Vel Tool Bottle

The Vel Tool Bottle doesn't really feel or look like a bottle, but it's the right shape to fit in your cage and carry all of those things that you don't want in your pockets. It's robust, waterproof and surprisingly roomy. There are cheaper alternatives on the market, though.

• Pros: Smart looking solution, waterproof
• Cons: Other solutions are cheaper

People have been stuffing their tools and bits and bobs in old water bottles for many years and for many it works. I've tried it, too, found that getting the precise tool or tube out of the bottle was a bit of a faff and got annoyed with the rattle of everything bouncing around. Vel has come up with this neat solution which consists of a cylinder that opens into two halves thanks to the zip closure.

> Buy this online here

Inside, you'll find two mesh pockets that should carry pretty much all of your ride essentials. I normally carry a tube, a couple of CO2 canisters, multi-tool and tyre levers plus a few glueless patches, and there was plenty of room.

You could get a mini pump in there too, provided it's shorter than about 165mm.

Everything is kept in place by the mesh, and with the lined inner there is no noise from the contents whacking against the sides. The tools can still rattle together so it's best if you organise your packing to layer things up.

> Feature: What should I carry when I cycle?

The zip is taped all the way around and I didn't get any issues with water getting in.

I tried it in a range of bottle cages, from fancy shaped carbons ones to standard alloy ones, and didn't really have any issues with fitment. Its diameter is a touch bigger than most bottles and as the material is slightly compressible it's a snug fit into a cage so you don't have the worry of it jettisoning off your bike.

There are a couple of flats for your thumb and finger to get a grip on, too, to remove the Vel from your cage.

Cost-wise it's a bit more than most other solutions. The Vittoria Zip Tool Case is a very similar design which looks to have an rrp of £9.95, though you can get it a bit cheaper on the usual websites like Wiggle. The Bontrager Storage Bottle is another choice that we reviewed earlier in the year, and that costs £8.99. B'Twin's is just £3.99 though...

One thing I will say about the Vel, though, is that it looks very classy and is very well made, so maybe the £15 asking price isn't over the top.

Verdict

Smart looking and well made on-the-bike storage solution