? Handlebar Bag/Compartments

[DeniseGoldberg]

Denise, as I read all the descriptions of camelbaks, some of them mention mesh that's supposed to make them cooler on your back. Is the Rogue comfortable from a temp point of view? When you put ice in it, does it cool down your back?

Sorry, I don't put ice in mine so I don't know.

On a really hot day, I suppose you could say it's an extra layer. But it's really not bad. You get used to it, and since you should be drinking all of the time, the weight gets less as you ride...

--- Denise

[pooks]

Thanks for the info!

[Denise223]

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for your input. I appreciate it very much!

When I spoke with a guy at the lbs yesterday, because my frame is 13", the only other place to put a cage would be on the handlebar OR somewhere behind my saddle. He said that that would change my position on the saddle, so....I don't want that.

Originally posted by Denise -- Why are you ruling out a Camelbak? The one I use is the Rogue, which is pretty basic. That is, it's really meant for water and is not a full-blown backpack. There is room to stash a few things (like my car keys and some energy bars).

The reason I ruled it out was because I thought that the Camelbak's just carried liquids and nothing else. I didn't know that in addition to hydration, there's also some cargo space ! Thanks so much for letting me know otherwise, Denise !

http://www.camelbak.com/

I checked the Camelbak site and there are three that interest me. One would be the Rogue, which is the one that you have. The others would be either the Magic or the Lobo. I would definitely want one that can hold at least 70 oz. of water.

They do come with everything included for $50 - $75, don't they? Or, did you have to purchase the reservoir, tube, mouthpiece, etc...separately? (I'm assuming everything is included -- but, I shouldn't assume anything).

I would think that purchasing the cleaning kit & reservoir dryer would be very important -- is that right?

I am pretty excited about this --- it would mean (in my case), no more fumbling around in getting my polar bottle out of the cage, not to mention fumbling to put it back in the cage when I'm done!
And, I'd be able to carry all of my stuff with me !

I've always loved to drink water -- that's always been my 'beverage of choice'. And now, given the weather that we've been having out here, I'm constantly drinking when riding.
Getting my bottle in and out of the cage every < 10 minutes IS a pain, so, this would make riding even MORE enjoyable .

Thanks Denise -- I'm SOLD on one of these for sure .

I hope everyone is enjoying their day!

Denise

[DeniseGoldberg]

I checked the Camelbak site and there are three that interest me. One would be the Rogue, which is the one that you have. The others would be either the Magic or the Lobo. I would definitely want one that can hold at least 70 oz. of water.

They do come with everything included for $50 - $75, don't they? Or, did you have to purchase the reservoir, tube, mouthpiece, etc...separately? (I'm assuming everything is included -- but, I shouldn't assume anything).

I would think that purchasing the cleaning kit & reservoir dryer would be very important -- is that right?
Denise

Everything you need (reservoir, tube, mouthpiece) comes with the Camelbak - but all of those pieces are replaceable. And I do occasionally decide I need fresh pieces!

I don't have a cleaning kit - since I just use mine for water I figure that rinsing it out is enough but I do have a reservoir dryer. You just need something to hold it sort of open while it's drying.

I'd suggest going to your LBS (REI usually has a good selection too) and trying these on. Make sure that what you get feels ok and has the amount of extra room that will make you happy.

--- Denise

[Bikingmomof3]

Hi Everyone!

I would think that purchasing the cleaning kit & reservoir dryer would be very important -- is that right?

Nashbar has free cleaning kits with most of their camelBaks.

[withm]

I have the Rogue model, 70oz. I don't think I have ever consumed the entire contents in one outing, but I have come close. The bladder comes out pretty easily, and like others, I only use water, so not too hard to rinse it out and dry. But normally I just refil it halfway, blow air into it, and keep it in the freezer (LEVEL!) til I need it next. Then just have to thaw out the opening by running it under hot water for a bit. Fill it up with cold water from the fridge and load 'er up. I do take a second to completely dry the bladder on the outside before I insert it back into the carrier. If the bladder wasn't level, it might not sit so well on my back, but it conforms soon enough and iw well insulated, so after a 4 hour ride in 90oF temps, I still had ice and nice COLD water to drink which was good cause I had poured most of what was left in my water bottle on my head (way before Floyd did it! )

The weight is not bothersome to me. I have a friend who has a smaller capacity model, and she often drinks it all and has to refil it at the rest stop. So even though I may not need the full 70 oz, I'd rather have it, and not need it, than need it and not have it.

The Rogue has a chest strap which to me is very important so it won't slide around. Also it's blue.

My only complaint is that its ability to carry much else is very limited. There is a little pouch that could carry a tube or two, or a camera, or small items, and couple of tools but is not large enough to stash my rain jacket, and all those other things I can fit in a fanny pack or my small handlebar bag. Tubes and tools live in the seat pack.