When you need fluids out on a ride is the Zefal Sense the best option to quench your thirst?
I would not deny it, but I'm a creature of habit. I like things done a certain way and in a certain place (that sounded a bit creepy). When I cycle tour, hydration is key and having at least two full water bottles is my minimum for a ride. Last year, due to carrying more bags, my second water bottle could only be accessed by maneuvering it out of the way of one of my bike bags. I can hear the cries of "first world problem!!!" But it was a pain. This year, with hopefully a ride on the horizon, I planned to reduce the size of the water bottles and therefore cure my problem.
For many years I've used Camelbak Podium 710ml bottles and the condition of the bite valves would testify to their overuse. Despite soaking the bottles and valves in Milton, I could not clean them up. I noticed that Planet X were selling, at a greatly reduced price, the Zefal Sense Soft 65. The bottles had lots of good reviews, so I took the plunge and purchased two. On arrival the bottles truly lived up to their advertising blurb - an odourless solution for cyclist. I gave the bottles a good sniff, straight out of the pack and there was no discernible smell. I'm not sure what "soft plush" is and what a "soothing mouth sensation" feels like, but I filled them up and headed out for a ride.
The first thing I noticed was some problems with the valves. On my usual bottle, the valve is turned and then you bite and suck. With the Zefal bottle you have to pull the valve out a few millimetres and then suck. Unfortunately, on my first attempt the valve came completely out and spilled the contents. To resolve this, I rode with the valve open - not good if you want to avoid dirt getting into the mouthpiece, but a solution. The second problem is again related to the valve. When I change bottles on the fly I will sometimes ride with the full bottle in my mouth, whilst I swap over the empty one. The problem with the Zefal bottle is the valve begins to detach from the lid, due to the weight of the full bottle. At this point gravity takes over and your bottle is lying on the road.
These may sound like first world problems - old man, creature of habit, you'll get use to them. I realise it is early days and I will persist with the bottles, but I have my concerns. I don't want to be stopping to deal with something as basic as my water bottle. I'll update this review after a few more rides, but these bottles may be going back on the shelf.