Water bottle on handlebars?

in article 'Carlton Whitmore said:

I'm training for my first Tri and I was wondering how many
of you use the large water bottle mounted to the
handlebars?

I do, but only for longer events (2 hr bike and more).

Quoted message said:

Does it create a lot of drag?

"A lot"? Depends on your point of reference. Are you
competing for an Ironman Hawaii win? Olympic gold? The aero-
experts will argue this one for days, but I'd say for most
mere mortals the answer is no.

Quoted message said:

If so, is it worth it for the convenience?

Yes. If you tend not to drink enough, or have trouble
remembering to reach for a frame mounted bottle, then yes it
is worth it. Drag be dammed, there is no substitute for
being well hydrated and having a straw in front of your face
will make you more likely to drink. Truth is, there are VERY
few of us for whom the 3 seconds caused by water bottle
aerodynamic drag will matter.

By the way, I realize you didn't ask, but in my humble
opinion, the Profile bottle sucks. I recommend the one from
JetStream.

John

I have used these for years now and think it a necessity if
you intend on doing your best. It may perhaps add a tiny
amount of drag over a frame mounted bottle according to a
study. I believe that the created drag is more than off-set
by the ability to remain in an aero position while drinking.
Reaching for the frame mounted bottle every time you drink
would create far more drag than the bar mounted bottle. The
bar mount makes hydrating a simple and safe operation even
when conditions might be a bit questionable. It allows both
hands to be utilized for controlling the bike. I use it on
every triathlon and time trials over ten miles in length.
For less than ten miles I don't drink.

For longer events I take one behind the seat mounted
bottle filled with a very concentrated mix of my favorite
drink. Figure out how many ounces of fluid you need to
consume on the bike leg and add that much mix then fill
the bottle with water. This allows you to finish even an
IM distance drinking what suits you best. You only have to
take fresh water from aid stations, dump it in your handle
bar mount and give a squirt of concentrate, all in a few
turns of the crank.

Yep, train with it and race with it.

Ken

"Carlton Whitmore" <[email hidden]>
wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

I'm training for my first Tri and I was wondering how many
of you use the large water bottle mounted to the
handlebars? Does it create a lot of

drag?

Quoted message said:

If so, is it worth it for the convenience? thanks,
Carlton.