Road Cycling - water bottles vs. CamelBak

I searched for this but couldn't find much. I've been using a CamelBak (just for water, not sports drinks) on a regular basis. It seemed to me that to get a lightweight road bike (Cannondale 4000) and then weigh it down with a couple pounds of water didn't make much sense. The same pounds on my back don't seem to have the same impact on bike handling and especially climbing. Am I imagining this? Is a pound on your back the same as a pound on the frame? Isn't anything attached to the frame like "sprung weight" on a car; the less the better? Or does it actually improve handling to have the weight lower down?

I have been assailed by local riders ("what's that bananna on your back?") but still don't know what makes more sense. Any wisdom would be appreciated!

I believe handling is better when the weight is lower down. The camelback can however hold a lot more water, which is a great advantage when you are away from civilization for long periods. I am waiting for someone to design a large bottle that you can mount on the bike and drink without taking your hands from the bars.

I believe handling is better when the weight is lower down. The camelback can however hold a lot more water, which is a great advantage when you are away from civilization for long periods. I am waiting for someone to design a large bottle that you can mount on the bike and drink without taking your hands from the bars.



Necessity is the mother of invention...the father (of such) could be the good idea! Invent that sucker.

I only fill my water bottle half way if it's a training run/sprint or generally under 25mi. If I'm hydrated well before hitting the pavement then that is half the battle and I'm home for water re-supply. Historyprof, good question.....I'm going to stay with the water bottle for now.



Olds

I use a three liter Camelbak for road, and a larger camelbak with the same fluid capacity for off-road. Off-road, you need to keep the weight off the bike for the technical stuff. You really feel the difference, even with a saddle bag.

For road, the 7 to 8 ponds on the back vice the bike doesn't seem all that different. The big advantage of the Camelbak is that you drink more. It's important here in the Gulf Coast that one not wait to get thirsty before hydrating. You'll never recover during the ride and it can easily lead to heat stress.

Al

I prefer a Camelbak to water bottles (although I do carry a bottle of sports drink). I just don't care for anything extraneous hanging off the bike (not even an under the seat). Everything I need is carried in my Camelbak Hawg. As a sidenote you can fill the bladder up halfway, freeze it (horizontally works well),fill up the other half with water and have about 3-4 hrs of cold water the next ride.

I believe handling is better when the weight is lower down. The camelback can however hold a lot more water, which is a great advantage when you are away from civilization for long periods. I am waiting for someone to design a large bottle that you can mount on the bike and drink without taking your hands from the bars.

http://www.profile-design.com/product_pages/hydro_aerodrink.html

I've also seen one that attaches to the back of your seat with a tube... not sure what the brand was.

david

camelback... downtube waterbottle... seattube water bottle... theyre both more or less centered on the wheelback and wont affect handling that much. i dont see why anybody NOT racing would consider its impact on a ride.

i love camelback (on road rides) simply because it stores alot more water and so much more convenient... i keep myself alot more hydrated this way because the convenience encourages me to drink more often

mountain bike=hydration pack
road bike=bottles

On the road, I'm usually close enough to a water source to refill, and it's not really worth the extra weight or heat that radiates between the pack and my back.

On unplanned rides over 1 hour I take the camelbak. Otherwise I just use a bottle. I prefer the bottle for both weight and comfort. I live in a desert. Can't risk being without enough water.

I believe handling is better when the weight is lower down. The camelback can however hold a lot more water, which is a great advantage when you are away from civilization for long periods. I am waiting for someone to design a large bottle that you can mount on the bike and drink without taking your hands from the bars.

Here's one...

I don't know anything about how he did this however... I suspect it's a custom job.

I normally use a Camelbak on-road, but the other week decided to try two large (1ltr) bottles instead. I found the only disadvantage of the bottles was that it ruined my rhythm when climbing hard out of the saddle - the bike didn't move side-to-side under me as fluidly as normal. So bottles might affect handling in certain circumstances.

I usually ride with both. I just put a little water water in the camelback if its going to be a short ride. The water bottle stays full and is used for dogs and washing.

Dave

I use both...camelbak and 2 water bottles w/ sports drinks on every ride....better to have too much fluid on you than too little. ;)

With the water on your back you have to lift the weight every time you stand on the pedals or even sit up. Having the water on the frame is much easier.

I searched for this but couldn't find much. I've been using a CamelBak (just for water, not sports drinks) on a regular basis. It seemed to me that to get a lightweight road bike (Cannondale 4000) and then weigh it down with a couple pounds of water didn't make much sense. The same pounds on my back don't seem to have the same impact on bike handling and especially climbing. Am I imagining this? Is a pound on your back the same as a pound on the frame? Isn't anything attached to the frame like "sprung weight" on a car; the less the better? Or does it actually improve handling to have the weight lower down?

I have been assailed by local riders ("what's that bananna on your back?") but still don't know what makes more sense. Any wisdom would be appreciated!


Camelbacks promote more sweating/dehydration. Keep thy body as naked as possible. I tend to agree with the equation of bottles for road-bikes and camelbacks for mountain bikes. There is much to depend upon you cadence and individual desire to sweat. If you're not sweating your either standing still or empty.

So far I have not tried a camelback but I have been carrying 2 water bottles on the frame. 1 of water and 1 of sports drink, both start out 3/4 frozen.

YOu could always try this. Modula Cage XL

Topeak’s newest height adjustable bottle cage. Fits 1 - 1.5 liter capacity soft drink PET bottle.

6061 T6 aluminum cage frame with engineering plastic cap holder.

Holds cap tightly with elastic rubber strap.

Adjusts range up to 40mm.


Suitable range: O/D 89-92mm
Adjustable height: 300 - 340 mm
Size (LxWxH): 4.2" x 3.6" x 14.9"
Weight: 125 grams



http://www.topeak.com/2004/images/images_products/cages/cage_001.jpg

Or this

For mountain trails or city streets, the Biker's Bottle Sleeve is designed for carrying a reserve bottle of water in an area on the bike not normally used for storage. The Biker's Bottle Sleeve easily attaches to the horizontal and down tubes and securely holds 1, 1.5 and 2 liter plastic bottles. Comes with a screw on Push-Pull plastic dispensing top. Made in U.S.A. Bottle not included.

http://www.cartom.virtual-space.com/bikebot.jpg

Here's one...

I don't know anything about how he did this however... I suspect it's a custom job.

My LBS sells those. You can get handlebar holder for cheap. I saw a bike the other day with four of those on it (he had an accessory bar mounted to his road bars)... I was half tempted to make a "water buffalo" comment... but I chose to keep my smart mouth shut.