🚀 go-pugleaf

Karen Chiu wrote:
> 
> 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.


In Italy we have been carrying small plastic flasks with snap on caps for 
years.  These are specially designed and manufactured to hold a good double 
espresso. They don't keep it hot, but after a time on the bike you don't 
particularly care. The cost is generally about $1.50 US.