We tested the new Zéfal Pulse S2 bottle cage: carbon, side entry, and unbeatable price

The Zefal brand has been showing us for years that they know how to design useful, quality cycling accessories with a competitive price. This is once again confirmed in their new bottle cage called Zéfal Pulse S2 that they have just introduced. We have been testing it along with their Zéfal Sense Pro bottles and here we tell you all the details.

Zéfal Pulse S2 Bottle Cage: side entry, carbon and maximum adjustability

This new Zefal bottle cage is made of injected carbon fiber, but it is not the typical minimalist bottle cage that aims to break weight records. It has a solid construction and prioritizes functionality. It has a side entry and can be purchased in right or left version.

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Its most striking feature is its wide adjustability. Normally bottle cages have elongated screw holes for a small adjustment of one or two centimeters. In this Zefal S2, the rail for the screws allows an adjustment of up to 52mm, allowing us to position it exactly where we want, making it highly adaptable to complex frames or small sizes.

One detail we liked is that the screw head is completely recessed and does not rub against the bottle. It may seem trivial, but we have often filed down the heads of aluminum screws and realize it too late when disassembly becomes complicated. By the way, the bottle cage comes with high-quality aluminum screws included.

The Zefal S2 bottle cage advertises a weight of 28 grams, although on our scale it showed a couple of grams less at 26g.

We have been using these bottle cages for a while and the result is excellent.
First of all, we have never lost a bottle, even on steep descents. Not only that, but the sensation of firmness it offers makes us think that a bottle won't fall out no matter how long we use it.

The bottle release is very convenient, whether pulling up or to the side. To place it, we can do it in both directions, although after some time of use, we have gotten used to doing it diagonally and easily finding the lower stop so that it always stays in place. In any case, once the gestures are automated, it is very easy to use.

After many hours of use, we have the impression that this bottle cage will withstand daily use for years, as the material's firmness is the same from day one and its robust construction makes us think that no cracks or defects will appear unless there is an impact.

Zéfal Pulse S2 Features

• Material: Injected carbon fiber
• Side entry: options for right or left
• Adjustment: has an adjustment range of 52 mm up or down.
• Color: Black
• Weight: only 28 g but offers a robust construction
• Mounting: Left (ref.1755) / Right (ref.1756)
• Includes lightweight aluminum screws
• Dimensions: 76 x 85 x 151 mm
• Compatible with bottles of 72 to 76mm in diameter
• Price: €19.95

The Zéfal Pulse S2 is now available for purchase on the manufacturer's website where you can check the stores where it is available.

Zefal Sense Pro Bottle

We have completed the Zefal combo with these bottles that we have used in 800ml and 650ml sizes.
Bottles are a product that many people pay little attention to, but our experience tells us that there is a big difference when using a quality one, as we use them countless times, many of them pushing our limits, so if it has a good design, it will make a small difference.

The Zefal Sense Pro bottle is flexible enough that it takes very little effort for the liquid to come out.
The nipple is made of silicone, offering a pleasant touch, and has a valve so that, even if the nipple is open, it won't spill if we don't squeeze the bottle.
It is also quite lightweight. While a bottle won't make a big difference in weight, there can be differences in some models that, in any other bike component, would cost a lot of money to save.

In our case, the 650ml bottle weighed 77 grams and the 800ml bottle weighed 87 grams.

From the first day of use, the bottle did not transmit any odor or taste to the water, indicating the quality of the material used.

In our tests, we have gotten used to keeping the nipples open, as the valve is enough to prevent any liquid from being lost, and we save the gesture of opening it every time we want to drink. Squeezing the bottle and overcoming the slight resistance of the valve is very easy, making it very comfortable to use.
The stream comes out direct and without splashing, a detail that is not as well achieved in other bottles with a valve.

For cleaning, the nipple can be removed from the cap, and even a replacement can be purchased, and the bottle can be safely placed in a dishwasher.

The price of the Zéfal Sense Pro 65 bottle is €8.95 and its larger sibling, Sense Pro 80, costs €9.95.

You can check these and other products from the brand directly on the official Zefal website.