Fred D Mentor Group - Part II (Page 93)

I will take some pictures tonight.

For refills, I just started with a throw away and replaced as needed.  Only issue at IMMT was the water bottles were too small to fit snugly so I could only put the bottles of Perform up there.  I had a cage mounted behind my saddle and I just squeezed it together to get it to hold the water properly.

I think lots of people do that and if  you can get it to sit the way you want then yes.  I just couldn't get mine sitting the way I wanted and feeling secure with just zip ties so I had to improvise.

Thanks for the run feedback (again).  Take everyone's advice and will be smart.

Rusty - another great looking position.  After seeing almost 1/2 the group post, I feel like a bit of a sail with my position.  You guys all look much more horizontal than I can get.

x2.  I use a narrow cage up front (or an aluminum one that I bend to make it more snug) and that allows me to use the smaller water bottles that they pass out on the course.

I'll take some pics tonight and post.

Tom - thanks - this is awesome to have!

Oh yeah, thanks Tom! 

Tom - Yes, I just toss an old bottle and grab whatever they are handing out on the course.

Yes Fred, you can just zip tie without the torpedo deck. I use the deck because a) it was given to me and b) it does make for a very rigid platform with my setup. My bars are close enough together so that the torpedo deck actually rests on the bars and then I have it zip tied rather than using the velcro straps. Here is a pic without the cage:

If I did not already have the deck I would probably just laser cut one out of a piece of acrylic instead if just plain zip ties did not work for me.

Here is a pic with the sidekick bottle cage installed:

You can see how it loads to the right - I have not had any problems losing bottles: no matter regular ones, perform, or those small water bottles they seem to always hand out at WTC races.

And if anyone is interested, here is how my roadie is set up using the k-edge thing to get the computer out in front a bit more:

This setup is what really makes me wish my computer was not on the stem of my TT bike - it is really nice having it further out in front. Easier to see and you don't sweat all over it. Ergonova actually makes a new stem that incorporates a garmin mount out there in front, but it costs like a million dollars. Oh! and if Fred had something like this he wouldn't have to jank up his top tube with his light battery - he could put it on his stem like a normal person. 

Duh! Brilliant!

I Know, right!? Drives me crazy. I think I am going to start putting a sharpie in my special needs bags so I can stop and do a touch up whenever I need to.

tri808 - 2012-09-24 1:10 AM Rusty...even your Sidi's are spotless.  I think you have a "problem"...not just a "thing".  LOL...jk

What?!? Don't tell me I am the only one in this group that polishes their shoes before every race?! That is like .03 watts PER SHOE right there!

...or one jelly doughnut.

Wow - Rusty your bars are super narrow. 

I actually like your side mount cage, I thought about Michael's idea but always envisioned myself getting sprayed by liquid over the bumps.  I also assumed it was easier to pull the bottle away from you rather than towards you.  But going out the side seems like the best option.

FWIW, my computer is mounted to the stem.  I always wondered how people were getting away with putting it at the end of the bars till this discussion.  I figured it would be a PITA trying to avoid the computer when pulling out the bottle.

Thanks Tom - tried to download but it wouldn't work.  May be my work configuration - will try tonight at home.

Did you consider an aero bottle on the frame?  Tests show it doesn't seem to impact aero, though for some frames your are better on the seat tube vs down tube.

Here you go Fred.  Only trouble is you will have to put your Quarq back on if you follow it to the letter.  

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Tri_Bike_by_brand/Specialized/Rappstar_s_Specialized_Shiv_Tri_2747.html

Looks that way.  This is from the ITU long distance worlds last year.  He also has one on the frame but this is probably an older frame without the bladder.

My current setup is inverted from what you have.  I zip-tied a torpedo cage almost directly on top of the stem, and then the computer is the 310xt mount on one of the bars, just in front of the bottle.  The bottle is level with the bars, but just barely up enough that I can slide it out without touching the computer.  I'll try to remember to take a pic when I get home.

Note that your ability to do this depends on the length of your bars, and whether they are straight bars or not.  Mine are J-bend, but they're long enough to do this.

That is a 24oz bottle.  I use carbon cages but I will use aluminum for the Keene descent at IMLP.

Fred D - 2012-09-24 11:52 AM

TankBoy - 2012-09-24 10:22 AM

TSimone - 2012-09-24 7:55 AM

That is a nice set up.  And yes, the sticker is perfect.  Arend could learn a thing or two there.  But your body markings look too artsy and are fading.  Fail.

I Know, right!? Drives me crazy. I think I am going to start putting a sharpie in my special needs bags so I can stop and do a touch up whenever I need to.

tri808 - 2012-09-24 1:10 AM Rusty...even your Sidi's are spotless.  I think you have a "problem"...not just a "thing".  LOL...jk

What?!? Don't tell me I am the only one in this group that polishes their shoes before every race?! That is like .03 watts PER SHOE right there!

...or one jelly doughnut.

. Your shoes would put mine to shame. I'm actually a bit grossed out by my shoes....

Ha! Well, in the spirit of full disclosure the shoes in the pictures were practically brand new. Mine have gotten so bad before that I cannot ride in the car with them. There was one time I actually strapped them to my roof racks for the drive home from a race. No lie. I think my wife was hoping they would fall off before we made it home.

I have not found that it makes any difference when I race, so I have gotten to where I alway wear socks in training, it actually helps keep the jungle rot to a minimum. Also you can try washing them on the top rack of the dishwasher (make sure you turn the dry setting off and do it while the spouse is not home). Works like a charm - this is one of the 101 best things I have learned from KathyG. Leaves your shoes looking (and smelling) like new!