http://i65.tinypic.com/20prhbo.jpg
Does that top spacer being on the wrong side visually not bother you?
No
.
I’m putting mine together right now. It seems that all the spacer spots for the wire should be on the right side of the bike when properly placed. How did you put the bottom ones facing the left side? Asking because I want the slits to be out of sight on the inside.
The spacers I got did not all face the “right†way. If it mattered to me I guess I could have asked Dan to send me additional spacers that faced that way. I plan to wrap the stack in electrical tape so when I pack for travel they don’t come apart. So it doesn’t matter for me.
Dan,
Are you still recommending the FC35 as the fastest hydration?
Only if you can get the old version with the velcro extension attachment. The FC-35 with new hard plastic clamps don’t fit properly. Next best is the X-Lab or Alden adjustable BTA.
A side note on the spacers: The slit in the side make removal, installation and adjustments a 30 second operation. There is plenty of excess wire to go from 0-60 mm of spacers on each side. The best way to ensure that the wire is not fouled during installation of the two bolts is to leave the excess wire outside the spacers through the slit - then tuck it inside when you are done. If you have all the spacer slits on one side the wire may sneak out. You can use tape or alternate slit sides so the wire will not randomly come out.
You could always use the “Paulo” mounting method! 
That actually worked pretty good.
I’ve confirmed a few times now that the FC35, when installed in the “low” mount position reduces the drag of the Tactical.
Is this the one with the Velcro you’re talking about? I am not familiar with these products but I do see a Velcro on the side.
https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-FC-Hydration-System/dp/B00WAKTRIY
Yes - that is the right one.
Sometimes they have the old image and you get the new one so check it.
That’s what I have on mine and if you order it online make sure it’s the one with the Velcro. When I got mine the picture was the Velcro version, but I got the new version. No big deal, you can order the Velcro bracket separate and you’ll get additional extenders to get the bottle super low. With that said I’m still on the fence if it’s the best option after one ride. The bite valve is weak and the straw placement (if the bottle is low) is not the easiest to drink from. I’ll give it a few more rides though.
Does it matter if I have the extensions tilted at 15 degrees? The whole system would them be tilted as well it seems.
We did not have the tilt system at the time so we did to test it.
Can you specify which size plate that is? It appears to me that I would have to order a custom size since the extensions are 15cm apart.
Since you have one so perfectly, if you can share your specific order, we can skip a big step there.
Thanks
Interesting thinking the same thing on the spacers when loading to travel. Thought about taking extensions loose and using a bolt and wing nut to hold spacers in place.
Yes, this is the 14cm center-to-center which is stocked and same price from Alden’s Designs.
Center piece with 2 wings and Garmin holder. I asked that it not be drilled for zip ties and then drilled myself for direct mount.
Did you drill those holes for the bolts yourself? The pics of the ones they have on their website has holes to put zip ties in.
Yes, I drilled myself. Make sure to use masking tape to prevent splintering.
I marked and installed with an extra set of extension “nuts” (photo below). Very straight forward and easy to drill. I used one small bit for a center/pilot hole and then drilled out to the M6 size.
Yes - that is the right one.
Sometimes they have the old image and you get the new one so check it.
yup. happened to me.
So I’m (likely) totally late to this part of the party but just realized looking at some pictures posted elsewhere the bike actually shields the rear wheel…
Can someone explain how the rules allow for this? If already done just point to where this has been asked/discussed. I’m not backhand-idly trying to start shit (I generally like it/the idea/concept in the company and all the hard work done by Dan), I’m genuinely interested.
Thanks
Triathlon has open rules for bikes.