Santa Cruz Juliana - water bottle?

[fatbottomedgurl]

Behind the saddle holder not a good idea because that's where you want to be when riding a steep descent.

Camelbacks are ideal because we tend to carry more stuff. You have to be completely self sufficient- tubes, pumps, tools, first aid, snacks, sleeping bag...just kidding.

[Red Rock]

This is not meant to sidetrack the original question...but...

Is there really much difference between the Camelback LUKE and the MULE? Does anyone know?

Red Rock

[Aggie_Ama]

I think the LUXE may be what they are now calling the women's M.U.L.E. I got it on sale last summer and have been pleased (hint- REI likes to put this Camelbak on sale). The straps are narrower than the MULE my husband has, maybe the whole product is narrower but they both hold 100 oz. This one has nicer straps than his MULE but his is a couple years old. FWIW- it doesn't look like they have changed the men's straps but maybe they have. Otherwise I say storage is identical- both have a ton! Basically, they are the same product but the LUXE is cut for narrower shoulders and maybe a shorter torso. I really wish the REI site showed the vent/padded back. I am sure you can find that if you looked. This is similar to mine, just a darker brown now.


http://www.rei.com/product/779957

[Red Rock]

Thanks Aggie- I have the MULE and have never tried on the the LUXE. I have a Cambelbak collection and if I purchased this one for women, I think my DH would faint entirely. Perhaps I should at least check it out. If the other works, I could put the MULE up for sale.

Red Rock

[jesvetmed]

Aggie: Just re-read this thread.... and low and behold, I have an REI dividend and a 20% off any one item coupon to spend. HMMMM.... brings that down to just about nothing! And nothing is my favorite price!
THANKS for the reminder and great idea!
Jes

[mtngirl]

Just saw your post. I ride a Julianna and almost never use a camelbak, I just don't like the way they feel. I use both bottle holders, the one on the bottom is where I keep the bottle I'm not currently drinking, either the full one or the empty one. When the top one is empty I switch the two and wipe off the one that was on the bottom. Works great for me. I did an endurance event Saturday and was very happy to not carry a camelbak for close to 9 hours. Most of the front of the pack people didn't. I carry my tire changing essentials in an under the seat pack and anything else I need in my shirt pockets.

[Aggie_Ama]

Aggie: Just re-read this thread.... and low and behold, I have an REI dividend and a 20% off any one item coupon to spend. HMMMM.... brings that down to just about nothing! And nothing is my favorite price!
THANKS for the reminder and great idea!
Jes

I do love my Luxe and it is available in a sassy Garnet/Maroon color this year. So unfair- Aggie Maroon! But really for a huge pack it is shockingly comfortable and I am sorta petite, not teeny tiny but smaller build. Free or close to it, that is my price!

[Hound Dog]

Just saw your post. I ride a Julianna and almost never use a camelbak, I just don't like the way they feel. I use both bottle holders, the one on the bottom is where I keep the bottle I'm not currently drinking, either the full one or the empty one. When the top one is empty I switch the two and wipe off the one that was on the bottom. Works great for me. I did an endurance event Saturday and was very happy to not carry a camelbak for close to 9 hours. Most of the front of the pack people didn't. I carry my tire changing essentials in an under the seat pack and anything else I need in my shirt pockets.

hummmm my Juliana only has the 'bolts' for a water bottle holder on the bottom tube and I'm not certain there is room for a bottle on the top. I have a size small frame??? How did you mount the bottle on the top tube? Sounds like you have a nice set up.... what type of pack do you have under the seat?

For commuting to work and longer rides where I'll need to carry more items I just ordered an Ergon pack. The weight is supposed to sit on the hips and not the shoulders. Check out the info and video....

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/backpacks/bd1.html

[Hound Dog]

The Ergon packs come in three sizes, I ordered the small version for both my hubby and myself. They arrived yesterday. Well worth the $155.00 CAN! The weight of the pack sits on your hips... you don't feel any weight on your back or shoulders..... it feels like the pack is empty. There is separation between the pack and your back, which allows lots of airflow so I shouldn't get overheated.

Ergon put a lot of thought into creating their packs, I highly recommend them!

[BellaMTB]

I just found this thread by "googling" the same problem - I just got a new Superlight (same design as the Juliana) and found the "small" size only has room for the bottle at the VERY bottom I really don't want to use a hydration pack if I don't have to. Also, I like to take liquids other than water, which I understand you can't use in the hydration pack. I am interested in that behind-the-seat bottle holder if it comes in a small, single-bottle version, as the dual type would prevent adequate "clearance" to descend properly (as someone already mentioned). Hmmm . . .

Happy but Thirsty

[ZenSojourner]

Why not take other liquids in your pack? I've done it, you just have to be sure to clean the reservoir out right away. I use a wide-mouth reservoir (hydraback style) that opens completely at the top, new ones are even fully reversible. You should have no problem carrying other stuff besides plain water.

[BellaMTB]

Thanks, ZenSojourner -

I just found one of those "reversible" reservoirs at the LBS for the hydration pack - I think that might allow me to drink some type of caloric liquid & still keep it clean. I'm going to give it a try.

J