@David, thanks. Good climbing day today, about 6k gain in 45 miles, with lots of time to stare at my bars and figure stuff out. Just got home, gotta walk the dogs for coffee, run to a motorcycle shop for an oil filter, and will spend the day working on my bicycle setup and pulling maintenance on the dirty bike.
I think I've figured out a way to move the bottle farther back without putting on the King Cage, creating room for the Joule out on the front of the bars. Now what's bugging me is not-low-profile the whole Joule + mount + crosspiece between the bars is...gonna have to work on that. I think Saris should make a TT-specific flat mount for the Joule, to get the whole Joule + mount assembly as low profile as possible. I know a guy with a machine shop and this might be a job for him...:-)
So the new set up did not work as well as I had hoped today. In order to get the Profile Design knob to fit I had to adjust the aero bars, not good. I think I will try the custom PVC option, that way I can zip tie it on both sides=makes me less concerned about losing my Garmin off of the bike.
I'm not all that adept at taping my bars either, do people not tape them? how do you tape around all of the zip ties etc? I know basic bike maitenance but I'm learning. I suppose I could leave the zip ties on over the bar tape but that doesn't seem like the best solution either.
So the new set up did not work as well as I had hoped today. In order to get the Profile Design knob to fit I had to adjust the aero bars, not good. I think I will try the custom PVC option, that way I can zip tie it on both sides=makes me less concerned about losing my Garmin off of the bike.
I'm not all that adept at taping my bars either, do people not tape them? how do you tape around all of the zip ties etc? I know basic bike maitenance but I'm learning. I suppose I could leave the zip ties on over the bar tape but that doesn't seem like the best solution either.
I find the best solution is to bring the bike inside, give myself good lighting, pour myself a good beer, relax and just take my time. If I'm not rushed then I'm more likely to do it, do it again and again and again until I get it exactly the way I want. More importantly, if you booger it and let it slide, you know get to stare at your shity taping or another job for 8-10hrs per week, as a constant reminder of your Sanford and Son work
The Carbon Aero Computer Widget thingy has already been invented... As a matter of fact, I bought one for my wife's bike and it fits her Garmin Edge 500 nicely in front of her Profile Design Aero Bottle... cgi.ebay.com/CARBON-FIBER-COMPUTER-...0568171653
For my setup, I have the Bontrager aero race pack (which is apparently discontinued). Probably not the most aero option, but I like it. It has a computer mount right on the bottle. I also keep my Garmin 310XT on the stem as a backup, just in case my computer craps out, then I snap it onto my quick release on my wrist with like 10 miles to go to be ready for the run. I carry my Infinit in a 3hr bottle on the down tube and am hoping to replace it with a 2nd bottle at BSN. I plan to freeze it the night before and hope it will be thawed by 11AM in that cool Louisville air in August. Here's my setup:
So all you guys are comfortable with just one water bottle on the front? I get it, but it kind of makes me a little freaked out that I wouldn't have that third bottle cage option on race day. I want to clean up the back of my bike....just a little skeered I guess....any help for me or should I just suck it up?
When I raced CDA'08, I was an Arundel feed bottle on the downtown and PD aerobottle on the front, bento for tools, nothing on the back. No problems.
I've sorted out the torpedo bottle on the front with my Joule, will post pics. I'll then leave a budget cage on the downtube so I can rack a spare bottle if I absolutely need to but think I'll more likely toss a bottle in my singlet pocket instead. What works for me is:
One bottle of Perform per hour, mounted in the front and sip throughout the hour.
At each aid station, grab a bottle of water, drink half of it, rinse off, toss it.
That above is minimum two bottles per hour. On a very hot day, that bottle cage or my singlet pocket gets me 4 bottles per hour, more than enough.
So all you guys are comfortable with just one water bottle on the front? I get it, but it kind of makes me a little freaked out that I wouldn't have that third bottle cage option on race day. I want to clean up the back of my bike....just a little skeered I guess....any help for me or should I just suck it up?
