Camelbak discussion are among my favorites. I have a Camelbak and use it even on shorter rides of under 20 miles, but others eschew their use for road rides of any length. To each his own. I don't notice it's there, much less do I find it uncomfortable. On longer rides I carry bottles as well as the Camelbak and drinking while riding is much easier from the Camelbak. Without it, I would have to stop more or drink less, both of which I prefer not to do. It may slow me down, but probably less than dehydration would. I also carry my extra stuff (tubes, pump, patch kit, cell phone) in my Camelbak, and that keeps me from forgetting anything.