure that your cable ties never lock apart while riding the road bike.

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2. Hose Cage Clamp

More conventionally, a hose clamp is utilized to hold on a hose to a fitting and does so using the clamping device. It’s a pretty general practice for riders to use a hose cage clamp to secure the water bottle cages to the bike’s support or a suspension fork.

So, first of all, you would first need to open up the clamp entirely using a hose clamp. Few clamps turn a good 90 degrees to adjust the mounting position as you would wish. Then, place the water bottle cage holder and close the clamp on it. Finally, by using a screwdriver, compress the clamp closure to a good fit. Keep in mind to not over-tighten the clamp.

However, it doesn’t support carbon frames. In this matter, hose clamps can cause damage to the frame, but as long as many bikers prefer using foam or rubber padded protection on their carbon forks, use a hose cage clamp anyhow, and you can also use taping or padding against damage.

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3. Water Cage Strappings

What would be more comfortable than just strapping your water cage holder onto the bike, right? But, of course, this is entirely appropriate for bikers with an MTB that includes a full suspension. 

These bottle cage straps are secure and designed explicitly for low-profile, full-suspension frames attached to the edge and for bikes that do not have enough space for overtopping mounts.

These Adapters of nylon strap are generally made with a rubber base, which allows the straps to firmly twig to the bike’s frame. Moreover, these straps can be cut to any dimensions you want for further comfort and fix.

Strap-on holders are another way to completely attach your water bottle cage to your bike frame without requiring braze ones. These movable Velcro leashes on the strap on holders are long, made of plastic, and consist of hooks and loops on either side for more safety.

Final Thoughts on Mounting a Water Bottle Cage without Holes

If you’re riding a bike for long miles, then it’s almost guaranteed that you would want to carry one, sometimes two, water bottles. Although modern bikes have integrated water cage holes for the holder, many bikes still do comprise one.

For that, it’s necessary to install a water bottle cage on a bike without holes. Whatever method you choose is up to you, but carrying your hydration tank is as important as maintaining your safety gear!