I'm a klutz -- recommend a bottle cage...?

[zoom-zoom]

I have 2 like this (only in white):
http://images.jensonusa.com/large/hy/hy308c16blk.jpg

I hate them. I am forever not getting the bottles in right and then dropping them and having to turn around and go back for them. This is a PITA on a casual ride, but in 10 days I am doing my first race (duathlon) and am completely freaking out about dropping a bottle and having no fluids AND risking ruining another rider's race.

Help! I'd prefer white, but for the right cage can be flexible.

[Melissa71]

I use these, by Topeak. http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Modula-Modified-Bicycle-Waterbottle/dp/B000ZKCLEI/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1271375368&sr=8-34

I really like the fact that they're adjustable. I tried the type you're using (on hubby's bike) and had the same problems you're having. I ended up using a couple cable ties and bending the frame to keep my water bottle in place (on hubby's bike).

[VeloVT]

I put some Tacx Tao cages (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-accessories/2010-tacx-tao-807.91.0.html) (the cheap nylon ones, not the carbon ones) on my commute bike. I love them -- they hold the bottles very securely, yet the bottles are also super easy to remove and replace. I'm a fan. If I'd tried them earlier I might have put them on my road bike instead of my carbon Arundel cages, which are attractive and secure but a little tight to get the bottles out of and into.

I'm also a fan of the Bontrager Race Lite cages (http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=647&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1,2,15,260&iProductID=647&bShopOnline=1) (the nylon ones - I haven't tried the carbon version).

[lph]

Have you ever considered hydration on your back? I've never dropped a bottle, but when I'm really working hard I don't really want to change my position. The last race I did I started thinking about one of those camelback jerseys with room for a hydration bladder. Have to admit I'm still out on this one because... it looks so ugly... :p

Just a suggestion, but I guess 10 days before a race is not a good time to try out something new.

[zoom-zoom]

Have you ever considered hydration on your back? I've never dropped a bottle, but when I'm really working hard I don't really want to change my position. The last race I did I started thinking about one of those camelback jerseys with room for a hydration bladder. Have to admit I'm still out on this one because... it looks so ugly... :p

Just a suggestion, but I guess 10 days before a race is not a good time to try out something new.

I have a Camelbak waist belt that I've run with in the past...but ended up really not liking it. It's a friggin' PITA to wash the tubing and bladder. I MUCH prefer bottles for the ease of cleaning. Plus I'm not sure that I would want that bladder on my back for the run portions. That extra weight is really noticeable on the run (discovered that during a marathon when I swapped an empty bottle for a full one and my legs suddenly felt like I'd been handed a 10# brick to put in my bottle belt).

I ended up ordering a couple of these:
http://www.performancebike.com/images/performance/products/medium/20-5254-LTB-GROUP.jpg
I read rave reviews of the cage, itself, and the bottles look nice, too.

If I end up not liking them I will look at one of the recommendations you ladies have shared.

[artifactos]

You could always just wear a small Camelbak for the bike portion. You can put it on in transition and take it off in transition.

I saw quite a few people with smaller Camelbaks in a local sprint triathlon today - I figure I'll probably have to use mine if I ever get past Olympic distance on the bike, since I go through two water bottles on my 20-30 mile rides, even in spring weather. I can't imagine how much water I'll go through during the summer - I sweat a lot!

Good luck with the cages you're trying, though!

Also: On the run, unless you will drink a lot, most races will have hydration points every mile or so, so you do not need to carry a water bottle or hydration pack. I guess it depends on your personal preference for that! Most triathlons/duathlons I've watched have provided water or electrolyte drinks in cups, so you drop the cup or throw it in a trash can coming out of the pit stop instead of holding onto a bottle.

[zoom-zoom]

Also: On the run, unless you will drink a lot, most races will have hydration points every mile or so, so you do not need to carry a water bottle or hydration pack. I guess it depends on your personal preference for that! Most triathlons/duathlons I've watched have provided water or electrolyte drinks in cups, so you drop the cup or throw it in a trash can coming out of the pit stop instead of holding onto a bottle.

If the run distances were longer than 5k I would make more use of the fluids during the run portion, but I never do well drinking during those fast/short distances...usually has me wanting to hurl. :p

[softthings]

+1 on the tacx tao bottle cages. love em!

[VeloVT]

When I first started riding and was too nervous to reach for a bottle while riding, I tried riding with my Camelbak a few times. It didn't work out very well for me at all. In a road position, the Camelbak ended up making my hunch up my shoulders, leading to tension and discomfort. This may have been just a personal quirk, it may work well for other people, but I didn't like it at all (and I have no problem taking my Camelbak on long runs).

[krisl6]

Another +1 for the Tacx Tao. I have them on my road and mtn bikes.

[spokewench]

Just get into the habit of one little extra push to make sure your bottle is secure; or get a camelback. They make small ones that would work for a duathalon, at least the part on the bike.