Camelbak in HIMs

I used a CamelBak in my first HIM a couple of weeks ago. It was really hot (93+) and I sweat a lot. By 40 miles on the bike, I had drained a 70oz CamelBak of water, 20 oz of Gatorade, and 2-20oz bottles of water (though a lot of that water went over my head).

I was originally worried about the aerodynamics, but the truth is, I don't go fast enough that any gain in aerodynamics would outweigh the benefit of having enough water. Additionally, I know I am more likely to drink when I have the CamelBak tube in front of me, than I do when just using bottles.

I think there is no right or wrong: I'd go with what you are most comfortable with. I had trained with the CamelBak and knew it worked for me.

A Camelbak is $30, $20 if you shop smart online. Get one, take it on a few training rides and see how it works out. Personally, I love it and do all my races exc/sprints with it. I don't know that I would recommend also putting your tubes, tools, etc. in there--it gets pretty heavy and at least the liquid you're draining from it will take away from the weight, whereas the hardware won't.

I ALSO take an extra nutrition bottle and water bottle. It's going to be hard to do your HIM without them.

Nothing wrong with a neverreach and a saddlebag, too. Birkie's right (he's always right)--at this point, your aero factor from hydration is not going to make that much of a difference.

ooops, I didn't catch that the first time.  what the heck is an ibike? 

I used one bottle of Infinit on my downtube and a single bottle on my X-Lab Carbon wing during my last HIM (pic here ).  I would take supplemental liquids at aid stations but only take one swig from the bottle before throwing it to the side at the garbage cans they set up.  The Carbon Wing has a storage area where you can put a spare tubular and tools inside a pouch. You do have to get out of aero to reach the bottle but I think its fairly easy and time loss is minimal if you practice switching bottles on training rides.

I just did my first HIM last weekend and used 2 water bottles in my cages and my areo bottle.  I used my cheepest bottles in the cages and exchanged them at the bottle exchanges.  It worked really well.  To use a Camelbak for long distances really hurts my back for some reason. 

 Take a look at the pic,  ive heard that is one of the best ways to slow down due to drag --breaks the wind line going down your back.

Christian Vande Velde was wearing a camelback on his TT in the TdF this year.  He wore it under his bike jersey which probably made it much more aero.  I have not thought of this for tri but it makes sense.  Put 70oz worth of the good stuff (your nutrition) and grab waters when you need them.

I think I will practice with that set up...I have several cbacks just collecting dust.may be too much work getting it under the jersey though

I understand the pros dont use them but they also have special nutrition ready for them and are spending much less time overall.  Kinda like marathons...the pro's have there special bottles ready while we shlep the fuel belt or deal with powerade.

Given your requirements - HIM distance/time, no aero bottle, Infinit for both hydration and fuel - a camelbak might be an ok option for you. Try it in training and see what you think.

Though I agree with the previous post about maybe being overly focused on staying totally aero the whole time. There's something to be said for sitting up for a few seconds, slowing down, taking a few breaths, getting a fresh cold gatorade or water and then getting back work. Especially at mile 45 on a hot race day. That camelbak will likely have your back and your Inifinit near the boiling point by then.

VinemanCali,

Here is what I use... http://www.fuelbelt.com/outdoor/hydration.html

 Not having to stop/slow at aid stations is great, as is knowing that I'll be getting exactly what I need.

 I don't run any bottles behind my seat but do put my spare gear inside bike bottles that I mount on the frame.  70 oz would be a lot of fluid for me, but you likely know your own needs from training.  

The one type of race where I wouldn't use this set up would be a really hot one -- I find that having something on my spine slows cooling.

 Hope this helps,

gordo