I was only showing my front bottle. I have a downtube cage and two behind-the-seat cages. I keep the behind the seat ones empty so I can grab from the aid stations. I need a ridiculous amount of fluid. I lost 7 pounds yesterday on a 14 mile run and it was only cloudy and 77 with 67% humidity. Louisville in August will be much hotter.
P - Time to suck it up. I raced Ironman last year one two cages: one between the bars and one on the frame and was totally fine. There's lots of water stations! Ironman makes hydration easy!
Henry - I have a device from King Kage. It replaces the headset cap, and puts the water bottle cage centered above the middle of your stem. The bottle with vision bars goes to about the front of the pads. My Garmin fits great in front - I'm pretty sure the Jould would fit also.
@ Chris- I did a 1000 cal Speedfil for IMWI last year and had no problems. But it's THICK. The key is to definitely chase each sip with a good amount of water to dilute it enough to absorb. I know the infinit guys say there's only so much you can concentrate it, but I tested it a bunch during long rides and my RR and had success (i.e. no bonking or gut issues). Oh, and you definitely need to take your time mixing it if you have protein in your mix.
Posted By Jennifer Burbatt on 23 Jun 2011 08:48 AM
@ Chris- I did a 1000 cal Speedfil for IMWI last year and had no problems. But it's THICK. The key is to definitely chase each sip with a good amount of water to dilute it enough to absorb. I know the infinit guys say there's only so much you can concentrate it, but I tested it a bunch during long rides and my RR and had success (i.e. no bonking or gut issues). Oh, and you definitely need to take your time mixing it if you have protein in your mix.
Thanks for the info. Funny you mention it, I just returned from my first Big Day where I tried an 800 calorie bottle of Gatorade and it worked perfectly. I chased with water and felt good the whole time, including the 1 hour run during which I drank nothing. The only thing I wouldn't do again is refill my water from some random garden hose. I've still got that hose/mildew taste in my mouth.
As I'm finalizing my set up here in CDA for race day, I'll share what I've arrived at. First of all, my accident left me with some nutrition challenges; the curious can find details here. I have gone thru rear seat bottles, Profile aerodrink between the bars, and then a Speedfil. None fit the bill as well as a down tube and seat tube bottle ... until I read Jenn's post on the kingcage headset replacement cap. The thing is ELEGANT, SIMPLE, CHEAP and works better for my issues than the frame bottles. So, like Bob Irwin, I have my Joule mounted via zip ties between the aerobars (where my hands rest; thanks to Gina Hamel for the concept) for good visibility (the proximate cause of my accident was having it mounted on the stem). I have a bottle of Cytomax (130 cal, refill @ SN) sitting in a cage attached to the $9 miracle gizmo, and a bottle of Perpetuem (390 cal, refill @ SN) on the down tube. I have a spare cage on the seat tube, in case I have to carry some water between aid stations, but I doubt I'll need it and may take it off permanently after this race. Oh, and a Bento Box behind the stem for Hammer gel (500 cal) and Shot blocks (120 cal); and a hidden-under-the-saddle bag with tube, CO2 gear, patches, levers, and multi-tool.
I noticed at the expo today that NO ONE was at the PowerBar booth trying their Ironman Perform Dreck. Not only do we have to drink that stuff on the run, but we don't get Gatorade watching our bags or giving us free water bottles at morning swims anymore. as my wife said when I explained it to her, "Why does money ALWAYS have to rule?"
Short Course set up while I wait on Speedfill for the refillable torpedo mount.
Bought a camel pack hose, drill two holes into the bottle, cut out the check valve from the hose and took a nipple from another bottle top. Jammed them in and cut the hose to fit. Slapped some sticky velcro down and we are in business.
