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review
Bottle cages
Zefal Gizmo extra bottle cage mountZefal extra bottle mount

Zefal Gizmo extra bottle cage mount

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Nov 27, 2009

0
£14.99

VERDICT:

7
10
An inexpensive and surprisingly effective means of mounting bottle cages
Weight: 
8g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk
How we test

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Zefal’s aptly named Gizmo is a nylon band on bottle boss that simplifies fitting additional/bottle cages to frames without the disruption of brazing or pop-riveting additional mounts. However, precise sizing is essential or you'll need to fashion shims from old section of inner tube. Under the saddle brackets are a more aesthetically pleasing solution for classic road/fixers.

Available in four sizes (M, L, XL & XXL) the gizmo will fit seat or down-tube diameters between 25 and 45mm, although potentially, riders of compact and other frames with sufficient exposed seatpost could mount it there. However,measuring tube diameters exactly avoids annoying slippage which is a problem when carrying a full bottle. Fitting isn’t difficult so much as fiddly-trying to juggle everything in position invariably results in losing the tiny securing nut. I found it easiest working on one at a time, using the chosen bottle cage as a template. A quick drop of thread lock helps too.

Used with conventionally sized bottle cages, once snugged down tight there’s been no slippage or movement, although a mini-pump riding pillion is pushing things a little especially with a full 750ml trade bottle. Despite some initial reservation, it hasn’t vibrated loose, or otherwise demanded adjustment. At a svelte 8g it will delight the weight conscious but those seeking aerodynamic advantage, wanting a more secure option or to retain a bike’s clean lines are better served by designs mounting to the saddle rails.

Verdict

An inexpensive and surprisingly effective means of mounting bottle cages

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zefal Gizmo extra bottle cage mount

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Gizmo is basically a nylon bottle boss afixing to the down and/or seat tubes allowing bottle cages to be mounted without the hassle or permanence of brazing/pop riveting.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Nylon construction, complete with allen screws, nuts and available in several diameters to accomodate most tubing.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

8g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Ovrall, it works very effectively so long as using the exact sizes and the cages are not overloaded.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Sheer discrete simplicity

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Could prove a little fiddly to install.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Quite possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb

Zefal
Gizmo
Zefal Gizmo
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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