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XLAB Carbon Wing vs Mini Wing

Paul HoughPaul Hough
in General Training Discussions

I've been using the XLAB Carbon Wing for several years now.  I developed a stress crack in it the past year and St Croix's rough roads finished it off -- time for a new hydration system.  I'm either getting the same thing or the new XLAB Mini Wing.  The latter looks like it has a tighter more aero fit against the rails of the seat.   Does anyone have experience with the Mini Wing and can provide a review?

Comments

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    I have the carbon wing, but rarely if ever use it. I have it for training rides where water is tough to source. I ditched it for racing because I bought into the notion that it is not as aero as a bottle on the down tube, a Speedfil A2 between the aero bars and bento box with tube and tools behind the stem. It does look like a cleaner set up.... Consider the A2 intend of a new wing.... image
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Sorry Dino - I subscribe to the opposing side of that argument, and have read at least one study that the Speedfil is a giant drag inducing cross-section on the bike, especially as the wind yaw increases. Logically, it just makes more sense that the further back you go on the bike, the less impact on drag there is. I use the XLAB on my QR, but my Giant doesn't even have any frame mount grommets for the same aero reasons, although we are probably only talking just a few seconds over an IM distance ride. I think Norman Stadler still has the Kona bike leg record and was using the aero wing...although he probably could have done it dragging a small parachute. image
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Paul, he's talking about the Speedfil A2 which is a torpedo bottle with a straw and not the original Speedfil monstrosity.

    Have you seen the new Xlab Delta Wing? Check it out.
  • John SchneiderJohn Schneider
    Any thoughts on the revolution Hydration System (podium quest)? I like it because it has 2 chambers and you can store two different drinks in it. http://trisports.com/rehysy.html
    I was wondering what people thought of it since it's between aerobars, not as aero as the A2.
    What I've done in previous IM races is the big chamber full of carb mixture and the small chamber with a water/electrolyte combo. Then on my downtube I keep a concentrated Water/electrolyte and when I run out in the small chamber squirt the concentrate in then use water from an aid station to dilute.
    I'm always looking for improvements, any other better options/methods out there?
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    @ Bob - Thanks! Yes, A2 was intention. Not, the fish-tank-for-the-bottom bracket.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @ Bob, Dino - yes, a torpedo mount hydration system is the most optimal because it fills the space between your arms. Testing shows that it is better to have an empty bottle there than nothing at all. Not sure about the new Revolution Hydration system though because it is SO LARGE.

    I use a front and rear hydration system on my race bikes ... nothing on the down tube or seat tube. One bottle aint gonna cut it for me because I can drink more than one between stations and sometimes the stations are too far apart. I use one cage on the back for my tool bottle and one for the 2nd water bottle.

    Cervelo engineers have done the most honest wind tunnel testing on hydration systems in my opinion. If you take a bike frame only, and stick a rear hydration system on it, then yes, there is a significant increase in drag, but the results - like any without a rider - are meaningless. Their review of other research and their own testing, however, shows that with a rider, a rear hydration system can either add a small amount of drag or provide a significant reduction in drag depending on how close the bottles are, how high, and their angle. To repeat...the rear cages may give you a small penalty or possibly a large advantage. I think I'll get the XLAB mini this time!
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