The Tailfin HydroMount straps on to hold extra bottle cages, spares, or other accessories that use the same bolt spacing. It is simple, light and reasonably priced.
The HydroMount’s base attaches via TPU straps to create a standard 64mm cage mount on nearly any tube, and you get four lengths of bolt pairings for easy compatibility. While the Basic kit only includes two 18.5cm TPU straps, the Full (tested) has six: three 18.5cm and three 29cm for chunky tubes.
Weight varies depending on setup. The base weighs 19g, strap combinations range from 20-30g, and the bolts are 3.6-4.6g. Tailfin clearly understands weight weenies, as all components are listed individually, and my measurements matched the claims exactly.
Carrying capacity depends on the strap configuration, with a 1kg limit for two straps and 1.5kg with three.
Tailfin HydroMount – Performance
The HydroMount is quick and easy to fit or remove, and in some ways is even quicker than a standard bolt-on, as you only need to secure the straps.
Even on rough terrain there was very little movement and no rotation at all, thanks to the grippy rubber base. I had no issues with rubbing either, even off-road, though protective tape (not included) is still a good idea.
The most obvious uses are for adding a bottle on bikes with no third mount; working around an awkward frame bag; or, as I used it, for carrying spares on a gravel race bike.
Tailfin HydroMount – Verdict
The HydroMount costs £25 for the Full kit while the Basic is £20, but the Full is by far the better value when individual TPU straps are £7.50 each.
The Topeak VersaMount is cheaper at £10 and uses separate tabs for each bolt, but that creates a taller arrangement. Ortlieb’s O-Strap Bottle Cage Mount is £17 and more minimalist than the Topeak, but uses fixed-length straps and separate bolt tabs.
This HydroMount is versatile, stable and can carry a usefully high load. The Full kit is worth the money – it’s a genuinely useful thing to have.
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Tailfin says: “The HydroMount is the best way to mount water bottles (or anything), anywhere on your bike. Don’t let anything stop you from your next adventure.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Tailfin lists:
Weight:
19g HydroMount
20g 2 x 18.5cm short strap
30g 2 x 29cm long strap
3.6g – 4.6g pair of screws, depending on size
Carrying Load:
1000g with 2 straps
1500g with 3 straps
Compatibility:
Standard 64mm spacing for water bottle cages, Tailfin Mini and Small Cargo Cages
Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
9/10
Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
9/10
Rate the product for value (1-10):
7/10
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
It’s relatively expensive, though the Full kit is good value for what you get. The Topeak VersaMount is cheaper at £10 but sits quite tall, while the Ortlieb O-Strap Bottle Cage Mount is £17 but uses fixed-length straps and separate bolt tabs.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The Hydromount is a simple but effective way to add extra storage to all kinds of bikes. It is simple to use and solid in use.
Age: 41Height: 168cmWeight: 61kg
I usually ride: Road / Gravel / MTBMy best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Semi-pro or ex-pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Bikepacking, Audax, Mountain bike XC