Aerobar: Profile aero bottle in front of Garmin mount. From this I only drink water. Bento box behind stem carries Endurlolyte capsules, two gels, and something salty like a handful of pretzels & peanuts (gotta break the monotony once in a while). Will pick up water at each aid station on bike to keep the Profile full. I know some folks have issues with splashing; frankly never been that big a deal to me. With aid stations every 10 miles or so there is no reason not to have plenty of water whenever I need it.
Cage on down tube starts empty. Use it in case I need to carry an empty bottle before I can ditch at an aid station, but will probably stay empty 90% of the time.
Xlab sonic wing has two bottle cages, each carrying insulated bottle with 400 cal mix of Infinit. Will pick up third bottle at special needs bag for a total of 1200 call Infinit on the bike. Below wing is small Xlab bag with multi tool, tire levers, 2 CO2 cartridges, and inflator. Strapped to back of cages are two tubes.
With two bottles of Infinit on back, bottle of water on front I realize I am not as aero or light as some others. Frankly, at 6' and 198 lbs the least aerodynamic part of this bike (by a longshot) is ME. This setup gives me all my nutrition on board and keeps my fluid intake steady. Yes, there is always a risk of a bottle-launch, but that has only happened a couple of times in 8 seasons (knock wood) and I have re-fastened and re-checked everything since hitting a rumble strip at Eagleman shook my spare tubes loose.
May do some experimentation later this year to trim it down a bit, but I have confidence in this for IMLP to give me anything I should need during the day.
That is a Profile universal aerobar computer mount (google that for availability near you). Goes on with no tools in about 30 seconds. The Garmin quarter-turn mount attaches with the rubber bands that come with the unit. I have both an Edge 500 and 800, either of which fit quite nicely right behind the bottle.
Thanks for the detailed description of your bike set up. I am doing IMFL this year and it is my first. This has been one of the most useful posts I have come across.
I tried your set up on my last ride an love it. So will use Speefil for nutrition and cage for water. How many calories are you mixing up for race day? How often are you sipping from it?
Also where do you get your tires from? They are pretty popular and seem to be on back order at most sites. Also have not seen anything other than a 23.
@Shawn - glad to hear it works well for you. I'm using abou 275 cal per hour this year. I make two 20 oz bottle the night before the race each with half the total calories i need. When I get to T1 before the race I just pour them in. I take three slip every 15' and that empties the speedfil in just about the right time for me. Use your race simulations to test out what works for you. Also, I always drink water right after the sips.
I've never had a problem finding the vittoria tires. I have purchased them from probikekit and wiggled but they always seem to be in stock at many places including even my local performance bike. Just use google shopping and I'm sure you can find them. Latex tubes on the other hand can be a challenge to find and you just have to hunt around for who has them in stock.
OK - new bike setup is pictured here. Looking for comments / feedback on my setup. Tried to model after the various setups shared in this thread, feedback is welcome and requested..
@steve, that looks pretty slick. One random thing I have noticed w/ my front bottle mount is that I need to use my left hand to drink with it so the right can continue to shift to keep me in the proper wattage range -- which it seems I doing almost 1x every 30 seconds. I used to use my right hand to drink (I am a lefty), but am quickly learning.
@P ... Personally I taught myself to only drink with the left hand while riding so I have my right hand free for when the guy in front of me or i'm about to pass cuts me off and I have to hit the brakes with a bottle in my hand. Happened 4 times today at Muncie, thanks to staring in one of the last waves.
Side, top, and front views of my current aero setup attached. Barring an 11th-hour delivery of new aerobar-mount Speedfil (supposedly shipping this week, and I would only race it if I can test it out several times beforehand), this is what I'm going to race in Placid in 2 weeks:
On my frankendowntube is an Elite carbon aero bottle, which was one of the the only bottle mounts whose clearance would fit the Wilier. These bottles are not available in the US anymore, but I had gotten a good deal from a retailer in Seattle who has many of them sitting in his garage. My 3-hour concentrated Infinit solution just fits in this bottle. I mounted an adhesive frame protector along the curve to protect the paint from the bottle.
