aero bottle versus cage bottle

Some enterprising lads at MIT did a study some time ago, but I'll suggest the results are a bit dated by now.

There have been test of hydration systems done- I've been in the wind tunnel duringone of them- but the results were only used internally for design purposes and not published.

For what its worth, I think you made a good move though as long as you trim the straw down as short as is practical and functional.

I suppose it depends on the testing.  I've "heard" (I'm not a wind tunnel tester) that bottle cages on your frame can actually make some bikes more aero than with nothing there at all.  I've also heard that the aero drink can hurt your aerodynamic profile.

I've used both...I can't tell the difference.  I use a bottle between my aero bars now because it's the easiest to use, refill, and keeps a straw out of my face (and the wind).  They also say it's more aero...but that would just be a bonus if it's true.

This. Single bottle cage zip tied between the aero bars. Cheap, easy, aero.

The Torhans site looks like it's down right now, but IIRC their wind tunnel study showed the aerobottle as having more drag than a single bottle on the frame. Of course the studyalso showed that their bottle was one of the best options out there.

The two factors that made me get the aero bottle was that 1) I wasn't drinking enough on the bike and 2) I slow down a good 1-2 mph while I'm grabbing my bottle and drinking for 30 seconds or so several times during a race.

I figured those two alone made it worthwhile to switch.  I was just curious if there was an actual aero advantage as well beyond my #2.

And now you've got something to work on...

Seriously, there is no need to slow down at all.  Practice this while training.

Is there perhaps some sleight of hand in the term "aero bottle"? It's the name for a bottle that is designed for drinking while in aero position, not the name for a bottle that is necessarily especially aerodynamic.

As Bear points out, a regular bottle in 'torpedo' position between the aero bars is generally reckoned to be the most aerodynamic bottle configuration. I found that it took some practice to get used to drinking from it (I'm a klutz), and it will take more practice to get good at riding while drinking from it. But what matters most from an aerodynamic perspective is the position that the bottle is in for the 95% of the time that you're not drinking from it.

An aero bottle does not solve #1.  You may think it does...but it doesn't unless the liquid automatically shoots into your mouth without you putting any effort into it.  I've set a timer on my watch to beep every 15 minutes during my HIM.  I started to ignore it after about 45 minutes and just drank on my own schedule which ended up being roughly ever 10-15 minutes anyway.

If it takes you 30 seconds to drink...you're spending too much time doing that as well.  At most, it takes me 5-7 seconds to get my bottle, take two large squirts, then shove it back in the cage.

Again...use the PD aero drink if you like it.  It's a pretty good product assuming you get the shower poof thing to control the splashing.  But don't expect it to cure your 2 problems.

thanks for the advice everyone.  The good news is I have both cages/bottles and an aero bottle now so I can figure out which ones work best for me.  In reality I'm not anywhere near fast enough for it to probably make a difference from an aero standpoint but I'm an engineer by trade so I always think about these things.

Thanks

PS, you'll probably laugh at this one.  You know your a Triathlon nerd when you hold your aero bottle out the sunroof of your car when driving to see how well it cuts through the wind... Yeah, that was me on the way home today...

It depends on a lot of things. The Aerodrink style can go (from an aero standpoint) anywhere from terrible to actually improving aerodynamics (although this requires your front profile - cables and such - to be pretty rough) The straw is generally the worst part, so if possible, figure out a solution to that.

The Torpedo style is generally neutral (no penalty) on most setups, and with a little practice made things a lot less complicated (for me at least)

What frame do you have? Bottles on the frame don't usually test all that horrible, usually not much more penalty than an aerodrink (in most tests at least)

My 2 cents on this - it depends on how you plan to use the bottle.  For Sprint races this year I bought into the "single bottle on the downtube" as the fastest option.  And I removed the other cage and aerobottle.

But for my HIM I plan to use the aerobottle, simply because I'm concerned about the Ironman Perform they'll handout on course.  I plan to dump it into the aerobottle, and if it's too sweet then I'll mix in water.  I don't want to mess with a regular bottle if I find I need to add water to dilute it a bit.

My straw is too long - I already bend a lot to get to it, but I've also yet to see anyone show numbers about how much slower it makes you over a set distance.  Drag numbers - yes, time - no.

I've got a Trek SC 7.2 with 2 x Bontrager RXL bottle cages. (standard 21 oz. bottles).  Here's an old pic with the bottle cages & a couple new pics I just took this morning with the aero bottle setup.

To all the experts and vets out there, can you verify this claim?

Other than the "uncoolness" factor, I'ver heard that the camelback is actually the most aero?

On a frame as well designed as the SC, I'd run the bontrager aerobottle, mounted to the seat tube (supposedly neutral) and the torpedo between the bars (also should be neutral). You really aren't going to improve that things front profile with the bottle, and the straw will be costing something as clean as that front end is.

That bike is begging for a center pull brake in the front too

Actually, a camelback worn on your chest is the most aero.

you know, if not for the problem of getting the stupid thing on (I don't imagine wearing it on the swim would be fun) in t1 and off in t2, that's a pretty good idea. Especially if (not saying one exists...dunno) you could "freeze" a layer between the liquid and the outer coating... that way it would cool you down as well...

Or maybe I've lost it...

I'm embarrassed to post that I had no idea what that was  I googled it and now I know.  Good idea and it's on my list.

So much to learn....  

They do make a bike jersey model.  Not quite a frozen layer, but the design is meant for the cold liquid in the bladder to help cool your core temp and possibly improve your aerodynamic profile.  I suppose you could partially freeze the bladder, then throw it in the jersey right before a ride/race.  Not really ideal for tris...but maybe for road races or TTs.

http://www.backcountry.com/camelbak-racebak-hydration-jersey-mens

For 99% of us on here, the only difference that will be made will be through placebo effect.. The rest, of it is whatever works best for you. I use the Profile as it is easier for me to get to, easy to refil with whateverh fluid I wish and keeps "me" from breaking my rythym better.. YMMV

tuwood.. gorgeous bike.. love my Felt, but would trade it for one of those..

tuwood--I am new here and do not have the answer to your original question but I love my Aerodrink.  I did my first century ride in 1970 and IMO I drink lots more using the Aerodrink on my old school Litespeed Custom.  There are threads here on BT about how to make the top of the Aerodrink splash proof. Hope this helps.

PS--that is a beautiful bike you have there sir. I too would have sold all my house furniture to afford such a nice bike. 

how many seconds gained does it take for it to qualify beyond "placebo effect" then?