I just got my first tri bike yesterday (I’ve been riding a road bike) and it only comes with a seat tube water bottle mount. I’ve been looking around at the different options and it seems that you can either go with a behind-the-saddle setup or some kind of aero bottle that fits between the aerobars. I’m leaning towards the behind-the-saddle setup and was wondering what people thought of the different options. The XLAB setup looks nice and could help me avoid using a saddlebag (which I’m guessing it not very aero). What are most people using? What are the pros and cons of these options?
I’ve been using the xlab saddlewing, and it works well for me. You have to make sure you get some good cages though. I had some problems with bottle launch on some rough/bumpy roads until I upgraded to some Arundels. Never had a problem since.
Good luck with the new bike!
I have one bottle on the frame. In back, I use the Xlab Flatwing with Profile E-Kages. I also have a Profile aerobottle for really long rides without any support, but I do not like to use it. For IM Moo, as with other races where i can get refilled frequently, I will just carry a bottle of Gatorade on the frame and a bottle of water on the back and keep it light.
It really depends on what you are doing - training or racing - and how long you will be riding.
If you only need one bottle, then I would go with one large frame mounted bottle. I have never been a fan of the behind-the-seat holders. They get in the way when mounting/dismounting( I love standing at the entry exit/entry to transition and seeing the antics). They are hard to get at. They are prone to loosing the bottles. They comprimise the handling of the bike. They offer no significant aerodynamic advantages. I am at a loss as to why they have become so popular
If you need an extra bottle for a longer race, then go with one of the aero-bar mounts, or for longer training rides, carry an extra bottle in your jersey pocket. Or one bottle on the frame and use aid stations during the race( that’s what they are there for!) I am amazed at people who load down there super-light high dollar bikes for a race with enough liquids to last a week in the desert!
I am not sure why some tri- bike manufacutures have not put braze-ons for bottle mounts on the down-tubes. Two frame mounted bottles is the way to go.
I have a aquaintance who has a NeverReach. She loves it. If I can find a way to mount one on my Softride, I’m going give one a try.
I am not sure why some tri- bike manufacutures have not put braze-ons for bottle mounts on the down-tubes. Two frame mounted bottles is the way to go.
Fleck, I totally agree wiith you. I really don’t care that much about the additional drag from a downtube mounted waterbottle. I recently got a Guru Trilite and communicated on this issue with Guru:
-----Original Message-----
From: Devashish Paul
Sent: August 31, 2004 11:41 AM
To: ‘info@gurubikes.com’
Subject: Second Water Bottle Braze On
Hi guys,
I just bought one of Sharon Donnelly’s old Trilite bikes. This is the model
with no down tube braze-on for water bottles. I would like to know if you
can machine one in, or if I can go to a local frame builder like Bertrand
and ask them to do this for me. Please let me know. Besides that the bike
is really nice, albeit a bit harsh. I had ridden a Kestrel Carbon Fibre
road bike for 15 years prior to this !
Dev
Devashish Paul, MBA, MASc
Technology Manager,
Semiconductor Insights
3000 Solandt Rd
Kanata, ON, Canada, K2K 2X2
613-599-6500x4441
Here is Guru’s reply:
Hi Dev,
We cannot place a rivet into the down tube due to the profile of the aero
tube. It would also take away from the aerodynamics of the frame. We would
recommend going with rear bottle racks: example -Profile Aqua racks,
instead.
Best Regards,
Robert Pinazza
Guru Bikes
Here’s John Cobb’s opinion on where best to mount bottles from an aero consideration
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/waterbottles.html
.