The red "buttons" sticking out from the base of my aerobars are two SaltStick dispensers, which each hold 6 Succeed S!-Caps and keeps them nice and dry; twisting the knob to the right spits out a capsule. Enough for a 6 hour ride there.
On the top tube is a FuelBelt Bento box. I agree with Coach R's podcast that there is nothing less sexy on a tri-bike; however, after trying many models this particular Bento box mounts firmly with 4 velcro straps, comes with a hard plastic insert, zips fully closed, and is big enough to leave nothing hanging off the rear of my saddle (I had to work hard to let go of the rear carrier). In the Bento are 2 32mm-stem removable-core tubes and 2 Vittoria valve extenders (allows for front/rear exchangeability), 3 CO2 carts with GI Elite adapter, tire boot, 2 wide yellow Pedro tire levers, and a clown named Bobo.
On my stem is the VERY cool Xlab aero computer mount, It does exactly what it says it does: mounts your computer/powermeter higher off your stem, and more forward and in your line of view while in aero bars. My Joule fits perfectly on here.
The computer mount works perfectly with their Xlab Torpedo Mount (of course), to which I have attached an Arundel Mandible Carbon cage. Note the EN bottle is just there for eye candy; on race day, only water goes in here, in whatever disposable bottle form they are handing out.
The whole setup allows ample room for my hands. The bottle shields the mount/Joule, and the headtube shields the Bento box somewhat - although admittedly not as perfectly as Ancona's - his setup is so slick his hands shield the bottle completely. I still think it provides for a slick front profile as can be seen by the 3rd pic.
It took me a while to decided and try all of this. Like I said, optimally I would have a straw system for the aerobars like the new Speedfil coming out, but only time and timing will dictate my use of that. Hope this helps somebody.
OK, since nobody else rides a “Fred” or is willing to put it out there, I’ll step up.
IMLP in 2 weeks will be my first IM.
Yes this is a triple (52-39-30) with a 9 speed cassette (12-27). Setup with 9 cm drop, Adamo Break-Away on a PD Fast Forward seat post. Rolling on Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX (290 TPI) with butyl tubes.
Hydration/nutrition setup is 40 oz Speedfill with Infinit @ 300 calories per hour. Seven scoops (1050 calories) for 3.5 hours and refill at BSN. Typical training rides and both RRs resulted in about 8 oz left per 56 miles, meaning I was getting 240 calories per hour by taking 5 sips every 15 minutes. Water will come from aid stations and go in the seat tube cage. The insulated sleeve is there for the internal wire that helps keep my drink tube exactly where I want it (as shown). My Garmin is setup to vibrate every 15 minutes. Just like Pavlov’s dogs, when the buzzer goes off, I drink 5 sips of nutrition. Water chaser is usually within a few minutes or sometimes just before the calories. Additional water is taken as needed to maintain hydration.
Added a Salt Stick but never used it or salt caps. One of those things that it is just there for a situation where nothing else helped. This would be a remedy of last resort.
Joule is mounted right in front of my nose and EN Gears are color coded, laminated and taped to the top tube. Simple zip tie mount with some black tape to prevent slippage.
Tool kit under the seat in a small bag, just large enough to carry 2 tubes, 2 CO2, 2 Lezyne levers and 3 loose allen wrenches. I used a piece of old tube to hold wrenches together and protect my good tubes from puncture - makes them easy to find. CO2 is taped to tube making sure the end of the tape is folded over to make an easy-grab-tab. The inflator is finger tight (not punctured) on one CO2 to be ready for use.
Here's my setup for the cockpit and front bottle. I got a thin alu strip and cut two lengths, drilled some holes for cable ties, rounded edges and painted black. It fits just nicely either side of my extension and arm pad clamps on the SC. Garmin 310XT I put up the front on the aero bar itself. Is on a quick release mount just tilted to the left so can get my wrist past but still keep my nose on the numbers. I had the universal profile mount but didn't like the look from the front when it was sticking up there.
