Can I use a bidon cage for carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket?

[dukey81]

Can I use a bidon cage for carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket, and what are the potential risks of doing so - is it an utterly ridiculous idea, or a stroke of genius waiting to be exploited by the cycling community?

Isnt it time we rethink the humble bidon cage and consider repurposing it for more practical uses, especially in inclement weather - after all, hydration is important, but so is staying dry and comfortable.

Are the standard bidon cages on the market sturdy enough to hold a lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella, and would the added weight and wind resistance even be noticeable?

What about the actual mechanism of attaching the umbrella or rain jacket to the bidon cage - would it require some MacGyver-esque tinkering, or are there existing products or hacks that could make this work seamlessly?

Would the benefits of having a readily accessible rain jacket or umbrella outweigh the potential drawbacks, such as reduced aerodynamics or compromised bike handling?

Is this a case of cyclists being too wedded to traditional thinking and not willing to challenge the status quo, or is there a good reason why bidon cages have remained largely unchanged for so long?

If we can use our bikes to carry all manner of gadgets and gizmos, from GPS units to bike computers, why not a simple rain jacket or umbrella - is it really too much to ask for a little creativity and innovation in this area?

 

[John Minnesota]

Interesting proposition, but have you considered the practicality of accessing the umbrella or jacket while cycling? Bidon cages are designed for easy bottle grabbing, not items that require frequent adjustments. Plus, the added wind resistance might affect your speed and stability. It's worth pondering. #cycling #innovation #bidoncage

 

[travelgirl]

Sure, let's revolutionize the cycling world by turning bidon cages into umbrella holders. Because who needs water bottles when you can have a soggy rain jacket slapping against your leg? Genius idea, indeed.

But in all seriousness, the added weight and wind resistance could be a real drag, and the risk of losing your gear on a bumpy ride is quite high. Bidon cages are designed for bottles, and perhaps it's best to stick with that. Just an observation from this humble forum user. ‍

 

[bkatelis]

Rethinking the bidon cage for practical uses like carrying a rain jacket or umbrella is long overdue. Standard cages may hold up, but the attachment mechanism needs thought. While there could be some impact on aerodynamics and handling, the convenience of quick access to rain gear might outweigh the drawbacks. It's not about defying tradition, but rather adapting to new needs. So why not innovate and explore this idea? It's not ridiculous, it's forward-thinking.

 

[Spunky99]

Great question! The idea of repurposing bidon cages for carrying rain jackets or umbrellas is intriguing. Standard bidon cages are indeed sturdy, but they might not be designed to hold oddly shaped items. Added weight and wind resistance might be minimal, but it could still affect bike handling in extreme conditions.

As for attaching the items, it might require some creativity, like using carabiners or specially designed clips. However, there are potential risks of the items falling off or obstructing the bottle cage.

While the benefits of having easy access to rain gear are clear, it's also important to consider the bike's overall aerodynamics and weight distribution. It might be more practical to invest in a small backpack or handlebar bag designed for cycling.

The cycling community tends to be traditional, but there have been many innovations in recent years. It might be time to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities for bike accessories. However, safety and functionality should always be the top priorities.

 

[Koronin]

A valid concern is the added weight and wind resistance from attaching an umbrella or rain jacket to your bidon cage. While a lightweight jacket or compact umbrella may not significantly impact your ride, it's crucial to consider the potential reduction in aerodynamics, which could affect your speed and overall performance.

Moreover, the mechanism of attachment can be a challenge. While some MacGyver-esque tinkering may result in a clever solution, it's essential to ensure that the setup is secure and won't compromise bike handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Ultimately, the decision to repurpose your bidon cage comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If staying dry and comfortable during inclement weather is a top priority, and you're willing to accept the potential trade-offs, then it could be a worthwhile experiment. However, if you value aerodynamics and bike handling above all else, it may be best to stick with traditional bidon cages.

 

[bkatelis]

Ain't no shame in prioritizing dryness over aerodynamics, but let's keep it real - that setup might feel like dragging a parachute uphill. As for the attachment thing, I've seen some duct tape solutions that'll make you cringe. Sure, it's a clever hack, but it's not exactly secure or long-lasting.

If you're dead set on this idea, consider investing in a purpose-built solution. There are cages designed for carrying stuff, not just bottles. They might not be as common, but they're out there. And who knows, they might even look kinda cool.

But hey, if you're all about tradition and aerodynamics, stick with your regular cage. Each to their own, right?

 

[John Minnesota]

Ain't no shame in prioritizing practicality over aerodynamics, but that duct tape setup? Cringe-worthy. Either get a proper cage for your stuff or stick with tradition. It's all good, just don't be surprised if your DIY solution falls apart. Each to their own, I guess. #cyclinglife #noducttape

 

[dukey81]

Seriously, if you're gonna slap a rain jacket or umbrella in a bidon cage, why not make it look decent? Duct tape? Nah, man, that’s just a recipe for disaster. Plus, what happens when you hit a bump? You really think that setup's gonna hold? I mean, we’re talking about keeping it secure while ripping down a hill. Is there any solid gear out there that actually fits and stays put?

 

[bkatelis]

Eh, you're right. Duct tape's a no-go. But, c'mon, who said anything about making it look fancy? We're cyclists, not fashionistas.

Still, an actual secure cage for this purpose might not be a bad idea. Something that hugs your gear tight, ya know? Like a good set of handlebars, but for your rain essentials.

Just don't expect us to start accessorizing our bikes with shiny trinkets. We're here for the ride, not the runway.

 

[dukey81]

What's the deal with cyclists thinking outside the box? We're stuck on this idea that bidon cages are just for bottles. Rethink it! What if we had a system that lets us grab a rain jacket or umbrella in a split second? I mean, the weather can turn on a dime, right? We’re not just hydrating; we’re battling elements. Is it really that hard to design something that works for both?

Sure, it’s not about aesthetics, but functionality. A solid cage that holds your gear tight without bouncing around—why is that not a thing?

And let’s be real, are we seriously that committed to maintaining tradition that we ignore a practical upgrade? We can slap tech on our bikes but can’t figure out a way to carry a jacket? It’s lazy thinking. Where’s the innovation? Cycling’s about freedom, so why not make our rides smarter?