Riding a bike requires significant physical costs, which means that for long walks, a person simply needs to have a bottle of water with him. This can cause inconvenience, as there are problems with its placement, as well as unrealistic to drink without stopping. A bicycle flask comes to the rescue. How to choose it, how to use and care, we will tell in our article.
Benefits
Some bike bikes have special holders where you can put a regular plastic bottle. However, according to user reviews, using a bicycle flask instead has several advantages.
It should be noted reliable fixing system. It fixes the accessory, and it is not lost even when the ride is quite aggressive. This is very important, since the bottle, falling out of the holder, will attract attention, and the cyclist will have to stop to pick it up. Besides, it can damage the bike and cause a fall.
Users think that the flask has a very convenient shape. She comfortably lies in the athlete's hand. To make it more convenient, some models have rubber inserts.
There is also a cover that makes it possible to open the flask while moving with one hand, when the other lies on the steering wheel. With a regular bottle, this will be problematic. In addition, the safety valve will not allow dust to get inside, regardless of the conditions the athlete is in.
Also can not be said about security. Bicycle flasks are made from food-grade polymers, which are absolutely harmless to human health. This can not be said about a simple bottle: during use, it can be damaged, which will lead to the release of harmful substances into the water.
Varieties
On the shelves there is a huge selection of bike flasks. All of them are securely fixed to the frame of the bike. Accessories can be divided into several varieties depending on the material of manufacture. Consumers can purchase plastic, aluminum and ceramic products, as well as a thermos flask. There are both adult and special children's models.
A plastic flask, as the name implies, is made of food grade plastic. The material is very durable, odorless, unlike bottles. In addition, such flasks are very light and have a budget cost.
Can be purchased flask made of aluminum. Undoubtedly, it will be more durable and reliable, but at the same time it will weigh an order of magnitude more. Fixing such accessories to the bicycle frame may result in scratches.
Ceramic flask also has an aluminum or plastic base, but differs by a ceramic layer applied on top. It protects the container from heating and prevents the liquid from cooling. This is very convenient when the temperature of the drink is important for the athlete. The use of such flasks in the summer, when the water quickly heats under the rays of the scorching sun, is especially important.
And finally thermal flask. In fact, this is a thermos bicycle flask, which has differences in design. They allow the accessory to be fixed in a special holder.
Currently becoming popular bicycle flasks with a built-in filter. They allow you to improve the quality of water in the case when you have to use ordinary or tap water. This is true when it is not possible to buy a drink in a store.
Dimensions
The choice of flask sizes depends on the needs of the cyclist. Children and women who do not ride the bike for long will have enough capacity of 0.25 liters.
The weight of the accessory will be small, and use is convenient.
If a person takes longer walks, it will be optimal purchase of 0.5 and 0.6 liter flasks. They are securely fixed to the steering wheel. Larger containers containing 0.75 and 1 liter of fluid are relevant when a person spends a long time in motion.
Mount
The holder is usually a kind of bezel for the flask, as well as a container lock. You can purchase a model as a flask of a specific size, or universal. Mostly the accessory is located directly on the bicycle frame or handlebar, it is especially convenient for the athlete. But there are exceptions - and in these cases, the mount is mounted on the saddle frame.
Most often, fasteners are made of aluminum, plastic or stainless steel. If necessary, 2 holders can be installed immediately. They will allow you to comfortably place 2 medium-sized flasks.
Care
As for care, it is mandatory and should be regular. This will help keep the product in good condition.
After the bike ride has been completed, the flask must be cleaned from dirt and dust that has settled on it. It is they who, having lingered on the capacity, can scratch it, respectively, over time, it will become worthless. Sometimes it is enough to wipe the elements with a damp cloth, in other cases it will be necessary to act in more detail.
Important is the fact that the jar must be washed inside.
As for plastic containers, they can not be rubbed with brushes. You can use ordinary running water in combination with non-aggressive detergent formulations.
Ceramic and aluminum models can be cleaned with a brush.
If the washing is not carried out on time, a coating will begin to form inside the container, and a persistent unpleasant odor will appear due to the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. Caring for bike flasks is a snap. The main thing is to carry it on time, then the product will last a long time.
This accessory is designed to make cycling as comfortable as possible. Timely care will extend the life of the unit.
On how to choose a bicycle flask, see further.
