Should I use any certain tape to tape gels to the top tube? I don’t want to mess up the paint on the bike frame! Should I bring gels on a 70.3 race if they’re going to have gels on the course? Thanks.
Most of us prefer “sticky” tape.
As for the gels, sure why not. Or, if the course has them why would you need them?
You have a better chance of finding Waldo than you do a straight answer, as there is no straight answer.
Why not at least consider getting on of these.
http://triathlon-gear.trisports.com/sport/Nathan%20Gel%20Flask
He’s probably in one of the port-to-lets!!!
I use duct tape mainly because I always have duct tape with me. I like black. I never go to a race without it. It also work for taping a race number on the bike, covering the valve access hole in my fake disk, covering a blister and many other uses.
If you rely on getting your gels on the course be sure that you know what they offer and that you have tried it out in training. I would probably stick a couple of my own in my pocket just for insurance.
Dude, is that pic of a guy holding a deer across his back while riding a bike a real picture?!!!
I like electrical tape to tape a gel or two on the top tube in case of emergency. I usually tape some salt tabs under the armrests of the aero bars, too. Comes in variety of colors and doesn’t hurt the bike.
just get something like this, there are better ones than this one though but same idea
http://www.arnavsupplies.com/gel_ladder/gel_ladder.html
Dont use the tape
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My GF uses a gel flask that zip ties to the bike. Not one the one that was linked to but a different brand that I forgot at this moment. She really like hers and uses it for all of the races that she needs gels. I don’t like the clutter on a nice aero frame. I use solely liquid nutrition. Works for me.
I think electrical tape is too stretchy when pulled, so I use a thin strip of clear packaging tape. Sticks good, and I’ve never had issues with it stripping paint off.
+1 on packing tape if you’re going to do the top tube thing. Consider using a gel flask and having it in the back pocket of your tri suit.
I would definately bring your own gels. On the Wildflower bike course (for example) you’ll only reach an aid station roughly every 1/2 hour, and only 1/2 of them have gels (and you run the risk that the guy ahead of you grabs “your” gel from the volunteer and you leave empty handed). By bringing your own gels you can keep to a set nutrition schedule and be better topped off for the run.
I have used electrical tape and it works well as long as you use enough to go all the way around the frame. I’ve had trouble getting duct tape sticky stuff off my bike.
Jodi
I don’t know. Someone sent it to me and I thought that it was funny and bike related.