Why do pro cyclists use a reverse grip when they grab their water bottles?

There are only a few reasons I've ever heard that stand up to scrutiny. After hours of riding, your hands can go numb, making it extremely hard to grasp things. When using a reverse grip, your wrist is aligned properly with the forearm, making it easier to squeeze the bottle. Try it sometime. You'll find that you are much stronger when your palm is facing up, rather than down. This stronger grip also helps prevent dropping the bottle as it's coming out of the cage, which could lead to a crash. Another reason is simply bottle location. When the bottle is on the down tube, it's easier to use a regular grip, but when it's on the seat tube, a reverse grip is easier.

newchasm has it about right, I just never though about it. When riding casual I pick the bottle up with a normal grip. But when going fast, in a tight group or area it's always a reverse grip, I just never think about it. The other time I use a normal grip is when I use the water bottle to cool down, It's not as awkward when squirting the water down your back.

EDIT: Went for a ride last night and thought about this some, then I realized it wasn't a fast slow thing it is a hand thing. With my left hand I pick the bottle up normal and with my right hand reverse, I don't have a good reason why.

I would say besides just having better vision, perhaps it's easier to put the bottle back into it's holder in case if another cyclist were to attack them while they're drinking.

I would say it is less likely to lose out of your hand if you were to hit a bump. cause with reverse grip- when the bottle is horizontal while your drinking it, gravity automatically makes the water bottle sit on your fingers which keeps it from slipping out along with the squeeze grip you put on it. Versus just a normal grip you only have your thumb instead of 4 fingers supporting the bottle naturally.

Also while riding, reverse grip of the bottle brings your arm/elbow in and hyper extends it and doesn't leave your elbow poking out so much... with a normal grip you can notice your elbow pokes out more when your down there attempting to grab it which can easily hit your knees while pedaling and/or throw off your pedal stroke. this is easily fixed by going for a reverse grip on the water bottle.

It would be easier to see what is ahead of you if your hand is under the water bottle. Never gave it much thought until now.

Edit:

Just finished watch the Tour of California and most of the used the regular grip and held the bottle to the side. I don't think it matters much.

I'm guessing that it lets them keep narrower - they can keep their elbows in that way.

what?

i guess it works out better that way

wle