Triathlon - Aero-Bar water bottles

I have Profile Airstyke bars, and am considering a water bottle and cage that will mount between the bars. What do you guys recommend?

I want to be able to drink while in the aero position.

I use this guy...I like it

http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/images/aerodrink.jpg

I saw that one on a tri website. I have the bars that it should fit without an adapter. Does it fit snuggly, or does it rattle around a lot?

Also, it says it can be easily refilled. Does that mean using another water bottle while riding?

I have the bracket and it doesn't rattle around too much unless you hit a lot of bumps. You get some splashing even with the net so your bike gets a little sticky over the course of 56 miles.

As far as the refills go, it's pretty easy. I grab bottles going through aid stations and squeeze them into the aero bottle. It typically takes 4 or 5 squeezes...you can also take the cap off and pour but I was afraid I would drop the cap.

wind tunnel data indicates its not as aero as a single waterbottle on the frame. However, if it keeps you in aero position more, and causes you to drink more, it might be an advantage.

wind tunnel data indicates its not as aero as a single waterbottle on the frame. However, if it keeps you in aero position more, and causes you to drink more, it might be an advantage.

Not necessarily...

Check out the results from the guys at Slowtwitch - http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/waterbottles.html

Profile bottle up front is the most aero set up tested, though surprisingly close behind is the single bottle on the down tube!

I use the Jetstream bottle only for shorter races up to Olympic distance, and incorporate double bottles (one with liquid, the other holder carrying spares) high behind the seat for 1/2 and IM. It isn't that aero according to the figures, but hydration is critical over those distances.

I don't have a bracket, but have fattened a section on my integrated Visiontechs with handlebar tape where the bottle sits. As the bars are just too far apart for the bottle to sit well.

I favour the front bottle set up, as -

1. The straw is constantly in your face reminding you to drink.
2. You stay in the optimal aero position whilst drinking (the same reason in favour of using bar end shifters).

Mine was included with my bike when I bought it. I didn't care so much about the aero properties as making it easier to drink while in the bars. I definitely drank more than one bottle between stations at the Honu so I think it was a good thing to have. I'm doing a sprint with it this weekend and am kind of looking forward to using it there too.

I really love mine. I would recommend the bracket, as it is more secure. Also, I took out the yellow net thingy (sorry!) they provided and cut a sponge to fit. It doesn't splash at all and still fills up fine. I do what CJ does...filling on the go and it's really easy. Also, like CJ said, I drink more and easier.
Good luck.

Get the bracket if you get the profile water bottle. I put my yellow mesh in sideways (compared to the picture). It fits nicely in the top section that is bigger where the logo is. I also don't fill past the bottom red line on the logo, and I don't splash at all. I am thinking about trying out Jaybird's idea of the sponge so I can fill it up more. Good luck.

FYI, forgot to mention the setup comes with big black rubber bands, which I use also. I tried a couple rides without them and the bottle shook quite a bit. A couple of times, the velcro strap came undone and dumped my bottle. NOT GOOD. Once I started using the bands, it was extremely secure and I had no issues.

Has anyone tried the PodiumQuest Drink System? I saw a review of the Profile Design AeroDrink on beginnertriathlete.com (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=975) that pretty much said the Profile bottle was a big POS. The same reviewer could not quit raving about the PodiumQuest Drink System (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=494)


Looks like the PodiumQuest is a good bit more expensive, but it holds more and seems more secure.

Just curious. Anyone have any experience?


http://www.podiumquest.com/images/drink.gif

As the original poster of this thread, I decided not to go with the Profile bottle because there were so many bad reviews.

If they just put a flip top on it, instead of that stupid sponge, it would probably be a great bottle.

Sure looks like that Podium Quest learned from Profiles mistakes!!

Just clicked on the link, PodiumQuest bottle at 45 dollars?

That will have to come down before it has much success.

I use the Profile Design bottle with the bracket, the bracket was free when I bought the bottle as a promotional thing, it works great I did try the bottle without the bracket using just the rubbe rbands and it does rattle a lot, and I also use a chunk of sponge instead of the mesh thing.

I still stand by the Aerobottle...worked great this weekend. That Podium looks like it would weigh 20 pounds when full of liquid!

That Podium looks like it would weigh 20 pounds when full of liquid!

Yeah, but it is stationary weight. It is only rotational weight that matters!! LOL:D

I have the profile aero and I hated it. It splashes every where with that little net that you get. It's a pain to fill... I went out and got some rear mounted water bottle cages for profile design.