Bidon Fly Tex 550 ml clear with black cap

Elite Bidon Fly Tex 550 ml – clear with black cap

The Elite Bidon Fly Tex in the clear with black cap variant is an ultralight cycling water bottle for training and racing in Switzerland. With a record weight of just 51 g at 550 ml capacity, it's one of the lightest water bottles in the world and is widely used in the WorldTour. The new Tex texture provides noticeably better grip, while the soft bottle body allows controlled liquid delivery with minimal pressure. Thanks to its universal 74 mm diameter, the bottle fits standard bottle cages, and the large 54 mm opening makes filling and cleaning a breeze.

• Extremely light: just 51 g at 550 ml capacity for minimal system weight on your bike.
• High flow rate thanks to the push-pull valve and a 20% larger opening.
• Secure grip through the structured Tex surface and soft, easy-to-hold bottle body.
• BPA-free, food-safe materials, recyclable and compliant with FDA and CE standards.
• 74 mm universal diameter; compact design for tight frame triangles.
• Large 54 mm opening for easy filling with powder or isotonic drinks.
• Max. liquid temperature 40°C; recommended for cold drinks.
• Clear with black cap colour variant – a clean match for road, gravel and MTB setups.
• Used by WorldTour teams – built for race-day performance.

Technical Details and Features

In the 550 ml version, the bottle measures 184.5 mm in height and retains the standardised 74 mm diameter for full compatibility with bottle cages. The bottle body is made from PP + plastomer, the cap from PP, and the valve from TPE + PP, resulting in an odour-neutral, leak-proof and durable solution. For hygiene purposes, the bottle can be fully disassembled, so you can clean and dry the body, cap and valve separately. Elite also manufactures the Fly models using around 30% less plastic than conventional bottles, without compromising on leak-proofing or durability. The push-pull valve design delivers a strong, fast flow of liquid – ideal when you need to hydrate quickly on the bike.

Applications and Benefits

Whether you're on a road bike, gravel bike or MTB: the compact Fly Tex sits securely in a 74 mm bottle cage and is easy to grab even in smaller frame triangles. The Tex surface improves grip when wet, sweaty or wearing gloves – particularly useful on Alpine passes, gravel roads or in urban stop-and-go situations across Switzerland. The soft, easily compressible material lets you control your drink intake precisely and quickly, without taking your eyes off the road for long. The clear bottle design lets you check the fill level at a glance, while the black cap blends discreetly into modern setups.

Care and Hygiene

For day-to-day care, Elite recommends cleaning after every ride with warm tap water and mild washing-up liquid, including cleaning the cap, nozzle and valve separately. Leave all parts open to dry completely and avoid harsh cleaning agents to protect the materials and seals. For a weekly deep clean, denture cleaning tablets or a mild vinegar/baking soda solution work well – just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards. For a more thorough sanitisation of plastic bottles, you can use the Elite Neto steam steriliser (microwave for approx. 1 minute at 700 W) – follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Always keep in mind the maximum liquid temperature of 40°C and avoid exposing the bottle to hot water or steam outside of the recommended procedures.

Real-World Performance and Testing

Cycling publications have consistently rated the Elite Fly family as race-oriented, ultra-light bottles that are easy to squeeze and simple to use on the go. This reinforces the Fly Tex's focus on high flow rate, low weight and reliable retention in the bottle cage. These qualities make it a particularly attractive choice for long training rides, races and quick after-work rides around Zurich and the Swiss Alps. The wide range of colour options – including clear with black cap – also makes it easy to put together a cohesive look on your bike.