lvleph

Man that isn't even out in the boonies like Derby. However, my Grandfather was surprised I had service out there. My brother didn't. I have never had trouble with Verizon service. Even when I was on the Appalachian trail outside the Smokeys and no one else had service I did.

scot

I use both, fill the camelback with ice and water and I am good for a long and cold time. One bottle with a sugary solution and then I open up the ability to ride further.

Mo'Phat

Hammertoe: What in the heck is the Tyvek for? Isn't that what they wrap a house in before they put siding on it? My only guess would be as a tire boot or something.

eippo1

I agree with you on all points. I'm sure if you're used to the camelbak and have good core strength, then yes, it would be fine. My core strength sucks and I bet many people here would have similar issues. That aside, I agree that it's a personal preference. A bottle lasts approx. 20 miles for me and so 2 equal 40 miles for me. That's right about when a break is nice to take to stretch. I ride straight through enough when I race or train hard, so it's nice to take breaks on longer endurance rides.

Hammertoe

Yes sir, I wrapped my house in it and I use it for a tire boot. Best stuff I have found...

Recently, I ran over a broken Snapple bottle and got a flat...

Changed the tube, got to 60 psi and noticed the tire was cut...

Added the Tyvek and made it home...

I could have used a new tire but they can be a bit@h to put on, especially on the side of the road...

Mo'Phat

Wow, I AM a genius.

lvleph

You can use Tyvek as a Tarp also, or ground sheet.

chinarider

I use a camelbak for anything over about 15 miles. I find it keeps the fluid much cooler than a bottle & is easier to drink out of. I may be uncoordinated, but I find that when using a bottle I have a tendency to choke on & aspirate some of the fluid. Especially if I'm breathing hard. This doesn't happen with the camelbak. I have a 100oz version. Granted, I don't usually need to fill it all the way, but to duplicate I'd need to find a place for 5 bottles. Plus, where I ride, generally there is no place to stop & fill up or purchase a drink.

It does tend to make my back sweaty, but I really don't notice it much while riding. I generally put dilute gatorade in mine. When I get home, I rinse it well with hot water (no soap) & hang it on one of those hangers that keeps the bladder open so it is exposed to air. I don't have any problems with bad taste or mold. It works for me. YMMV.

Dan

iowarose

I use a Camelbak for rides longer than 50-60 miles. Like a lot of other people have said, it's very convenient if you ride in rural areas where convenience stores are scarce. It can make your back hot, but for me having the extra water is worth it. On really hot days I will go through 2, sometimes 3 70 oz. bladders. That is in addition to the Accelerade/Gatorade I put in insulated bottles. Last year I did RAIN, with temps in the mid 90's and a heat index about 10 degrees higher, and I was really grateful I had the Camelbak.

By the way, I use something called Elete, a tasteless, calorie-free electrolyte supplement. 2 capfuls of it in a 70 oz. bladder is what the maker suggests. I don't have to clean out my Camelbak any more than if I just use plain water.

gfrance

Long rides, no civilization = Camalbak

Rides under 2 hours, 2 bottles are fine.

I've even gotten tired of my Camelbak on the mountain bike, where it has a much better rep.

Bacciagalupe

I think most of the posts have hit it on the head.... for most people, sweaty back + harder to clean outweighs the benefits. If you think you won't pass a water source for 2 hours on a hot day though, it's a good choice, especially since CB's keep water cool -- it's better even than the insulated bottles.

For pros, a CB is bad because you can't refill it easily in mid-race. It's very easy to have a team car hand you a bottle, though. Naturally this doesn't apply to most BF'ers but is

One option is the new Camelbak water bottles, which are much easier to drink out of than a standard bottle and easier to clean than a full CB. You'd have to stick the top on another bottle though, since the 750ml bottle won't fit in a standard cage.

Avalanche325

Exactly!!! In road cycling,you can't change tradition with a good idea.

FIVE ONE SIX

yeah, and he also uses a Ultegra FR with it, because he claims it works better than a Dura-Ace FR with that chainring...

ViperZ

I have a Mule that I use for MTB'ing. I really like how comveient it is. I have used it road biking as well, but only once.

No Problems with Heat on my back, seems the channels work well. However I'm use to commuting with a big pack 5 days a week.

Steepndeep

I generally only use on mtn bike, but it can be very very helpful on the road when doing BIG, LONG, STEEP
climbs where grabbing the water bottle is difficult.

biker128pedal

I weened myself fro the Camelbak on the road but know that the weather is hot for long rides and will start sing it again. Pack it with ice and water. When the temperature is over 95 F it feels cool on the back.

Archinutt

I have also wondered about this. I recently changed over to road biking and NO ONE uses a camelpack, only me. I haven't even tried going out without it since I have ridden with it so long, but I probably don't need it since you don't have to fix so many things on a new road bike and you are never stranded out in the middle of the woods.

the_drain

i love mine...but definately the only guy in the group rides using one.

patentcad

If Camelbaks strike you as a user-friendly convenient option you belong here.

catatonic

I reccomend only putting water in the camelbak, not thoughts.

Thanks,
--Cata-kins.

catatonic

A more serious post:

I find Camelbaks to be far superior to bottles for club rides.

1) putting a tube in your mouth is easier than grabbing the bottle.
2) it holds more, thus is better for those who ride to/from the ride or ride around after the ride as well.
3) you can throw ice in it before you leave to keep your back cool (feels SOOOOOOOOO good!)
4) you can fit your tubes and whatnot in it, keeping the bike lighter and thus having a more lively feel...heck I even fit a u-lock in it for any after-ride coffeeshop stops.

Yes it's not "fashionable"....but if its the better answer for you, then why care about that?

Kuma

MartiniTime

I am surprised at people complaining about it making their back hot. I get mine filled with ice and as cold as I can get, and it feels awesome. It dont start noticing it getting above ambiant temps unless its a really long ride.

jpearl

I use my Camelbak Rogue on the road when I do long rides on my SS. The frame is just too compact to fit a pump on in addition to the two bottles. In fact, the only reason I use the Camelbak is to carry my RoadMorph pump. While I plan to not use the Camelbak when I switch over to CO2 cartridges, I found the Camelbak suprisingly unobstructive when carrying only a pump, tube, tools, and cellphone while keeping the water on the bike itself.

Still, I admit that in my dream cycling world, a team car is following me with spare bikes and wheels. In reality, I prefer to keep as much off the bike as possible, but you can only carry so much in your pockets and affix so much to your bike. I would like to see the cycling industry design jerseys that are better able to carry gear including minipumps or CO2 inflators, jerseys that would have zippered, spacious, and easy- to-acces padded pockets.

BoSoxYacht

that's the one that kills me

During June, July, and August it's 100+ degrees when I ride. My whole body gets sweaty using a mini-pump to pump up my tires before I ride.

Use one if you need it. Around here most cyclist do during the summer months.