I bought a hydrotail for my p2sl and was loving it, but the clamps got “stripped” and the whole thing became loose. Andrew from beaker concepts immediatly answered my email and said he was gonna send me some new “all metal” clamps. Does anyone have experience with these clamps, did they work well?
I too had much correspondence with Beaker and currently have the “all metal clamps” after 2 unsuccessful attempts with the plastic variety (1 threaded, 1 not) on my Cervelo Dual.
When I installed the all metal ones, here’s what happened:
I started by screwing the first side in, to what felt like the proper tightness, but apparently I went just a bit to far, and snapped one of the wings. This wasn’t a complete snap, mind you. There was an audible ‘crack’ and then a small fume of smoke that came out from the hydrotail. Kinda crazy. That was not a good sign. I feared the worst, but despite this crack (which is barely visible), it felt rather stable and I decided to keep on going.
I continued on the other side, installing it more carefully, and then, boom, I snapped that side too!! Same thing, small puff of smoke. However, the hydrotail was now far more stable than it had ever been with my plastic clamps.
Despite what I believe is 2 cracked wings of my carbon hydrotail due to the unforgiving-nature of the metal clasps, I have ridden my bike for about a month with these clasps over bumpy roads, and the thing is sturdy as hell and hasn’t given me any problems. Who knows, maybe these cracks will cause it to eventually fail, but so far, so good. I am scared to take it off, fearing that I may not be able to re-install it. I guess I don’t really know the extent of the damage I have done.
Anyways, that’s my story. Be cautious.
-TR3VOR
I used a HydroTail for many months with the metal clamps and it was the most secure bottle holder I’ve ever had. No problems what so ever.
The only reason I no longer use the Hydrotail is that I’ve gone to a single bottle system and don’t need the complete setup that comes with a full behind the seat carrier. I’ve mounted an older Zipp bottle cage between my aerobars and the bottle sits right in front of me. Much easier to use.
I just got the metal clamps and put them on without any problem – nothing seems to have cracked. The new set up seems real sturdy and I look forward to riding with it. I’ll post a report when I see how it works.
yikes, that doesnt fill me full of confidence. I guess when i get the clamps i’ll put them on carefully. I have my first 70.3 next weekend, so im scrabling to make sure I can carry two waterbottles.
I got my hydrotails with the original plastic clamps and encountered the same problem- the plastic clamps are too flimsy and strips easily.
What I did was replace the plastic clamps with the metal clamps from my xlab saddlewing- as what the other’s have said…it is the most secure and sturdy behind the seat holder you can have! I love the fact that i dont need to strain my shoulders and triceps when I pull out tall water bottles from them (as opposed to saddlewing).
Anyway, im waiting for the metal clamp replacement from hydrotail (which actually is the same shape as the saddlewing clamp i use now). If you want crazy light rear hydration carrier- you should be happy with a hydrotail. Just be mindful when you tighten the screws- try to constantly balance the torque of both screws per clamp.
good luck
As everyone else has stated, the plastic clamps are useless but Beaker will send you metal clamps to replace them. However, what I discovered is that the metal clamps from my Xlab Flatwing are better than the metal clamps from Beaker. Btw, I’m not sure is the Flatwing clamps are the same as the Saddlewing clamps. The metal clamps from Beaker are not deep enough so you run the risk of cracking the carbon when you tighten them. The clamps from the Xlab Flatwing are a perfect depth and will tighten flush with the carbon so it won’t crack but will fit nice and snug.
I’ve been meaning to e-mail Beaker about this but keep forgetting. This post just reminded me…
Thanks, Chris