I am a bit lost on how the x-straps function. I get that you attach the strap to the cage holder via the screw holes. But how then do these things hold a spare tightly? The loop is way too loose. I feel like I am missing something blatant. Do the x-straps not work with the Hydrotail via the rear-most screw holes? Help is much appreciated, in the form of x-straps for dummies.
If anyone has pics of a properly installed hydrotail - I’d be buggered to understand how to install this thing…inside or outside the seat rails???
If the straps are a bit big try the x-lab ones, they’re a bit smaller…
Mine is mounted to the outside of the seat rails. It holds the bottle (I only mount one in the rear holes that are normally used for the straps) dead straight up and down. The angle is variable depending on which holes you use for the u-bracket on the seat rails.
didn’t come with a u-bracket…what’s that look like
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without pictures it didnt happen.
Included with the purchase should be:
- carbon base
- 8 hex bolts
- 4 nylon lock nuts
- 2 small u-shaped brackets
The small brackets mount inside the seat rails. 4 of the bolts, 2 on each side, run through the holes in the carbon base and into the holes in the u-bracket. The holes in the u-shaped bracket are threaded. Thus holding the whole thing to the seat rails. The other 4 bolts and nylon nuts (for the inside) are used to mount the bottle cages to the carbon base.
Mine never moves and has never ejected a bottle.
Mine moves constantly. I had to get new brackets as it pulled the little copper screw in things out of the brackets when I first put it on. I went out and got longer bolts and tightened 'em with a nut on the inside but they still move!!! I am getting used to my legs every so often hitting the back of the bottles. I have a Arione Tri, maybe I mounted wrong, I don’t know.
I had the problem of pulling out the linings as well. So, I pulled out the brass linings and put super glue in the hole. Pushed the lining back in and let them sit for a few days. Now that thing does not budge and the liners do not come out during a ride.
But back to my original question, how do the x-lab straps work?
X-lab ones are smaller than the ones supplied with the hydrotail (which seem to be a good size for tubulars). You should be able to pull them tight enough and back-a-round to stick on them selves to hold a spare inner tube.
Seem’s like I’m stuck until I get some u-brackets!
I don’t have any “copper lining”. ???
The mounting bolts for the main base go right into the u-shaped bracket, which is threaded. The bottle cages are held to the base with a bolt and nut.
Try mounting your base unit using the other bottom hole. My unit sits the bottles straight up and down behind the seat. I’ll agree that if I used the other set of holes and the unit was mounted at an angle and I sat to the rear of my seat, I “might” be able to hit the bottle with my leg.
I think the one iteration of the brackets have a copper lining…there have been at least 3 iterations.
I heard the hydrotail is a pain to install. Has anyone installed it on an Adamo saddle? I was wondering if it would be any easier with the Adamo.
I have mine mounted to a FSA/Vision Selle San Marco Tri. Its tough the first time and then much easier once you learn the correct order of attaching everything. Its easier without the cages mounted but then the cages are hard to put on with it hanging from the seat. I mount the base first, then attach cages later.
I installed a Hydrotail on my Adamo seat. Even for a klutz like me, it was pretty simple to use the brackets to attach it to the rails. Attaching the bottle cages was much harder. I saw on another post here that the package should include hex bolts and locking nuts for this purpose. I agree that it should, but mine didn’t. I stripped hex bolts from another bike and found the right size nuts (non-locking, unfortunately) at the local hardware store. Once I figured out a good way to work was to hold the nut with a box wrench inside the Hydrotail and tighten the hex nut from the outside, it went fairly easily. When the nuts come loose and fall off, I know where I have a few extras - they fell on the floor and rolled under my bike shipping case.
At this point, I’m planning to use the hydrotail only during training and not races. If I could figure out how to supply myself with enough InfiniT or Cytomax (both of which really work for me), I’d keep it on during the race. I have nothing against the sports drink sponsor of my main race, I just can’t drink it for ten hours.
i did away with the yard sale on the back of my bike by getting water-bottle storage containers from performance bike or nashbar (can’t remember which). Now I just jam my tools and spares in one of them, which still leaves me with 3 cages for water bottles.