Racing the bike with a camelbak?
558
Member
1385 days
vanjames posted 3 years ago.
I have a friend who uses a camelback. Fine for the shorter races. They found it a little hot and heavy (no joke) during the half IM distance. Make sure you have a strong core to wear a decent sized one if you are going long on the bike leg.
806
Member
1380 days
thehitman posted 3 years ago.
For me, the weight and aerodynamics of a camelback rule it out during a race.
There's a system that attaches to the back of your saddle, and has a tube like a camelback. Haven't ever seen anyone use it, but it looks interesting --- check it out at all3sports.com; for a pricey $100.00.
I spent all last year underhydrated, losing speed while I grabbed for the water bottle, losing more when I tried to drink, and still more when I tried to put it back. A few bucks for the P.D. aerobottle will be a good investment.
thehitman
thehitman
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Mark Twain
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143
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1770 days
Deejay posted 3 years ago.
Ive tried using mine on long rides and it seems so heavy and uncomfortable when im riding the aero position. I put extra cages on my bike and use that profile drink.
"Tough times dont last. Tough people do."
2
Member
1395 days
andrew42 posted 3 years ago.
I've used the camelbak and didn't have a problem at all. But I have been wearing one for 5 years whenever I go mtn. biking, so I am accustomed to wearing it, no back problems for me. I'm a newbie age grouper, read - budget minded triathlete, so i work with what i have. go for it and good luck.
4914
Member
1717 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
I have used a camelback for training but I got a bottle from podiumquest that goes on your aerobars and can hold 2 liquids. I think it is about 56 ounces(2 water botlles) and has a straw.
It was baout $44.00
Nothing to it, but to do it
75
Member
1298 days
ShaunCrawford posted 3 years ago.
thehitman gave some great advice
http://www.neverreach.com/page/page/276159.htm
Best hydration system seen to date. Worth every $ Looks kind of cool too! You can refill it with bottles passed out at aid stations as well. Holds perfect amount of liquid for a 40K. Cant say enough good things. So ditch the camelback, it's to hot, to heavy, and just one more thing to worry about in the T.
[FONT=Arial]"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."
491
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1682 days
trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
I've been using my camelbac exclusively for training and adventure races. But I have to admit I've been leary of using it in a tri-race, probably because I don't see very many others using them. Aerodynamics aren't a huge priority for me, I'd rather be hydrated than dried out and sleek looking, but if you can do both, (and cheaply) cool. Otherwise, I've grown accustomed to my mini back pack, it holds cash, food, tools that don't fit on the bike.... I feel naked without it. I've run in some seriously hot weather (I've even swam with my camelbac - on a long swim-run multi-brick), it's better to have the water there convenient, than waiting for a clear moment so you can do on the fly yoga to get your bottles.
So I think I'm an out-lyer on this one, but I would go ahead and race with them. There's more to learn up front than just improving your aerodynamics and having a sleek system - granted they both help your overall time. Until you get to the point where you are winning age group divisions (or more) and you need that kind of time and aero savings, I would use the camelbac.
Side note: I use a channeled mountain bike WTB seat on my kestrel, and have had ZERO pinched nerve or numbness (even with the camelbac). My system is full of contradictions :)
I was wondering if any of you raced the bike leg of a tri wearing a camelbak? I've been considering doing so, for the simplicity of not having to reach around for a water bottle (and I hate the way those Profikle "aero drink" things look).
Have any of you used camelbaks? Any recommendations?
-Nick