To my knowledge, there are very limited solutions that currently exist for holding a spare tube + CO2 in an aerodynamic manner. Yes, companies like Xlab and Beaker Concepts have behind the saddle products that can hold a spare but the tube is usually Velcro strapped to the exterior of the product and is still (at least in part) exposed to the wind. With all our knowledge of aerodynamics, it seems pretty logical that there has to be a better and more elegant solution than having this monstrosity hanging off the back of your saddle with water bottles, a tube, and CO2 cartridges sticking out in multiple directions ala Xlab’s Carbon Sonic: http://www.xlab-usa.com/images/Carbon_Sonic_full_small.jpg
What if there was a product that attached behind the saddle and was shaped with an aerodynamic profile that could hold a tube and a CO2 cartridge internally? The product I’m envisioning is essentially an aero shell (made of CF of course) that could hold your spare + CO2 inside of the shell and still have 2 bottle cages on the outside. The advantage of this would be reduced drag and it would certainly tidy up the rear end of the bike.
One of the classes that I’m taking this quarter (Cal Poly SLO, go Mustangs!) is an entrepreneurship class and this idea is one that our group is currently developing. And since we are now at the market validation stage, I ask you, infinite wisdom of Slowtwitch, what do you think? Assuming a company could design, manufacture, and provide data to prove that it reduces drag, would you buy this product? For how much? What if the wind tunnel data shows that this product is aerodynamically equivalent to the Hydrotail but made your rear bottle holder/spare tube holder less cluttered? What say ye?
I bought a DeSoto seat cover and put everything under the saddle with the cover pulled over them (the CO2 & adapter in front of the seat post between the saddle rails; the tube and tire lever behind the post).
If your device efficiently stored everything under the saddle, I would consider buying it (wind tunnel data is a bit of an overkill IMO). I would expect to pay at least $50. If it were large enough to store a small tool chest (as are some saddle bags), I wouldn’t use it if you gave it to me.
Ive already built a better mouse trap
Prototype just needs testing.
First via powermeter and if that proves promising, then wind tunnel.
Designed to hold two biddons plus spares, all nice and aero.
Please do not bother asking me about it. If it works out, Ill let you know
I started to make an aero behind the stem storage unit that mounts on the top tube and tapers down to the TT about 6-8" behind the stem which I think would for sure help in the aerodynamics of the bike but life got in the way. I had the carbon (oh yes carbon baby as everyone wants carbon) sheets to make up a mock unit but just never finished it. I started it when the MIT guy was talking about building his water bottle with such a design as his aero testing did show that this is a good place to place it and also received some PM’s about other designs being placed behind the stem on the TT but nothing has ever shown up.
I would think that the TT offers better storage than the seatpost but of course this is just my thoughts on it. Also
I’d recommend going with PE instead of carbon. This is just a case and doesn’t need the strength or rigidity of carbon (PE or PET would be lighter as well). Right now I put the spare tube, micropump, etc. in a screw-top H20 bottle that sits in the rear carrier, so it’s clean but some aero improvement is possible (Cage Rocket http://cagerocket.com/ makes a gear holder designed to fit in a bottle cage). One thought is to put this somewhere that improves overall aerodynamics, rather than just trying to hide it from the wind…the P4 bottle is a good example of this. Consider placement where the top tube and seat tube meet, since the angle there is fairly constant between bikes ('cept the P3). Good luck! Since you’re at Cal Poly, you can unveil this at Wildflower!
