Elite, an Italian company of cycling enthusiasts, that has been offering unique and cutting-edge products to the cycling world for forty years. They have been specializing in R&D, production and marketing of home trainers, bottles and bottle cages since 1979. We got to review their aerodynamic hydration bottle, the Elite Kit Crono CX, and here’s what we think.
The Elite Crono CX is a complete hydration unit along with a custom shaped bottle cage to fit the unit. As a part of Elite’s Pro Racing collection, it has been specifically de-signed to make it as aerodynamic as possible, with a design that has been developed and tested in a wind tunnel. The entire kit (bottle + cage) weighs a minimal 88 grams, with the bottle cage weighing 25 grams and the 500 ml bottle cage weighing 63 grams.
The bottle cage is made of a fiberglass material that is stiff and lightweight, and the bottle is constructed out of a food-grade polyethylene material, and the cap is made out of the same material with a thermoplastic rubber inner layer around the nozzle. The membrane valve technology used in the cap allows the bottle to always be ready for use and a simple press on the bottle’s body activates its fluid dispensing mechanism. This technology prevents accidental leaks and ensures that the liquid does not exit the bottle even when the bottle is turned upside down.
The Elite Crono CX Bottle and Bottle Holder kit has been designed to provide the best aerodynamic capability, with wind tunnel testing that has helped them develop a unique golf-ball like design with multiple, small dimples on the surface that help air to be deflected off the surface in a smoother fashion.
The bottle holder has been designed especially for the bottle, and helps hold the bottle stable even at high speeds that are expected in a Time Trial or a Triathlon. The bottle’s nozzle comes fitted with a silicone medical valve that allows the liquid to flow in only one direction, which effectively eliminates any side splashes from the bottle, and any leaks while drinking from the bottle. The design of both the bottle and its cap allows drinking to be simple and practical in all conditions.
Overall Rating
The perfect aerodynamic hydration kit for all those ‘Time Trialists’ and ‘Triathletes’ out there looking for something that doesn’t compromise their perfect aero position, and at the same time also ensures that the setup looks slick and cool. At a price of Rs.1,790 for the kit (as on 1st July 2019) for the bottle and bottle cage, this is not very expensive for a bottle of this quality and de-sign.
Prices and Specifications/Components are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.