X-Lab Torpedo system

sgoltz

Does anyone use the X-lab torpedo system with the bottle between the aerobars.  My LBS said it makes the Aerobars very close together.  Is this a problem.  Can you make them wider with extenders

 

Dino Sarti

I have used a couple versions for the x-lab torpedo between the arms bottles.

1. It does not impact the width of your bars are all? How could it do that? It just sits in the gap and closes it up. Aero studies say regardless of your thirst, you should run a bottle there to close the void.

2. No need of extenders or wideners to accommodate the bottle. The bars should be adjusted to your body and bike fit. The torpedo juts hangs out there regardless of the gap being 2 inches or 10 inches.

Google "x-lab torpedo bottle" and hit "images". there tons of examples of how the bottle just chills in the middle regardless of the gap.

Phil Mills

Yes, and it works well for me. I don't understand what you LBS has issue with. The system is attached to the aerobars with Velcro straps, two in each side. If your aerobars are wider than the straps that come with the unit, you could just purchase Velcro from Walmart at the lengths you require..

Brad Marcus

I've used the XLab torpedo system for the last 2 seasons. Agree with Dino and Phil's assessments - the system will not move your bars closer. Maybe you misunderstood what your lbs explained, because I can't see how that could possibly happen. I like the system, good placement of bottle and straw, and I used it with a Garmin mounted out front and worked well. My only complaint is the fact that you ultimately will get lots of liquid splashing outside the bottle which makes a mess. This year I bought the XLab torpedo Kompact, which is a btb hydration mount and bottle that comes with a computer mount on top. If you don't want to go with a straw, this is a great setup since it snaps directly onto your bars (not velcro'd), and stays in place solidly. The best part is that it's only $40 complete! I'll definatley continue to use it for training and haven't decided if I'll use it to race yet. Here's a link for the Kompact:

http://www.xlab-usa.com/torpedo-kompact.html

sgoltz

Thanks for the reply.  They said because the velcro supplied with the unit wasn't long enough to accomodate my bars in their current position they would have to move them closer together.  I have seen pictures with the bars right next to the bottle but not sure that is good from a fit perspective.  Sounds like I should get some velcro strips to allow the bars to sit where they are.

sgoltz

Thanks for the reply.  They said because the velcro supplied with the unit wasn't long enough to accomodate my bars in their current position they would have to move them closer together.  I have seen pictures with the bars right next to the bottle but not sure that is good from a fit perspective.  Sounds like I should get some velcro strips to allow the bars to sit where they are.

Mike Westover

I use it, and this year upgraded to the new Torpedo Versa 500 which has a more solid mounting system (less reliant on the velcro straps; it just snaps on the bars) and improved computer mount. XLAB says the older torpedo will fit bars between 80-130mm width (center to center) and the Versa will fit 70-150mm.

Nemo Brauch

@Brad- Follow up question for you. Does this system hold the water bottles they hand out at races fairly well? I've got the similar Speedfill mount but have found that it anything but a "real" bottle won't stay secured.

William Jenks

Honestly, unless I misremember what this is, I am not sure why it's superior to doing some sturdy zip-tying to any kind of bottle holder you want. I have a decent one that's just attached to my bars with 4 tight zip ties...it doesn't move at all.

Nemo Brauch

Posted By William Jenks on 17 May 2016 03:48 PM


Honestly, unless I misremember what this is, I am not sure why it's superior to doing some sturdy zip-tying to any kind of bottle holder you want. I have a decent one that's just attached to my bars with 4 tight zip ties...it doesn't move at all.

It's the built in computer mount that is the difference (at least for me).  My cockpit is extremely small and if I put a bottle between the aerobars I don't have anywhere to put the computer.

Brad Marcus

Posted By Nemo Brauch on 17 May 2016 03:39 PM
@Brad- Follow up question for you. Does this system hold the water bottles they hand out at races fairly well? I've got the similar Speedfill mount but have found that it anything but a "real" bottle won't stay secured.

@Nemo - that is a GREAT question, and I thought about it while I riding last weekend. I'll try some different bottles over the next couple of days and report back on what fits and doesn't fit. Assuming it'll work with the aid station bottles, it's a super easy install and can be taken off and put back on in seconds...which is what I like about it so far. Only other downside I see is that I prefer the computer mount a little further up, but I'm getting used to it.

John Henault

If you are interested in the XLab Torpedo setup, the TriSports setup is the best mount, hands down: http://www.trisports.com/trisports-torpedo-bta-mount-sytem-250.html. You can also buy just the mount without the Torpedo bottle. You get no rattling or bouncing and the computer mount is much better than the XLab Torpedo setup.

