Gear Review: Bontrager Race X Lite Rear Cage Holder

I recently purchased the Bontrager Race X Lite Rear Cage Holder for my triathlon bike. I have looked at several, including the Hydrotail and various models from X-lab. Before purchasing this setup, I had one cage on my frame and a Profile Design Aerodrink on the front.

Made of carbon fiber, it is very light. It mounts to many styles of seats and can be adjusted to various angles to suit the rider's preference. It holds 2 bottle cages, has 4 female threaded holes for CO2 cartridges, and a small "basket" area to hold tubes, tools, and most anything else. It also has an additional area to mount a seat bag underneath.

The downsides that I have found so far are that the bolts that control the vertical adjustment sometimes fail when hitting bumps in the road, leaving the rig hanging limp under your seat. This could mean losing vital items when you need them most. Also, there is not much product information or instruction on Bontrager's website or with the product. X-lab has a very comprehensive website that shows various way to set up numerous configurations, what all the parts are, and where all the parts go. Also, there is no X-nut type system to store your CO2 valve. I took a machine screw, cut it off, and mounted it under the seat. The strap that holds the items in the basket area is confusing and always seems to be in the way.

The one thing that I did like about it is the price for a carbon fiber setup. The other options are more expensive and have more accessories parts to purchase separately to complete the system. I purchased mine from Golden's Bike Shops with a couple stores in Georgia and Alabama. They are good guys and are willing to go the extra mile to get you ready to ride.

Photo from www.bontrager.com and graphic from www.goldensbikes.com