@Kevin - Thanks. The bottom of the tube is wedged between the bottle cage and my arm rest. I took a small piece of stretch cord and tied it around my aero bar (between the bar and shift cable to keep it from sliding down/off). I slip the top of the tube under this to keep it in place. It would just stay in place with my arm there, but when sitting up it would sometimes fall over the side if I went over a bump.
@Joseph - Thanks. I like having the numbers right in my face. I think it is safer and it sits shielded by my hands to save me 0.5 seconds in my IM
The new Speedfil A2 that Bob McCallum is referencing is phenomenal. I have a prototype model and it is first-class in quality and design. David and the folks at Speedfil are second to none in customer service, I will be a customer for life. Since I couldn't use the original Speedfil (which I also own) on the ridiculously curved downtube on my Wilier Tri-Crono, this one is exactly what I had been waiting patiently for. They hit a home run with this one. Will try to upload pics of my rig. Only reason I didn't use it in Placid was didn't have time to RR with it.
I am using the Top Kage stem mount as recommended by Speedfil until their own mount comes out later this summer; with my Arundel Mandible it is indeed bombproof. Turns out I love having the Joule mounted in the aerobars. And I prefer the bottle facing forward like it is, it rests and stabilizes on the base bar, and I can tuck the straw down side. 5 pics attached. Note the velcro strap included for security is not in this photo I took. Also dig the dual salt stick dispensers within the aerobars (red knobs).
Very nice Dave. I use a torpedo mount on one of my race bikes ("DragonFire"). However, it has a standard crank so I'm taking "Diablo" with me to Ironman Regensburg this week. I took 2 pictures before I packed it into its case tonight. I'm racing with Zipp 404s, aero cover on the rear, Bonty R4 tires, 22m front & 23m back, compact crank, all Sram Red components, except for Shimano 7900 pedals.. I'll be riding on Vitorria Latex tubes...first time I've raced w Latex. The tubes and tires have about 100 miles on them...had to break them in. All my tools and spare tubes are in the black case in the rear cage. The other cage is for my exchange bottle. The front has the new Torhans Aero 30 bottle and a Garmin 500. I drilled out a Profile Design mount to put at the very front. Easy for me to read and my hands cover much of the mount. I typically tape my gels down the tob tube. I will not use any frame bottle mounts. The red caps at the end of my aero bars are Salt Stick dispensers.
I like the standard speedfil for IM racing, but I don't understand why everyone thinks the new A2 is so great. A $12 cage and $0.10 of zipp ties puts a standard botle in the same exact place and you can exchange it at every aid station. The A2 is much more expensive and you have to mess with refilling it while riding through an aid station with a bunch of people who are all over the road.
That said, I agree with you. With a little practice, the advantage of a straw is mitigated by the need to squeeze drink into the thing and "straw management" (compared to a normal torpedo mount.
Can y'all give me opinions on why the torpedo mount with a straw is better than the aero bottles available? I am trying it this as a test, out but I have two sizes of Profile aerobottles and if you use only water in these (as most people do with the torpedos) the the refill/splash issue seems to be silly. I do like the new Torhans appearance (slick looking QR btw) and you can refill these in a second at the aid stations. And if you DON'T use the straw, it seems you've forfeited the advantage of the straw fed nutrition/hydration system your Speedfil provides. I'm afraid I may not hydrate enough if I can't get a sip at a time of water and have to grab the bottle each time.
I like the standard speedfil for IM racing, but I don't understand why everyone thinks the new A2 is so great. A $12 cage and $0.10 of zipp ties puts a standard botle in the same exact place and you can exchange it at every aid station. The A2 is much more expensive and you have to mess with refilling it while riding through an aid station with a bunch of people who are all over the road.
What am I missing that makes the A2 so great?
I refuse to drink concentrated drinks as I can never regulate the amount and jack up my stomach. My current system, profile aero bottle, as I approach the feed zone I reached down squeeze any 1hr of concentrate into the aerobottle and then top off the aero drink with water on the fly. Now my drink is duilated and its cold.
The A2 I can continue this process, without the aero penalty of the aero drink messing up my leading edge of the bike. In my eyes the cost of the A2 doesn't even register with a latex tube at 10+ bucks and wheels at 1000's. etc
The F2 (I think its called that) on the downtube doesn't work for me as I only have seat tube holes for a bracket.
@Hayes, that makes sense, I did not think of the situation where someone would basically be mixing their drink on the course. for that I can see a refillable bottle being better than a standard bottle on the bars. I don't refill, just throw out and move on.
I was sure that had to be a good reason I wasn't thinking of.