As for holding the bottles they hand out in races, yes, the mount without the Torpedo bottle will hold those bottles. But, I typically put a rubber band around my aerobar extensions and bottle cage, and just pull it over the course bottles. That hold everything pretty well.

vickaiser

Any problem with the larger Edge 1000, fitting it on the computer mount?

Shaughn Simmons

@ Nemo -  I am finding the Gorilla Cage, http://www.xlab-usa.com/gorilla.html  bottle holders I just installed, one on back of seat and one on down tube to be very strong/effective after two 50+ mile rides outside on fairly rough roads.  I recommend those.

I'm looking into the torpedo mount options mentioned below.....

SS

 

Nemo Brauch

@ Nemo -  I am finding the Gorilla Cage, http://www.xlab-usa.com/gorilla.html  bottle holders I just installed, one on back of seat and one on down tube to be very strong/effective after two 50+ mile rides outside on fairly rough roads.  I recommend those.

Yup- I've got 2 of those and love them. But again, they don't have the computer mount thingy that the XLab system Brad posted has. That XLab system looks great in terms of keeping everything compact and the computer where I need it. But if it's anything like the Speedfill system (which I already have), then my next option is to go with something like the Zipp Vuka BTA mount and add my Gorilla cage to that. http://www.trisports.com/zipp-vuka-alumina-bta-mount.html

Catherine Juon

This thread is really helpful as I'm considering switching to the Torpedo (or something else...) after my first road ride with the Podium Quest - my bike and I both got plenty of sticky splashes. 

I'll confess - I like the Podium Quest because it's 50 oz up front so I don't need to reach for a bottle off the back - I don't yet trust my balance on the tri bike to move around much (unlike my road bike!)

Are there other systems that hold ~50 oz up front? (Most seem to be about half the PQ.) 

Does anyone has experience modifying hydration systems to reduce splashing?

Also half tempted to stop bothering with bottles and wear my CamelBack... This is for my first half, and I'm not planning to break any speed records - just want to stay hydrated! 

 

Brian Harding

I have tried multiple BTA setups. I unfortunately have a collection of them in my pain cave. Frustrated, I went with the Torpedo with the VUKA mount. It is bomb-proof. I love it. No splashing, easy to refill on the go and SOLID. The computer mount is great. They come with two caps (one sealed and one slotted). I only use the slotted. What's great is at aid stations, you can just grab a bottle and jam it in the slotted cap to refill. I've raced with it for 3 seasons now and have no intention of changing. My only modification was I cut the bite valve off. You don't need it and fluid doesn't travel back up the straw even when it's tucked away. I highly recommend this setup!

Nemo Brauch

Also half tempted to stop bothering with bottles and wear my CamelBack... This is for my first half, and I'm not planning to break any speed records - just want to stay hydrated! 

You won't be alone. I know several speedy folks who simply go with a Camelback for Half distance races (on both the bike AND the run)!

Brad Marcus

Wanted to follow up on my earlier post regarding the XLab Kompact. Nemo asked about which bottles will fit into this setup. I've had a chance to try a few out and here's what I've found:

-Setup comes with the XLab aqua-shot bottle. I don't like it because mine has leaked.
-The cage will not hold any sort of camelback type bottle. The cage is snug as it is and if you were to squeeze this type in, you wouldn't get it out easy
-I tried to get my torpedo in the cage and it just doesn't fit right
-basically, any other 20oz bottle type I've tried works very well. A larger bottle (EN type) is too long.
-Although I don't have an actual Gatorade bottle handed out in races, I have tried a few "throwaways" and they seem to fit snugly enough

Bottom line is that if you want a simple, solid, inexpensive BTB cage setup, with a computer mount, that can be easily put on/taken off, this is a very good choice. I'd use it for training rides, and short course races. I'll probably go back to a straw setup for 70.3 and full so I can stay aero as much as possible.

Nemo Brauch

Thanks Brad! Much appreciated. I've placed an order and hope this is finally the solution I've been looking for!

Nemo Brauch

Quick update on the XLab Kompact. I rode with it this past weekend using both my own "shortie" bottles, the bottle it came with, and a few standard bike bottles. All worked great and stayed very secured. The mount system is really bomb proof too and nothing rattles. I picked up a "Dear Park" 23 ounce water bottle at the grocery store to try it out (it's probably a little bigger than what they give you at races, but I figured close enough) and there's no way it will stay in that XLab cage. BUT, the XLab cage is also totally removable from the rest of the system. So, I swapped out the XLab cage for one of my Guerrilla cages and I think that's gonna be just perfect. Weather permitting, I'll have a chance to try it out on this weeks ride and I'll use the Dear Park water bottle.

 

UPDATE:  Tried the Dear Park water bottle on a 75 minute 2x12 FTP ride today and the Guerrilla cage held strong.  Finally have the perfect solution.