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Gu Flask Mount

kurshingkurshing
in General Training Discussions

So, I have been wanting to put a Gu flask mount on my top tube...BUT, before I do that I have a question...is that going to create drag that I should be worried about?

 I have aero bottle straw clipped low, my bars down really low, and my cables drawn together by a tie...and I don't want to add this Gu flask IF it is going to add a bunch of drag.

Thoughts?

Comments

  • mattsullmattsull

    Don't know about the drag factor but I just keep mine in my tri top pocket, if I'm using a flask.

  • manconamancona
    It probably wont at all that much drag, especially if you put it were the air is already dirty. I.E. put it right behind the stem, not in front of the seat post.

    That said, I don't think they are very aero and would look for other solutions personally. Keep in mind, I also spend hours and hours figuring out things thay "may" save me seconds in a race.

    Instead, I would try:
    - Infinit and forgetting the gels all together. One aero bottle on the frame with a ton of calories in it.
    - If you need the gels, I would consider a bento box as it can actually smooth out the air right behind the stem. (this is were I keep my spare).
    - If you only need a few gels, spread them out into different pockets so they are against your body and don't make a difference

    Just a few quick thoughts. I just got a new bike and have litterally sat and stared at it multiple times to try and figure out how to clean up things like the cabling.
  • Dave TalloDave Tallo

    Yesterday, I gave into temptation and searched ST for info on the 'between the aero extensions' water bottle approach.   Anyhow, in the search, I came across reports that the gu flask on the top tube, in combination with this water bottle configuration (but not the PD), comes at a minimal aero cost.    

    Damned if I can find the thread today, though.   In any case, I think Jordan Rapp had been running that combo, and it seems he's a pretty smart doode who gets tweaked about gaining aero seconds anywhere he can. 

    (I've gone through the same deliberation, but ultimately thought it might have too much of a downside: hitting a pothole or a rr track and seeing that gel flask pop off was way too risky for a race, and besides ... the back-of-the jersey thing is a simple solution that works).   

     

     

  • tgarsontgarson
    Jordan runs, or at least did on his pre-crash bike, a gel flask mount on his top tube right behind the stem. He fills it with EFS LiquiShot, which is not like any other gels in my IMHO, more like a super-concentrated drink. I'm probably a little biased to believe this is not an awful setup because I run the same setup and also use LiquiShot for concentrated calories. I also wear a one piece DeSoto Forza racesuit that has absolutely zero pockets... though I am thinking about and probably should have one added.

    Also, so far I have had zero problems or perception that my gel flask will come off on rail road tracks or any bumps or potholes. In fact the gel flask is my last worry, instead its my stupid X-Lab rear wing that I am terrified will launch my bottles over rough terrain.
  • kurshingkurshing
    Yeah...not sure why I would even worry about it! I am probably going to leave it on there until my race (not until November) and will just wear everything in my tri top for RRs and the race. In the meantime...it will be a nice easy place to keep the gel. I have this thing about hating to have stuff in my pockets...not sure why.

    Thanks!
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

     I used a top tube mount GU flask once in a race. It had a circular rubber attachment to slip the mouthpiece of the flask through, and also had velcro on the mount and the bottle to keep it in place. 20 miles into IM CDA (on the old course), I went over an expansion joint on a bridge - not a really hard jolt, but apparently hard enough to jostle the flask off the bike. I had used it multiple times in training without problem. I retrieved the bottle, put it in my back pocket, and never used the thing again. I also abandoned between the bars aero bottles and now go with my race mix on the down tube, and Bento box for the flask and Shot Bloks, and a seat tube holder for gatorade bottles from aid stations. I used to try all the new gimmicks - behind the seat bottle holder, between the bars bag for stuff, you name it. When it comes to aero, I just worry about my body and its position, use a wheel cover and aero helmet, and figure the rest isn't worth the worry or $$. 

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