Question for Speedfil Infinit users - just wondering why you don't concentrate the Infinit more and use a smaller bottle that is more aero? If you are concentrating already for a 2.5 hr bottle while not go more and just get one bottle? For IMNZ I used a 28oz bottle with 10 scoops (1,405 calories for 5.5 hours). Just a small swig every 15 mins chased immediately with water. Am now on my Trek SC and for RR#1 I used an aero bottle on the seat tube (and water on a standard bottle on the aero bars). The aero bottle is smaller though (20oz) so is tougher to fit all that infinit in (do'able... just). Am getting new infinit with more calories per scoop so won't have to make mix quite so concentrated. Just wondering why you guys don't do this - is it the risk of loosing that bottle, the speedfil is as aero as a round bottle, you don't like infinit that concentrated or something else I am missing?
My setup is an Xlab between the bottle mount w/ aero computer mount flipped backwards so I can see the numbers easier. The computer bounces around a little but it seems secure. The biggest benefit is that I easily see power numbers and it doesn't get in the way of my hands.
Steve, recommend you put the Joule down between your arms on the horizontal bits of your aerobars. IMO, the way you have it now it's very visible, no doubt, but it's also a sail!
Comments
I think I've figured out a way to move the bottle farther back without putting on the King Cage, creating room for the Joule out on the front of the bars. Now what's bugging me is not-low-profile the whole Joule + mount + crosspiece between the bars is...gonna have to work on that. I think Saris should make a TT-specific flat mount for the Joule, to get the whole Joule + mount assembly as low profile as possible. I know a guy with a machine shop and this might be a job for him...:-)
So the new set up did not work as well as I had hoped today. In order to get the Profile Design knob to fit I had to adjust the aero bars, not good. I think I will try the custom PVC option, that way I can zip tie it on both sides=makes me less concerned about losing my Garmin off of the bike.
I'm not all that adept at taping my bars either, do people not tape them? how do you tape around all of the zip ties etc? I know basic bike maitenance but I'm learning. I suppose I could leave the zip ties on over the bar tape but that doesn't seem like the best solution either.
I find the best solution is to bring the bike inside, give myself good lighting, pour myself a good beer, relax and just take my time. If I'm not rushed then I'm more likely to do it, do it again and again and again until I get it exactly the way I want. More importantly, if you booger it and let it slide, you know get to stare at your shity taping or another job for 8-10hrs per week, as a constant reminder of your Sanford and Son work
The Carbon Aero Computer Widget thingy has already been invented... As a matter of fact, I bought one for my wife's bike and it fits her Garmin Edge 500 nicely in front of her Profile Design Aero Bottle... cgi.ebay.com/CARBON-FIBER-COMPUTER-...0568171653
For my setup, I have the Bontrager aero race pack (which is apparently discontinued). Probably not the most aero option, but I like it. It has a computer mount right on the bottle. I also keep my Garmin 310XT on the stem as a backup, just in case my computer craps out, then I snap it onto my quick release on my wrist with like 10 miles to go to be ready for the run. I carry my Infinit in a 3hr bottle on the down tube and am hoping to replace it with a 2nd bottle at BSN. I plan to freeze it the night before and hope it will be thawed by 11AM in that cool Louisville air in August. Here's my setup:
When I raced CDA'08, I was an Arundel feed bottle on the downtown and PD aerobottle on the front, bento for tools, nothing on the back. No problems.
I've sorted out the torpedo bottle on the front with my Joule, will post pics. I'll then leave a budget cage on the downtube so I can rack a spare bottle if I absolutely need to but think I'll more likely toss a bottle in my singlet pocket instead. What works for me is:
I was only showing my front bottle. I have a downtube cage and two behind-the-seat cages. I keep the behind the seat ones empty so I can grab from the aid stations. I need a ridiculous amount of fluid. I lost 7 pounds yesterday on a 14 mile run and it was only cloudy and 77 with 67% humidity. Louisville in August will be much hotter.
