Weight reduction in bottle cages means stripping material until you hit the point where strength compromises security. The Ciro from Tacx cuts mass through construction methodology rather than just making everything thinner—a carbon shell wraps a glass fiber core, distributing loads across the structure instead of relying on bulk for rigidity. At 29 grams per cage, you're saving roughly 15 grams compared to the polyamide-core Deva while maintaining the clamping force that keeps bottles locked down through rough sectors.

The cage architecture uses two wings that clamp around the bottle's upper diameter, creating contact pressure through material properties rather than mechanical spring tension. A minimalist lower retention lip and ramped entry guide bottles into position without the visual bulk of traditional side-loading designs. Tacx analyzed the structure to eliminate every non-essential gram, leaving a slim profile that fits frames without interference while the carbon shell handles clamping loads that would flex lighter constructions.

Bottle insertion requires deliberate pressure—this isn't a cage you'll casually drop bottles into with one hand while climbing. The tight fit means bottles seat firmly and stay put, which WorldTour teams proved during cobbled classics where vibration and impacts eject bottles from looser cages. Once locked in position, bottles don't shift or rattle, and ejection risk drops to near zero even on gravel descents and potholed backroads. The trade for that security is removal force that some riders find excessive, particularly when grabbing bottles mid-effort.... Read More