Elegant options for a bottle cage without bosses

Loads here - https://bikepacking.com/index/add-cage-mounts-bike/

Perhaps the Velo Orange ones? I'd be tempted to add a bit of clear frame protection tape under them though and they will be tube diameter dependent.

The reusable straps for the fidlock uni base are really odd things, I could never get them to sit neatly or securely, you will end up using cable ties.

I've used the velo orange ones before

At least they're the right colour to match titanium (just about) - the hinge part isn't pretty, but hidden once the water bottle is place.

The reusable straps for the fidlock uni base are really odd things, I could never get them to sit neatly or securely, you will end up using cable ties.

Agreed (although I've not actually sourced an alternative strap yet), the strap latch bit sticks out miles even with the strap trimmed.

Could you stick something on using something like Tiger seal that can be cleaned off without damage. Good enough for parts that will be in the air flow on cars.

Could you stick something on using something like Tiger seal that can be cleaned off without damage. Good enough for parts that will be in the air flow on cars.

3M VHB tape? You'll want a cage with a bit of surface area to on the underside to stick down,

Of course we all know the real answer:

I've got a set of SKS mounts on my solaris, they work well, but every few months need to be removed, cleaned, and refitted as the silicone grippers can loosen with time, dirt and water.

I've tried a few others, plasticky ones are crap and offer little to grip a full bottle.

I also have a fidlock one. as others have said, the strap, if you do it up enough, sticks out. easuest way to manage this is to pull the loose end of the strap so that the clasp bit is flush with the rest of the strap and use a small zip tie to hold it there. less than ideal.

The Dr Jon clamp on ones look decent, providing your frame tubes are round.

You’ll want a cage with a bit of surface area to on the underside to stick down,

I was thinking more of sticking a mount point on then attaching a cage as normal.

This was the neatest I could find when I faced this issue.  It says for bars and seatpost but I did put in on my steel road frame on the seattube

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/332-CAGEMOUNT

I would be looking to put it somewhere else. Behind your saddle in one of those roady style cages?
or get two of those water pouch type bottles for running and keep them in your jersey pockets?
or a bum bag? I picked up a Camelback Podium flow belt, and its just the job for rides that dont warrent a full size pack.

timmys

Agreed (although I’ve not actually sourced an alternative strap yet), the strap latch bit sticks out miles even with the strap trimmed.

Glad it's not just me, they really annoyed the hell out of me 🙂

I use cable ties with heatshrink on them to protect the paint

Would something like the King Cage Universal Support Bolt's not look somewhat elegent on a Ti frame?

I have some I've never used, because they'd look like crap on my black steel thing

The Elite VIPs have always been a fairly neat and inexpensive option.

https://www.elite-it.com/en/products/bottle-cages/fibre-reinforced-material-frp/vip

Would something like the King Cage Universal Support Bolt’s not look somewhat elegent on a Ti frame?

I have some I’ve never used, because they’d look like crap on my black steel thing

I had a look at those, I'm not sure I'd describe something that's basically a tweaked Jubilee clip as 'elegant'. Functional and effective, but somewhat industrial, though I guess it's all pretty subjective. Personally I think they all look pretty gash if you're really concerned with aesthetics. I'd be using a hydration-compatible hip-pack on a mountain bike, the Osprey Seral works well ime.

I love the Fidlock on my bike. It’s been batter around Dartmoor, BPW and FOD and never fallen off.

Of course we all know the real answer:

I have visions of someone gluing their bottle to the frame and then trying to drink out of it, all nonchalant at the side of the trail.

Lol at ossify.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I got a Rixen and Kaul adapter on my folder. It's very secure as it clamps on a stainless strap (with a plastic fram protector underneath). Not the most elegant but works well
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/bottles-cages/rixen-kaul-bottleklick-adjustable-bottle-cage-holder/

I think I'd be taking it to a frame builder and asking them to put proper mounts in

was thinking more of sticking a mount point on then attaching a cage as normal.

If you know the diameter of the tube(s) it would be simple enough to 3D print a discrete little mounts with a radius on the back to match the tube and a couple of captive M5 nuts to then stick that on with high strength tape/VHB foam. The important thing would be to make sure you didn't use too long a bolt and end up marking the tube underneath....

Basically this:

Arundel El Jefe

But minus the zip ties?

I'd skip the adaptor and just cable tie the cage to the frame rather than cable tie some nuts to the frame.

I’d skip the adaptor and just cable tie the cage to the frame rather than cable tie some nuts to the frame.

Well yeah, but that's not what the OP was asking about ideally he's after a non-permanent, strap/zip tie free way to mount a bottle cage...

Thanks for the comments and the suggestions. I bit the bullet in the end and after some searching managed to find a local smith who was up for drilling titanium and then fitted some rivuts myself = aesthetics saved...

Ah, proper job- looks good.
In the past i have jubilee clipped bottle cages on. Very secure, looks awful.

Lovely! And a very nice-looking bottle cage too. I've got a Planet X stainless one on my ti bike and it's a decent enough match.

Fabric tri saddle with bottle mount is a good option for future reference I think.