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Special Needs Bag - Use or not use?

AMA168AMA168
in Racing Forum 🏎

 What are the EN thoughts on the SN bag on the bike?  I am contemplating skipping the SN bag and just using my Carbo Pro/EFS mixture on the bike and eating off of the course.  I did a quick stop in my RR this weekend simulating the SN bag but was considering a different change for the race. I will need to stop to use the bathroom and will stop as required which may or not be the SN location.  I would plan to stock the SN bag and only use in case of emergency.

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    If you're okay with a thick (concentrated) enough nutrition formula in your "on board" hydration/nutrition bottles, etc, then I guess it'd be okay to skip BSN. If you need to keep extra nutrition bottles in your BSN bag, I'd partially freeze them the night before, so they'll be nice and cold for when you pick them up halfway thru the bike ride.

    I'll always have BSN bags with at least spare tubes and co2s. "In case of emergency, rip BSN bag open".
  • Kevin WalterKevin Walter
    I like to stash back up nutrition in the BSN just in case (along with CO2 and tubes). If everything is going well then I simply don't stop for it.
  • jburbattjburbatt
    +1 on having a SNB with extra CO2 and tubes. I've heard too many stories this year of people needing more than 2 tubes, etc. out on the course and needing to get to special needs. Better to have a bag with some things that you probably won't need than to be cursing because you didn't have one and needed it.

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I'm 4 and 0 for never having used a SN bag. In fact, I've only packed a SN bag one time out of weather concerns, but the advice to have it just in case is sound. For what's it worth, I did IMRG this year and SN bags were NOT an option. They didn't even provide bags. Hard to imagine a race where people are getting multiple flats, but I read that was real common the first year at Challenge Copenhagen due to heavy rain the night before washing a sharp flint like rock onto the road surfaces. Can't hurt to pack one though.
  • J.T. ThompsonJ.T. Thompson
    I used my SN bag on the bike this year at IMCDA - specifically to pick up a second 3 hour bottle of Infinit. I also tossed in my arm warmers and for me it was a good place to take a few seconds to stretch areas like my back and hammy's. Of course had extra tubs and CO2 if needed as well as some back up gels. if you don't plan to use, just make sure you practice your nutrition....
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Yes to back up tube/CO2. I also add back up salt in case I drop my supply. I also include a second bottle of infinIT for my nutrition, as I can't handle much thicker than that over the whole bike + run....if you have tested the formula/concentration then it's up to you!
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