BTW, they do sell a standard speedfil that mounts to the seat tube. Jim Hansen used it last year. Holds 42 oz and I put 11 scopes of infinit in it. That may still be two concentrated for you though.
I've been using a 26oz. Specialized Purist bottle for my InfiniT. Holds 5-6 hours worth and I keep it on the downtube. Just like in training. It's a bit thick but I don't care. I guess one advantage to Matt's putting all his fuel in the Speedfil is that it's attached to the bike. If I drop mine, I will most likely go back for it.
Will probably put a backup in SN.
I carry a gel flask in my jersey pocket on the bike also. Mostly for variety but also as a partial backup.
My ride has officially been ENpimpified! This is how I’ll roll for IMC. The most exciting news: NO bento box! The rear bottles actually have my repair kit and tube in them.
My hubby said this is the only time it’s politically correct to tell a woman she looks fast...
I've been using a 26oz. Specialized Purist bottle for my InfiniT. Holds 5-6 hours worth and I keep it on the downtube. Just like in training. It's a bit thick but I don't care. I guess one advantage to Matt's putting all his fuel in the Speedfil is that it's attached to the bike. If I drop mine, I will most likely go back for it.
Will probably put a backup in SN.
I carry a gel flask in my jersey pocket on the bike also. Mostly for variety but also as a partial backup.
@Matt - For IMLoo RaceRehearsal #2 this past weekend, I tried the 6-hr bottle of Infinit. I even measured out and marked the sides of the bottle for each hour's worth of fluid. Although I don't know how you do it. It was very thick and not all the way into solution, so my sips were filled with bits of undissolved powder.
I think I will go back to the 3-hr bottle on the bike and a 2nd 3-hr bottle in SNB.
@Matt - For IMLoo RaceRehearsal #2 this past weekend, I tried the 6-hr bottle of Infinit. I even measured out and marked the sides of the bottle for each hour's worth of fluid. Although I don't know how you do it. It was very thick and not all the way into solution, so my sips were filled with bits of undissolved powder.
I think I will go back to the 3-hr bottle on the bike and a 2nd 3-hr bottle in SNB.
I don't have a problem with it not dissolving. I do mix it the night before and keep it in the fridge. It's thick but still a liquid. Not pasty.
Try mixing it in a jug, so I can use a spoon to stir in all the bits, then transfer to the bottle & pop it in the fridge like Matt.
Posted By Matt Sullivan on 12 Aug 2011 05:06 AM
Posted By Joe Matchette on 11 Aug 2011 08:06 PM
@Matt - For IMLoo RaceRehearsal #2 this past weekend, I tried the 6-hr bottle of Infinit. I even measured out and marked the sides of the bottle for each hour's worth of fluid. Although I don't know how you do it. It was very thick and not all the way into solution, so my sips were filled with bits of undissolved powder.
I think I will go back to the 3-hr bottle on the bike and a 2nd 3-hr bottle in SNB.
I don't have a problem with it not dissolving. I do mix it the night before and keep it in the fridge. It's thick but still a liquid. Not pasty.
@Jenn, are you running the King Cage or Xlab stem mount for your bottle on the aerobars? I've using the xlab torpedo dealio, but have been thinking about going to a stem mount so I can move my Garmin out towards my hands and into my natural line of sight. Would also give some more hand positions, etc. I like your setup, would love your thoughts on the stem mount . . .
@Jenn, we actually recommend using a bento box to carry your tire repair stuff. Many of us are using the Fuelbelt one which zips closed and has a nice aero shape. I fit a tube, 2 Co2's, lever, inflator, and beefy multitool in there, stuff another tube under my seat. That would eliminate the need to carry those bottles behind your saddle = a lot of stuff hanging out in the wind there.
You "could" keep the rear cages if you didn't feel like taking them off and you've have an option to run a 3rd bottle, but with aid stations every ~10 miles there's really no need and we encourage you to think light and clean setup.
@Jenn, are you running the King Cage or Xlab stem mount for your bottle on the aerobars? I've using the xlab torpedo dealio, but have been thinking about going to a stem mount so I can move my Garmin out towards my hands and into my natural line of sight. Would also give some more hand positions, etc. I like your setup, would love your thoughts on the stem mount . . .
@ David: Yep, it's the King Cage mount. It's been working great!
Rich, question: Are you grabbing 2 bottles at each aid station- one for the Perform and one water bottle you drink half of and wash off and toss? I need about 30-35 oz per hour, have aero bottle in front, plan on feed bottle on downtube. Thinking I would be fine getting one bottle at each aid station. Thoughts?
One gel, taken from the aid station and washed down with water.
I'm also taking water from the aid station to dump on myself to keep cool.
