A bidon is the French term for a water bottle. It is normally carried in a cage on the frame of the bike. Bidons contain water, electrolyte beverages, or sports nutrition. With bidons, training and racing become a lot easier since they keep you hydrated.
The word is from French bicycle culture and is typically used for long riding as well as for road racing. Bidons can be made from thin plastic, making them simple to squeeze as well as drink from when riding. Most feature large openings for pouring in drink mix and have capacities of 500ml through 750ml. Professional riders usually have the services of an aid car that provides them with new bidons when they are racing. For fans, bidons make great souvenirs (though the UCI officially banned the practice of discarding empty bottles in 2021). For triathletes, bidons are positioned between the arms or on the back in order to minimize wind resistance. Utilization of a bidon when riding for extended periods is necessary for hydration as well as body heat management.
