WalksOn2Wheels

So am I a nerd for wearing a camelbak rather than carrying bottles? I don't know, every time I think about getting bottles and cages, I remember that I have a camelbak. I also keep my keys, ID, CC, phone, spare tube, pump and patch kit in it.

I guess it's more personal taste than anything. I like my bike to look "pure" without cages and bottles and a tailbag.

silversx80

My back gets too hot.

Dion Rides

Ride what suits you and don't worry about BF responses.

I teased my wife the other day (playfully) about her wearing a camelbak and she said, "Yeah, and I'm the poser for not running out of water?"

I don't wear a Camelbak except when I MTB ride. I think they're a great idea and very practical if you sweat a lot or it's hot.

Hobartlemagne 

I wear a Camelbak if it gets so hot that I need more that 2 bottles of water on a ride.
Im not so worried about my back getting hot and sweaty, which is a common complaint.

WalksOn2Wheels

I'm honestly between those two things. I used to do the bottles and cages with the tailbag on my old steel frame a few years back and bought the camelbak when I got my new bike maybe a year ago? Anyhow, it does get hot on my back, so I keep toying with switching over, but then I think "How much would that cost?"

Fred4life

Water bottles and saddle bag or your are a fred. Welcome to the club!

If you have a camelbak worn over your wife beater, you are eligible to be president of Fred Club.

docjoe

I put ice in my camelback and as it melts, it cools my back and gives me cool water to drink. I use my camelback but lately have been using bottles for shorter rides.

coldass

So your bike looks 'pure' yet you look like a punter when you're on it....
Of course you look like a gump wearing a backpack on a road bike. You knew this when you posted.
Lets see a picture of you on your bike in riding gear so we can critique the rest. Sounds like you need help and fast.

umd

only if it has an integrated pocket protector

WalksOn2Wheels

What can I say, coldass? Some people are looking at their bike, some people are looking in the mirror and a lot of people seem to be preoccupied with looking at other people. How many of us are looking at the road?

cyclezealot

ditto.. I only use mine if I think the alternative is sun hyperthermia.

umd

Some people seem to be preoccupied with what other people think they look like...

island rider

Wear mine on my MTB. Not on road bike. Riding trails I like to feel geared up. On the road I like to feel sleek. No other good reason. (On hot days I have taken to carrying a bottle in my pocket as well as the two on the bike. So much for sleek, huh?)

Have you looked into the Camelbak baselayer? I believe it's like a vest you wear under your jersey. You won't look like a Fred, just a clyde. (If you, or anyone, gets one, post a pic, I would love to see it in action.)

WCroadie

What?
I use bottles and cages and I look at the road a lot. Use what you want, who cares what the people on the internets think. If you riding your bike, that's what counts.

WalksOn2Wheels

My original question was actually more sarcastic/rhetorical than it may have come off. Oh well...


Ironically, yes my back will get hot, but another reason I went with the camelbak was because it's insulated and the water stays cool for a longer time than in a bottle. Back when I did do the bottle thing, a previously iced down bottle of water would feel like something out of the hot water tap within a good hour of riding. I have been thinking about trying the insulated bottles.

coldass

Not much.
You get to pick your class.
If you had no concern for your self image why ask for opinion.
Your answer is in your question.
Ditch the pack and buy some nice cages and Camelbak bottles.

WalksOn2Wheels

Why is it so hard to spot a sarcastic, rhetorical self deprecating question? I started this thread to get some input on camelbaks vs. bottles and I'm getting some good info.

Lord Chaos

One day I was riding down the beach to visit some friends. I had a small pack with the usual repair items, but no water. I simply stopped at available water fountains. Some distance before the first fountain, I passed a group of three riders, then I had to stop. Later, I passed them again, but had to stop for water, when they passed me. When this repeated again, I got to thinking about better ways... and bought a Platypus bladder to put in my existing pack. Now it goes with me on all longer rides, and I can choose where I stop.

umd

It's pretty funny that would ask about how people think you look with a camelbak and then be critical of the responses.

The insulated bottles work well, I tested one a few weeks ago and the water was still cold (starting from frozen) after 3-4 hours of riding in the heat. I couldn't event start drinking from it until 2-3 hours because it was sill frozen.

WalksOn2Wheels

I'm being critical of attitudes, not responses. I appreciate any and all info.

umd

Your own original attitude "asked for it"

just sayin'

RatedZeroHero

I still have and use one of the original Camelbaks... think they came in Large and Small...

mine is large raced many an RMEC Enduros with me and now it cycles...

I'll add a pic

eddiepliers 

How about camelback podium water bottles???

liverust55

I use a camelback on rides over 2hrs and no one can tell me my camelback isn't awesome

Greg180

Ya Think...