What are people using for a gel flask mount on their bike? There doesn’t seem to be any good options out there anymore. The old GU flask mount is impossible to find as they don’t make it anymore. I remember seeing someone mount some magnets on their speed concept top tube and a flask but I can’t find the post from a search. So what’s everyone using? Velcro?
Riding a speed concept and I’d like to keep the mount simple/clean. Using hammer nutrition flasks (with FE liquid shot).
You find one let me know! Been on the hunt for one for 2 yrs!
You can still get these: http://m.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Mounted-Gel-Flask-Holder-top-tube-Gu-4-6-oz-size-/390628347507?nav=SEARCH
Personally I just put it in my bento.
You find one let me know! Been on the hunt for one for 2 yrs!
Here is another, sleeker option to consider,
Speedpack 483 or 483D plus hammer flask:
i have tried the 2 before this, they did not fit well on the trek sc frame, maybe this one would, behind the bento box on SC.
I am lucky I have the old style on my bikes. Last time I got a few from the original owner, but they no longer have anymore. Never heard
any of the new ones work as well.
Right now I’m leaning towards the 483d. The flask specific holders are pretty ugly these days and I question whether I will have issues with the flask falling off. At least with the 483d, I won’t be worried about losing the flask and it looks pretty sleek on the bike.
Are you all actually using these successfully? My wife tried the Gu gel flask yesterday and found it was hard to operate, the flip top got so sticky it was hard to operate so she’s going to stick to gel packs.
Yes. I use the hammer nutrition flasks but I ditch the clear cap. I also use first endurance flasks too. I run and bike with the flask. I use my teeth to open the valve. First Endurance liquid shot doesn’t come in gel packs so I’m forced to use a flask but I like it better that way. No sticky wrappers in my jersey pockets. And chance of dropping one and littering.
Same boat as you on the EFS liquid shot. I dump 3 flasks of liquid shot with a splash of water into a 16 oz water bottle for an IM bike. Could use an aero bottle on the down tube, but I put it BTA behind my drink bottle.
I’m interested as well.
I’ve lost my flask in several races. I’ve always marked the spot and went back after the race to pick it up (usually, complete with dirt and ants). I lost it early yesterday at Wildflower, this time it was early, but, I have no idea where it ejected (you’d think I’d have learned to get something else by now). I also had a full pack of Cliff blocks come out of my pocket when I got on the bike at the mount line. Some kids yelled at me that I dropped it, so, I came back (50m) to get it. Sure glad I did. That’s all I had for the ride.
I’ll use the 6oz gu brand flask I think it is. I like thinning my gus with water. I’ll just throw mine in my fuel cell. (Shiv) Otherwise, I’d go bento. The dark speed works bag looks perfect. The newer velcro flask holders are no good ime.
I’d copy a link, but I’m a caveman… but I also use smaller flasks. I use the small 3 Oz travel containers they make for your shampoo/conditioner for travel. I get them at the grocery store for 97 cents each. I’ll throw 3 gus and a splash (maybe 1.5 oz) of water, and give it a shake, good to go. I will do 2 or 3 3oz containers (they hold 5 ish oz in Reality) for longer events. At 97 cents, you can afford to dispose of them. I even color code them, because I’m that kind of guy… I like having multiple containers for long trail runs mostly. One in the belt, on with the old hand held, maybe one In a pack, etc. Check em out next time you’re at the grocery store/market.
Hope this helps!
Glad this came up. I just started thinking about this after my new race kit doesn’t have back pockets. So now I’m kinda screwed.
I have a 3d printer and decent modeling skills. Wonder if I can make something? I was just going to make a 3-4 gel holder that’s flat to go onto the top tube. But maybe I can do a flask holder instead?
Let me know your thoughts
That’d be cool, because then you could model it to the exact shape of your top tube. Use the outdoor clear double sided tape to mount it, and you’d be set… For the bike at least… no pockets on the run could get interesting.
They make a weird little device that attaches to your top tube and holds the tops of gu/gel packages. You rip them off as needed and go. I’ve always found that electrical tape works best for that approach!
Good luck!
Glad this came up. I just started thinking about this after my new race kit doesn’t have back pockets. So now I’m kinda screwed.
I have a 3d printer and decent modeling skills. Wonder if I can make something? I was just going to make a 3-4 gel holder that’s flat to go onto the top tube. But maybe I can do a flask holder instead?
Let me know your thoughts
very Interested
I use velcro.
That’s a regular problem, particularly with a new bottle. What you need is a well worn or broken in gel flask cap. The right degree of “stiffness” will allow easy safe opening with your teeth and closure with a thumb. You can create a worn cap by popping off the moving top part with a screwdriver blade or the dull side of a silverware knife blade. Take a piece of medium sandpaper and wrap it around the raised ridge marked in the picture. Twist it around 10 or 12 times to wear the ridge down a bit. Pop it back on and see if it is loose enough to easily open with your teeth. If not, give it a few more twists with the sandpaper. Be careful not to over do it or it will be too loose and possibly leak.
They make a weird little device that attaches to your top tube and holds the tops of gu/gel packages. You rip them off as needed and go. I’ve always found that electrical tape works best for that approach!
Tacking gel packages to the your top tube of your tri bike is pretty simple and functional.
But.
When you do that, you have just changed your $3000 tri frame with lots of advanced aero technology integrated into it to a very basic $500 one. When speed vs watts is king, I’m not sure that is the best approach to take.
Very true. Plus it’s ugly as all hell! I go bent or fuelselage.
