Bottle cages are a small part, but a good one holds your bottle over rough roads, lets you pull it out without looking, and saves a few grams. Elite, Tacx, Arundel and Supacaz make some of the most popular lightweight road cages, in materials from carbon-reinforced polyamide to full carbon. This comparison uses each brand's official product pages, checked on 8 October 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Lightest: Elite T-Race Carbon at 15 g, made from carbon-reinforced polyamide.
• Lightest full carbon: Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon at 21 g ($65), "100% 3K carbon fiber".
• Best side-loading for small frames: Arundel DTR/STR (25 g, $79.95), designed for right-side entry, and Elite's Custom Race X and Cannibal XC.
• Strongest grip: Arundel Mandible (28 g, $79.95), which Arundel says has the strongest grip of its cages.
• Best value: Tacx Deva (32 g, $19.99) and Ciro (29 g, $24.99).
• Elite does not show prices on its English product pages.

Weights and Prices at a Glance

Arundel and Supacaz prices appear to be per cage, but neither site says so explicitly.

Elite: Lightest and Most Varied

Elite makes cages for every priority, all sized for standard 74 mm bottles.

• T-Race Carbon (15 g): the lightest cage here, in carbon-reinforced polyamide, 147.5 mm tall. Elite's spec table lists frontal entry while its page and tech sheet describe a different insertion style, so check the product page for your frame.
• Vico Carbon (25 g ±10%): carbon-reinforced polyamide, 155 mm tall, with a front structure that wraps higher around the bottle for retention, and mounting holes shaped for a wide range of positions.
• Custom Race X (28.5 g ±2): fibreglass-reinforced polyamide with a lowered profile for side insertion, aimed at small frames; Elite says it is 35% lighter than its predecessor.
• Cannibal XC Bio-Based (34 g): fibreglass-reinforced plastic that is 43.4% bio-based (from castor beans), with frontal and side entry from either side.

Note that the T-Race and Vico "Carbon" cages are carbon-reinforced polyamide, not full carbon.

Best for: weight weenies (T-Race), small frames (Custom Race X, Cannibal XC) and secure retention (Vico).

Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon: Full Carbon, Many Colours

The Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon is "100% 3K carbon fiber", weighs 21 g and costs $65. Supacaz highlights "Lock Tight Wings" for retention and says it works on road or mountain bikes. It comes in Black, White, Celeste, Neon Pink, Prizmatik Blue and Purple, Oil Slick and Gold. Supacaz also sells cheaper Fly Cage Poly ($26) and Fly Cage Ano aluminium ($27) versions.

Best for: riders who want full carbon and a colour to match their bar tape.

Arundel: Pro-Proven Carbon

Arundel's carbon cages are long-time favourites in the pro peloton, which Arundel highlights for its Mandible.

• Mandible ($79.95, 28 g): in UD or 3K weave, gloss or matte. Arundel calls it the cage with the strongest grip in its range.
• DTR / STR ($79.95, 25 g): side-loading cages for right-side entry, on the down tube (DTR) or seat tube (STR), useful on small frames.
• Dave-O ($69.95, 30 g): designed for easier bottle removal than the Mandible, with more surface area and less arm tension.

Arundel cages have an extra set of mounting holes 20 mm lower, which helps position the bottle on small frames or clear a frame bag.

Best for: riders on rough roads who want a bottle that stays put.

Tacx Deva and Ciro: Best Value

Tacx (sold by Garmin) offers two popular light cages:

• Deva ($19.99, 32 g): a carbon-reinforced polyamide core with a glass-fibre shell; Tacx says it has proven itself in the cycling classics.
• Ciro ($24.99, 29 g): a carbon shell with a glass-fibre core; Tacx says it "fits every bike".

Best for: riders who want a light, durable cage at a low price.

How to Choose

Bottle retention versus ease of removal. A cage that grips tightly holds the bottle over cobbles but can be hard to pull from while riding. Arundel makes the trade-off explicit: the Mandible grips hardest, while the Dave-O is designed to release more easily.

Side entry on small frames. On small frames, a bottle may hit the top tube when lifted straight out. Side-entry cages (Arundel DTR/STR, Elite Custom Race X and Cannibal XC) let you pull the bottle out sideways. Check the entry direction suits the side you reach with.

Lower mounting holes. Arundel's extra holes 20 mm lower give more clearance under the top tube or above the front derailleur.

Cage materials explained

Reinforced polymers flex a little, which helps them hold a bottle securely without rattling and makes them less likely to break in a crash. Full carbon is lighter and stiffer but relies on its shape for grip.