I have a Profile Designs cage ziptied to the stem, for the Perform. An aluminum cage on the downtube for a second bottle, and when I've drunk about a third of half of the budget water bottles they'll be handing out, I can jam that bottle between cage on the stem and my elbow pad vs having it on the downtube.
My routine at aid stations is:
As I see the aid station, finish off the Perform, and/or toss it. Get a new bottle, rack it
Get a bottle of water. Drink 1/3 to half of it, dump water on me and/or rack that bottle
So I'm riding to the next aid station with a bottle of Perform and most of a bottle of water racked somewhere on the bike.
I'll probably pick up 2-3 gels and the first 1-2 aid stations and put those in my singlet or shorts pockets so I don't have to get those at the later aid station.
I'll take a picture of my complete setup soon, maybe later today, and post in the forums.
Is there a relation to bike position/ set-up and GI distress? During my HIM intermediate plan and on my race I used speedfil for water and bottle of infint on the bars. Battled with gas/bloating. Removed the protein from my mix which decreased incidents by about 50%. Anyone else have similar issues with the speedfil?
Article posted on Lava: Free Speed: Cervélo’s Tips on Aerodynamic Hydration Wind tunnels don't lie. Let the experts help you sort out your options. Posted on September 28, 2011 by Jennifer Ward Barber
While participating in the Epic Aspen Training Camp, after dinner one night we found this unique hydration/ Nutrition setup that a local had come up with. we think there are some interesting ideas here, particularly the rear wheel driven blender. Please let us know your thoughts on how to best utilize this during an IM.
I know it's verboten to put stuff behind the seat, but is this a good use of what would otherwise end up in tri equivalent of Ruldolf's island of misfit toys.
Note: this has no nutrition, only tubes/tools/backup nutrition. For all you tinkerer-types, it's a profile razor bottle in its mount with rubber band (need something better here), mounted to a chopped down hydrotail zip tied to seatpost. It's plenty of room for stuff you hope you don't need.
Up front is xlab rocket mount with xlab cage, 310xt on stem, and fb aero bento. After reading this thread, going to chuck xlab rocket and mimic MattA's setup, moving the 310xt forward and horizonatal cage back. I'll post a pic of that b/c a MTB friend showed me a tweak a couple of years ago that's simpler than what I've seen here.
Only question I have is, don't truly know how aero this thing is in the back??? I could maybe get by without it and stuff tools/tubes in aero bento, but I like having gels/caps in there instead. Alternatively, could probably chop the bottle down some and shape it more like a firecrest profile, but that's maybe a little too much Ozark engineering (and yes, I do live there  
Chris, if you're going to put tools behind the seat, why not just use a tool bag? Might be a little more aero but also cheaper, designed for the purpose, etc.
Thanks for all the info everyone. Doing my first HIM in September and deciding how to do my setup. Funny thing - I can tell others how to set theirs up but have agonized over this for a while.
Currently I have an aero bottle between the bars, but am tired of the splashing. One bottle on the downtube and one on the seat tube. Due to the geometry of the frame (Cervelo Soloist) getting to the bottle on the downtube is a fight. I used to be able to get to the one on the seat tube fairly easily, but after my latest bike fit moved me way forward it is like reaching behind me, I also like to have straws in my face to force me to drink, so, I'd like one for water and one for Infinit.
Here are my thoughts. Looking for comments:
- A2 mounted between the bars (using an aero bottle but tired of it splashing all over me and my bike); water goes here; may look at the King Cage top cap mount since my aero bars are short
- Speedfil on the downtube for Infinit; my frame is so small that that is all I'll be able to fit there
I may look at getting something behind the saddle for training so I can carry more water. Or, I'll just have to stop more frequently and buy some.
I also want to move my Garmin to the hiring of my aerobars so I don't have to keep looking down.
Comments
And finally a Speedfil product I will use.
http://lavamagazine.com/gear/first-look-speedfil-a2-aero-water-bottle#axzz1TbDw3ZLn
http://www.nytro.com/index.cfm/nytro-blog/sneak-peek-of-speedfil-a2-hydration-system/
@Kevin - Thanks. The bottom of the tube is wedged between the bottle cage and my arm rest. I took a small piece of stretch cord and tied it around my aero bar (between the bar and shift cable to keep it from sliding down/off). I slip the top of the tube under this to keep it in place. It would just stay in place with my arm there, but when sitting up it would sometimes fall over the side if I went over a bump.
