Antimicrobial water bottle: Fabric Gripper V2 is designed to prevent odours and residual tastes

Editorial assessment

Even if you fill your water bottle with nothing but water, it usually starts to look rather grubby after just a short while. On the outside, there’s the grime from your last ride in the rain; on the inside – far worse – there are deposits and stale odours. Whether the Gripper V2 actually stays fresher for longer than conventional models can only be assessed in a long-term test. However, the approach makes sense, as unpleasant tastes and stubborn odours are among the most common reasons for replacing a water bottle prematurely.

The flexible body, the non-slip bottle end and the high-flow valve ensure it’s easy to use whilst cycling. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Water bottles are among the most heavily used bike components of all. At the same time, they are often rather neglected. Particularly in summer, odours can develop, drink residues can remain, or the plastic can take on a taste of its own over time.

With the new Gripper V2, Fabric has therefore, for the first time, integrated a permanent antimicrobial agent directly into the bottle’s material. According to the manufacturer, this is designed to help prevent odours and flavours from developing throughout the bottle’s entire lifespan. Water should always taste like water – with no unpleasant surprises after several months of continuous use.

The tried-and-tested Gripper DNA remains intact

Despite the technical innovations, the basic concept of the Gripper remains the same. Even the first generation was renowned for its ease of use. A mechanism integrated around the neck of the bottle dot-pattern grip texture improves grip when removing the bottle from the bottle cage. This is designed to make the bottle easier to grip, particularly on rough gravel sections, when mountain biking or when wearing winter gloves.

The bottle body is still made from a soft, BPA-free material that is easy to squeeze. Combined with the large-capacity silicone valve, Fabric promises a high flow rate whilst ensuring drip-free use.

Embossed logo instead of printed graphic

Another point concerns the appearance and durability of the bottle. Many cycle bottles lose their print after a few months or quickly start to look worn due to scratches.

With the Gripper V2, Fabric has done away with traditional printed graphics and incorporated the brand logo directly as Embossing on the surface of the bottles. This means nothing can flake off or get scratched. On the contrary: as it is used more and more, the logo is actually intended to become more visible and develop greater contrast.

Six colour options

The Gripper V2 is available in five nature-inspired colours: Smoke, Desert, Crimson, Moss and Lake. The range is complemented by a transparent version. The Gripper V2 is also available in two capacities: 600 and 750 millilitres.

​Fabric Gripper V2 – Information & Price

• Permanently integrated antimicrobial protection is designed to prevent the development of odours and off-flavours
• Soft, BPA-free bottle body
• Textured grip area on the neck of the bottle
• Silicone valve with high flow rate and drip-free design
• Embossed logo instead of printed graphics
• Available in six colour options

Prices

• Gripper V2 650 ml: 11.90 euros
• Gripper V2 750 ml: 13.90 euros

Editorial assessment

Even if you fill your water bottle with nothing but water, it usually starts to look rather grubby after just a short time. On the outside, there’s the gunk from your last muddy ride; on the inside – far worse – there are deposits and stale odours. Whether the Gripper V2 actually stays fresher for longer than conventional models can only be assessed in a long-term test. However, the approach makes sense, as unpleasant tastes and stubborn odours are among the most common reasons for replacing a water bottle prematurely.

The soft body, the non-slip bottle end and the high-flow valve promise hassle-free handling whilst cycling. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor