In the first post of our series, we introduced you to the great aerodynamic gain of >triathlon aerobars compared to a normal road bike setup. Another advantage that results from this is the possibility of installing specific drinking systems on these aerobars. Reaching for the drinking bottles in the frame triangle (seat tube, down tube) is much more difficult due to the significantly lower and forward sitting position in the aero position and interrupts the entire driving dynamics. Drinking systems bring decisive advantages, especially in competition situations:
- You don't have to leave Aeroposition to drink
- facilitates regular fluid intake, especially during competitions (drinking is often "forgotten" in competitive situations)
- expands the total capacity of carrying liquids (long distances / hot days)
- fast & uncomplicated refilling
- usually contain additional options for bike computers & gels
In the following we will introduce you to different types of drinking systems, show you what a drinking setup suitable for competitions can look like and what you should pay attention to when installing.
Hydration systems "front and rear"
There are two types of drinking modifications on the bike:
- "Front Hydration": these are systems that are attached to the front of the aerobars. These are actively used for drinking in the aero position and refilled again and again via refill openings. Drinking is usually done through a drinking tube that you adjust to your individual position. These systems differ in the filling quantity and the overall equipment.
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"Rear Hydration": These are bottle holders behind the saddle (rear mount). Above all, the bottles for refilling the front hydration are stowed here. The systems also allow the storage of spare parts box / tool bottle (hose, cartridge pump, etc.).
Front hydration
Profile Design Aero HC system
Profile Design's aerodynamic, refillable hydration system guarantees optimal hydration. The Aero HC system is placed between the rider's arms and provides a hidden, slim aerodynamic profile.
With the plastic lid, the drinking system can be opened quickly and refilled easily, and the aerodynamic, removable nose makes it easier to clean the interior. However, the highlight of the Aero HC hydration system is its flexibility. The bracket is attached to the aerobars and offers both width and length adjustment, so it can be individually adapted to the driver. Also individually adjustable: the bottle and computer holder.
The Aero HC bottle can also be attached to the basebar using the Profile Design Aero Drink Basebar Bracket. This allows more settings for the aerobars.
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility : Bracket BTA Adapter; mounting adapter; Basebar bracket
- Volume : 710ml
- Weight : 248g
Profile Design Aero HC system
Aero HC system with triathlon attachment
Profile Design HSF Aerodrink 880
This model is the successor of the “PD Aerodrink” but has some updated features. The drinking tube now has a bite valve and can be mounted either on the front or on the back of the bottle. The new and secure mounting system allows easy removal of the bottle. This now has a hinged lid, which serves as a refill opening. The new front surface design minimizes wind resistance and the shape of the bottle "hides" the mount from the wind.
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility: Requirement extension width: 65mm - 140mm (middle - middle)
- Volume : 880ml
- Weight : 300g
Profile Design HSF Aerodrink 880
HSF Aerodrink 880 from the front
Profile Design HSF/800
With this model we have arrived at the hydration systems, specially designed to fulfill all the important characteristics of the aerobars and to provide some high-quality additions! These include a flexible drinking tube, a new mount with greater compatibility and a better grip. Thanks to a rear screw cap, the bottle can be easily cleaned from the inside and the cap on the filler neck has been specially designed to prevent splashes as effectively as possible. In addition, the shape of the bottle was adapted to seal off the holder from the wind as much as possible. With the aerodynamic front surface, wind resistance is minimal.
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility: Requirement extension width: 80mm - 120mm (middle - middle)
- Volume : 800ml
- Weight : 387g as system with bottle
Profile Design HSF/800
HSF/800 from above
Profile Design FC25/35 system
The FC25/35 system was designed to combine all the essential features of a hydration system in one product. It is the solution for the optimal combination of navigation mount, gel compartment and of course efficient hydration. The Profile Design drinking system is available in two versions and offers many adjustment options.
The FC25/35 system also has an integrated compartment for food storage and the navigation system can also be mounted. The highlights of the Profile Design FC hydration system is the straw and the no-splash refill system. The straw has a self-sealing bite valve, which means that the straw is sealed immediately after drinking and not a drop is wasted. The so-called no-splash refill system has the same goal. Thanks to a flexible rubber protection, the drinking system can be refilled very easily, even at high speeds, without liquid spilling over. In addition, the straw can be attached to the drinking system both at the front and at the back, depending on the driver's preference and seating position.
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility : Bracket BTA Adapter; mounting adapter
- Volume : FC25 (739ml), FC35 (1035ml)
- Weight : FC25 (397g), FC35 (470g)
Profile Design FC25 system
Profile Design FC35 system
Profile Design Aeria Ultimate
The "Aeria Ultimate" drinking system can be combined with the "Aeria Ultimate Stem" and the "Aeria Ultimate Aerobar" and thus enables a completely integrated "Super Bike" solution for every bike! Thanks to the "no splash" refill opening, a magnetic straw clip for aerodynamic airflow above the system, a bite valve and a (removable) computer mount, this hydration system is THE choice for important races!
