General Cycling Discussion - Class Project/Survey

My partner and I and doing a project for class. Our first idea wasn't seen as too good of an idea. We've gotten ideas about using air cooling. We've also had people mention their backs getting overheated under a hydration pack. Our idea is some type of riser that will keep a Camelbak or other type of hydration back an inch or so above your back. That way, air can get through to cool your back under the hydration pack. I'd appreciate it if you could answer a few questions about our problem.

Do you where a Camelbak or other hydration pack?

If so, how big/how much water does it hold?

Do you find that your back gets hot under the pack?

Would you like a way to let air to go under the pack?

Would you pay $15 for something like this?



Thank you
-Dan Panebianco

Seems like a good idea to me, but some already have this built-in.
http://www.camelbak.com/rec/images/f_air_direct.gif
From Camelbak.com:


The Air Director™ ventilated back panel allows air to flow through specially-formed channels. This constant movement of air against your back keeps you cool and comfortable on extended outings.

Does this help?

Do you where a Camelbak or other hydration pack? Camelback Classic

If so, how big/how much water does it hold? 70 oz.

Do you find that your back gets hot under the pack? No

Would you like a way to let air to go under the pack? Never thought about it.

Would you pay $15 for something like this? Probably not

Do you where a Camelbak or other hydration pack? yes

If so, how big/how much water does it hold? 2 liters

Do you find that your back gets hot under the pack? sometimes

Would you like a way to let air to go under the pack? pack already has this design

Would you pay $15 for something like this? no.

Do you where a Camelbak or other hydration pack? YES

If so, how big/how much water does it hold? 100oz

Do you find that your back gets hot under the pack? YES

Would you like a way to let air to go under the pack? YES

Would you pay $15 for something like this? Not separately, but as an "added value" item on a new hydration pack, it would be a nice feature. As was mentioned above, the newer designs of camelbak already have this.

on hot days I wear a MULE 100oz, it has an air channel on the back like the earlier posted pic, but it still gets HOT and sweaty, I don't know if you can improve on the design

because a full pack will bounce around on the trails, shifting your CG and throwing you off balance, you may even endo. Pushing this weight further from your back will make movement worse, can be dangerous

I have a feeling that this is a marketing project. You will have to take up the raised center of gravity with the engineering class!!!

I don't WEAR (not where) a hydration system. I use the 2 bottle cages on my frame, and if it is very hot and I know 2 bottles aren't enough, I put a 3rd one in a jersey pocket. My back always gets sweaty- see my post in the "why shave your legs" topic. 15$ would pay for some hair removal to alleviate same sweaty condition.

DEMON

Demoncyclist- how long do you usually ride? Do you ride mtn or road? I use just a water bottle on my road rides, but I find a hydration pack necessary on mountain bike rides. What's your secret?

Yes, I wear a 70oz camelback. I suppose my back get's hot and wouldn't mind if the camelback incorporated something to allow better ventilation. Might even pay a few bucks if it could be retrofited to my current camelback (and worked). Might pay as much as $15 but only if I was feeling really flush and it came highly recommended. $10 would be an easier sell. Agree that an inch is too much. It would have to attach to the pack and not my back so it would slide around with the pack and go on and off with it.

sm-

Rule of thumb for me is 1 bottle per hour minimum. My commute is 1:15, and I aways start with 2 full bottles. On long supported rides 2 bottles is more than adequate, as there are usually waterstops on the route. If I go out for a long training ride, and it is really hot, I'll put a 3rd bottle in my jersey pocket, unless I know there is a place to stop and refill. I had a kidneystone issue last April, and dehydration can be a factor, so I really watch my intake carefully.

DEMON