LazyTrailRider Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 What's up with the Elite MTB bunch scoffing at CamelBaks?I've heard a couple of theories, from weight, to aerodynamics, to "it tires your shoulders on a 4 hour ride...." Yes, really. Having not ridden or raced with one in the old days (meaning the 90s), the practical choice when returning to racing this year was to give it a go, which I'm happy I did. More water (no feed-zone antics required), no rattling pumps, cartridges or tools, and no silly taped-to-the-seatpost tubes. Maybe I'm missing something, but isn't this all positive? What's the deal? Oh, and while we're at it, why on earth are peaks (or visors, or whatever you call them) uncool as well these days? Hang on, also while we're at it, aren't bobby socks meant for Rugby?
Sean Badenhorst Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 Fashion and function are seldom bedmates. Let the Elites just be with their drinks bottles, roadie helmets, mid-calf-length socks, low body-fat percentages, high power-to-weight ratios, fast race times and podium girl-hot girlfriends. You're suffering from fashion paranoia. Don't worry, it's temporary and will pass. More seriously though, re the hydration packs, besides being heavy, uncomfortable and hot, they cover sponsor logos...
David #7 Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 I must agree with the snobs, those things are the most uncomfortable things to wear. Everytime i use one after 2 hours riding my back is in agony.Ihate them and I nevr finish the contents of them.
Pantani Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 As an MTB novice, I couldn't quite see the advantage of the camel back... Drank from it on two occassions, most of the time I just used my bottle (500ml) and would swig two cups at every water table... Would probably leave it at home for my next race... If there is a next MTB race for me!
David #7 Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 Oh and its a battle to get to the goodies in you pockets.
Dibles Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 Oh and its a battle to get to the goodies in you pockets. The goodies are meant to be in the Camelbak, not your pockets Seriously though, some dual suspension mtb frames only have one water bottle cage. My bike's cage is in a position where it is dangerous to get to and if there is mud around it always gets filthy and I don't dare drink from the water bottle. People like me also spend way longer than the pros out there and need all the water we can carry.
Mudsimus Posted October 11, 2008 Posted October 11, 2008 More seriously though' date=' re the hydration packs, besides being heavy, uncomfortable and hot[/quote'] The reasons I dont use one...
David #7 Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Oh and its a battle to get to the goodies in you pockets. The goodies are meant to be in the Camelbak' date=' not your pockets [/quote'] Please give us a demo of how you take goodies out of that water carrier while cruisng along some district road, trying to stay in a bunch. Please confirm time and place. I will contact Net Care 911.
Dibles Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Oh and its a battle to get to the goodies in you pockets. The goodies are meant to be in the Camelbak' date=' not your pockets [/quote'] Please give us a demo of how you take goodies out of that water carrier while cruisng along some district road, trying to stay in a bunch. Please confirm time and place. I will contact Net Care 911. For goodies such as gels and energy bars I tuck them under my shorts around the knee-line
LazyTrailRider Posted October 12, 2008 Author Posted October 12, 2008 I'll admit one practical disadvantage: it DOES make access to shirt pockets to grab gels on the go really difficult, because it covers them. At Lourensford, I saw a girl with Gu sachets taped to her top tube (the taping just covering the part to be ripped off). Smart.As for covering logos, yes, I can see their point... It's even an issue for me, who's designing corporate team kit for next season. But heavy and hot? C'mon guys, there's much more serious unpleasantry to worry about in a race than that! Besides, unsprung (at least just suspension, not body sprung) weight on the bike affects handling much more negatively that a little fatigue of the shoulders. Maybe it's because those who complain just have roadie shoulders? ;-) The funniest is seeing people with two bottles in their back pockets, because they wanna be cool too. Next time I see one of them, I'm going to ride up behind and grab a sip!
Willehond Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 As an MTB novice' date=' I couldn't quite see the advantage of the camel back... Drank from it on two occassions, most of the time I just used my bottle (500ml) and would swig two cups at every water table...Would probably leave it at home for my next race... If there is a next MTB race for me! [/quote'] Basically there are two types of people, those who don't ride witrh Camelbaks and those who have tasted two day old feces and decided they don't like it.... Plus, I've bonked because I lost my bottle (numerous times) on a downhill and I don't like bonking...
Yang Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Welcome to the Hub Martin. A rookie and already getting the lines humming. Well done. My GT Marathon has space for 1 bottle below the down tube, directly in line with road and track fling. I would have died of dehydration if it wasn't for my new camelback on my 5 hour ride a few weekends ago.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Welcome to the Hub Martin. A rookie and already getting the lines humming. Well done. My GT Marathon has space for 1 bottle below the down tube' date=' directly in line with road and track fling. I would have died of dehydration if it wasn't for my new camelback on my 5 hour ride a few weekends ago.[/quote'] which is exactly why i think i should get one... can always stick the number over the top, or have the Camel under the shirt for sponsors... but hey, individual choice, right? And yes, i'd much rather have the weight on me than my bike...
dylankeyter Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 At the end of the day, I think it is a personal choice and everyone has their reasons. I, personally, train with a camelbak and race with bottles, a compromise.
Nancy Drew Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 Hello everyoneMy name is Nancy and I have a Camelbak the truth is I have two I also have a dual suspension frame that can only take 1 x 500ml bottle and since I'm not a race snake i need more than 500mls on a long ride. My small pack fits 1 tube, some tyre levers and a pump so I don't need a saddle bag and I don't have to worry about stuff falling out of my pockets (I've lost many pumps, tubes etc like that) oh.. I also have a peak on my helmet, so will you lot just get over it? It works for me
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 12, 2008 Posted October 12, 2008 apparently the peak is for when it's raining or something, helps keep a few more drops out the eyes / off the glasses. Mine had a peak, but kept on falling off so i never use it anymore. Camelbak - i want one. Lost my saddlepack on the Engen Dynamic in the last few km, and no ways was going back to fetch when i was racing one oke to the line... woulda lost my spot! Plus, if it makes you hot - means you sweat more. Which, for me, is important cos i need to lose my Belly!
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