Hydration Buying Guide

Answer the following questions and/or think through the points.  This will help with the correct hydration choice for your riding.

Supporting you to get the right solutions so you can smile when you ride

Kids endurance goUnders

How much water do you need to carry?

The amount of water you need to carry is dependent on many factors and is complex.  The first thing to consider is more is better than less and generally we don’t drink enough.  Learn more here…  How much water should I carry when I ride?

Most of the standard size water bottle cages on bikes will hold a drink bottle between 800ml – 600ml. This is only going to be enough water if you are riding for up to an hour. If riding for longer you will need the option of carrying a large drink bottle in a cargo cage or more than one drink bottle.

The other option is a hydration bladder carried in a backpack or a hip pack. This can give you options of carrying from 1.5L up to 3L of water.

Is carrying a drink bottle on my bike an option?

Most bikes come with screw holes in the bike frame where a water bottle cage can be attached. Some bikes will have one or two mounting places. Smaller bikes, like kids bikes, might not have any screw holes for mounting a bike cage as they are too small for a water bottle to fit.  Squashed triangle frames (modern full suspension mountain bikes) also struggle with room to get a bottle in and out of a cage.

There are straps/clamps on the market that secure a water cage or a cargo cage to your bike frame or front fork – removing the need for screwing and thus offering more flexibility on where you can mount your cage and the number of cages on your bike. This may be important if touring, bike packing and/or riding long distances.

Another alternative for carrying a water bottle or bottles is a hip pack.  Relatively  new to the market, hip packs sit across the hips which is a great location, for women in particular, to carry extra gear.  There are many different designs in hip packs giving you choice.  A pack which has been designed specifically for carrying water will allow you to carry up to 2 water bottles and/or a 1.5L bladder.

Ease of access to my water?

Do you want to have easy and regular access to your water? A hydration bladder carried in a backpack or a hip pack means that you can ride and drink small amounts more regularly. A drink bottle generally will require you to stop and have a drink so as a rule you drink less often.

Kids and Hydration

Kids often hydrate better than adults. They take in smaller amounts more regularly. Over time this adds up to a good amount of water, so you need to make sure they have regular access to plenty of water. Generally when they want/need water they need it immediately not when you reach the next stop where water is available. A hydration bladder is a very successful solution to making sure kids have access to plenty of water regularly.

Hydration Solutions 

Hydration
Type
How much water?
Features
Best suited to
Cost
SHOP
Womens Hydration Backpack
BACKPACK. Womens specific. 2.5L backpack with hydration bladder
Carry up to 1.5 Litres in a bladder
Space and good design so you can carry additional items... tools/clothing/helmet when not in use. Excellent design and stability for comfort.
Riders happy to carry some weight on their back. Quick easy access to plenty of water.

$179.00

Kids Hydration Backpack
BACKPACK. Kids specific 3 litre backpack & hydration bladder
1.5 litre hydration bladder.
Able to carry a couple of additional items eg. merino/jacket & some snacks.
Kids who ride regularly. Riding with family so can have easy access to water.

$92.00

Hip Packs
HIP PACK. Range of sizes and hydration options avialable
1.5 litre hydration bladder or water bottles - single or double
Weight around hips gives good balance on bike. Multiple pockets. Ventilation. Adjustable fit.
Short to mid length day riding. Mountain biking and off road trail riding.

From $89.00 to $205

Drink Bottle Cage
Cage attaches to bike, firmly holds a drink bottle
Depends on the size of drink bottle generally between 600ml - 1L
Flexible plastic allows cage to hold different bottle shapes including stainless steel. Comes with screws for mounting.
Riders wanting to carry water on their bike.

$7.90

Cargo Cage
Cage attaches to bike frame or front fork
Will hold large water bottles 1.5L+
can be screwed or clamped to bike in a variety of places. Large flat cage to hold water bottle or a dry bag
Big distances, multi day riding

$34.50

MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…

Keep your bladder clean.

For hygiene and to help your bladder last a long time you need to take care of your bladder – clean it and make sure it is dry when not in use.  Purchase a Hydration Bladder Cleaning Kit 

What is the right hydration solution for you?  Your success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solution

Want more from your riding? 

Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.

