Zefal Z2O Pro 80 Bottle

The Zefal Z2O Pro 80 bottle has a capacity of 800ml and is supposedly designed with professional riders in mind. Personally, I would still like to see a few further refinements, but it's certainly well conceived and generally pleasant to use.

Available in three shades – black, white or translucent (best for gauging reserves at a glance, albeit allowing competitors to do the same), it's made from polypropylene, a type 5 plastic commonly used in the food industry that doesn't leach potentially nasty chemicals into foodstuffs and, ultimately, us.

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Polypropylene is also very rugged and solvent resistant, so another obvious choice for bottles. Talking of which, ours has a satin texture that is tactile and, moreover, easier to grip than glossy types without recourse to dimpling or gel bands.

The long, subtle taper is relatively unusual but I'm pleased to report it seems a genuinely universal fit across my eclectic range of cages: perfect tenure, yet effortless intentional release, irrespective of pattern and material.

The leak-proof locking cap system ensures it can also be carried horizontally, say in a large rear 'poacher's' pocket, without the contents pooling out. (There's also a smaller (600ml) version, which fits better in traditional jersey pockets.)

The cap opens and shuts with a simple twist. Being picky, the icons were difficult to spot, though it became intuitive after a few dry runs. There's no spring, or similarly small parts to fail or lose, and it also prevents that sticky bottle, cage and frame tube combo when filled with carbonated/energy drinks.

> Check out road.cc reviews of other bottles here

The soft valve spout is much nicer to use (not to mention gentler on the veneers) than traditional pop-up designs, and the flow is regulated by gently squeezing the bottle. Although not as ergonomic as the Relaj Shape bottle that I tested last year, the flow rate is pretty seamless held at a 25/30-degree angle, which is less obstructive to your eyeline when riding compared with bog standard types.

A flip-up dome would extend the appeal to cyclo-cross and mountain bike use, as it would defend the valve tip against contamination. It's a moot point on audax and winter trainers with full length mudguards perhaps, but even braving the lanes without guards didn't engulf the top or spout in anything unsavoury. Talking of hygiene, the broad top and spout ensure effortless brushing if you didn't want to pop it in the dishwasher.

Verdict

Well-designed, high-quality bottle but a protective dome cap seems a missed opportunity