Stainless steel water bottles from Bivo: No plastic taste with these cycle bottles

Do you know that typical ‘plastic taste’ you get when water’s been sitting in a bottle for a while? That’s caused by volatile organic compounds leaching out of the material. Not only is it unpleasant, but it’s also a clear sign that the plastic isn’t stable.

The plastic water bottles we all like to use when cycling are also a real playground for bacteria. They find a particularly good foothold on the rough surfaces.

Metal water bottles are considered the cleaner alternative because their smooth surface is less prone to bacterial growth. Furthermore, stainless steel bottles do not contain any of the controversial plasticisers. The problem, however, is that they cannot be squeezed, often allow only a limited flow of water and are also heavier than their plastic counterparts.

An alternative to standard plastic water bottles has now emerged from Vermont, which should at least address the first two issues. Bivo Bottles are made from recycled stainless steel and feature a gravity-fed spout designed to make drinking whilst on the move easier.

A former NASA engineer was involved in developing the flow system, and given that different laws apply in space as well as in cycling, this can only be seen as a good omen.

Bivo Bottle One – Details & Price

• Weight: 159 grams (620 ml)
• Contents: 620 ml
• Patented high-flow outlet nozzle
• Single-wall construction made of stainless steel
• Free from BPA, BPS, BPF and phthalates
• Suitable for the dishwasher
• Price: from 39.99 euros >> available here

Four models with different capacities

Bivo’s European range comprises four models. The Bivo One, which we tested, has a capacity of 620 ml, features a single-walled design and is priced from 39.95 euros. The Bivo Duo has a capacity of 740 ml and is also single-walled; prices start at 44.95 euros.

The insulated Bivo Trio Mini (500 ml) and Bivo Trio (620 ml) models feature a double-walled design and are priced from 44.95 euros. All bottles are available in a stainless steel finish or with a silicone coating in a range of colours.

​I was sceptical as to whether it would be any good to drink from. Then, on my first ride – a 35-kilometre gravel ride in winter – I had tea with sugar in the bottle. I drank the whole bottle during the ride. That’s never happened to me before over that distance, and certainly not in winter. The flow rate is remarkable. And I had a warm drink right right to the end. – Sandra Schuberth, editor and long-distance cyclist

How the nozzle works

To ensure that the liquid flows out of the bottle without having to squeeze or press it, there is a straw inside through which air enters the bottle. When you open the mouthpiece, the opening to the tube opens at the same time. Air goes in, water flows out – it’s that simple.

In practice, it works so well that I actually choked the first time I drank from it. Even without sucking on the mouthpiece, more water comes out of the bottle than from most plastic bottles on the market. Even after several hours, the water still tastes fresh and doesn’t have that ‘water bottle’ taste.

Fits into the most common bottle holders

I’ve tried the Bivo Duo on several bottle cages and haven’t had any problems at all. Even on rougher trails, the bottle sits securely without rattling – though, to be on the safe side, I’d recommend a model made of plastic or carbon. With its soft silicone coating, the Bivo feels secure in your hand yet is still easy to pull out of the holder. If you prefer a clean look, the Bivo is also available in a ‘Raw’ finish.

>> Drinking water in the mountains: filling your bottle at the spring – a good or a bad idea?

>> 3 water bottles put to the test – including a filter bottle

Sturdy build, easy to clean

As already mentioned, the water flow is truly impressive. The mouthpiece, on the other hand, is a little stiffer to open than on many plastic bottles. However, with a bit of practice, you can open and close it easily with your mouth or by hand, even whilst cycling.

All parts of the Bivo are dishwasher-safe. This makes the Bivo particularly easy to clean, which is not always the case with plastic bottles, as some of them cannot be put in the dishwasher at all, or can only be washed at temperatures of up to 40 degrees.

Conclusion on the Bivo One

I’ve rarely found it easier to drink whilst out on a ride than with the Bivo One. Even without sucking, the water flows from the mouthpiece like a waterfall. The stainless-steel bottle is a joy to handle and feels great; there’s no rattling or wobbling in the bottle cage – it’s just that opening and closing it is a bit harder than with other water bottles. Although the Bivo is significantly more expensive than traditional plastic bottles, as with most things in life, the same applies here: quality comes at a price. And the stainless-steel bottle is likely to last many times longer than a plastic one.

Advantages

+ tasteless and free from plasticisers
+ very high water flow rate
+ easy to clean

Disadvantages

- relatively expensive
- considerably heavier than plastic bottles