Camelbak Podium Bottles

[Running Mommy]

I've been waiting for these bottles to come in since Interbike. FINALLY camelbak has shipped them!
They are AWESOME!!!
You don't need to open and close them- and they don't leak! They have a little dial type switch on the lid that you switch to open. And then you can either suck on them like a normal water bottle, or squeeze them to get them to flow. BUT you can also turn them upside down and they will not leak!
I've been amazing my customers w/ them all weekend.
Another plus is the compound that they used for the bottles won't retain flavors or get that musty smell. It's like nagline, but more pliable.
So no more pulling the valve open w/ your teeth and then slapping it shut on your thigh. Also no more leaking if the bottle falls over.

They come in six colors, and two sizes 21 and 24 oz. I retail them for 7.99 and 8.99 respectively, and that is msrp.
Anyway, just wanted to give them a HUGE thumbs WAY up!!

Check them out here:
http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm

[VeloVT]

So these don't have the straw, right? Someone gave me a Camelbak bottle last year with the bite valve that had a straw, and was made out of rigid nalgene material -- it's pretty, and fine for general use, but useless on bike -- heavy, and you have to INHALE, like really suck, to get water -- no fun when you're breathing hard. But I saw this podium bottle online and was intrigued -- if it doesn't have a straw, and is like a regular bottle, just with a soft bite valve, it could be great. Also, how squeezy is it? Squeeziness is important .

Thanks for the info!!!

ETA: is it a huge problem to just leave the turn-valve open? does this lead to massive leaking? With my regular bottles I usually just leave the bite thingey open when I'm on the bike.

[7rider]

Now, THAT is cool.
DH bought 2 of the Camelbak performance bottles, but I didn't like them b/c they're too small (only 22 ounces, I think). I guess it's not a whole lot different than 24 oz, but on a hot day, the extra 4 ounces total (2 bottles) makes a difference. To me, anyway!
Do you know if they sell just the lid to retro-fit a standard bottle? I got the flip lid and it fits on my wide-mouth Nalgene-esque bottle, but that doesn't fit in a bike bottle cage.

[rij73]

They sound and look really nice. The blue ones would look great on my bike!

[maillotpois]

We've got a guy on our team who works for camelback and I'm hoping he brings his coaches a present soon!

[Red Rock]

Thanks for the review and additional information. I checked out the link and they look great.

The best of both worlds on a bike

Red Rock

[kjay]

I regularly read RoadBikeRider and found this bottle. I've been using polycarbonate but am hoping this ss one will be lighter. Anyone know about this bottle from experience?

http://www.kleankanteen.com/2products/klean-kanteen-27oz.html

[kjay]

Here's the link. Sorry for the goof.


http://www.kleankanteen.com/2product...teen-27oz.html

[firenze11]

Argh! I think I had one of these in my hand at my bike shop a few days ago. It was brand new and it looked very cool. I bought one of their logo bottles instead as a reminder of them since I'm moving. I'll have to get one of these eventually. Thanks for the review.

I regularly read RoadBikeRider and found this bottle. I've been using polycarbonate but am hoping this ss one will be lighter. Anyone know about this bottle from experience?

I have a 1L Sigg that I've used for about a year now and find it's very lightweight. Lighter than my Nalgene, I think. The only thing I don't love about it is not being able to see the water in it. That's just because I drink more when I can see how much is left/when I need to refill.

My Mom just got the one you linked to and it is also very light. The only things I'd probably not like when using it on the bike would be the inability to squeeze the water out and they dent very easily if dropped. If you can find one in person to look at that would probably help you decide.

[Running Mommy]

Ok, going to try to answer the questions posed...
They are not super squishy squeezy, but you don't need to give it too much of a squeeze to get it flowing. I think the lack of super squeezy is what makes it not retain odor or tastes.
I leave the twist thing on the top open at all times, I havent found a reason to close it. I guess maybe if it was in a workout bag and you were afraid it would get squeezed?
But w/the twist top in the open position it does not leak when completely upside down. To get the flow going you simply suck on it or give it a squeeze.
These do not have a straw, and the top is not as soft as a bite valve on a camelbak, but is still soft.
Almost a week in, and still loving this bottle. They are going to do imprinting, so I think we are going to get some done w/the shop logo.
Cool beans!!