The Zéfal Z Box L is a tool holder for longer rides, and it does exactly as it claims with aplomb.
Made from hard-wearing and durable polypropelene, the Z Box L is designed to keep all your spares and tools in one waterproof place, and provides a generous 0.8L in which to do it. On our test rides it didn't rain, so we tested its waterproofness by submerging it under water for a few minutes with various bits and pieces inside. There was no noticeable leakage whatsoever.
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For a storage device the Z Box L is also surprisingly flexible, coming with two compartments: a larger base and a screw-on appendage that either provides a smaller secondary compartment with the separator left in, or greater capacity up to the full 0.8L with the separater taken out. This means you don't have to lug the full 0.8L of space around with you on your rides if you're struggling to fill it, but also provides handy extra space for food and cash (or rubbish!), should you find your jersey pockets too small to carry all you need.
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The only potential criticism at this point is that it doesn't come with vertical compartments within the two sections, something that might appeal if you like to keep your tools, spares and anything else more organised.
Naturally, the Z Box L fits into a standard size bottle cage, and does so very snugly thanks to a dimple in the large compartment that helps it sit flush in most cages – so annoying rattling isn't a concern so long as you haven't left lots of space inside for your equipment to move around.
As a looker, it's never going to set the world alight, but it does resemble a bottle when in place – and if we're honest that's all we're looking for from it. You'll also find Zéfal logos and branding embossed in black, but handily they don't conflict obviously with other branded kit you might be carrying on the bike because of the black-on-black colourway.
Thanks to its ability to keep the elements out and sit largely unnoticed in your spare bottle cage, the Z Box L is £6.99 well spent if what you need is extra-solid and dependable storage.
Verdict
A handy and adjustable tool holder that does what it claims – thumbs up
road.cc test report
Make and model: Zefal Z Box L
Size tested: Large, Black, 250mm, 26oz
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Zéfal say: "Large capacity tool holder, the Z Box L responds to your needs thanks to the two available compartments. It is waterproof to keep your belongings dry."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Material: Polypropylene
Height: 250mm
Weight: 130g
Capacity: 0.8L / 26oz
Solid construction, with secure screw tops that seal well.
Holds all the spare repair kit you'll ever need out on a ride.
Stands up to the foulest of weather conditions, no reason to suspect it won't last well.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Zefal Z Box L does everything it claims to do very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fitted snugly in the bottle cage, with no annoying rattling.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 25 Height: 188cm Weight: 83kg
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
A handy and adjustable tool holder that does what it claims – thumbs up