P - Time to suck it up. I raced Ironman last year one two cages: one between the bars and one on the frame and was totally fine. There's lots of water stations! Ironman makes hydration easy!
Henry - I have a device from King Kage. It replaces the headset cap, and puts the water bottle cage centered above the middle of your stem. The bottle with vision bars goes to about the front of the pads. My Garmin fits great in front - I'm pretty sure the Jould would fit also.
Just skimmed the thread and didn't see it mentioned. Speedfill, around July, will have a refillable torpedo mount system.
I'll have a photo soon of my new torpedo mount system, that has a bit valve and hose so I never need to break position, used in Sprint and Oly racing.
I'm waiting for Speedfill's July release for the refillable torpedo for Ironman. I'm sure that will cost a pretty penny.
First order of business is velcro that straw down:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...mp;theater
@ Chris- I did a 1000 cal Speedfil for IMWI last year and had no problems. But it's THICK. The key is to definitely chase each sip with a good amount of water to dilute it enough to absorb. I know the infinit guys say there's only so much you can concentrate it, but I tested it a bunch during long rides and my RR and had success (i.e. no bonking or gut issues). Oh, and you definitely need to take your time mixing it if you have protein in your mix.
Thanks for the info. Funny you mention it, I just returned from my first Big Day where I tried an 800 calorie bottle of Gatorade and it worked perfectly. I chased with water and felt good the whole time, including the 1 hour run during which I drank nothing. The only thing I wouldn't do again is refill my water from some random garden hose. I've still got that hose/mildew taste in my mouth.
As I'm finalizing my set up here in CDA for race day, I'll share what I've arrived at. First of all, my accident left me with some nutrition challenges; the curious can find details here. I have gone thru rear seat bottles, Profile aerodrink between the bars, and then a Speedfil. None fit the bill as well as a down tube and seat tube bottle ... until I read Jenn's post on the kingcage headset replacement cap. The thing is ELEGANT, SIMPLE, CHEAP and works better for my issues than the frame bottles. So, like Bob Irwin, I have my Joule mounted via zip ties between the aerobars (where my hands rest; thanks to Gina Hamel for the concept) for good visibility (the proximate cause of my accident was having it mounted on the stem). I have a bottle of Cytomax (130 cal, refill @ SN) sitting in a cage attached to the $9 miracle gizmo, and a bottle of Perpetuem (390 cal, refill @ SN) on the down tube. I have a spare cage on the seat tube, in case I have to carry some water between aid stations, but I doubt I'll need it and may take it off permanently after this race. Oh, and a Bento Box behind the stem for Hammer gel (500 cal) and Shot blocks (120 cal); and a hidden-under-the-saddle bag with tube, CO2 gear, patches, levers, and multi-tool.
I noticed at the expo today that NO ONE was at the PowerBar booth trying their Ironman Perform Dreck. Not only do we have to drink that stuff on the run, but we don't get Gatorade watching our bags or giving us free water bottles at morning swims anymore. as my wife said when I explained it to her, "Why does money ALWAYS have to rule?"
Short Course set up while I wait on Speedfill for the refillable torpedo mount.
Bought a camel pack hose, drill two holes into the bottle, cut out the check valve from the hose and took a nipple from another bottle top. Jammed them in and cut the hose to fit. Slapped some sticky velcro down and we are in business.
@ Hayes -very clever.
My setup for IM Lake Placid coming up:');amaf_toggleInline(1292,868,0);">
Aerobar: Profile aero bottle in front of Garmin mount. From this I only drink water. Bento box behind stem carries Endurlolyte capsules, two gels, and something salty like a handful of pretzels & peanuts (gotta break the monotony once in a while). Will pick up water at each aid station on bike to keep the Profile full. I know some folks have issues with splashing; frankly never been that big a deal to me. With aid stations every 10 miles or so there is no reason not to have plenty of water whenever I need it.
