Camelbak Podium Bottle 610ml review
With so many different bottles out there it can be hard to tell a good bidon from a bad one. We test the Camelbak Podium Bottle to see how it performs
A top quality bottle with several features that largely justify its higher price.
-
+
Lockout switch to prevent leakage
-
+
Easy to grasp and drink from
-
+
Light
- +
-
-
Relatively pricey
-
-
Removing the nozzle for cleaning can be tricky
-
-
Some may want a bigger bottle
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
CamelBak was founded on its hydration packs, but its standard water bottles are by no means run of the mill.
The Podium is available in eight different colour schemes and is used by UCI World Tour team Cannondale-Garmin. Being only 610ml the Podium is definitely race focused, but it could also be used during the colder months when you might not need quite as much fluid to stay hydrated (there is also a 710ml option available for £9.99).
Watch November's Tech of the Month
The bottle's wide mouth makes pouring or shoveling in powder easy, and relatively mess free- no one wants energy powder going everywhere.
The Podium comes with Camelbak’s patented spill-proof Jet Valve- which is claimed to remove the need to fiddle around with a nozzle or cap before gulping down your drink. This is a good design and once you’ve mastered not squeezing the bottle too hard, which can lead to a large amount of liquid rushing into your mouth/throat, it works brilliantly. In addition, you can also use the lockout switch to remove the risk of leakage in transit when off the bike.
>>> How much water should you drink during exercise?
To promote hygiene the nozzle can be removed for specific cleaning. It works, but I have never really had a problem cleaning a bottle lid. The bottle is said to be free of harmful chemicals (such as BPA and BPS) and importantly when drinking you don't get a strong plastic taste- which unfortunately you do from some sports bottles.
Crucially for cycling, the bottle is easy to grasp when riding and easy to place back into the bottle cage.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
-
8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
A kevlar wheel, an unusual aero bike, solid helmet straps, a bike made from recycled plastic bike, and more - 8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
By Daniel Palma Published
-
Buy One Get One Free on bikes didn't save Kona as brand is put up for sale
American gravel and mountain bike brand will "continue to seek a buyer"
By Adam Becket Published
-
Is the Cycle to Work scheme disadvantaging those who really need it?
Questions have been raised about the commission providers charge local bike shops - but the scheme could be improved for users, too
By Sam Jones Published