In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Do you recognise that typical "plastic taste" after the water has been in the bottle for a while? These are volatile organic compounds that escape from the material. This is not only disgusting, but a clear sign that the plastic is not stable.
The plastic drinking bottles that we all like to use for cycling are also a real playground for bacteria. They find a particularly good grip on the rough surfaces.
Drinking bottles made of metal are considered the clean alternative because their smooth surface is less susceptible to bacterial contamination. In addition, stainless steel bottles do not contain any of the controversial plasticisers. However, the problem is that they cannot be squeezed, often only allow a limited flow of water and are also heavier than their plastic competitors.
From Vermont now comes an alternative to the standard plastic drinking bottles that should at least eliminate the first two points. The Bivo Bottles are made from recycled stainless steel and use a gravity nozzle to make it easier to drink while riding.
A former NASA engineer was involved in the development of the flow system, and because other laws apply in space as well as in cycling, this can only be interpreted as a favourable omen.
Bivo Bottle One - Info & Price
- Weight159 grammes (620 ml)
- Contents: 620 ml
- Patented high-flow outlet nozzle
- Stainless steel single-wall construction
- Free from BPA/BPS/BPF and phthalates
- Dishwasher-safe
- Pricefrom 39,99 Euro >> available here
Four models with different volumes
The European range from Bivo consists of four variants. The Bivo One, which we tested, offers 620 ml capacity in a single-walled design and costs from 39.95 euros. The Bivo Duo holds 740 ml and is also single-walled, with prices starting at 44.95 euros.
The insulated models Bivo Trio Mini (500 ml) and Bivo Trio (620 ml) utilise a double-walled construction and cost from €44.95. All bottles are available in a stainless steel look or with a silicone coating in various colours.
I was sceptical as to whether it would be a good drink. Then, first use, a 35 kilometre gravel ride in winter, I had tea with sugar in the bottle. I drank the entire large bottle on the ride. That's never happened to me at that distance and in winter. The water flow is remarkable. And I had a warm drink right to the end. - Sandra Schuberth, editor and long-distance biker
How the nozzle works
To ensure that the liquid comes out of the bottle without squeezing and squeezing, there is a straw inside that allows air to enter the bottle. When the mouthpiece is opened, access to the tube opens at the same time. Air comes in, water flows out - it's simple.
In practice, the whole thing works so well that I choked on my first drink. Even without sucking on the mouthpiece, more water comes out of the bottle than with most plastic bottles on the market. Even after several hours, the water still tastes fresh and not like a drinking bottle.
Fits into the most common bottle cages
I have tried the Bivo Duo on several bottle cages and have had no problems whatsoever. Even on rougher trails, the bottle sits firmly and without rattling - but I would still recommend a plastic or carbon model to be on the safe side. With its soft silicone coating, the Bivo has a good grip and is still easy to pull out of the holder. If you prefer a clean look, the Bivo is also available in raw.
Solid handling, easy cleaning
As already mentioned, the water flow is really enormous. The mouthpiece, on the other hand, is a little more difficult to open than many plastic bottles. However, with a little practice, opening and closing the bottle by mouth or hand works well while travelling.
All parts of the Bivo are dishwasher-safe. This makes the Bivo particularly easy to clean, which is not always the case with plastic bottles, as some of them are not dishwasher-safe at all or only up to 40 degrees.
Conclusion on the Bivo One
Drinking during a tour has rarely been easier for me than with the Bivo One. Even without pulling, the water flows out of the mouthpiece like a waterfall. The handling and feel of the stainless steel bottle are great, no rattling or wobbling in the bottle holder - only opening and closing is a little more difficult than with other drinking bottles. The Bivo is significantly more expensive than classic plastic bottles, but as with most things in life, the same applies here: Quality has its price. And the durability of the stainless steel bottle is likely to be many times longer than that of plastic.
Advantages
+ tasteless and free from plasticisers
+ very high water flow rate
+ easy to clean
Disadvantages
- relatively expensive
- Significantly heavier than plastic bottles
Stefan Frey
Editor
