My New Mountain Bike

I barely notice my Camelback when I'm mtbing. On the road, yes, because I'm in less of an upright position, but on the trails it doesn't bother me in the least. I'm sweaty enough as it is; the Camelback doesn't make me more so. It's so much easier to drink regularly and I have room to stuff food and other supplies. I use a women's version. I prefer one with both a chest and tummy strap.

ETA: This is the one I have. And it's on sale!

+1 to what Indy said.

I agree with Indy, but I also wear a pack on the road. One thing about water bottles on the trails is they get dusty/dirty and can also bounce out of the cage.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

One thing about water bottles on the trails is they get dusty/dirty and can also bounce out of the cage.

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DH once had a bout of uh..."gastrointestinal distress" that we're fairly sure was caused by drinking from water bottles on trails that were used by horses :eek::o

I have a larger one (The Luxe) and I do sometimes notice it but that is because it has padded straps and those are what I notice. That one is the one I use for long adventures, the Rogue I even race marathons in with no complaints and I really don't notice it is there. Catrin is right too, bottles can get gunky from dirt, although with the right cage they should stay pretty secure. I use my bottle cage for something with electrolytes and water in the Camelbak. The two I posted (and it appears maybe Indy's) have a nice narrow footprint so yes you'll be sweaty but these are not your normal backpack they are made to fit your back for active adventures.

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Originally Posted by Becky

DH once had a bout of uh..."gastrointestinal distress" that we're fairly sure was caused by drinking from water bottles on trails that were used by horses :eek::o

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Ewwwwww.
I also use a Luxe, love it, holds enough stuff and H2O for day-long adventures. It's never bothered me. Except for that time when I found a month old bag of grapes, but that was in the kitchen, not on the bike ;)

I have already been on it, to be able to get into the metro-parks off Drake road is the parks best idea yet

Thanks every one for your inputs and advice...I am checking on those and I am be getting a pair of those camelbaks asap ..

BTW... I wanted to share a few pics of me ,my son and our bikes at the Washington Township Trail ...Sorry for the crappy cellphone pics.

Congratulations on your new mountain bike - and it is great that you can ride with your son - that is seriously cool!

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Originally Posted by katherine

Ewwwwww.
I also use a Luxe, love it, holds enough stuff and H2O for day-long adventures. It's never bothered me. Except for that time when I found a month old bag of grapes, but that was in the kitchen, not on the bike ;)

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Yeah, it was gross. I never have understood why he likes/liked bottles on the MTB.

Another vote for the Luxe. Love mine! I really want an Osprey Verve 10 too.

You might also want to look at Osprey and Vaude hydration packs, the various stores in our area carry them as well as the Camelbak. I do have the Luxe, but I prefer my Vaude as the pack itself is much lighter. Both hold 100 ounces, but the Vaude is easier on my neck - there is a different design in how it connects with the body. I am considering replacing the bite valve with the Camelbak version if it will fit.

You can also find good prices on eBay as well for these packs.

Hey gals ...what about this one for my son?...He will only use it on the weekends.....pretty good reviews

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...42#showReviews

Went on a group ride yesterday for about an hour and 15 minute ride . Covered about 8 miles. And the bike just feels so nice..she kept up with them 29ers pretty good :) ..the group ride was amazing and very friendly.....I am loving this mountain biking thing and my bike as well. I am in the search of a new helmet that would serve me for road and mtb. I have already got a hydration pack for my son and I a new camelbak lobo is on its way for me!!...I am hoping it gets here before Friday. I don't know if its the best hydration pack for cycling but I got a really good deal on ebay for it $60 including shipping brand new and a pretty color too. Yay!!

You might want to consider two separate helmets, that is what I do. Mountain bike helmets have more protection on the back of the head than road helmets do, and the ability to switch them out does lengthen helmet life. Also, if you happen to drop one hard, or fall and hit your head (which always means you should replace the helmet even if you can't see damage), then you have a backup.

Thanks for the suggestion Catrin... I agree .... I will get a mtb helmet ASAP and I can keep using the one I have for commuting and events and get a new Roadbike helmet later.
BTW I am off today and heading to the trails in a few. Yay!!