Might just be a gimmick, but we are using this after every ride now. Looks like the bottles are cleaner than before. The Elite bottles also easily get deformed, and this gets them back to their proper shape.
Trying to get less plastic in my life and I figure a bottle I drink a lot out of is a good start. You don't have to suck on it, the water just flows our, quite quickly if you open the cap all the way. I use the dust cap and it's a bit more complex to open and shut during rides than a squeeze bottle like a Podium that I just leave open. If you're racing maybe just leave the dust cap behind and leave the top open, or you'll have to bite it open. Water doesn't seem to splash out if the top is left open.
I previously purchased two Bivo bottles and liked them so much I purchased an insulated one when they went on sale. The bottles are easy to keep clean, are stainless steel and food grade silicone, so no plastic. The flow works as advertised, in fact it can be a little surprising at first when the water gushes out as soon as it's tipped up. I haven't tested the insulating ability yet, since it's still early in the season with few hot days, but I've own similar insulated stainless steel bottles and I see no reason it won't work well.
The bottle fits well into a standard cage as long as you have room. I fill it up half with ice and after two hours most of the ice is still there.
During the ride it is fine even if you leave it open but in my bag it leaks even when it is closed which is annoying. Just a few drops every time but still annoying. I might try the CamelBak competitive bottle.