@Joseph - Thanks. I like having the numbers right in my face. I think it is safer and it sits shielded by my hands to save me 0.5 seconds in my IM
The new Speedfil A2 that Bob McCallum is referencing is phenomenal. I have a prototype model and it is first-class in quality and design. David and the folks at Speedfil are second to none in customer service, I will be a customer for life. Since I couldn't use the original Speedfil (which I also own) on the ridiculously curved downtube on my Wilier Tri-Crono, this one is exactly what I had been waiting patiently for. They hit a home run with this one. Will try to upload pics of my rig. Only reason I didn't use it in Placid was didn't have time to RR with it.
I am using the Top Kage stem mount as recommended by Speedfil until their own mount comes out later this summer; with my Arundel Mandible it is indeed bombproof. Turns out I love having the Joule mounted in the aerobars. And I prefer the bottle facing forward like it is, it rests and stabilizes on the base bar, and I can tuck the straw down side. 5 pics attached. Note the velcro strap included for security is not in this photo I took. Also dig the dual salt stick dispensers within the aerobars (red knobs).
Very nice Dave. I use a torpedo mount on one of my race bikes ("DragonFire"). However, it has a standard crank so I'm taking "Diablo" with me to Ironman Regensburg this week. I took 2 pictures before I packed it into its case tonight. I'm racing with Zipp 404s, aero cover on the rear, Bonty R4 tires, 22m front & 23m back, compact crank, all Sram Red components, except for Shimano 7900 pedals.. I'll be riding on Vitorria Latex tubes...first time I've raced w Latex. The tubes and tires have about 100 miles on them...had to break them in. All my tools and spare tubes are in the black case in the rear cage. The other cage is for my exchange bottle. The front has the new Torhans Aero 30 bottle and a Garmin 500. I drilled out a Profile Design mount to put at the very front. Easy for me to read and my hands cover much of the mount. I typically tape my gels down the tob tube. I will not use any frame bottle mounts. The red caps at the end of my aero bars are Salt Stick dispensers.
What am I missing that makes the A2 so great?
That said, I agree with you. With a little practice, the advantage of a straw is mitigated by the need to squeeze drink into the thing and "straw management" (compared to a normal torpedo mount.
And if you DON'T use the straw, it seems you've forfeited the advantage of the straw fed nutrition/hydration system your Speedfil provides. I'm afraid I may not hydrate enough if I can't get a sip at a time of water and have to grab the bottle each time.
I refuse to drink concentrated drinks as I can never regulate the amount and jack up my stomach. My current system, profile aero bottle, as I approach the feed zone I reached down squeeze any 1hr of concentrate into the aerobottle and then top off the aero drink with water on the fly. Now my drink is duilated and its cold.
The A2 I can continue this process, without the aero penalty of the aero drink messing up my leading edge of the bike. In my eyes the cost of the A2 doesn't even register with a latex tube at 10+ bucks and wheels at 1000's. etc
The F2 (I think its called that) on the downtube doesn't work for me as I only have seat tube holes for a bracket.
@Hayes, that makes sense, I did not think of the situation where someone would basically be mixing their drink on the course. for that I can see a refillable bottle being better than a standard bottle on the bars. I don't refill, just throw out and move on.
I was sure that had to be a good reason I wasn't thinking of.
BTW, they do sell a standard speedfil that mounts to the seat tube. Jim Hansen used it last year. Holds 42 oz and I put 11 scopes of infinit in it. That may still be two concentrated for you though.
I've been using a 26oz. Specialized Purist bottle for my InfiniT. Holds 5-6 hours worth and I keep it on the downtube. Just like in training. It's a bit thick but I don't care. I guess one advantage to Matt's putting all his fuel in the Speedfil is that it's attached to the bike. If I drop mine, I will most likely go back for it.
Will probably put a backup in SN.
I carry a gel flask in my jersey pocket on the bike also. Mostly for variety but also as a partial backup.
Hey EN!
My ride has officially been ENpimpified! This is how I’ll roll for IMC. The most exciting news: NO bento box! The rear bottles actually have my repair kit and tube in them.
My hubby said this is the only time it’s politically correct to tell a woman she looks fast...
@Matt - For IMLoo RaceRehearsal #2 this past weekend, I tried the 6-hr bottle of Infinit. I even measured out and marked the sides of the bottle for each hour's worth of fluid. Although I don't know how you do it. It was very thick and not all the way into solution, so my sips were filled with bits of undissolved powder.
I think I will go back to the 3-hr bottle on the bike and a 2nd 3-hr bottle in SNB.
WHEW! When I saw the photos, I was worried Rich would have a stroke.
I don't have a problem with it not dissolving. I do mix it the night before and keep it in the fridge. It's thick but still a liquid. Not pasty.
