carrying water

[Miranda]

On what to use to carry water, this is what I have...

I could never fit 2 full size bottles 24oz on my bike until I got side loader cages (frame size 49cm)...
http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesom...580/5418/33214

This will hold 2 bottles behind the seat (comes in both saddle rail mount or seat post mount)...
http://www.profile-design.com/profil...ation/rm1.html

I ordered one of these, but it has not arrived yet. Some of the pros wore them on the tour in the past...
http://www.camelbak.com/en/sports-re...bak-women.aspx

I own the women's specific mtb Camelbak "Charm". Holds 50oz H2O. I've considered wearing it for road riding. I just don't see it being comfortable in the more aero position--vs. the mtb. The vest is designed for roadies.

One thing to consider is that one filled bottle weighs 1.5#s approximately. Depending on where your route is at, a stop for something cold at a conv. store might be worth an extra couple miles off the route. Plus, if you are courtesy paying customer (read--don't just go in and use the restroom for free & bathroom sink for a free H2O refill--buy water / snack)... the probably wouldn't mind giving you more ice for your other bottles too.

Personally, I do not like ice in my water or it cold. And recently even on one of my club's tours for 50mi with temps 90s heat index 101 degrees. BECAUSE... the bottles are wet and slippery from sweating themselves. The risk of dropping a bottle while riding into another rider's wheel, traffic, my own wheel, etc. I think it is not worth it--just worries me, personally.

I think the ideas of freezing is good if you like it that way. I know other peeps that do that as well.