The Torpedo Versa 200 also features the 500’s Dolphin Breather valve which allows you to keep the feeder tube in your mouth without worrying about inflating the bottle or the tube spilling its contents.

First, the RML is not that secure and is liable to send your bottles flying when you ride over rough terrain. Placing the bottle behind the saddle is a good option for aerodynamics because of the disturbed air caused by the riders body - having the bottle on the downtube where the airflow is more consistent affects the overall aerodynamic drag more than in "dirty" air. In this instance however having the bottle between Jess' arms may encourage her to drink more than if it were out of sight behind the saddle, so worth giving up some aerodynamic penalty for greater practicality. Cycle Centre Congleton Limited 2021. Cyclestore is a trading name of Cycle Centre Congleton Limited. All Rights Reserved Company No. 05107467 | VAT No: 593 733 507 Tests by Cervelo suggest that a water bottle was of significance. Removing a water bottle saved 2.8% at 250watts, removing an aero bottle saved 1.6%. 1% of 250 watts, is roughly 2.5 watts, which sounds feasible. UCI RegulationsIn fact, were it not for the fact that it does not come with a cage or mount and is heavier than the competing XLAB model, this would be the best performing frame mounted hydration system.

The Speedfil might be a more budget-friendly option, but it still provides most of the features that you expect from a front mounted torpedo position hydration system. A 900ml round bottle is often used when an athlete is looking to be self supported, keeping all their own hydration on the bike. In all cases it was slower than the 500ml bottle, and was particularly slow on the downtube, costing a huge 8.2w at 40kph, and 3.5w at 30kph! Out of all the options tested this was the worst, adding up to 3min20sec over an IM bike leg. Because of how long a triathlon takes to run, it is unlikely that the small amounts of time and energy used on one type or the minor annoyances of another type will cost you the race. Instead, and due to the endurance nature of a triathlon race, it is far more important that the bike fueling system feel as comfortable and natural as possible, even if that means taking a bit more time than you otherwise might. For most people, there is no point in buying an aero bottle. It only provides a marginal gain while making hydration more complicated. It can even prevent you from refilling. If you are a fast cyclist (25mph or 40km/h average speed) it can give the extra gain you need to cross the finish line first!

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The type of a triathlon hydration system is more a matter of personal preference than it is a do or die situation.

Rather than using aluminum alloy or carbon fiber like normal, XLAB opts for a Xenon nylon cage that is incredibly lightweight but also less durable. Still, this is one of the lightest hydration systems that we saw regardless of the mounting position. Thankfully, the difference between mounting this product on an aero triathlon bike and the Wiel mountain bike frame it was made for are negligible. This hydration system also features an aerodynamic profile with a slip-free design so you do not have to worry about slowing down. This is also one of the larger frame mounted systems with a capacity of 24 oz and a bottle made of BPA-free plastic. In around a month I will have my new bike (an SL6), and my intention has been to make it "aero with judgement". What I mean is, whenever aero gains could be made relatively easily and without compromising too much else, I would go for them.The Nex-Gen ‘cage-less’ aero water bottle is the world’s first truly cage-less drink bottle designed to fit bicycle frames of all shapes and sizes with potential to reduce overall weight and significantly enhanced aerodynamic features resulting in less drag. When it comes to frame mounted aero water bottle, XLAB once again takes our top spot, though the competition is a bit more fierce. Carbon fiber is great for hydration cages because not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it is also incredibly strong for its weight. Taking these results into account, it would actually be much faster for Jess to carry two 500ml bottles on the bike, placing one between her arms and one behind the saddle, as this would only create a 1.9w (40kph) / 0.8w (30kph) total penalty, compared with behind the saddle for the 900ml bottle which was 2.5w (40kph and 1.1w (30kph) slower.