2015 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Bike Fueling Systems
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$100, Invisciddesign.com
The draw: Jumbo storage capacity
The most popular frame-mounted hydration system at the 2014 Ironman World Championship is ideal for long-course racing because of its refillable 40-ounce storage capacity. The straw can bend to be positioned parallel to the aerobars when you’re not drinking so it’s not bouncing around in your face or catching wind.
[buy-now-btn nytro=”http://www.nytro.com/speedfil/down-tube-hydration-system-277″]
$35, Pro-bikegear.com
The draw: Streamlined and secure
With the option to run a single or double cage setup, the Aerofuel Tri Cage mounts directly to saddle rails. It doesn’t come with cages or provide much storage for flat repair items, but it’s one of the cheapest and most straightforward options available for carrying two bottles behind your saddle.
$70, Torhans.com
The draw: Aero and stealth
The aerodynamicists at Torhans built the AeroZ with a new shape, yet it still works with the existing Torhans AeroMount ($20, not included). This slick bottle allows for multiple straw positions: It can sit straight up or lie flat for less drag. Spilling is no problem, as the fully sealed cap prevents overflow, even over rough roads. The straw pulls liquid from the bottom of the bottle so you don’t waste a precious drop.
$60, Profile-design.com
The draw: Flexibility
The RML has two different mounting positions to accommodate saddles with a dropped rear tab like the ISM Adamo Time Trial. It comes with two basic Profile Design cages that are mounted on either side of the RML, but if you only want to run one bottle, there are holes to mount a cage on the back of the unit.
[buy-now-btn nytro=”http://www.nytro.com/all-products/browse/keyword/profile-design-hydration”]
$25, Nathansports.com
The draw: Magnetic closure
Most top tube-mounted storage boxes use a zipper or Velcro closures, which aren’t necessarily difficult to use, but none are as easy to open as the Hyper Speedfeed Box’s magnetic closure. The clear top panel leaves no mystery as to how many gels you have left, and reflective accents provide some extra visibility.
$55, Xlab-usa.com
The draw: Simple and refillable
XLab’s most affordable aerobar-mounted hydration system holds 26 ounces, plenty for most triathletes because it is refillable. Thirty dollars less than the Torpedo System 100, this version lacks a folding straw and computer mount. Despite the bottle’s aerodynamic shape, it can fit in a normal bottle cage so you can move it from your bars to your frame or a rear carrier during a race.
[buy-now-btn nytro=”http://www.nytro.com/all-products/browse/keyword/xlab-torpedo”]