Why do the pro's not race with hydration systems?

[Christopher Brunsdon]

And here is a great report on how it works:

 

http://www.mtbiker.co.za/news/review-camelbak-flowmeter

 

[Kowus]

bla bla bla... you still need to carry the not needed small disadvantaged child on your back...

 

Hehe .. I'm a bottle man!!!!

[AndreZA]

now if they can incorporate that into your Polar?/Garmin? it will be quite dandy.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Well I have to carry my little Hubber on my shoulders anyway and he weighs sub 20kg.

[Kowus]

ouch! but why? you planning to overnight?

 

I include myself here... all we need to do is train harder to spend less time out there and we'll need less water/hydration.

 

I've got all my spares under my seat in a neat strong pack .... 2x water bottles .... and some food on my back... no need for anything more

 

The additional cooling of not having the 20kg disadvantged child I would say is a lot more advantagious than the few litre's of unnessasary water.

 

Have a look at the latest core temp experiments lance was doing ... remember you can chill your camelback but 60min into the ride it's coffee anyways and it will heat you up.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I put one of those cool blocks into my CB behind the bladder on a hot day. Keeps my juice cool for hours.

 

I also commute everyday with my CB and feel neked without it. So use to the weight anyway.

 

But each his own.

 

[mtb_Josh]

I like my camelbak because I really hate taking my hand off the bars to get the bottle and then trying get it back into the cage when I'm done. I dont have a problem with flow, I hardly have to suck on the mouthpiece at all.

 

 

 

I do understand the weight difference and comfort argument though, so I think I'm going to try my next race with bottles only...see what happens.

 

 

 

Funny story though -In december I went away on holiday and saw a poster for a race the following day. Being really tired from the drive, I didn't read it properly, I thought it was an mtb race but it was actually road. So I rocked up the following morning with my MTB with knobblies, my helmet with a peak and best of all - my camelbak (left the bottles at home) So I rode the race with the camelbak anyway and ended up finishing 6th. The looks on the roadies faces when I passed them was priceless

[benadeja]

Stupid Question , is a camelbak reserved for use only to mbt-bers or to roadies as well , what is your views regarding this ?

[Nettie R]

I saw a DCM chrome rider race with a hydration pack. He tucked it underneath his shirt, like the enduro riders do. You could only see the mouth piece sticking out next to his neck.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

Stupid Question ' date=' is a camelbak reserved for use only to mbt-bers or to roadies as well , what is your views regarding this ? [/quote']

 

Its a MTB thing but then again a lot of MTBers do road races too.

 

But seriously, a lot of roadies are to bothered with the cool factor and shy away from hydration packs.

 

[swoosh1973]

The "pro riders dont use hydration packs": is not always correct. Like one fellow said they plan the rauts meticulously and some have markers ready for bottles at specific points(when allowed). Some races especialy triathlons have rules "no seconding" so it depends. However the real reason pros dont use these systems is actualy much simpler.

They mostly dont need to and yes there is a weight pennalty For example. A top rider can complete an argus in less than 2 and half hours. New riders can take 8 hours and longer! The perceived effort a new rider puts in versus a pro is the same for both! The difference is the pro carries enough fluids for 2 and a half hours. The newbie needs  enough for 8hours.

You then should not measure how much your drink over a distance but rather how much you drink over "x" hours of ride time. Versus the number of water points and where they are situated.

 

Personaly I always carry a camelback except in training road rides less than 90km. or new MTB races less than 40km that I have not done before.

I have had very bad experiences with MTB races.

In one race of 60km they had 2 water points and I badly dehidrated. So i dont always trust races outside the cape not organised by PPA.

 

So far PPA organised races are very well planned and I am beginning to think that I do not need my hydration pack for PPA events longer than 40km. However any other race(play it safe). Ask yourself how long will I take to finish the ride and how many water points?

 

This dictates what you use. Some tips in using and advantages on hydration packs.

 

1) Only use for water as juice builds up fungus even with the special cleaners

2) It is easier sipping from here than your bottle cage

3) remember to wash the straps too when done!

4) Remember to lock the spout when not is use

5) You dont have to suck on the damn thing. At the start of the race bite on the mouth piece and blow air. This means next on that lung busting clime simply gently biting on the mouth piece results in water flowing in your mouth with no sucking.

6) Half fill the hydration pack and freeze the night before The following morning fill with water. It will remain cold for hours.

7) Its great for storing your phone, camera, keyes spare cash mini pump bombs condoms sex toys beers binoculars for scouting shortcuts(or babes) in races etc.

8) If you got to reading this thread this far then.........you realy are pasionate about cycling and probably walk funny!

 

Oh pros for bottles.

1) ????....????

2) Storing viagra( cause if your a bottle man you probably need it)

3) If your a women then

 

Now lets take this passed mtb race in Franschhoek. The 1st rider was in 1 hour 50 minutes or so. Then there were some that took 5 hours.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

And you can ask Ira how handy a Camelbak is when learning how to ride with cleats at Oak Valley ... thank goodness for my CB 

[swoosh1973]

Yep oh yes!! Besides for all the interesting goodies. Theres another advantage. When you take a tumble the "airbaloon in the back" will help save your back. i.e your very own "airbag". Yep and this airbag does not talk to you like the one at home!

[swoosh1973]

Mr Brunsdon

 

We need to go for a ride again me and you.I know you got an injury but....talk 2meeeeeee. Lets become champion mt bikers or dream about it next we do a lunbusting tech ride.

 

My race went very well at Franschoek 2 hours 35 minutes! My best ever

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Well my knee is better now after fitting my saddle correctly. Got some supplementary exams 9th/11the February but definitely game for some trails after that!!

 

Need to prepare for Argus MTB (and still got to register)

 

[appycyclist]

Using a Camelback in road licensed races is against the UCI rules.