I was discussing with a friend my concerns about not getting enough to drink during the 90k ride of an upcoming half-ironman. He suggested using a stripped-down (i.e. basic version) CamelBak - bladder only, no external pockets etc. My first reaction was ‘no way’, but then the more I thought about it, the more it sort of made sense. I imagine it breaks somke sort of triathlon gear code, but would it actually work?
I ride with one regularly for training. It is almost necisary here in AZ. I am not keen on racing tris with them. Most Long course events have enough aid stations that you should be able to keep yourself hydrated without needed the camelbak. If you have a special nutrition need and think you need to carry all your hydration/nutrition with you on the bike a camelbak may work for you.
I often use one on long rides, including 1/2 and full races. In my last marathon I also used it. I’m a heavy sweater, and I like to fill it with my Infinit potion.
Mike
Last year, I did the CA 1/2 with a 70 ounce camelpak classic. It was more than enough fluid for the whole ride (didn’t have to get any fluid during the bike). Then for imaz, I just used the frame cage and an aero bottle. I was afraid I’d be riding around with an empty camelpak but I might use it next year. I stopped like 4 times so stopping in the middle somewhere and re-filling would have worked.
I know people think it looks stupid like a bento box but it works for me.
Who cares what it looks like. Its a ton of liquid that’s easier to drink that a water bottle and harder to drop than a water bottle.
I use one in training especially when I head for the country and can’t get a refill, but not during a race. I’ve yet to go to a HIM that doesn’t have water stations on the bike. There’s no reason to carry around an extra 4.5#s on your back during a race.
No reason not to use a camelbak in an 1/2 IM if it works for you. Unless the course is very hilly, the extra weight on your back will be more than compensated by not slowing down at aid stations to get bottles and not getting out of your aero position to drink. use the basic model is good advice, the ones with lots of pockets & straps are an aerodynamic disaster.
That said, I no longer use a camelbak on my TT bike because my position is now low enough that combined with my rather curved back the camelbak keeps sliding forward against my neck, which is very annoying to say the least.
Always on long rides, and also in all long course events. It allows me to pass most aid/accident stations. As a heavy sweater, my camelbak is a must. As far as a stripped down version? A friend tried this. Took an old jersey and had a pocked sewn into the back of it. Unfortunately it didnt work, at least with the large 70 oz. model. The weight of it really needs the shoulderstraps. Maybe with a smaller model it would have worked.
Bobby Julich (Of Team CSC) had used a Camelback or some such device in longer TT’s for years. It’s fits under his skinsuit and may actually provide a pseudo-aero advantage and it creates a hump that coincides with his aero helmet.
I’d check out his site and see what he uses.
Bob
Did you fill it with Infinit for your marathon? If so, did you take any other water or nutritional items from the aid stations? I’m considering doing away with the water, gatorade, gu trifecta that does such wonderful things to my gut.
I love it for long rides. I bought a Nalgene from Nashbar (Nalgene Radius 2.0L Hydration Pack) for $25.00. I make icecubes with the drink and fill the reservoir with drink and ice cubes.
I always use one for LC races. I had it checked in San diego at the wind tunnel and I had lower drag with it than without it. It was much better than any other hydration approach. worth about 5 minutes in an IM (at 22 mph). Probably not the same for everyone but those are the #s for me. I know I hydrate better for sure and that is reason enough to do it…
rc
I use it if I’m riding over 2 hours… Used one at IMFL 03’ and still went 4:53 on the bike. I believe Joe Bonness uses one when he races and he’s smacking down sub 4:50 bike splits at IM distance…
I don’t use mine for races. But on days that are going to be hot, I fill it the night before and stick it in the freezer. Then for my ride not only do I have a refreshing cold drink, but the block of ice on my back helps to keep me cooler for a while as well.
Which model do you use?
Bob
up to you.
I used to use one on long rides but my main problem with it was washing the bag. The bladder that opens wide was easy to leak and the regular ones and hose I’m not convinced are clean after a while. And pipe cleaners only do so much…
Good point and it won’t lose you time in transition or slowing down to drink.
up to you.
I used to use one on long rides but my main problem with it was washing the bag. The bladder that opens wide was easy to leak and the regular ones and hose I’m not convinced are clean after a while. And pipe cleaners only do so much…
That’s why I only use water in them
Look in to Nuun hydration tablets as well
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Which model do you use?
The Slip Stream…