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HIM Hydration Options on Bike

RHolmesRHolmes
in General Training Discussions

I am reconsidering my hydration set up on my tri bike for my upcoming "A race" in late September. The race is in Texas, so it will be plenty hot, and my HIM bike is probably close to 3:25.

Right now, I have the original 40oz Speedfill on my bike. It works fine for me...and I go through the 40oz in about 2 hrs. So I usually stop once in a HIM to dump in new fluids. I'm not coordinated enough (or brave enough) to grab a bottle on the fly...so I usually just stop, grab a bottle from a volunteer, dump it in & go. I know I concede some time there, but it's one I think I'd rather be safe than sorry on.

I keep reading that the original Speedfill is heavy, not aero etc...so I'm considering other options. Right now, I'm thinking about changing to the Speedfill A2 between my aero bars and another bottle on the down tube for racing...and seat tube also for training.

What I don't understand is how the new A2/down tube combo would be better for racing. Either way, I have 40ish ounces of fluids that I'm carrying on my bike. It seems like that's the majority of the weight, no matter what I put it in.

I'd love any thoughts on what y'all think would be the best approach...and why. Thanks!

Comments

  • Steve WestSteve West
    I am one of the few who use the SpeedFill brick for nutrition but not hydration. I've done several HIMs and IMLP twice all using the same method.

    40 oz SpeedFill with 3x servings of Infinite, 5 sips @ 15 minute intervals gets me 3:15 before I run out. I can stretch it further by going 4/15 every other 15. Sipping 6/15 gets me about 2:30.

    Hydration is between the bars, replace at every aid station. If I needed more than that I'd have to rack 1 behind the seat or in my jersey.

    Since I am not near the pointy end, I don't worry too much about the few minutes I loose to the aero-brick because it just seems to work good for me.
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