Hydration system options?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve been researching my bike hydration options for races (I use a Camelbak in training, and for 2 of the 3 Oly’s I’ve done, along w/ a bottle of Accelerade on the downtube), and came across Slowman’s treatise on the aero qualities of the most common systems here:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/waterbottles.html

The one thing I’ve found from my own experience is, that even if a bottle on the downtube is more aero while riding, it is NOT when ya hafta get offa the aerobars to grab it and drink it. And since I hate to do the above on the flats or downhills (wanting to maximize aero then), I find I only drink on climbs, which of course isn’t always the time you feel like doing so. This definitely rules out bottles behind the seat for me then, most likely.

So for me, a mostly or totally hands-free system seems to make the most sense, as I noticably slow down when drinking from a bottle, as opposed to no difference w/ a Camelbak (I have an old Razor, a roadie-specific model). But the C-bak takes time in T1 to put on, and is somewhat less aero.

So it seems that the Profile bottle (or similar) makes the most sense (for me), perhaps backed up w/ a bottle on the downtube for longer/hotter races. This seems like it would work for distances up to perhaps half-IM. No aero disadvantage, hands free, decent quantity of fluids.

I was also toying w/ the idea of one of those NeverReach systems, but, in light of them being (surprisingly) LESS aero, and expensive, and probably a PIA to keep clean (with all that tubing, a regular C-bak is annoying at less than half that run of tube), unless I was only going to use clear water, it seems like more hassle then benefit. (Plus, they look pretty dorky, IMO)

Advise? Suggetions? Personal experience?

Thanks in advance.

2

Murphy’sLaw,

I think your own research and observations are excellent. I personally don’t use a handlebar drink system but I have. I like plain 'ole water bottles. We do sell a lot of handlebar drink systems though and people tend to like them.

3

I had the Profile Aerodrink and loved it. Sadly, I know have the Hed Aerobars and it doesn’t fit. It was great when I had it though. I forget to drink a lot, so it was great to have it right there. I was definitely better hydrated, although that is my own fault for not liking to get out of my aero position to drink…

4

I used to put stuff other than water in my front Profile bottle, but it is a pain to clean all the time. Now I use one frame bottle for taking in calories (Perpetuem for 1/2 IM) and use the front bottle for water only. That way you just keep refilling it from the handoff bottles at races and if you spill it doesn’t make a mess. When you are done you just dump it, let it dry and throw it in the dishwasher now and then.

I pulled out an old camelback for a ride a couple of months back and forgot how convenient a method of hydration that is when you need to carry a lot of water. You don’t want that kind of load in a race, but for training it is not an issue.

Chad

P.S. Putting 24 ounces of water on your handlebars changes the handling, so you need to be used to that or it will surprise you in a race.

5

when I started in the sport I always used a jetstream between the aerobars. however a couple of “handling issues” on high speed downhills makes me more precautious. I have tried a couple of soltions over the last couple of years for Ironman racing.

2002 I used a camelback loaded with sustained energy to provide calories, and used a single bottle mount for plin waterat all of the bottle exchanges. (same system would work with a bottle mounted system).

2004 2 bottle mounts with 2 * 24 oz bottles of pure maltodextrin (bought in 50lb bulk bag) mixed with a sprinkle of gatorade powder for flavor. I got two more bottles of my elixir at apecial needs. For hydration I carried a bottle of pure water in my middle rear jersey pocket.

I liked the system i used this year better. I always feel a little dorky with a camelback straped on during a race.

6

Bobby Julich was using a camelbak during his TT stages. He wore it underneatch his skinsuit so it wasn’t really apparent except for the slight hump. They don’t make the model he uses anymore though.

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/news.cfm?news_id=94

7

Front aerobottles rule.

You can get the profile to fit the HED bars with Profile’s adjustable aerobottle clamp thingy they sell. This fits most peoples HED bars but if you’re like me with the arm rests pretty wide you either need to tape and tie wrap the clamp thingy on or…

make a carbon fiber aerobottle mount because it looks cool, saves at least 20g or so and holds your bottle much better.

Will post a pic of my CF mount soon. It’s a hell of an improvement on my old mounting system.

8

Mine are too wide. I’d thought about making a mount myself for my bottle, so please post pics of yours.

9

Murphy,

All your problems are solved. Read the following:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=227209;

10

I was also toying w/ the idea of one of those NeverReach systems, but, in light of them being (surprisingly) LESS aero,

If I recall that data on that, it was less aero than a single downtube bottle, but not less than two, or less than the aerobar bottles. Besides, how aero is it to use a standard bottle. You have to reach down, interrupting your stroke for a second, lift up or tilt and drink, then pause briefly while you put the thing back. Besides, the 64oz capacity is petty amazing, and it doesn’t add all that extra weight to the already heavy front. Dre’s girlfriend has one and loves it. (I don’t know how hard they are to clean…but, if you use e-gel you’ll only have to use water anyway.??)

PS. I use the Profile bottle with the adjustable Profile thingy for wider aero bars. (I’m still considering the Neverreach.)