How to Make Your Own Cycling Bottle With a Long Straw

Make your own cycling water bottle so you can stay hydrated while you bike.

Triathletes and cyclists enjoy using special water bottles that are positioned in the front top of the bike between the aerodynamic handlebars for easy access to hydration. These cycling bottles have a long straw poking out of the top for easy, hands-free reach by the rider.

Things You'll Need

• Cycling water bottle with an indented center part for holding
• Drill
• Ruler
• Velcro
• Scissors
• Long, bendable straw
• Silicone glue
• Cotton swab

Instructions

1. Drill a hole into the top of the cycling water bottle that's just wide enough to fit a straw into.

2. Cut a piece of Velcro about 1 ½ feet long. Separate the piece of Velcro into two parts.

3. Wrap one Velcro piece around one side of the indented center part of the bottle; do the same with the other piece around the other side of the bottle. Allow the two pieces to meet and join on both sides of the bottle.

4. Wrap the free ends of the Velcro on each side of the bottle around the aerodynamic handlebars. Aerodynamic handlebars come in many shapes and sizes, so adjust the Velcro to fit your particular handlebars.

5. Put the straw into the hole you drilled; adjust the position and length of the straw so you can reach your mouth while riding your bike.

6. Use silicone glue on a cotton swab to affix the straw to the bottle by dabbing it around the outside opening and on the straw. Allow the glue to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the Velcro is wrapped tightly around the bottle so it won't slip through.

• When drilling a hole into the bottle, you can either drill it into the removable cap or into the top edge of the bottle as it starts to curve inward to the opening of the bottle.

• If the bottle falls, it could obstruct the front wheel and cause an accident. For added protection, glue the Velcro to the bottle. You can also sew the ends of the Velcro together (the parts that wrap around the handlebar) for extra security.

References

• Campmor: Profile Design Aero Drink Bottle