I have been going round and round for a while as to how I want to set up my bike’s water bottle carriers. I am a big believer of “bring only what they don’t have at the aid stations” school of thought. My bike doesn’t resemble a rolling buffet, I’ll start with 2 bottles, my GU Flsak and if needed a Bento Box with some snacks, but that’s it. I’ll toss the bottles when empty and grab new ones fromt the stations. I know that there is a slight mechanical advantage to having a behind the seat set up and their is a convenience factor for the between the bars set up as opposed to the two on the frame I run right now.
I was thinking of changing to the behind the seat system like HydroTail but I just can’t seem to convince myself it’s worth while. For one, I often see bottles get launched out of these racks like depth charges behind a Destroyer. Also, I usually pack a spare tubular and CO2 back their on race day and wouldn’t want to commit one of the holders to that. In regards to the between the bar AeroDrink systems, between the awckward set up and constant splashing, that also seems like a lot of fussing. I even considered expensive frame cages but the problem with them is that they don’t have a lot of flexibility to hold both standard bike bottles or the thinner Gatorade Endurance or water bottles handed out at aid stations. The cheap frames seem to hold the best.
I do race as a competetive age grouper, so I need to be fast and efficient as much as possible and was curious to hear thoughts on these different set up and their pro’s and con’s.
Have used between-bar bottles for 8 years (are now using Hed), and don’t have the problems you described. Easy to set up, almost no splashing (when properly used sponge/net on top) very easy to drink and refill. Superb aerodynamics according to a John Cobb test. I use this bottle in combination with frame bottle(s). Very simple, cheap and efficient.
With the AeroDrink, where do you mount say your bike computer/HR monitor? Mine sits between the bars. I could wear it on my wrist, but then I loose my speedo functions.
Mount the computer outside of the aero bar loop instead of inside by just swiveling the mount around.
I would highly recommend the NeverReach system. Just dump fresh bottles quickly into it as you ride. It’s convenient and aero.
I got splashed lots when I used to use the profile aerodrink bottle. The sponge would launch out onto the road if you hit a good sized bump, plus if you needed to lie the bike down for a minute all of your liquid would pour out…
Aside from looking a little strange, the NeverReach is very functional and convenient…
How difficult is it to dump fresh fluid in there? You must have good behind the back aim!
There are two different lids for the NeverReach. One seals it closed and the other called the splashguard cap allows you to nest a bottle into it and squeeze it until it’s empty. The splashguard will allow fluid to leak out though if you lay the bike down. The reservoir holds two litres I think. You can put in as much or as little as you want.