I found this thread while fighting with the install of my FC-25 bottle this week, and figured I'd add a picture for anyone interested in either the 'bracket flip' or alternate (zip-tie) mounting method. Thanks to the OP for giving me a workable idea. I'm adding a photo comparing the available mounting options and showing the superiority of your zip-tie method.
I had a couple of unforeseen (by me) problems while trying to complete the mount installation:
1. My new Canyon Speedmax CF comes with PD 35a Subsonic brackets/extensions. They're really nice, but they're larger in diameter than the old standard 22.2mm extensions. (The extensions themselves are 22.2mm, but the bracket extends forward.. see pictures.) (Link to the specific PD bars, for anyone who may be interested:
https://profile-design.com/...ts/subsonic-race-35a )
2. I didn't think my bars were "close", but I was right at the 80mm (center to center, based on the assumption of 22.2mm extensions) minimum width constraint for getting the mount and bottle to fit at all.
Problem #1 makes it impossible to use the "new" Aerodrink mount (the one without velcro, it's really nice and has hard arms that wrap all the way around the bar. Secured by screws. Lovely piece of kit.) unless it's mounted far enough forward to grab the 22.2mm extensions. (Which is really far forward.) The "old" Aerodrink mount (velcro) is flexible enough that it can be "convinced" to hold onto the larger diameter portion.
Problem #2 negates the effects of "flipping the bracket arms", because the bracket arms are nearly-vertical with close extensions. I tried, I measured, and it's hardly a millimeter of difference. If my bars were significantly wider (120mm center to center), however, this would have yielded a pretty decent gain.
I emailed Profile Design to see if there was another set of arms available for the mount (or another workable option), but never heard back. I sketched up a basic design for a pair of very short arms on a larger radius (to fit the larger diameter extensions), and if I have time I may 3D print a set to try out. Someday.
Alright, on to the pictures: First up is a set of four images comparing the mounting options I covered above. In order, top to bottom:
1. (Top). No mount installed, I just put the bottle directly onto the bars. This is the lowest, aft-most bottle position available without widening the bars. It doesn't get any better than this, but it also doesn't stay on.
2. (Next one down, top-middle). The zip-tie option. ~4mm taller than the no-mount (at most), much more secure, and my chosen mount.
3. (Next, bottom-middle). Old Aerodrink mount (velcro omitted for clarity). Tall.
4. (Bottom). Included "new" Aerodrink mount, on the extensions as far aft as it's possible to mount. Akin to carrying a new baby, catching a punt, or hugging a tree. Yikes.
Remaining picture shows my handiwork. I just pulled the arms off the mount and reinstalled the screws, then ran zipties around the screws and bars. I'm slightly OCD, so there's a layer of tape between the zipties and the bars to prevent/delay chafing damage.
I figured I'd append this to something existing rather than creating a new thread. Hope this helps someone down the road. Cheers.
