Hello,

New to the forum (see my introduction above) but having a great time catching up. I rode my first Century (Solvang) a couple of weeks ago and immediately signed up for another (Sea Otter Classic). Here's my question: What's the most efficient way to carry all the "stuff" that I needed during my ride? Solvang started at about 44° in the morning and was 80°+ in the afternoon. Plus, SAG stops didn't have any sports drink. So, my jersey was stuffed with a windbreaker, arm warmers, sports drink powder. It was a bit uncomfortable and I wish I had room for a camera.

I found a couple of medium sized seat post bags (including one snazzy (and expensive) titanium model from Moots). Is this type of rack efficient in terms of aerodynamics? I'm not super-fast but I hate the idea of wasting energy. Is there a better way to carry this stuff?

Thanks!

Three common solutions:

1. A large CamelBak
2. Large saddlebag
3. Seatpost rack and trunk bag.

Aerodynamic effects are trivial unless you are "super-fast".

... "super-fast".

From what I've read "super-fast" in terms of aero benefit starts around 18 mph, but begins getting serious around 25 mph, and above about 27 mph is critical to sustained performance.

I was sustaining 20mph on the flats during my Century. I suppose adding a rack might make 0.5% difference or some other tiny amount. I guess the difference would be mainly psychological for me. The idea of handlebar bag seems totally counter-intuitive to me but without a wind tunnel in my backyard I'll never know! : )

And here's another question: Is it more strenous to carry the weight of your gear on your body (CamelBak) or on the bike?

I prefer the gear on the bike. Water works either way. People differ. I've been a Camelbak guy, but I'm going to try bottles for rando rides - over a double century.

Rack systems are heavier than saddle bags. I just got a Detours High Tail rack bag combo, but that's for doing rando rides. Up to those distances, I've always managed with a saddle bag/seat pack. Jandd (www.jandd.com (http://www.jandd.com)) makes Mountain Wedges I, II, and III that are well sized. Aero is less of an issue than weight IMHO.

I agree about handlebar bags, but if you don't stop for food they are convenient to just reach into. A case can be made that you are faster overall if you never stop, even though the gear you need to do that slows you down. Bento Boxes are another popular solution: http://www.trisports.com/benbakis.html

I was sustaining 20mph on the flats during my Century. I suppose adding a rack might make 0.5% difference or some other tiny amount. I guess the difference would be mainly psychological for me. The idea of handlebar bag seems totally counter-intuitive to me but without a wind tunnel in my backyard I'll never know! : )

And here's another question: Is it more strenous to carry the weight of your gear on your body (CamelBak) or on the bike?

The two disadvantages of carrying anything on your back are that when standing on climbs, or any time you raise your torso, you are lifting that weight. The weight may also irritate your shoulders. The other disadvantage is that any backpack is going to restrict airflow over your back and might be uncomfortable in hot weather.

Whether these are issues to you is for you to decide. I ride through Texas summers and almost always wear a CamelBak to keep larger quanties of cold water available between controls. I know other randonneurs who wear large backpacks, but also some that use none.

BTW, right behind any front bag is the front of your non-aerodynamic body. I wouldn't let aerodynamics influence the decision to use one.

My base for long rides is a combination of jersey pockets, a small under-seat bag, and a bento box (great for quick snacks). That and two large water bottles on the bike.

If I can't easily find water on the way, if it's going to be especially hot, or if I have gear to take off and carry, I'll use my camelback.

BTW, right behind any front bag is the front of your non-aerodynamic body. I wouldn't let aerodynamics influence the decision to use one.

Exactly what I was thinking - it's just counter-intuitive to me. Kind of like hanging a number bib on your handlebars...it just feels like it will make you slower.

Thanks for all of the comments!

Between the bike and the rider, the rider is the least aero.
Done double centuries with small seatbag, 2 water bottles and jersey pockets loaded.
Every 25 miles there was a control/foodstop. Maximize time on the bike. If you stop at food stop, do so briefly. Enough to pee, refill bottle(s), grab some food and go. You can chew and pedal at the same time. As for clothing: jersey/shorts/sox/armwarmers if warranted. If it's a cool/cold start, stuff newspaper
under front of jersey for insulation and dispose of it later in the day.
Carry you own favorite food/bars/drinkmix/fruit/candy/dextrose or whatever as foodstops will not always have what you like/crave.
Experience is a good teacher: My wife and I have ridden over a hundred centuries each and I've also ridden half dozen double centuries.
Enjoy the ride!

One other consideration: any time you are in a group or behind another rider, aerodynamic concerns essentially go out the window. If you ride primarily by yourself your worries about aerodynamics may have some merit, but if you are a confirmed wheelsucker like me, it should be pretty far down your list, IMO.

HTH!

I have had good luck carrying cameras in handlebar bags. The handlebar bag is suspended so it will not give the camera any really bad jolts unless something catastrophic happens. By the way, carry your camera in a plastic bag in case of rain.

You can get racks that clamp onto your seat post. You can stick a caboose onto the rack and the right caboose will hold quite a bit of stuff.

You will not be making a fashion statement with a handlebar bag and a caboose. But if you need to carry a bunch of stuff, it will do the job.