The Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle cage stows a 10-piece multi-tool, CO2 cartridge and a inflator. Despite its gravel focus, it’s been reliable for mountain biking, and the tool options cover the most common sizes. It’s a handy addition for carrying essential tools without compromising a bottle mount but could it be one of the best cycling water bottles you can buy.
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Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage - details
The Syncros IS (Integrated Storage) Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage is a glass fibre reinforced nylon bottle cage with a tool body made from the same material. The tools and parts are made from hardened steel. Hidden snugly, the tools are positioned inside the centre of the cage. They clip in with a firm push and pop out with an easy pull. You have to remove the bottle to access the tools, but this feels like a minor inconvenience rather than a huge issue for me.
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There are two parts, one lower section that holds the CO2 cartridge and valve, then the cage on top that stows the tool. Two standard bolts secure as usual to the frame. On the left side is a clip and rubber strap that holds the CO2 cartridge and valve in place. The whole lot weighs 196g.
It’s a simple, well-executed design that also adds minimal height to the cage, and also works well. The tool bits are hex in sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and then PH2/flat with Torx 10, 20, and 25. It’s mounted with slightly longer cage bolts and has a longer slot to allow repositioning if your bosses are out. The tool has a ‘special finish for higher resistance to corrosion". There were no signs of rust during the test period.
Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage - in use
The Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage was a great way to always have some basic but essential tools on the bike. It was pretty useful thanks to the long and varied tool bits. It was large enough to be used with enough force. An issue smaller tools suffer from as they are often too small to hold and use effectively.
The actual cage works well, and kept bottles secure. I used the cage mainly on my mountain bike, so it had some proper shakes and knocks. There is a degree of additional height to the cage, moving it inwards to the frame. This can make it a little harder to remove and replace the bottle. I noticed it but got used to it pretty quickly. But it's something to bare in mind if your frame is more compact.
The CO2 canister and valve are easy to use. It remained secure and stowed well on the side of the cage. It came in very handy when I had two holes in a tyre that needed reseating when a standard pump wouldn’t do. Great for emergencies and good to have there for those moments.
Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage - value and verdict
The Syncros IS Coupe CO2 Bottle Cage is now always on my bike. It adds tools stealthily, doesn't compromise the bottle cage, and the addition of the CO2 valve and cartridge is great for emergencies.
My only criticism would be the cost, it feels pricey. Although considering it’s a tool, cage and CO2 with valve, it’s not outrageous. In terms of function, the height of the cage is a minor downside, but perhaps only on some mountain bike suspension frames. For gravel riding, it provides all the essential items you may need except tyre levers.
Compared to other similar systems - Syncros has the Matchbox Coupe HP2.0 Integrated Bottle Cage, which instead of a CO2 canister has a pump on it and costs less at £56. Whereas a CO2 canister is single-use, having a pump with you should get you out of most situations. On the other hand, the Lezyne Flow Storage Cage SL has two CO2 cartridges and a glueless patch kit and costs £54.60.
The cage doesn’t add much weight and is stable and reliable with the bonus of well-stowed tools and a CO2 cartridge. If you are wanting more, there are other variations in the range that carry additional parts or bigger pumps and so on.
