Smaller frames often suffer from a lack of space for a standard bottle cage, so it's always good to see an innovative way of trying to address this issue. The Topeak Dualside Cage not only allows for a bottle to be withdrawn from either side, thanks to its flip-over design, but it's also super-grippy.
It's a smart looking and inoffensive bottle cage that's reversible, so can be fitted to allow access from the right or left, depending on your preferences.
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Made from lightweight aluminium, it will take a standard 650ml bottle, and a curve in the bracket portion at the top slots into the indentation in the side of most bottles to further secure it and prevent rattling or inadvertent ejection.
It really does hold the bottle securely, too. So securely, in fact, that it's actually quite tricky to get the bottle in and out.
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It's a bit of a trade-off between ease of use and security, but if you need a bottle cage for a small-framed bike where a standard cage won't work, this certainly does the job. The fact that it can be mounted for left or right-hand use is a bonus.
Overall, it's easy to fit, sturdy, well made and effective. And it doesn't rattle.
Verdict
Super-solid, effective and fairly light, and no unexpected bottle ejections or rattles
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Topeak Dualside bottle Cage
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Designed for smaller frame sizes where space is tight, and for those who prefer to access the bottle from the side (and to choose which side).
Topeak says: "A reversible cage allowing for greater side access to bottles. Ideal for smaller sized frames where bottle access can be challenging."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Lightweight Aluminum construction
Fits standard water bottles
45g
Very solid. Good and pliable but not sloppy. Firm hold on bottle.
Performed very well. Held my bottle securely over even bumpy ground, and no rattles.
Seems tough and durable.
Similar price to other aluminium cages, but its value increases if you have a smaller framed bike.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Ease of use, dual sided access, security of bottle.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Slightly tricky to remove bottle quickly.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Probably
Use this box to explain your score
Innovative and effective solution to fitting bottle cages to small frames. Secure and easy to use.
About the tester
Age: 43
I usually ride: Boardman Hybrid Fi My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling.
Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other.
She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting.