Cyclocross - Noobie question. How do you carry water?

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sknhgy
09-09-10, 06:37 PM
Do you use bottle cages on your frame, or carry bottles in a jersey pocket, or ?

I'm talking about during a race.

Thanks

colobrio
09-09-10, 06:59 PM
I never have, and most people don't. That said, I've decided if there's a hot race in the next few weeks I will take one of the small bottles from an old running fuel belt (about 4 oz) and stick it in a jersey pocket. There's not much chance to drink in a typical cross race.
bitterken
09-09-10, 07:04 PM
At 30min to 60min, you don't really need it unless it's really really hot. If it's hot, the race officials may allow handups. Otherwise, hydrate well the night before and day of the race. Being thirsty, along with the pain, and being wet and cold, it part of the suffering fun. Love it and embrace it. :thumb:

sknhgy
09-09-10, 07:15 PM
OK thanks. One other question. Do racers ever ride in the drop position of their handlebars? I've never seen it in the videos I've watched.
flargle
09-09-10, 07:22 PM
There's not much chance to drink in a typical cross race.Almost all start/finish areas are flattish pavement. If you're racing 40 minutes or more in early-season heat, icy water will help, at the very least psychologically. A wire bottlecage on the seattube won't get in the way for most people. Or jersey pocket, tho' that heats the water pretty quickly. Best option is a handup, check with the race organizer for the rules.
Andy_K
09-09-10, 09:47 PM
OK thanks. One other question. Do racers ever ride in the drop position of their handlebars? I've never seen it in the videos I've watched.

Absolutely. If you've got bars with a little flare (or a lot), this can be a really good position to control the bike on technical sections.
Crack Monkey
09-10-10, 07:11 AM
x2 on what's been said.

I carry water in my jersey when warming up and to the start line. Before the start, I toss it aside, and pick it up later.

I use the drops on tech descents and fast paved sections, otherwise, I'm usually on the hoods. Or, the flats if I'm totally gassed.
flargle
09-10-10, 08:42 AM
drops on tech descentsThis. Much safer and you won't get clawhand.
lunacycle
09-14-10, 12:51 PM
I usually chug a bottle a few minutes before the race starts. Although, one year I raced an early-season race wearing a Camelbak because it was in the upper 70's.
fietsbob
09-14-10, 01:09 PM
One of the reasons top mount 2nd brake levers are popular
is a steep decent in the drops, is scary for some folks ,
particularly if they're used to riding mountain bikes.