Bike Cup Holder: Review & Analysis

A cup holder is essential when it comes to riding. You sweat, lose hydration, and get thirsty. So, we put together a list of the best cup holders for your bike on the market. They are diverse enough to appeal to most riders that are reading this piece.

But before we get into it, let's look at the product as a whole.

What is a Bike Cup Holder?

Who was the first person to attach a cup holder to a bike? No one knows, but we owe a huge thanks to the creator.

When riding, we expel water via sweat. Therefore, it's important to replace that water, especially when you're racing, working out, and riding around your neighborhood.

In short, it's an appendage that's attached to your bicycle that will hold a water bottle or thermal cup when you ride around. It's typically placed on the frame so that access is easy when you are pedaling away, although it can also be fastened to the handlebars. Some styles are screwed right into the frame, while others use an adjustable clamp to hold it in place.

Bike cup holders are made in different styles and designs. Some are looped metal that holds your bottle in place, while others keep your drink insulated and are fastened by velcro. There are even cup holders that can give your bike a little bit of flare.

Reasons Why You Need a Cup Holder

Everyone needs to stay hydrated, so cup holders fit every riding style. Depending on what type of riding you do, you'll want a different beverage holder accessory. Unlike bike water bottle holders, cup holders allow you to enjoy different drinks. For example, winter riding means you might want a handlebar holder to carry your favorite mug of hot cocoa.

If you're a competitive rider, you would probably do best with the simple loop type attached to the main frame. It's less awkward and weighs very little, which are both positives when it comes to racing.

How To Choose a Bike Cup Holder

What is it Made Of?

When you’re buying a bike, be sure to find a cup holder that can keep up with it. If you ride in an atmosphere where the weather fluctuates, you want to be sure your holder can hold out during those drops or rises in temperature. It should handle snow and ice and not be jolted loose from the bumps that come along with urban riding.

What Can It Hold?

Some are designed only to fit standard-sized reusable water bottles, while others can be adjusted to fit the drink container of your choice. This feature is quite attractive to someone who isn't set on one type of beverage while riding their bike.

Is It safe?

Safety should not be skimped on. As we mentioned earlier, it's not about losing the drink because a fallen drink holder can cause trouble while riding. Safety should always be your first priority when riding.

Top 5 Bike Cup Holder Reviews

Just as there’s a variety of bike size options, cup holders come in many shapes and sizes. Below are some cup holders that have rated well with consumers. They cover a broad range of styles and, no matter what your needs are when it comes to this purchase, there should be something on this list for you.

AdirMed Universal Drinking Cup Holder

The first cup holder on our list is a simple design that resembles a shelf. It can be attached to your bike's handlebar, but it wouldn't attach to the frame very well. It mounts around a tube frame of 1 inch and is clipped onto the handlebars with ease.

The AdirMed measures at 4.5" x 8" x 1" and weighs in at less than eight ounces, which means it's light. It is made of molded plastic for strength. The nice thing about this cup holder is that it's adjustable, so you can put a beverage or cup you picked up on the go.

Pros

  • Light weight (less than 8 oz)
  • Easy to install
  • Adjustable for different bottles (beverage 2.35” to 3.95” in diameter)
  • Folds down when not in use to 3.75” x 3.90” x 1.40”
  • Can be set to angle so it doesn’t spill

Cons

  • Not good for riding fast

Who Should Purchase This?

Because of the design, this cup holder would work best for bike users who cruise when they ride. People who ride while carting their children in the tent behind them and seniors who ride around the neighborhood might find this option attractive.

Pro Bike Tool Water Bottle Holder

This next model is the kind that will hold a water bottle for riding fast. It's a simple holder that fastens to the main frame of your bike for easy access. Some riders are on the move and need something that they can just grab and sip while meandering through traffic.

With a retention system that is solid and secure once it is fixed to the bike, this cup holder will stay fastened no matter how fast you are going or how bumpy the ride gets. It can accommodate water bottles that hold anywhere from twenty to thirty-three ounces. The Pro Bike Tool can do this because it is adjustable, as well.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Easy access
  • Durable
  • Sturdy
  • Secure for fast and bumpy rides

Cons

  • Has come without all the parts
  • Did not fit all bikes

Who Should Purchase This?

If you are a bike delivery worker, an avid racer, a mountain biker, or anyone who goes fast and rides their bike over rugged terrain, consider this model. It is durable and lightweight, capable of withstanding rough rides.

UShake Water Bottle Cages

The third bottle holder on our list is called a cage, which is rather apropos since it is made of black bars like cages. It can hold a bottle with a capacity of up to twenty-six ounces. Three inches in diameter is the maximum circumference of this holder, and it is made from heat-treated aluminum alloy.

The UShake is easy to install, and the hold is snug and secure. There are screws included, but it is suggested you have holes drilled into your frame and use washers for the best results. When riding, you'll notice how lightweight it is.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Snug fit for bottles up to 26 oz
  • Has a 10 year warranty
  • Made of durable material
  • Can withstand speed and bumps

Cons

  • Have to drill holes first
  • Didn’t fit all bikes
  • Some water bottles fit too loosely

Who Should Purchase This?

This model would be another great choice for folks who enjoy racing, speed, or endurance. It offers a secure fit for jagged roads and it won't slow you down with extra weight.

Cruiser Candy Coconut Bicycle Drink Holder

Here we have a holder like no other. This fake flower-laden coconut sits on top of handlebars and does one thing none of the other holders do. It makes your bike look cute.

There are different styles if flowers aren't your thing. You can get a face or get the plain one and decorate it yourself. It comes with a loop and fastener to go around your handlebars, and it's easy to install. You don't have to worry about being weighed down with this cup holder, although it isn't necessarily the best choice for racers.

Pros

  • Cute
  • Light weight
  • Fun
  • Great for kids

Cons

  • Not as functional as the other choices
  • Wouldn’t be great for fast riding.
  • More opportunity for drinks to fall out

Who Should Purchase This?

The person who loves a great beach cruiser and riding for leisure and a breath of fresh air should take a look at this holder. Fans of tiki rooms and such would just fall in love with this. It could also make a great attachment for a golf cart or stroller.

Bushwhacker Shasta Black - Insulated Bike Water Bottle Holder

The last cup holder on our list is different from the rest because it is insulated, while the others on our list are not. It is made of polyester fabric which is durable, and it can be easily moved, removed, or transferred to another vehicle because it isn't permanently attached to your bike. It comes in one color and with a 20-ounce water bottle.

Pros

  • Comes with bottle
  • Is made of durable material
  • Is easily attachable and detachable
  • Insulates the bottle
  • Is transferable

Cons

  • Might be floppy
  • Could interfere with steering

Who Should Purchase This?

This bottle holder has a little bit to offer everyone. It should sustain speed and bumps, and it can hydrate you on nature rides with that 20-ounce bottle that comes with it.

Conclusion

Who knew that bottle holders for bikes were so diverse? There is a type for every style of rider out there. Whether you are a person who likes to cruise down the public forest trails or someone who enjoys challenging yourself in the latest race, there is a cup holder for you.