Which is better for my P3C as far as aerodynamics for Iron-distance events.
The Xlab Super Wing or The Breaker Concepts HydroTail
The Xlab puts the bottles up higher and the Hydrotail lets them sit lower.
(and no i dont have the special models that work with the Cervelo Seat Posts, and im not going to get them i have these two systems laying around)
These are both excellent systems, and while that smacks of a political answer, it actually isn’t.
The Beaker Concepts unit rides lower than some others and some wind tunnel tests suggest that me be a good orientation. My admittedly pedestrian understanding is that, as the rider’s torso angle becomes more open or “higher” (more upright per se’) the hydration system should be oriented slightly lower. In other words, the hydration system needs to be an “extension” or extrapolation of the angle of the rider’s torso.
Now, if the rider is “flatter” with a more parallel torso relative to the ground then the hydration system may be better served to ride higher behind the saddle- in line with the rider’s torso. That is where X-Lab comes in.
Both these guys makes excellent hydration systems. X-Lab’s range of products is vast and everything they make is nice. Andrew of Beaker Concepts is a great fellow, a good product designer and his products are truly outstanding. Take a look at your position and think about which of these systems may work best for you based on how your torso is oriented on the bike.
I can’t speak to the aerodynamics, but I tried both and I like the hydrotail better because I do a running start with shoes already in the pedals, and I can’t clear the bottles sticking up behind the seat when using the Xlab. You can mount it upside down but then the bottles are WAY low. The hydrotail puts them low enough that I can clear them when mounting, but not so low that they are tough to reach.
I much, much prefer xlab’s carbon products. I use the carbon wing and would strongly recommend it to anyone. Also Xlab has great customer service if you need anything. I removed my wing so many times that I stripped some of the screws and they sent me new stuff (Ti) overnight.
Is it just me or are there other folks that think the flatwing is a POS?
Why is it I can’t get anything right on this thing when I try to install?
The bolts aren’t long enough or loosen over a relatively short time.
It’s crap in my opinion. It’s been fine for holding my bottles but I’m trying to install the Nut and the damn bolt isn’t long enough so I’ll have to buy new cages…or a longer bolt. Why not provide a couple of bolts? The straps are too long and don’t install tight against the cages…blah blah blah.
Thanks for listening. We now return to our regular scheduled programming.