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility: Aeria Ultimate Stem (70mm or 100mm only)
- Volume : 857ml
- Weight : 360g
Profile Design Aeria Ultimate
Aeria Ultimate from above
Aeria Ultimate with triathlon attachment
Profile Design HSF BTA Vise Kage w/Garmin Mount
Very simple, very effective. This system is a bottle holder that is mounted horizontally between the aerobars using the plate. This allows a regular drinking bottle to be attached to the handlebar attachment and used for drinking. With the HSF/800 drinking container (see above) it can also be upgraded to a complete system. The integrated Garmin mount is also valuable, so that you always have the bike computer in view!
Technical specifications:
Compatibility: with HSF/800 drinking container; Requirement extension width: 80mm - 120mm (middle - middle)
Weight : 145g
HSF BTA Vise Kage w/Garmin Mount
Profile Design HC Mount
This system is probably the simplest solution when it comes to attaching simple drinking bottles to the front of the handlebars in an aerodynamic manner! Due to its specific shape, the bottle holder securely holds all common drinking bottles and ensures easy removal of the bottle to the front.
Technical specifications:
Compatibility: up to a maximum installation width of 130 mm
Weight : 76 g (mounting bracket and holder)
Profile Design Aqualite
This particularly compact drinking system is particularly suitable for shorter distances due to its lower capacity. Since the bottle can also be "closed" by a net, refilling is easy and straightforward, even while driving, without the liquid spilling over! Thanks to a rubber ring, this drinking system is compatible with almost all aerobars. A separate bracket is required for mounting (see below).
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility : by rubber ring for almost all aero bars
- Volume : 600ml
- Weight : 95g
Aqualite
Profile Design Aerodrink
Mounted on the handlebars, this model allows you to drink without having to leave the aero position! This model can also be easily refilled while driving thanks to the special lid. Just like the PD Aerodrink, this system also has a rubber ring that makes it compatible with almost all aerobars. A separate bracket is required for mounting (see below).
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility : by rubber ring for almost all aero bars
- Volume : 828ml
- Weight : 171g
aero drink
Aerodrink from the front
mounts
An additional bracket is required to attach the Aerodrink / Aqualite drinking bottle systems between the aerobars. All other systems shown are complete systems in which the appropriate mounting and attachment options on the aerobars are already integrated.
1. Profile Design Aerodrink BTA Bracket
- Screw-on attachment brackets
- Silicone retention strap
- the BTA mount has more adjustment options than the mounting adapter
- Suitable for Aerodrink, Aquacell, Aqualite and FC systems
2. Profile Design Universal Aerodrink Bracket
- Holder is secured to the extensions with Velcro straps
- Suitable for a maximum installation width of approx. 10 cm
- Suitable for Aerodrink, Aqualite, Aquacell and FC systems
3. Profile Design Basebar Bracket
A special feature: with the help of this holder, the drinking system can be attached to the racing bike anchor (without aerobars).
- Suitable for 31.8 mm handlebar diameter
- Mounts independent of Aero attachment position
- Suitable for Aerodrink, Aquacell and Aqualite
rear hydration
Profile Design RM-L System
The Profile Design Rear Mount L System is designed so that it can be attached to almost all aluminum saddle rails. In addition, Profile Design's RM-L system is very flexible in terms of adjustment and specially developed for tri saddles, where it is often difficult to find the right liquid supply for the rear.
Two-position adjustability: the bottle cages can be placed in a more vertical or more inclined position. The bottle cage is a bit more aerodynamic in the inclined position, but it mainly depends on how you can best grip the bottle. The highlight: The bottle holders can be removed independently of each other and thus the beverage supply can be individually adjusted to each race distance.
Technical specifications:
- Compatibility : most triathlon saddles
- Volume : 1 - 2 bottles
- Weight : 228g
Profile Design RM-L System
Assemble drinking systems yourself - it's that easy
Just like the handlebar attachments, the drinking systems can be attached and removed in just a few simple steps. All you need is an Allen key (Allen key). For drinking systems with a BTA bracket holder, this is included.
You can find out the steps here:
1. Place the bracket on the aerobars (image 1)
2. Attach to the aerobars with screws (picture 2) or Velcro straps (picture 3).
Image 1
picture 3
picture 2
3. Insert the associated drinking system into the holder
HC system
aero drink
HSF Aerodrink 880
FC system
4. The Aerodrink container, the HSF and FC systems are then fixed with the red rubber and the drinking system or container is attached
Profile Design RM-L System
The rear mount system is attached to the saddle frame.
1. The cup holder screws are loosened and placed around the saddle rails
2. Tighten the screws and pay attention to the torque (Nm).
More posts on the topic: Make your bike suitable for triathlon
2 comments
Jemand
Verstehe nicht, was so schwer ist, einen Kommentar freundlich zu formulieren und sich dankbar zu zeigen.
Ralf Unger
Ich frage mich immer, was ist so schwer daran, einen Artikel mit Datum zu versehen? Bin über die Websuche hier gelandet und habe nun null Erkenntnis, ob Eure Tipps state of the art oder 7 Jahre alt sind ….
Verstehe sowas echt nicht ….