I have some crappy aero bars from Cinelli on my 2001 Cannondale. The aerobars suck, but it wouldn’t be too big a deal except for the fact that I can’t figure out how to set up a front hydration system on it. The bars coming up from the bike are stuck directly together so obviously there’s no room to drop a bottle down between them. It’s a big pain in the butt to reach for bottles in the middle of a race and watch your speed drop 5 mph while you’re reaching backwards in an awkward position. Does anybody know of any hydration systems that would work with this or am I just going to have to plunk down for more traditional aerobars. Money’s tight, so I’d love to be able to stretch this out, but that may not be an option. Thanks for your help.
I recall seeing (but don’t know the name) where they mount a gas tank behind your arse and run a tube up front. I’d hope they put some sort of anti-siphon in the tube otherwise it’d seem like you’d have to suck like crazy to get the fluid up to you. Can’t think of anything for you to mount up front.
Just for reference, this is generally what the aerobars look like (although these are much nicer than mine).
you could try neverreach
In theory, that sounds good, but it’s $100 (if you can actually find one) and with that I can just buy new aerobars.
Go on ebay and pick up some used Syntace C2’s. They’re still the most comfy aerobar ever made and you can drop an aero bottle between them. Another option would be used Profile Aerolites. Also good bars that have a great deal of adjustability.
very easy way to keep using the bottle in the downtube cage with aerobars.
punch out the stop post in the nipple in any standard water bottle. you can then run the end of a piece of plastic tubing through the nipple and into the bottom of the bottle. start with about 3 feet and trim to length when done.
then run the tubing up along the post and up to the front end of the bars. use a small piece of tape to hold it in place there…leaving enough to drape back towards your elbow pads. need a sip…grab the tube and do just that. i did that for a couple years before i got a Jetstream. works very well.
photo on my website
the system is called Neverreach.
they work very well.
yes there is a valve to eliminate the prospective problem you reference.
very workable alternative to bottle bazookas.
You know, I used the whole profile aero system for quite a while. I use it while training and when I know there will not be water around, but I have now ditched it for races. 1. it stops the problem of splashing gatorade when you run through transition, and it stops the even more dangerous practice of dumping bottles in during a race. 2. I now just you frame mounted during a race. I keep the bottle on the downtube full and drink till its’ finished. In most races you can pick up a bottle on the way and throw the downtube empty bottle. That way the bottle(s) behind the seat are “just in case” bottles. At most you’ll trhow you’re empty, grab the one behind the seat, throw it on the downtube and throw one behind the seat. That means you only have to reach back 2x…which isn’t going to cost you a race unless you’rre really vying for a podium spot (if that). Plus, how many pros do you know who use them?
I’m leaning toward your solution. I didn’t realize just how cheap you can get a pair of those on Ebay. I’ll need to replace the aerobars eventually anyway. Thanks for everybody’s help.
“Neverreach”
I’ve seen them lately for $60-70 on performance or Nahsbar.
I was just reading through a tri-magaizine and saw the SipAway system which is a lot less money than a NeverReach. The link in the article is www.cdisports.com
“Neverreach”
I’ve seen them lately for $60-70 on performance or Nahsbar.
Looks rather bulbous and too near the arse for fast dismounts
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Not as hard as the behind the seat bottles. I could never get my stiff bod over those things.