Bottle position during Time Trials

[bonell]

What would the best place to position the bottle during time trials be? On the down tube?, Seat tube? or behind the saddle? I have noticed Lance to place his bottle on the seat tube(vertically). Is there a particular reason?

 

[frenchyge]

According to this, the downtube position will provide the best aero benefit: http://analyticcycling.com/RiderAeroStudy.html

 

[domaindomain]

What would you think to using a Hydrapak Airscoop Race ?

 

[frenchyge]

What would you think to using a Hydrapak Airscoop Race ?

That's also evaluated in the linked study.

 

[cydewaze]

What would you think to using a Hydrapak Airscoop Race ?

Bobby Julich uses something like this during TTs.

 

[mark higgins]

Although this is an interesting article IMO in the real world it works a little differently. This study does not place any emphasis on actually drinking from the bottle. Having ridden time trials for over 20 years I have been a recent convert to the hydropack. To me it is easier to stick the tube into your mouth and carry on on the aero bars rather than pull out the bottle, use it then put it back on the frame. Seems to waste less time and you can concentrate more on the race.


Having said that it has its disadvantages, say if you ride a 100, as you will still need a bottle. Personally I don't drink in a 25 as it is (usually) less than an hour, but over this distance I would use a hydropack, and yes, under my skinsuit.