Bidons are cycling water bottles that are a key part of any cycling kit. These are specially designed drinking vessels that can be used while in the riding position and with one hand on the handlebars. You can simply lift it out of the bottle cage, squeeze the bidon as you drink and place it back without skipping a beat.

The bidon borrows its name from the French for ‘can’, as cycling water bottle used to look slightly little different. Early versions were made from metal or glass, sealed with a cork stopper and strapped to the handlebars. These days, the bidon bottle has found a more aerodynamic place on the down tube, and has found new lightness and durability thanks to modern construction.

A cycling water bottle or bidon is tailor-made for cycling in a number of ways. First, it needs to be easy to lift out of the bottle cage mid-ride, so it has to be the right shape and height. Second, it needs to be a cinch to grip, lift and squeeze with one hand. Third, it must be ideally shaped so you can tilt it on an angle and drink without obstructing your vision. And fourth, it has to be lightweight so it doesn’t hold you back, yet hold enough fluids to keep you at peak performance. Attaquer bidons have been engineered specifically to meet each of these requirements.

Proper hydration is essential on any ride, as it can support optimal blood flow, muscle glycogen use, thermoregulation, digestive function and performance. There’s a reason that soigneurs and support crews carefully prepare individual bidons with formulated hydration levels for the Grand Tours, as it’s said that even 1% dehydration can affect performance on a ride. Drinking too many fluids can also have an impact on comfort and performance, so finding the right level of hydration is important for every individual. Whether you’re training, competing or simply enjoying your weekend rides, a bidon and cycling go hand in hand.

The right level of hydration will naturally depend on the length and style of the ride, as well as the weather conditions. A simple way to hydrate effectively is to match fluid intake to sweat loss. Depending on individual sweat rate, many cyclists look to a replenishment rate of between 500mL and 1000mL per hour, though this can of course vary. Our bidons have a capacity of 620mL, which makes it easy to keep track and drink enough on a ride. On hotter days or longer rides, multiple bottle cages on the bike frame can be helpful. And of course, many cyclists will add electrolytes or a sports drink to their bidon to replenish sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium lost from sweating.

Attaquer bidons are dishwasher safe, so they can be quickly and easily cleaned along with everyday dinnerware. To get the best life out of your new bidon you could also choose a delicate cycle or hand wash with warm soapy water. Regular washing will help keep these quality water bottles fresh, clean and ready to go for the next challenge ahead. Attaquer cycling bidons can be ordered right here as well as from our worldwide dealers. Our cycling clothes and accessories can be shipped across the globe, and orders over AU$99 qualify for free shipping in Australia. If you have questions or enquiries, our customer service team is available to help.