Pinkbike’s Take:
I ignored the TC Road cage for a long interval simply because of its non-mountain bike designation. It was when I couldn’t find a water bottle cage in my arsenal that would fit the tight confines of all three of my current test bikes that I reached in desperation for the TC Road. With the tool compartment rotated horizontally it handily fit where three other conventional cages did not. The cage is mega secure, grasping full, extra-length bottles tightly enough to keep them from rattling over monster rock chatter, and could remove and replace a bottle with reasonable ease and accuracy while underway. The tools are all I need for trailside adjustments and the tire levers (which I thought I’d never use), actually work quite well.I prefer to use a hydration pack to keep my essential items handy and in the same location, but for shorter mid-week training and test rides, Topeak’s TC Road cage has reduced my carry-on luggage to almost nothing: a smart phone, a Co2 and a Schwalbe Evo tube stashed in my short pockets. No pack, no cargo bibs – I can ride in a T shirt without looking like I am shoplifting fire extinguishers.
A look at the side-mount tire lever. They slide forward to unhook, which prevents them from unlocking in heavy brush.