Mixing cages front and rear

There is no rule that both cages must match. Many riders use a side-entry cage on the seat tube, where space is tight on small frames, and a front-entry cage on the down tube. Others fit a tighter-gripping cage on the down tube for rough roads and an easier-release cage on the seat tube for the bottle they drink from most. If you carry a tool bottle in the lower cage, choose a cage with strong retention so it does not rattle loose.

Do cages scratch bottles or frames?

Carbon cages can mark soft plastic bottles over time, and any cage can rub paint if the bottle moves. Keep cages and bottles clean, tighten bolts correctly so the cage does not twist, and consider a small piece of frame protection tape under the cage if you are protecting a painted frame.

When to upgrade

Upgrading cages makes most sense if your current cages rattle, let bottles fall out on rough roads, or make it hard to reach your bottle on a small frame. Saving weight alone is a small gain: the difference between the lightest and heaviest cages here is 19 g per cage.

Cages and bottles work as a pair

A cage is designed around a bottle shape. Most road cages, including all of Elite's listed here, are sized for standard 74 mm bottles, and the way a cage grips depends on the bottle's neck and shoulder. If a bottle feels loose in one cage, try a different bottle before replacing the cage. Brands often show their cages with their own bottles: Elite pairs its cages with Fly bottles, and some riders find a bottle and cage from the same brand fit best. Taller 950 ml bottles may need a cage with a lower profile or side entry to clear the top tube.

Fitting and Caring for Cages

1. Use the right bolts and torque. Most cages mount with two M5 bolts. Tighten gently to the frame maker's recommended torque, especially on carbon frames.
2. Check bottle diameter. These cages are designed for standard 74 mm bottles; very wide insulated bottles may not fit securely.
3. Position the cage for easy reach. If your frame has multiple holes, choose the position that clears the top tube and lets you reach the bottle without looking.
4. Inspect carbon cages. Look for cracks after a crash or if the bottle starts to feel loose; replace a damaged cage.
5. Clean off sticky drinks. Sugary residue makes bottles stick and attracts grime; a damp cloth is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lightest bottle cage?

Among these, the Elite T-Race Carbon at 15 g.

Are Elite carbon cages full carbon?

The T-Race Carbon and Vico Carbon are carbon-reinforced polyamide (PA plus carbon fibre), not full carbon.

Which cages are side-entry?

Arundel DTR/STR (right side), and Elite's Custom Race X and Cannibal XC (side entry; the Cannibal from either side).

Which cage holds bottles most securely?

Arundel says the Mandible has the strongest grip of its cages. Elite designed the Vico Carbon to wrap higher around the bottle.

How much does a carbon bottle cage cost?

Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon is $65, Arundel's carbon cages $69.95–$79.95. Elite does not list prices on its English pages.

Does cage weight really matter?

The differences are small, a few grams per cage, so prioritise retention and fit first. Weight matters most to riders building very light bikes.

Can I use a carbon cage on an aluminium or steel bike?

Yes. Bottle cages mount to the standard bosses on almost any road frame. Material choice is about weight, grip and looks rather than frame compatibility.

Why does my bottle rattle in the cage?

Usually the cage is too loose for the bottle, the bolts have loosened, or the bottle is a slightly smaller diameter than the cage is designed for. Tighten the bolts, try a different bottle, or choose a cage with stronger retention such as the Arundel Mandible.

Which cage is best for a small frame?

A side-entry cage, such as the Arundel DTR/STR, Elite Custom Race X or Elite Cannibal XC, so you can pull the bottle out sideways instead of lifting it into the top tube.

Do these cages fit insulated bottles?

They are designed for standard 74 mm bottles. Wider insulated bottles may not fit securely; check before buying.

Verdict

For most riders, the Tacx Deva or Ciro offers the best balance of weight, grip and price. Weight-focused riders should look at the Elite T-Race Carbon (15 g) or the full-carbon Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon (21 g). On rough roads, the Arundel Mandible is the secure choice, and on small frames a side-entry cage such as the Arundel DTR/STR or Elite Custom Race X makes drinking on the move much easier.

Sources

• Elite T-Race Carbon, Vico Carbon, Custom Race X and Cannibal XC Bio-Based
• Tacx Deva and Ciro
• Arundel Mandible, DTR/STR and Dave-O
• Supacaz Fly Cage Carbon

Equipment mentioned in this guide

• Elite T-Race Carbon bottle cage
• Tacx Deva bottle cage
• Arundel Mandible bottle cage

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