It's been a super hot and dusty summer here in the Wasatch mountains. Just this past week in the Salt Lake Valley it's been over 100 degrees for like 5 days straight. Most of the higher elevation mountain bike trails where it's cool enough to ride are like riding through 3-4 inches of moondust. Days like this tend to keep me inside riding the couch or just accepting the fact I have a day job sitting at a desk because at least it's cool inside my office. While sitting at my desk I have been using the Bivo Trio 21 oz insulated bottle because not only does it keep my water nice and cold, but it's actually kind of fun to drink out of. I've also noticed that the Bivo bottle doesn't make my water taste weird like I have experienced with other metal bottles.
While the Bivo is a capable bottle to sip water or other beverages of your choice from indoors, it was made to bring along on bike rides. So let's talk about how it does out on the trails.
The temps dropped down to a bit the last couple days to a survivable temperature of around 98 degrees in the valley, so I conjured up some motivation and headed up the canyon to pedal some singletrack. The 21 oz bottle wouldn't fit in my XL frame Meta V5 but I was able to get it into the XL Commencal T.E.M.P.O. I think with mountain biking fitment is going to be the biggest issue on the bigger 21 oz insulated bottle. I am guessing the 17 oz bottle would fit most frames that can fit a traditional plastic bottle though.
The most obvious benefit from using the Bivo Trio insulated bottle is your water stays ice cold. Riding on hot days like we've been experiencing while using plastic bottles will have your water hitting your mouth with a less than refreshing way within minutes of hitting the trail, or if you leave your bottle on your bike, it will be nearly hot enough to cook ramen with by the time you get to the trailhead. The Bivo keeps things nice and cold as long as you add some ice for around 12 hours. The Bivo is also made from a super lightweight stainless steel which is great but you're probably asking yourself, "ya but water flows pretty slow out of steel bottles and your can't squeeze a steel bottle to get the water into your mouth at a decent pace." This is where the Bivo is different. The engineer at Bivo, who actually worked for NASA was able to develop a super high flow system that allows water to gush down your gullet and keep you hydrated even faster than plastic squeezable bottles. I was skeptical until I tried it for myself. I found the flow to be almost too fast at times even. You can regulate that flow by putting your lips around the nozzle and easily allow more or less water into your mouth.
For mountain bikers I highly recommend this dust cap accessory that Bivo aptly named Dusty the Dirt Cap. The design of the cap keeps it out of the way while you have the cap removed so it doesn't keep slapping you in the face and get in the way of your water. Without the cap, dust would fill the opening that is pretty deep and you'd end up with a mouthful of dirt with every drink.
The bottle is coated in a nice anti-slip silicone material, unless you get the raw color. This gives the bottle a nice grip when handling it and I think it keeps things quiet while in your bottle cage as well. Speaking of bottle cage, the shape and size of the bottle is perfect and doesn't move or rattle around even when riding the chunkiest of terrain. One downside of the silicone coating is when it's as dusty as it has been, the dust clings to the bottle and makes your hands feel gross when holding the bottle if you care about that sort of thing. I tend to ride with gloves more than I don't, so I don't see that being an issue. The silicone scratches pretty easily too, so don't be too bummed when your bottle doesn't look super pretty after a ride or too.
Keeping the Bivo bottle clean is super easy. There is a silicone ring in the lid that is easily removable along with the silicone straw which is part of how the Bivo allows water to flow so freely. Simply take those pieces out of the lid and toss everything in the dishwasher or wash by hand and you're all set and your bottle stays mold free. It's up to you how often you clean it. I usually wait until mine starts smelling like Utah Lake.
Cheers!
Comments