@Jenn, are you running the King Cage or Xlab stem mount for your bottle on the aerobars? I've using the xlab torpedo dealio, but have been thinking about going to a stem mount so I can move my Garmin out towards my hands and into my natural line of sight. Would also give some more hand positions, etc. I like your setup, would love your thoughts on the stem mount . . .
You "could" keep the rear cages if you didn't feel like taking them off and you've have an option to run a 3rd bottle, but with aid stations every ~10 miles there's really no need and we encourage you to think light and clean setup.
@ David: Yep, it's the King Cage mount. It's been working great!
@ Rich: Duly noted, thanks!
Rich, question: Are you grabbing 2 bottles at each aid station- one for the Perform and one water bottle you drink half of and wash off and toss? I need about 30-35 oz per hour, have aero bottle in front, plan on feed bottle on downtube. Thinking I would be fine getting one bottle at each aid station. Thoughts?
My per hour plan is:
I have a Profile Designs cage ziptied to the stem, for the Perform. An aluminum cage on the downtube for a second bottle, and when I've drunk about a third of half of the budget water bottles they'll be handing out, I can jam that bottle between cage on the stem and my elbow pad vs having it on the downtube.
My routine at aid stations is:
I'll take a picture of my complete setup soon, maybe later today, and post in the forums.
Pretty good information here.
Article posted on Lava:
Free Speed: Cervélo’s Tips on Aerodynamic Hydration
Wind tunnels don't lie. Let the experts help you sort out your options.
Posted on September 28, 2011 by Jennifer Ward Barber
Read more: Free Speed: Cervélo’s Tips on Aerodynamic Hydration : LAVA Magazine http://lavamagazine.com/gear/free-speed-cervelos-tips-on-aerodynamic-hydration/#ixzz1ZMO10kBV
Short version: torpedo = good. Behind the seat doesn't have to be bad. Tuck bottles on frame so that they have as few gaps as possible.
While participating in the Epic Aspen Training Camp, after dinner one night we found this unique hydration/ Nutrition setup that a local had come up with. we think there are some interesting ideas here, particularly the rear wheel driven blender. Please let us know your thoughts on how to best utilize this during an IM.
http://y-rocket.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-carry-water-bottles-on-bike-for.html
Coach R and WSM crowd,
I know it's verboten to put stuff behind the seat, but is this a good use of what would otherwise end up in tri equivalent of Ruldolf's island of misfit toys.
Note: this has no nutrition, only tubes/tools/backup nutrition. For all you tinkerer-types, it's a profile razor bottle in its mount with rubber band (need something better here), mounted to a chopped down hydrotail zip tied to seatpost. It's plenty of room for stuff you hope you don't need.
Up front is xlab rocket mount with xlab cage, 310xt on stem, and fb aero bento. After reading this thread, going to chuck xlab rocket and mimic MattA's setup, moving the 310xt forward and horizonatal cage back. I'll post a pic of that b/c a MTB friend showed me a tweak a couple of years ago that's simpler than what I've seen here.
Only question I have is, don't truly know how aero this thing is in the back??? I could maybe get by without it and stuff tools/tubes in aero bento, but I like having gels/caps in there instead. Alternatively, could probably chop the bottle down some and shape it more like a firecrest profile, but that's maybe a little too much Ozark engineering (and yes, I do live there
 
Thanks for this great thread,
Chris
Chris, if you're going to put tools behind the seat, why not just use a tool bag? Might be a little more aero but also cheaper, designed for the purpose, etc.
Frankly, haven't seen any I like for the job. Any suggestions? May experiment with only using bento only.
Thanks for all the info everyone. Doing my first HIM in September and deciding how to do my setup. Funny thing - I can tell others how to set theirs up but have agonized over this for a while.
Currently I have an aero bottle between the bars, but am tired of the splashing. One bottle on the downtube and one on the seat tube. Due to the geometry of the frame (Cervelo Soloist) getting to the bottle on the downtube is a fight. I used to be able to get to the one on the seat tube fairly easily, but after my latest bike fit moved me way forward it is like reaching behind me, I also like to have straws in my face to force me to drink, so, I'd like one for water and one for Infinit.
Here are my thoughts. Looking for comments:
- A2 mounted between the bars (using an aero bottle but tired of it splashing all over me and my bike); water goes here; may look at the King Cage top cap mount since my aero bars are short
- Speedfil on the downtube for Infinit; my frame is so small that that is all I'll be able to fit there
I may look at getting something behind the saddle for training so I can carry more water. Or, I'll just have to stop more frequently and buy some.
I also want to move my Garmin to the hiring of my aerobars so I don't have to keep looking down.
Thoughts?