Cage on down tube starts empty. Use it in case I need to carry an empty bottle before I can ditch at an aid station, but will probably stay empty 90% of the time.
Xlab sonic wing has two bottle cages, each carrying insulated bottle with 400 cal mix of Infinit. Will pick up third bottle at special needs bag for a total of 1200 call Infinit on the bike. Below wing is small Xlab bag with multi tool, tire levers, 2 CO2 cartridges, and inflator. Strapped to back of cages are two tubes.
With two bottles of Infinit on back, bottle of water on front I realize I am not as aero or light as some others. Frankly, at 6' and 198 lbs the least aerodynamic part of this bike (by a longshot) is ME. This setup gives me all my nutrition on board and keeps my fluid intake steady. Yes, there is always a risk of a bottle-launch, but that has only happened a couple of times in 8 seasons (knock wood) and I have re-fastened and re-checked everything since hitting a rumble strip at Eagleman shook my spare tubes loose.
May do some experimentation later this year to trim it down a bit, but I have confidence in this for IMLP to give me anything I should need during the day.
That is a Profile universal aerobar computer mount (google that for availability near you). Goes on with no tools in about 30 seconds. The Garmin quarter-turn mount attaches with the rubber bands that come with the unit. I have both an Edge 500 and 800, either of which fit quite nicely right behind the bottle.
Matt,
Thanks for the detailed description of your bike set up. I am doing IMFL this year and it is my first. This has been one of the most useful posts I have come across.
I tried your set up on my last ride an love it. So will use Speefil for nutrition and cage for water. How many calories are you mixing up for race day? How often are you sipping from it?
Also where do you get your tires from? They are pretty popular and seem to be on back order at most sites. Also have not seen anything other than a 23.
Thanks
Shawn
I've never had a problem finding the vittoria tires. I have purchased them from probikekit and wiggled but they always seem to be in stock at many places including even my local performance bike. Just use google shopping and I'm sure you can find them. Latex tubes on the other hand can be a challenge to find and you just have to hunt around for who has them in stock.
OK - new bike setup is pictured here. Looking for comments / feedback on my setup. Tried to model after the various setups shared in this thread, feedback is welcome and requested..
Side, top, and front views of my current aero setup attached. Barring an 11th-hour delivery of new aerobar-mount Speedfil (supposedly shipping this week, and I would only race it if I can test it out several times beforehand), this is what I'm going to race in Placid in 2 weeks:
On my frankendowntube is an Elite carbon aero bottle, which was one of the the only bottle mounts whose clearance would fit the Wilier. These bottles are not available in the US anymore, but I had gotten a good deal from a retailer in Seattle who has many of them sitting in his garage. My 3-hour concentrated Infinit solution just fits in this bottle. I mounted an adhesive frame protector along the curve to protect the paint from the bottle.
The red "buttons" sticking out from the base of my aerobars are two SaltStick dispensers, which each hold 6 Succeed S!-Caps and keeps them nice and dry; twisting the knob to the right spits out a capsule. Enough for a 6 hour ride there.
On the top tube is a FuelBelt Bento box. I agree with Coach R's podcast that there is nothing less sexy on a tri-bike; however, after trying many models this particular Bento box mounts firmly with 4 velcro straps, comes with a hard plastic insert, zips fully closed, and is big enough to leave nothing hanging off the rear of my saddle (I had to work hard to let go of the rear carrier). In the Bento are 2 32mm-stem removable-core tubes and 2 Vittoria valve extenders (allows for front/rear exchangeability), 3 CO2 carts with GI Elite adapter, tire boot, 2 wide yellow Pedro tire levers, and a clown named Bobo.
On my stem is the VERY cool Xlab aero computer mount, It does exactly what it says it does: mounts your computer/powermeter higher off your stem, and more forward and in your line of view while in aero bars. My Joule fits perfectly on here.
