Small Frame - no room for 2nd bottle cage

[Artista]

The water pouches have been very durable. We used them 2-3 times a week last season and they still look new. Another benefit of the water pouch is that it can be flattened as the water level goes down, and rolled softly once it's empty so that it takes up very little space. The top third of the filled pouch sticks out of my jersey pocket but I've never had one fall out, even though I mountain bike with them.

[Pedal Wench]

I have the same problem with a new build so I'm gonna try this: http://www.xlab-usa.com/delta-wing.html The more expensive XLab Delta 200 has gotta good reviews with regard to the problem of the bottles bouncing out (a known problem with Profile Designs system.)

[tealtreak]

I use a camel back on road trips of more than 40 or so miles because I sweat so much even 3 bottles would not suffice. I have never given a second thought to what folks think, maybe because I think of myself as a mountain biker anyway......Plus as Catrin said- you can really get ice water to stay cold in a decent camelback! Heavenly when its 96!

[velo]

Goldfinch - thanks for the ideas. I'll check into first example you gave, but that is usually where I mount my computer, which can obviously go elsewhere on my handlebars. Even if you take the bottle out of the cage, does it make it difficult to flip over to change a tire? The second one is a good alternative, I think. It would have to go on my handlebars somewhere, but don't think it would go anywhere on the frame as it's oddly shaped.

Arista - I actually have one of those and they are really convenient for hiking, but I'm not sure I would like it for riding. For starters, it doesn't hold enough water for longer rides and secondly, it's a little cumbersome to get the water out when it gets low - using two hands as it get low because it's oddly shaped and rolling it up to get the last bits. Great for when you don't need a hand on the handlebars. It would be good to rehydrate when stopped, but not mid-ride, I think. Thank you, though!

Pedal Wench - that was what I was thinking of - behind the saddle, then I also like that wedge to use for tools that is in the first picture. Thank you for the link!

Teal - you know, I have to admit that 10 years ago I cared, but not any more. One thing life has taught me is that comfort trumps looks every.single.time. If you can be comfortable and look good, great, but if you have to choose, choose comfort. It's why you haven't seen me in high heels in a decade. I'm thinking very much that a camelback is going to be the winner because I'm tired of trying to find a place to refill on long rides, which is just as often as not from some nice person's garden hose which tastes like crap. Might as well be comfortable and practical at the same time, right?

[nuliajuk]

It used to be possible to get bottle cages with clips for bikes that didn't have built-in bottle cage bosses. Perhaps you could get something like that to hold a cylindrical case for your tools, underneath the downtube. (Many touring bikes have bottle bosses under the down tube, usually used to carry the bottle of camp stove fuel.) That would leave the space behind the saddle clear for bottles.

[tealtreak]

I don't have a small frame, but I've tried to use a hydration pack on a road bike, and found it quite uncomfortable. In a more upright position--mountain bike or hybrid, it's no problem.

It might be the type of pack- I ride in the drops- (belly to bar) all the time- especially down hill (FUN) and mine is comfy (: There are many styles/sizes/shapes (:

[OakLeaf]

As far as hydration pack ... I don't like to wear them on the bike either, but on the road bike, I let the shoulder straps all the way out and let the waist strap support the weight of the water on my hipbones. That's the only way I can wear it without straining my back. If needed, I CAN ride all day like that.

Nathan makes a hydration vest for MTB. I have no idea what it's like, but their running vests are EXTREMELY well balanced and comfortable, if that's any indication.

As far as triathlete water systems ... what about one of those frame mounted wedges with the straw? Expensive, but no more than a wearable pack. Would that leave you enough room for a second bottle on the seat tube?

[Artista]

Arista - I actually have one of those and they are really convenient for hiking, but I'm not sure I would like it for riding. For starters, it doesn't hold enough water for longer rides and secondly, it's a little cumbersome to get the water out when it gets low - using two hands as it get low because it's oddly shaped and rolling it up to get the last bits. Great for when you don't need a hand on the handlebars. It would be good to rehydrate when stopped, but not mid-ride, I think. Thank you, though!

Velo, this still may not be an acceptable solution, but I frequently carry 2 water pouches in addition to my regular water bottle. I've also been known to pour the water from the pouch into my empty water bottle so that I can access it more easily while I'm riding.

[ny biker]

Velo, this still may not be an acceptable solution, but I frequently carry 2 water pouches in addition to my regular water bottle. I've also been known to pour the water from the pouch into my empty water bottle so that I can access it more easily while I'm riding.

That's how I would expect to use it. After both water bottles are empty, pour water from the pouch into one of them, then fold it up and stick it in the seat bag or handlebar bag.