Hydration pack

[Simon]

Okay new bike has a flaw
yes I know as singing all dancing BUT
doesn't come with bottle bosses  ,
anyway got over this with a clamp on system on
the seat post which is Okay but temporary,
now I've fitted a EC70 seat post its time to get
a Hydration pack,
recommendations please,don't want one less than
2 ltrs,don't want to bulky,storage is not a great requirement,
probably gonna purchase from Sprucey here,

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/HYDRATION_SYSTEMS___PACKS.html

Or from here

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=244

so many to pick from

budget upto around £50.00

advice / experience much appriciated.

HELP

Simon.

[orange]

Just don't do what I did - I used to freeze the cleaned empty bladder to keep mildew at bay and then run under a hot tap when I wanted to refill. One time I thought, oh I'll be clever, I'll microwave the bladder for a few seconds to get rid of the couple of bits of ice in the tube and sac... 10 seconds later I had a melted bladder  

Sorry doesn't help with your purchase really unless some are microwaveable!!

[Simon]

Just don't do what I did - I used to freeze the cleaned empty bladder to keep mildew at bay and then run under a hot tap when I wanted to refill. One time I thought, oh I'll be clever, I'll microwave the bladder for a few seconds to get rid of the couple of bits of ice in the tube and sac... 10 seconds later I had a melted bladder  

Sorry doesn't help with your purchase really unless some are microwaveable!!

No, but thats just given quite a laugh  [smiley=laughing.gif]

sorry shouldn't really  

Simon.

[jeffhop]

so theres not just me taking up some freezer space with a camelbak bladder   i quite like the look of this one here,

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5966

and this one

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9639

theres always this one

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10655

or this 3litre jobbie

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10912

the hydrapak range look like good value for money imo, im looking for a bigger one myself and may yet invest in one

[Mr.Ed]

I've used several different kinds, and have come across my favorite....Hydrapak "ammo". I have an older model. It holds about 3 litres, and the bladder folds completely inside out for cleaning. Also saved my back several times, and way tougher than other brands.

[Colin]

Hi All,
Been away for a while because the moron company I work for blocked this site on the proxies, anyone would think they expect me to work during the day or something........! <GRIN>

Anyway, back now, (for the time being) and two new bikes since then........(whoops!)

try LIDL or ALDI  (cheap continental supermarkets in the UK).
Unfortunately, they only do them on weekly "specials" i.e. not continuous stock.
But they're cheap and work well, I've got two, one like a M.U.L.E. and the other like a Hydrobak, both with bite valves and everything you'd expect on a CamelBak but only £10 !!
Incidentally it's worth keeping an eye out for these shops cycling week "specials" about twice a year because the cycling gear is a lot cheaper than what we pay in the UK, but it's good continental quality.

I'm a real convert to the hydration packs, I was never keen on wearing a rucksack whilst cycling, but I had to get one during the winter when i was using the bottle rack for a battery for the floodlights! The benefit is that I carry, and more importantly drink, more fluids, which I'm always guilty of skimping on, that is until I get into the Pub!

Cheers!
Col.

[jeffhop]

i agree with colin on the aldi gear, some of it is reasonable good and damn cheap, i bought a pair of spd shoes 2 years ago for 20 quid and theyre still going strong, i havent seen the hydration packs unfortunately, unless of course that means theyre so good they sell out quick!

[SLIM]

 got one from halfords last year , pretty good , £17.00

not sure on the capacity think it was 1.5

dont think they do them now , only camelbacks , did a search but only the c backs come up

check instore may have some , red and black

some srorage , cards , keys , money

strap and flap for the helmet when off the bike as well

slim