Why Are Elite Fly Bottles So Popular in the Pro Peloton?

If you watch pro cycling — whether it’s the Tour de France or a midweek crit — you’ve probably seen the same water bottles in the hands of countless riders: the Elite Fly.

It’s no coincidence. These bottles are everywhere in the pro peloton. But what makes them so popular among the best riders and teams in the world? Let’s take a closer look.

Lightweight, and That Actually Matters

Pro riders are obsessed with weight — and for good reason. Every gram saved means a little less effort up a mountain or a little more efficiency over 200km.

The Elite Fly bottle is one of the lightest cycling bottles on the market. At just 54g (for the 550ml version), it’s lighter than most bottles of the same size — often by 20–30 grams. Multiply that by two bottles, across dozens of races, and it adds up.

It’s a small detail, but in the pro ranks, small details are everything.

Easy to Squeeze, Fast to Drink

One of the less obvious reasons these bottles are everywhere in the peloton is how easy they are to use. The plastic is soft and squeezable, even with one hand and under load. Riders can get a quick shot of fluid without having to wrestle the bottle or lose concentration.

The nozzle has a high flow rate too — you don’t need to bite down or suck like a hydration straw. Just squeeze and drink. It works, and more importantly, it works at 50km/h.

Custom Branding for Teams

Another reason you see so many of these in pro races? Custom team branding.

Elite supplies Fly bottles with fully printed team colours and logos — and most teams have a unique design for each season. Whether it’s UAE Team Emirates, Ineos Grenadiers or the bright pink colours of EF Education, you’ll often spot their team bottles tossed into the crowd or handed up from the team car.

That visibility builds familiarity. If the pros use them, amateur riders want them too.

Available to Everyday Cyclists

Despite their pro pedigree, Elite Fly bottles are surprisingly affordable and widely available. You don’t need to be on a WorldTour team to use one — they fit standard bottle cages, come in multiple sizes (550ml, 750ml, 950ml), and are sold in a range of colours.

At Mr Cycling World, we stock a large selection of Elite Fly bottles, including standard and Fly Tex models (the textured version for extra grip). If you’re after lightweight bottles that actually perform, they’re well worth considering.

In Summary

The Elite Fly bottle isn’t just a trend — it’s a functional, race-tested piece of gear. Lightweight, easy to use, and trusted by the best teams in the world.

If you want the same bottle the pros use — without the team price tag — check out our full range of Elite Fly Water Bottles here.