The computer mount works perfectly with their Xlab Torpedo Mount (of course), to which I have attached an Arundel Mandible Carbon cage. Note the EN bottle is just there for eye candy; on race day, only water goes in here, in whatever disposable bottle form they are handing out.
The whole setup allows ample room for my hands. The bottle shields the mount/Joule, and the headtube shields the Bento box somewhat - although admittedly not as perfectly as Ancona's - his setup is so slick his hands shield the bottle completely. I still think it provides for a slick front profile as can be seen by the 3rd pic.
It took me a while to decided and try all of this. Like I said, optimally I would have a straw system for the aerobars like the new Speedfil coming out, but only time and timing will dictate my use of that. Hope this helps somebody.
Liebs
OK, since nobody else rides a “Fred” or is willing to put it out there, I’ll step up.
IMLP in 2 weeks will be my first IM.
Yes this is a triple (52-39-30) with a 9 speed cassette (12-27). Setup with 9 cm drop, Adamo Break-Away on a PD Fast Forward seat post. Rolling on Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX (290 TPI) with butyl tubes.
Hydration/nutrition setup is 40 oz Speedfill with Infinit @ 300 calories per hour. Seven scoops (1050 calories) for 3.5 hours and refill at BSN. Typical training rides and both RRs resulted in about 8 oz left per 56 miles, meaning I was getting 240 calories per hour by taking 5 sips every 15 minutes. Water will come from aid stations and go in the seat tube cage. The insulated sleeve is there for the internal wire that helps keep my drink tube exactly where I want it (as shown). My Garmin is setup to vibrate every 15 minutes. Just like Pavlov’s dogs, when the buzzer goes off, I drink 5 sips of nutrition. Water chaser is usually within a few minutes or sometimes just before the calories. Additional water is taken as needed to maintain hydration.
Added a Salt Stick but never used it or salt caps. One of those things that it is just there for a situation where nothing else helped. This would be a remedy of last resort.
Joule is mounted right in front of my nose and EN Gears are color coded, laminated and taped to the top tube. Simple zip tie mount with some black tape to prevent slippage.
Tool kit under the seat in a small bag, just large enough to carry 2 tubes, 2 CO2, 2 Lezyne levers and 3 loose allen wrenches. I used a piece of old tube to hold wrenches together and protect my good tubes from puncture - makes them easy to find. CO2 is taped to tube making sure the end of the tape is folded over to make an easy-grab-tab. The inflator is finger tight (not punctured) on one CO2 to be ready for use.
Here's my setup for the cockpit and front bottle. I got a thin alu strip and cut two lengths, drilled some holes for cable ties, rounded edges and painted black. It fits just nicely either side of my extension and arm pad clamps on the SC. Garmin 310XT I put up the front on the aero bar itself. Is on a quick release mount just tilted to the left so can get my wrist past but still keep my nose on the numbers. I had the universal profile mount but didn't like the look from the front when it was sticking up there.
Question for Speedfil Infinit users - just wondering why you don't concentrate the Infinit more and use a smaller bottle that is more aero? If you are concentrating already for a 2.5 hr bottle while not go more and just get one bottle? For IMNZ I used a 28oz bottle with 10 scoops (1,405 calories for 5.5 hours). Just a small swig every 15 mins chased immediately with water. Am now on my Trek SC and for RR#1 I used an aero bottle on the seat tube (and water on a standard bottle on the aero bars). The aero bottle is smaller though (20oz) so is tougher to fit all that infinit in (do'able... just). Am getting new infinit with more calories per scoop so won't have to make mix quite so concentrated. Just wondering why you guys don't do this - is it the risk of loosing that bottle, the speedfil is as aero as a round bottle, you don't like infinit that concentrated or something else I am missing?
My setup is an Xlab between the bottle mount w/ aero computer mount flipped backwards so I can see the numbers easier. The computer bounces around a little but it seems secure. The biggest benefit is that I easily see power numbers and it doesn't get in the way of my hands.