Summer rides in New Mexico are incredible, but they come with a hydration challenge. Like many cyclists, I’ve developed a routine to combat the heat when I’m out on my road or gravel bike. My go-to used to be insulated plastic water bottles, filled to near bursting with ice, then topped off with water and maybe a sports drink mix. Setting off early, around 8 a.m., when temperatures are still in the comfortable 70s or low 80s, this system seems promising. For that initial hour, the drinks stay refreshingly cold. However, as the New Mexico sun climbs higher, so does the temperature. Soon, the thermometer hits the mid-90s, and the sweat starts pouring. Just when I crave that icy jolt of hydration, reaching for my bottle brings disappointment. The water is lukewarm at best, often just plain warm. Despite the “insulation,” all the ice has melted. You’d think I’d learn, but every ride starts with renewed hope for icy refreshment that inevitably fades as quickly as the ice itself.
The reality is, that thin layer of foam in standard insulated plastic Bike Water Bottles simply isn’t enough. It offers a marginal slowdown to the warming process, but it’s no match for intense sun, 90+ degree heat, and the constant blast of hot air generated by cycling at speed. This is why I was particularly excited to test out the Bivo Trio insulated metal bike bottle. Bivo takes a different approach to insulation, using double-wall vacuum insulation, the same technology found in popular everyday water bottles from brands like Yeti and Hydro Flask. The key question for me was: would this vacuum insulation truly be a game-changer for keeping my bike water cold, and would a metal bottle be as practical to use as my trusty plastic bottles?
To put these bottles to the test, I set up a direct comparison. I took a standard insulated plastic water bottle and the Bivo Trio, both with a 21-ounce capacity. Each bottle received the same amount of ice, topped with water, and then placed in direct sunlight on my deck on an 80-degree day. Four hours later, the results were stark. The plastic bottle was devoid of ice, and the water was on the verge of being warm. In contrast, the Bivo bottle still contained a significant amount of ice, and the water was undeniably ice cold.
Encouraged by the deck test, I took both bottles on a real-world ride – an hour-long spin in 85-degree heat. The results mirrored the initial test. By the end of the ride, the water in the plastic bottle was noticeably warming up, while the Bivo bottle was still packed with ice. Based on this, I’m confident that even on a three-hour ride in scorching 90-degree plus temperatures, the Bivo would deliver on its promise of 12-hour cold water.
Beyond just keeping water cold, the Bivo bottle surprised me with its ease of use. The high-flow nozzle is a standout feature. When open, it delivers a rush of water that is actually faster than squeezing a traditional plastic bottle. This is a welcome feature when you need quick hydration on the move. I also noticed a cleaner taste with the Bivo. The metal construction seems to eliminate that slight plastic taste that can sometimes leach into water, particularly after sitting in the sun.
It would seem like the Bivo is the obvious upgrade, a clear winner that should immediately replace all my plastic bottles. However, the story isn’t quite that simple. Plastic bottles still hold some advantages, particularly in a couple of key areas for cyclists.
The most significant difference is still ease of access in and out of bike bottle cages. Bivo states they meticulously designed their bottle to fit a wide range of cages, and while it’s true it fits, the rigidity of the metal means it requires more deliberate effort to insert and remove compared to the more flexible plastic bottles. When you’re focused on the road or trail ahead, especially on rough terrain or during fast descents, wrestling with a bottle cage is the last thing you want to be doing.
Price is another factor. At $49, the Bivo bottle is more than double the cost of a quality insulated plastic bottle. For example, the CamelBak Podium Chill, a reliable and popular insulated plastic option, retails for around $20. Losing a $20 bottle, whether it’s left at a rest stop or bounces out of the cage, is far less painful than losing a $50 Bivo.
Finally, there’s the weight consideration. Bivo markets their bottles as using 25 percent less material than typical vacuum-insulated metal bottles to minimize weight. However, for cyclists who are particularly weight-conscious, especially road cyclists obsessing over every gram, the Bivo is still heavier. It weighs in at 276 grams (9.7 ounces), while the Podium Chill is significantly lighter at approximately 110 grams (3.9 ounces). When you’ve invested in a lightweight carbon frame, wheels, and components, those extra ounces can be noticeable.
So, what’s the best approach? For me, a mix-and-match strategy seems to be the ideal solution. On the hottest summer days, I plan to carry one Bivo bottle and one plastic bottle. I’ll start by drinking from the plastic bottle while the ice is still effective, and then switch to the Bivo for the latter part of the ride to ensure I have truly cold water when I need it most. For shorter rides, the Bivo might stay home altogether. However, for commuting or any situation where I want a durable, insulated bottle that can also function as my everyday water bottle off the bike, the Bivo is an excellent choice.
While the Bivo Trio isn’t perfect in every aspect, it provides a valuable option for cyclists serious about staying hydrated with cold water, especially in hot conditions. And I’m definitely looking forward to those moments on scorching summer rides when I reach down for a drink and, instead of the usual tepid disappointment, find genuinely refreshing, ice-cold hydration waiting for me.
