spingineer

... I may be regretting this thread, but does this camelback look like it will degrade my performance on a long ride?

GP

Not if it's full of beer.

roadfix

It will definitely be uncomfortable and overheat me on a 200 mile ride.

voltman

It looks like a proton pack.

Psydotek

I always wear mine unless i'm racing...

spingineer

I'll make sure I don't cross the stream!

bitingduck

It looks like it adds 25% to your weight. It will definitely add work if you're climbing, and might keep you a little extra warm on hot days.

Is that an avalanche shovel poking up in back?

spingineer

Nice one ... No, it's my pump. I figure with putting my Trail Rat battery on my top tube, I didn't have room for my pump.

Thought I'd give everyone some Friday entertainment on the forum!

roadfix

With water stops along the double century route you should be fine with just the two water bottles.

At last week's Cruisin' the Conejo ride I did fine with just a single bottle as water stops were plentiful.

Mr. Beanz

I think riding with one hand in the air is more of a factor! I ride that way when bees are present!

spingineer

Doesn't it make the bees more angry when you try to swat at it?

Scootcore

i say go with what you know works for you....if at solvang you used the camelbak(and ra out of fluids in yer bottles), the answer is easy! then again is it supposed to be hot this weekend? how far apart are the water stops? so many questions....im considering a camelbak for eastern sierra as it can be warm and alot drier than im used to...granted im only going to put a bit of water in it(an extra bottles worth or so...), but thats just me!!!!

Mr. Beanz

As soon as a bee hits me, it stings. Once five times in a year. I'm developing a reaction now in my old age. I have nothing to lose. Plus I'm batting about .820 now after all the practice!

ronjon10

I rode in to work today with a backpack and that was bad enough going downhill for 11 miles. I have no idea how you can do that for 200 miles. If it works for you though, go for it.

So far, all my riding has been in places where there's some sort of store at least every 20 miles, so I don't see the need. If I regularly rode in the middle of nowhere, I'd put on my rack.

I've also seen people who have a bottle carrier mounted under their seat to carry a third bottle. Carrying 3 28 ounce bottles will get me a loooong way. Not 200 miles, but if I was ever crazy enough to do that, it'd be part of an event where support is readily available.

Scootcore

hey ron...is that the little price is right guy in your avatar???? that just dawned on me...

ronjon10

yup, you got it.

curiouskid55

I never like to be more than two bottles away from a 7-11. Actually I don't know if that's even possible anymore. You look like you have two bottles racked up also. Are you running three different octanes or something?

Pamestique 

I always ride with a camelback although for road, I like the Rogue or something about the ame size (70 oz v. 100). Alittle sleeker and more comfortable. I've never had a problem with being hot, in fact, since I sweat where the Camelback lays against my back, it actually cools me off.

Just perfernce i guess. I like having my water more accessible and having room for snacks, equipment etc.

dauphin

I've got a Camelback mule...which I wear in places like Yosemite where I am on and off my bike and hiking as well... When riding the roadie to work, I wear a regular backpack with my laptop, etc inside...so any chance I have to ride without anything on my back I do it! I've never been on an organized ride where refilling my two water bottles was a problem. I also have a Light and Motion Solo logic that allows me to mount the battery without sacrificing a bottle cage.

Mr. Beanz

Me neither, looks like overkill! Never had a problem with fluids. But I also down a bottle or two at the rest stations. Unless you're riding across the desert, there is always a store, park, or some dude watering his lawn for water. I only use a CB when riding across GMR alone on a hot day. Organized rides no problem.

bbp

yes

roadfix

But I do wear a CB when I go mountain biking where availability of water is always a problem.

spingineer

I think I'll bring my camelback with me to the motel, but at this point, I'm leaning more towards not carrying it. It dawned on me ... maybe the reason why I was having some trouble was all the excess weight I was carrying. Plus, filling up a 100 oz bladder full of water can weigh on you. Maybe that's why I kept having to go pee at Solvang ... I was drinking too much?

Pamestique 

Wearing a Camelbak has nothing to do with the amount of water I have (well it does in a way) it has to do with the ease of drinking. When I relied on water bottles I found I didn't drink as much and was prone to dehydration. With a Camelbak (or other system) drinking is much easier at least for me. I'l just not as coordinated as some. Reaching down for a bottle meant I had to slow down in order to grab the bottle and return it.

The other issue is one short rides, less than 40 miles, I was great with bottles but over 40 how much I drank became important. Yes at century rides I acknowledge there is usually water to be had but I'm quick in and out of sag stops. I hate to stand in line to get water or get anything. And I am fussy about water. I don't want to use hose or facet water and buying bottled is just too expensive. Might as well fill up at home, have my water right by handy and just ride.

And not being a "weight weinie" I like othave my tubes, pump and tools with me. Putting them in the Camelbak is convenient. No matter which bike I ride, my stuff is which me.

But it is personal perference. I started out only using it on MTB rides and liked it so much carried it over to road. The convenience far outweighs the lumpy back!

Pamestique 

Better to drink and p... then not drink and get dehydrated. There is a fine line between drinking too much and not enough but it's a good thing you had to p. Note I seldom if ever completely fill up a 100 oz. bladder on event rides because I can refill the bladder. it's not unusual for me on hot day or an MTB ride to fill up the bladder. For some reason I never feel the weight.