For a bike used only on shorter rides, I think they look better without. If you fit only one, it’s on the downtube for me.
For me.....if I'm going to put a bottle cage on, it's got to be on the down tube.
Sometimes the image that influences the build has a bottle cage.....and I've got to add one.
The MBUK image from the Oct 1990 RC100 test has one (without bottle) ....so I added 2 to my build!! Didn't get a choice on placement though as both mountings are on the down tube.
Another influencing pic is The Freewheel 1989 catalogue. This time there are 2 - but only 1 bottle.
There is always the viewpoint that the build looks cleaner without them......and I don't have bottles for them anyway......and it's more of a garage queen anyway as I have others to ride.
Do I like them? - of course I think they suit the build.
Do they serve any purpose? - of course not!
A cage without a bottle is like an ashtray on a motorbike!!
MBUK Oct 1990
Freewheel Catalogue 1989
My 'bottle cage without bottles' build!!
Now.... If you're actually planning on riding the bike - I'm a fan of the bottle on down tube mount.
Then you have you have this....
No cage. Too much of the "mud" that inevitably gathers on the drinking bottle has passed through a cow or a deer. Bit off-putting. Bottle in the backpack.
Mud or Muck?
Cheers
boy"O"boy