ZEFAL PULSE Z2 BOTTLE CAGE

47g £11.99

Materials/Construction 3.5/5

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The Pulse Z2 is made from a sturdy, UV resistant composite, of which 50% is reinforced glass fibre. It certainly feels reassuringly solid. It's not a monocoque, rather two-piece design, so you can mount it right, or left, to suit your preference/dominant hand.

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The single colour option may alienate some but keeps production costs lower and black should complement or contrast most bikes.

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Component parts align nicely, and the cage includes two boss screws, which is handy-especially if you’ve just bought a new frameset, or your bike’s existing fasteners are looking a bit weary. In common with the VEL SE and similar patterns, depending on bottle size, its best suited to frames with braze-ons, rather than mount adaptors, given the twisting forces involved.

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Look closely, and you’ll notice the exterior finish is satin, the inner gloss. Aside from looking sharp, this promises to make bottle entry/release easier.

Compatibility 3/5

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I’ve switched ours between my fixed gear winter/trainer and my Univega. The latter is an obvious candidate for side-entry cages, since its only 41cm, so has a bijoux main triangle. Two 750ml trade bottles can prove tricky, especially if you’re looking for seamless, dignified, mid-ride access. 

Ours has proven a reliable host to some unusual bidons, including the Relaj Shape (which isn’t a universal fit, by any means) and when mounted to my fixed gear winter/trainer’s seat tube, there’s been no hassles with larger 750/800ml trade bottles.

I’ve even managed the odd Thermos type-bike specific, and otherwise. In the latter context, my Univega’s Topeak Shuttle cage (which can also be adjusted up/down) had a small edge.

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Performance 3.5/5

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Overall performance has been favourable, in the main. It took me a matter of rides to master the angled entry/release technique, although not to the point where it was gun-slinger slick. Much the same story when switched to my Univega and its smaller main triangle meant 650ml bottles proved the sweet spot.

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On the flip side, the cage’s figure-hugging profile holds bottles very securely, thus eradicating annoying rattle. The sort that typically strikes when tackling washboard tarmac and unmade roads.

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That said; if you’re fond of tool-bottles, be sure you’ve packed multi-tools, tyre levers etc carefully, otherwise the tool-kit percussion will still strike up. I’ve been hustling along at 20-25mph in the latter context with no issues, suggesting it’s a good option for gravel and adventure bikes.

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Value 3/5

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The Pulse Z2 is also very competitive, price-wise. Its several pounds cheaper than the otherwise likeable Vel SE . The Lezyne flow SL comes in a little cheaper at £10. However, being a composite monocoque design, you must choose left or right. There’s no option of switching things around, which may be a moot point for many. Topeak Dual Side EX is another option. Arguably a closer rival than the Lezyne and slightly cheaper (£9.99) is Topeak Dual Side Cage EX.

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Conclusion 

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Overall, the Pulse Z2 is a sturdy and reliable cage that lends itself well to road and gravel duties. It’s not a side entry design in the strictest sense and on balance I would plump for something like Lezyne Flow SL for particularly small compact geometry framesets.