The provided manual details the assembly and specifications of the D2Z DRAG2ZERO® BTA Bottle Mount, a component designed to integrate a bottle cage with bicycle armrests, primarily for aerodynamic and convenient hydration during cycling.

Function Description:

The D2Z BTA Bottle Mount serves as an attachment point for a standard bottle cage, positioning a water bottle between a cyclist's armrests. This "Between The Arms" (BTA) setup is popular in time trial and triathlon cycling as it places the bottle in an aerodynamically efficient location, minimizing drag while keeping hydration readily accessible to the rider. The mount is designed to be compatible with various armrest widths, offering flexibility in installation and rider fit. It facilitates a secure attachment of the bottle cage, ensuring the bottle remains stable even during high-speed cycling or over rough terrain. The design also incorporates a degree of flexibility to accommodate minor variations in armrest spacing.

Important Technical Specifications:

The D2Z BTA Bottle Mount system includes several specific components and measurements:

Mounting Hardware:
- M5 Flat Washers (x2)
- M5 16mm Caphead screws (x2)
- M5 10mm Flanged Button screws (x4)
- M5 Nylock nuts (x2) - pre-installed in the bottle mount
- M5 Square nuts (x4) - pre-installed in the bottle mount
Main Component: D2Z BTA Bottle mount (x1)
Drill Bit Size for Armrests: 6mm drill bit is required for creating mounting holes in the armrests.
Tolerance: The bottle mount allows for approximately ±5mm of tolerance for outer pad widths (Dimensions A and B), indicating its adaptability to slightly varying armrest geometries.
Dimensions (referencing armrest and mount configurations): The manual provides a table outlining different configurations based on armrest width and corresponding mount dimensions.
- Dimension A (outside to outside armrest width): Ranges from 230mm to 280mm, increasing in 10mm increments. This is the critical measurement for determining compatibility with a rider's armrest setup.
- Dimension B (Front width for reference): Ranges from 216mm to 256mm, corresponding to Dimension A.
- Dimension C (width of BTA mount for reference): Ranges from 20mm to 70mm, also increasing in 10mm increments. This dimension likely refers to the width of the central mounting platform.
- θ D (°) between pad and mount: Ranges from 0° to 3.75°, increasing in 0.75° increments. This indicates the angle created between the armrest pad and the mount, suggesting how the mount might influence the armrest's orientation or the overall aerodynamic profile.

Usage Features:

The D2Z BTA Bottle Mount is designed for straightforward integration into a cycling cockpit.

Customizable Fit: The range of dimensions (A, B, C, and θ D) suggests that the mount can be adapted to various armrest setups, allowing riders to achieve an optimal and comfortable position while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. The ±5mm tolerance further enhances this adaptability.
Secure Attachment: The use of M5 flanged screws, washers, and caphead screws, along with pre-installed Nylock and square nuts, ensures a robust and secure connection between the armrests, the bottle mount, and the bottle cage. This is crucial for preventing movement or detachment during rides.
Aerodynamic Positioning: By placing the bottle between the arms, the system helps reduce aerodynamic drag, which is a significant advantage in competitive cycling disciplines like time trials and triathlons.
Easy Access to Hydration: The BTA position makes it easy for the rider to grab and return the water bottle without significantly altering their aerodynamic tuck, promoting consistent hydration during events.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual primarily focuses on assembly, some aspects imply maintenance considerations:

Durable Components: The use of M5 screws and nuts, along with what appears to be a robust plastic or composite material for the bottle mount, suggests durability and resistance to typical cycling stresses.
Tightening Screws: Step 5 explicitly instructs to "Tighten all screws," which is a fundamental maintenance practice to ensure all components remain securely fastened over time. Regular checks and re-tightening of screws are advisable to prevent loosening due to vibrations and stresses encountered during riding.
Component Replacement: As individual parts like screws, washers, and nuts are specified, it implies that these standard components could be replaced if lost or damaged, extending the life of the entire assembly. The bottle mount itself, being a single component, would likely be replaced as a unit if damaged.
Cleaning: Although not explicitly mentioned, the materials used would likely be easy to clean with standard bicycle cleaning products, ensuring the mount remains free of dirt and grime that could affect its function or appearance.

Drag2Zero D2Z-BTA-0001 - Step 4: Secure Bottle Cage