Camelbacks and Triathlon Races

Many will tell you that the Camelbak is not necessary.  However I would say that you should do whatever you're most comfortable with.  Since you train with it now, go for it.  In the future you might want to try other things, like carrying what you need on the bike.

I personally carry my tools on the bike.  For hydration I have a water bottle on the bike and often carry a water bottle on the run.  I don't prefer to rely on the course.  I'm often mocked before races for bringing a fuel belt (like a half-mary), but when you're not the fastest, you do what you have to do. 

I did a race in August when I was one of the last Oly finishers   They ran out of water on the course and there was little to be had when I finished.  I would have been really happy to have a Camelbak that day!

Good luck!

I have all my tools and spare tubes in a saddle bag under the seat.  Then I never have to worry about forgetting it on a training ride.  I may take some extras out o fit for a race, but it's always on.

I have used a camelback for my first HIM AND for all of my long training rides.  They are fine, but rare on a race course.  However, I decided after my first HIM, that they provide so much aid on the course, it wasn't needed.  Just two cages and an aero bottle held enough fluids.

Yep.

I've seen people with Camelbaks even in sprint races. IMO it's a huge sign screaming "I'M A NEWBIE!" For an Oly, 2 bottles should be sufficient. Plus many Oly races have at least one aid station on the bike. Others have alredy covered the tool considerations.

But if you don't have cages or a seat bag, and the Camelbak is all you have, then by all means use it.

 
I'm a newbie for sure and not really worried about that.  I think I'll have a big target on my back when I ride on my mountian bike for the bike leg.  I'll be at a disadvantage already and am am out for persoanl achievement, BOP finish, and if I pass a biker on the road, I'll be sure to console them over crab cake at the celebration afterwards.  :P

All ribbing aside, this is my first tri, I invested the bike rental fee ($150; I'd have done 75 or 100) for a tune up in my MTB and will use that for race day in lieu of doing both, and am trying to get through with a minimal investement that will get me the most amount of use after race day as I'm also putting my money into a suite at the hotel the night before...

I'll price up racks/bottles and seat pouch (which I solely use on my bike anyway and not sure about the next tri if at all) but throw in the race belt and I'll weigh the costs and benefits.

This race day cr@P (with a smile)

Harry

FWIW, I never indicated that having something indicating "I'M A NEWBIE!" was a bad thing. At one time all of us were newbies and most likely looked like one. I know I did.

And wow, if your wife needed 56 ounces of fluid for a sprint it may signal that she is a bit out of the ordinary. Not that it's a bad thing. How would she ever get enough fluid for a longer race? She couldn't possibly carry more than 200 ounces for a HIM - could she?

The comment was directed toward short distance racers in the first place and I NEVER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH LOOKING LIKE A NEWBIE!

A few point on the use of a camel backs. 

 I have used them on log ride (road races)and HIM.  The main reason that I use one it keeps my liquid cool where a bottle in a cage can gets hot.  I also use my own hydration replacement.  Hammer has some great products and if some of them get to hot like Sustained Energy and Perpetuem they can turn bad in the heat.  Also because I use Hammer products and most races use other Crap stuff for hydration I need to bring my own nutrition along for the ride.

Its nice to have 70oz of water and be able to pass up aid stations that have lines of people get refilled.  I have seen many wrecks at aid stations with people getting refills or just handed new water bottles to riders..

Typical (at least in these parts).  I have not been in an Oly yet that had aid stations for the bike.  Not to say they don't exist.

That's why I have my aero bottle full, and two full bottle behind the seat to refill.  I usually don't drink it all, but it's better to have a half bottle left over than run out.  BTW, I race in 90-100 degree heat, so go through a lot of fluids.

Camelback whatever, use whatever works,,,, but THANKS for posting that pic! 

I always use my CamelBack when I train in my bike...and....for long distances Races...(Oly and HIM)...

I don't think I'm a stupid newbie...very smart...It's very easy....free hands...I don't waste my time stopping to get bottles of water....

I've been considering using my camelbak, as my bottles get warm halfway through my rides. I have even filled them up with ice, but by the time i get to the last 1/4, it's always warm.For me, a cold drink during a ride can make ALL of the difference...

I'm not concerned with image, as some of you cyclist are! (yes, that was a lowblow! )

If aero is a concern, i have seen d00ds put them under their shirts.