Anyone recommend a camelbak?

Kieran_Burns

I'm kind of limited on the range of my jaunts by the amount of fluids I can carry and convenient watering holes (always paranoid about leaving the bike while I'm in the shop.

So I was thinking about a Camelbak

Any recommendations / ideas / alternatives?

meanredspider

I don't like them myself - partly the faff of cleaning and partly because of sweaty back syndrome. Can you not fit more bottle holders to your bike (the sort that attach behind the saddle for instance?) or the belt bag sort (Innov8 Race 4) to at least avoid a sweaty back.

Kieran_Burns

i hear all you need do with the container is flush it out and bung it in the freezer....

mattcroad

Take the bike into the shop doorway, most small shopkeepers are quite accomodating.

watch out for the big ones, they'll kick your head in

mudcow007

i use a camelbak (mule) on my long trips. i always worry that im going to run out of water when wearing it though (you cant see how much is left)

cleaning is easy just use one of them denture cleaning tablets (make sure they are flavourless type) fill it with water drop a tablet in - easy

OneForTheRoad

I've also got a mule but prefer to use 2 water bottles attached to the frame instead as no matter what the advertising says you still get a sweaty back and I'd rather the bike was more uncomfortable than me.

Cleaning is easy, I use Milton tablets and then bung it in the freezer after a good rinse out. I would never consider paying a fortune for all the special brushes etc.

Camelbak have got a gizzmo (invention not gremlin) that clips on the tube and tells you how much water you've used/got left. I think it costs a load though.

I've found that now that I'm fitter, unless it's really hot I don't need the extra capacity that the bladder offers. The mule looks good but I was a little disapointed with the amount of space available inside for other bits. If you wanted to try it out then Sports Direct were doing cheap bladders the other day, just chuck one of those in a rucksack and see what you think.

tgotb

Kieran_Burns wrote:

I'm kind of limited on the range of my jaunts by the amount of fluids I can carry and convenient watering holes (always paranoid about leaving the bike while I'm in the shop.

So I was thinking about a Camelbak

Any recommendations / ideas / alternatives?

Two bottles, take bike into shops (never had a complaint) and a cheap/light cable lock in case someone does complain. Village shops always seem pretty safe anyway, and filling stations have big windows you can use to keep an eye on your bike. In order to steal your bike they'd have to walk up to it, cut through the lock, chuck the bike into a van and drive off, in front of multiple witnesses/security cameras, and in less time than it would take you to run out the door. Anywhere that could happen, you don't want to be cycling anyway...

Or one of those triathlon-type bottle racks behind the saddle. That gets you up to 3 litres, which should keep you going for a while. Without the rucksack you'll lose heat through your back more efficiently, sweat less, and therefore need less water.

Edit: If you're really happy carrying a rucksack, isn't it easier just to have a normal one and put extra bottles in it?

rhext

I have two bottle-holders on the frame. I've also found that an SiS energy-drink bottle fits quite nicely in a bottle cage, despite having 50% more capacity than a standard bike bottle.

I do have a camelbak (mule) which I use for mountain biking, but I try to use it as little as possible because I don't like a sweaty back and because I find that they start to smell very badly of stale sweat with regular use.

Cleaning's easy, they're easy to use, they do the job they're designed to do very well. It's just I try not to use it unless I have no choice ('no choice' in my case usually being defined as 'I'm out in the mountains all day, need something to carry a tool kit and spare clothes anyway, and probably wont' get an opportunity to refill my bottles). I'd never use it for road cycling.

If you're going to get one, Mules have surprisingly little space for other stuff if they've got a full bladder. They look bigger than they are in the pictures. A lot of my mates use HAWGs and I wish I'd bought one of those.

walkingbootweather

Here's one



Not sure I'd want to drink from it after you though :shock:

veronese68

I got a Dakine one from Evans at half price. The bladder has a clip across the top which you can remove and turn it inside out for cleaning. Only use it for all day mountain biking though as I have a rack on the back of my Jake.

Stevo_666

I've used a Camelbak Hawg for a few years now - good for MTB and commuting duties. 3l fluid capacity good for pretty much anything and it's big enough to take most commuter gubbins without being too bulky/heavy.

Torvid

if you half inflate it with air and put it under your jersey it can really help with aero positioning. For water I'd just take my bike in the shop.

greg66_tri_v2.0

When you park up, take the front wheel into the shop with you.

Initialised

I have a Halfords replica it holds 2L of fluid, all my tools and a change of clothes, plenty for a few hours if you don't mind a sweaty back and tepid water. Just replace the tubing when it goes bad/black, the bladder is fine. Measure the internal diameter of the tube and go slightly smaller for a good leak free fit. I recommend using medical grade Tygon as it has antibacterial properties so lasts much longer than PVC. I use it in my PC to prevent algae growing and furring up my radiators and waterblocks. A good PC watercooling or aquarium/fish/pet shop should be able to sort your out with quality tube and will be cheaper than an bike shop.

iwearshorts

Have never cleaned my Camelback (Mule) in 6 years of ownership, just plop it in the freezer if I remember.

Haven't given myself a case of the brown-hounds either.

Love my Mule

mtb-idle

Rule 32 states that you shouldn't wear a camelbak. Period.

But if you do want one then costco do a great one for circa 8 of your eengleesh pounds.

clean them using denture tablets. Dismantle the bladder and pop it in the washing up bowl with one of them denture tablets (preferably a minty flavour one) and leave overnight for freshness the next day.