Taking a Drink While Riding..Which Hand..

[Icey]

As I've started cyclying a lot further than I thought would, I appreciate the need to have a bottle of water with me and will be picking one up tomorrow. Novice question coming up, are all the holders the same or is there a design that is better than another? I apologise if the question is dumb

 

[raindog]

If you're right handed, that's the one that needs to be on the bars, not the one reaching for the bottle.

 

[trampyjoe]

If you're right handed, that's the one that needs to be on the bars, not the one reaching for the bottle.

Why?
There are quite a few people that have answered above that proves (in a slightly scientific way) that your line of though may be wrong.

 

[PpPete]

I use right hand, but have recently changed to a "back-handed" grip, which favours the seatpost cage.
When I go for the down tube bottle and take it in a conventional grip, it needs a very high elbow, which can be a bit painful; whereas the "back-hand" (spout on the side by the little finger rather than the thumb) seems a more natural position for the arm- and maybe better for balance too.

I saw this done on one of the races on the TV and thought it looked very odd at first, but it works for me anyway. Try it.

 

[Rob3rt]

Just drink your damn water! It doesn't matter how you do it, just get it done!

 

[raindog]

Why?
There are quite a few people that have answered above that proves (in a slightly scientific way) that your line of though may be wrong.

Because your "best" hand needs to be in control of the bike, not the bottle.

 

[trampyjoe]

Because your "best" hand needs to be in control of the bike, not the bottle.

That makes perfect sense ... But, and I'm only talking for myself here, my 'best hand' never feels comfortable being the one in control.
It is an individual thing though and we all ride different bikes and so can drink in different ways

 

[PK99]

.
Practice it watching the telly and remember to keep your eyes on the screen

errrm!

 

[Sandra6]

I have to slow right down if I need to get my bottle - I'm right handed and use my right - but I have a sideways cage on a ladies style bar so I can't actually take it out from the left.
I wobble quite a bit when I take a drink, so if I'm really thirsty it's a good excuse to stop.

 

[Boon 51]

I use right hand, but have recently changed to a "back-handed" grip, which favours the seatpost cage.
When I go for the down tube bottle and take it in a conventional grip, it needs a very high elbow, which can be a bit painful; whereas the "back-hand" (spout on the side by the little finger rather than the thumb) seems a more natural position for the arm- and maybe better for balance too.

I saw this done on one of the races on the TV and thought it looked very odd at first, but it works for me anyway. Try it.

Of course I have not tried the seat post cage system yet and that might be easier or not but opens another line of thought... Blimey

 

[Rob3rt]

Of course I have not tried the seat post cage system yet and that might be easier or not but opens another line of thought... Blimey

Stop thinking, start riding and drinking!

 

[youngoldbloke]

As I've started cyclying a lot further than I thought would, I appreciate the need to have a bottle of water with me and will be picking one up tomorrow. Novice question coming up, are all the holders the same or is there a design that is better than another? I apologise if the question is dumb

To start with you could do worse than start with the traditional wire cage, or the plastic version. From poundshop, even. If you have a small compact or MTB frame you might need a 'side cage' as there might not be enough room to remove the bottle from a traditional cage. Google. Also have a look at Wikipedia.

 

[Rob3rt]

To start with you could do worse than start with the traditional wire cage, or the plastic version. From poundshop, even. If you have a small compact or MTB frame you might need a 'side cage' as there might not be enough room to remove the bottle from a traditional cage. Google. Also have a look at Wikipedia.

Agree, buy cheap! But buy secure, very important! Loose bottles can be dangerous.

 

[RWright]

I faced the which hand to drink with dilemma until I found this:

I never wore a helmet before. Now I feel much safer and not nearly as thirsty.

 

[Boon 51]

I faced the which hand to drink with dilemma until I found this:

I never wore a helmet before. Now I feel much safer and not nearly as thirsty.

Thats not going to do my street cred any good...