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Bicycle Coffee Systems

Now that all the nutrition experts have recognized the phenomenal health 
benefits of coffee, it is only natural that most cyclists want to imbibe
this nourishing beverage while on the road or trail. There are several 
bike-compatible methods to keep coffee steaming hot or icy cold. If
you're a Macintosh user you can use one of these methods for carrying
herbal tea instead of coffee.

1. Zefal manufactures an insulated 16 ounce plastic thermal water bottle
called the Isotherm. It costs $8 and is available from Performance
(catalog and stores). It works like a standard water bottle, i.e. it has
a nipple, so you can drink and drive; but it will keep coffee hot for
only about 45 minutes. It is a good choice if you are going to finish
your coffee soon after you begin your ride. Zefal showed an alloy
version of the Isotherm at Interbike (they also have a non-insulated
alloy bottle so be careful), but I have not seen it at any stores yet.
Troxel manufactures a similar unit, but it has a snap on cap which
breaks quickly. I have used the Isotherm plastic bottle quite a bit and
it does not retain the coffee taste. You can see pictures of the Zefal
Isotherm bottles at:
http://www.edinburgh-bicycle.co.uk/catalogue/food_drink/bottles/bottles.html

Blurb on Isotherm Plastic: It takes hours for this insulated bottle to
do what every uninsulated bottle does in minutes - allow cold drinks to
warm up and hot drinks to cool down. UK Price: 6 pounds.

Blurb on Isotherm Alloy: Combines the extra robustness of an aluminium
bottle with the temperature control of an insulated bottle. Never again
need you have too warm a drink in summer or too icy a drink in winter.
UK Price: 11 pounds.

2. A commuter type coffee mug and a handlebar mount beverage holder is 
another alternative. These beverage holders are very popular in Florida,
but you don't see them too much in California (check a motorcycle parts
store or order one from JC Whitney for about $4 (part number 06AV2805U, 
$3.89 plus shipping of $3.45-$4.95. Order number is 312/431-6102,
catalog request number is 800/529-4486 and ask for the motorcycle
catalog). The best commuter mug for these holders is the 'Traveler' from
Alpha products, available at Texaco Star Marts for about $2.  The
Traveler mug seals better than any travel mug I've seen (but they
recently introduced a lid that does not seal, so be careful). This
system allows drinking while riding. You may need to glue a piece of
foam rubber into the beverage holder to prevent rattling and to hold the
cup more firmly.

3. The Thermos brand 18.5 ounce stainless steel slim line vacuum bottle
will fit tightly into a standard water bottle holder. Since it does not
have the indentation for the angled portion of the top of the cage to
fit into, it is best to use a plastic cage (a Specialized plastic water
bottle holder works fine and will prevent scratching). This thermos
costs about $23 and I have only seen this model at Service Merchandise.
It keeps beverages hot for many hours but you can't drink without
stopping. I use this system because I drink my coffee sitting on
CalTrain. Service Merchandise item # 2425TRU $22.99. Service Merchandise
has stores throughout the U.S. or you can order by phone at 1 800-251-
1212 or on the web at http://www.servicemerchandise.com 

4. Ibis manufactures a system called the Hot Unit, selling for around
$48. It is a half liter stainless steel vacuum bottle with a custom made
water bottle cage. It looks like a Nissan bottle, but it is actually an
imitation. Like the Thermos, you need to stop to drink. The Hot Unit can
be ordered from Bike Pro, at 1 800 BIKE PRO or http://www.bikepro.com. I
picked one up at Interbike because Ibis had a show special for $30. The
cage will also hold a standard water bottle. You can see it at:
http://www.ibiscycles.com/Accessories.htm  They have a special now for
$40.

True aficionados may wish to buy an Isotherm or commuter mug plus one of
the vacuum bottle systems, stopping to transfer the beverage when ready
to imbibe.

Remember, coffee is good food, drink lots.