All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

SMILE when you ride

Support & Inspire other riders and families 

Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. 

All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.

Women

Padded Bike Underwear

Pants for Biking

Tops for Biking

 Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking

Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes

 Warmth Accessories

Bike Saddles

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Bells

Hydration

Handlebar Grips

Kids & Youth

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Riding Clothing

Jackets for Biking/Outdoors

Protective Padding

Bike Gloves

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

Handlebar Grips

Bike Saddle

Bike Locks

Hydration

Family 

Ride with a baby/ 1 year old

Ride with a 2-6 year old

Ride with a  4 + year old – on their own bike

Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed

Create a Family Biking Holiday

Ride More Places with Kids

Men

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Handlebar Grips

Bike Bell

Be comfortable & confident

Successfully Ride an E-Bike

Beginner Rider

Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking

Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

Be Visible on the Bike

Enjoy a Biking Holiday

‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Clothing & Bags

Padded Bike Pants & Underwear

Pants & Shorts for Biking

Bike Tops

Bike Jackets

Over Trousers for Biking

Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking

Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking

Rider Safety & Protection

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

First Aid & Personal Care

Hydration

Bike Tow Ropes

Bike Parts & Care

Bike Saddles

Handlebar Grips

Bike Locks

Bike Carriers

Bike & Chain Cleaning

Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry

Kids Bike Seats & Bikes

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Towing Kids who ride their own Bike

Bike Trailers for Kids

Kids Balance Bikes

HIRE Kids Bike Seats

Be Comfortable & Confident

Comfort on your Bike Seat

Be Visible on the Bike

Beginner Riders

Get Started – Ride with a baby

Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking

Bike Path Riding

Beginner to Fitness

Multi-Day

With Kids of all Ages

Kids Riding Bikepaths

Multi-Day with Kids

Bike Path Riding Guide

Ride more Bikepaths

Mountain Biking

Women Beginner to Intermediate

Men Beginner to Intermediate

Multi-Day

With Kids of all ages

Kids Mountain Biking

Multi-Day with Kids

Mountain Biking Guide

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Riding in Traffic

Be Visible in Traffic

Commuting

With Kids of all Ages

Kids Riding in Traffic

E – Biking

E-Biking in Traffic

E-Biking on Bikepaths

E-Biking on MTB Trails

A Biking Holiday

E-Biking Guide

Multi-Day Riding

Multi-Day on Bike Paths

Multi-Day on MTB Trails

Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths

Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails

Multi-Day Guide

A Biking Holiday

Family Biking Holiday

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Family Riding

Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed

On Bikepaths with Kids

MTB with Kids

In Traffic with Kids

Family Biking Holiday

Family Riding Guide

Ride More Places with Kids

Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides

Rear Kids Bike Seat

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat

Front Kids Bike Seat 

Towing Kids who ride their own bikes

Kids Bike Trailers

Kids & Youth Buying Guides

Kids Bike Helmets

Kids Riding Clothing

Kids Padded Bike Pants

Kids Padded Protection

Kids Handlebar Grips 

Kids Balance Bike

Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides 

Womens Bike Saddle

Mens Bike Saddle

Padded Bike Pants

Bike Jackets

Carrying Gear 

Handlebar Grip

Hydration

Rider Safety Buying Guides

Bike Helmet

Mountain Bike Helmet

Protective Padding

Be Visible 

Bike Glove

Bike Light 

Mountain Bike Light

First Aid & Personal Care 

Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides

Bike Carriers

Bike Cleaning

Bike Locks

Chain Cleaning and Lube

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Women & Families Learning

Comfort on your Bike Seat

Clothing for Biking

Family Biking

Improve your Riding

Carrying Gear

Care for ‘you’

Care for your Bike

Ride More Places

Ride more Bikepaths

Ride more NZ Cycle Trails

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Ride more Places with Kids

Riding Gear

Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Padded Bike Underwear & Pants

Bike Gloves

Bike Jackets

Protective Padding

Bike Locks

Bike Lights

Bike Tools to Carry

Handlebar Grips

Bike and Chain Cleaning

Kids Bike Seats & Bikes

Kids Bike Trailer

Towing kids who ride their own bike

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Balance Bike

Types of Riding

Bikepath Riding

Family Riding

E-Bike Riding

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.