Profile Designs hydration systems: Aerodrink and Aquacell.

I'm relatively new to owning a triathlon bike. I just purchased mine the end of October, 2009, after racing my first season of duathlons. I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles to add/subtract to the bike, a Cervelo P2C, as I learn more about the multisport lifestyle.

The smaller reservoir in the Aquacell is removable. You could fill this cell with water, freeze it overnight, then place it in the Aquacell on the way to your race or training session. This would be a great way to keep your fluids cool.

Aerobar Hydration Systems

I mostly race in sprint duathlons and have been using Profile Designs Aerodrink hydration system, which fits between my aerobars. I've been trying to figure out a way to carry more fluid on my tri bike for my longer training rides and races. I'll be doing the 1/2 Ironman duathlon at Miami Man on November 14, which is a 1 mile run - 56 mile bike - 13.1 run event.

I did Miami Man for the first time last year, just a couple of weeks after getting my new tri bike. I know, you're not supposed to go into your key race of the year with new equipment, but what the heck, timing and budget just worked out that way. I placed 3rd Female Masters at the 2009 Miami Man, not too shabby for someone that just started racing in duathlons in February, 2009.

Smaller Aerodrink installed between aerobars.

Affordable Hydration

I went through a ton of fluid during the 56 mile bike portion of Miami Man. It was a really windy day with winds averaging between 18-21 MPH, don't know if that was why I went through so much fluid? It really wasn't that hot out, even by south Florida standards. I am looking for a better way to hydrate without having to stop at every rest stop during the bike ride. I am a bit tight on money right now and had been looking at the Speedfill system and X-labs behind the seat water bottle carriers. But both of those options are over $100 by the time you add all the necessary components.

Larger Aquacell system installed between aerobars.

Profile Designs Hydration Systems

I noticed that my local bike shop, Racer's Edge in Boca Raton, carried Profile Designs dual reservoir Aquacell hydration system. The price was right, MSRP of $34.95 and Racer's Edge price was only $28.75.The guys at Racer's Edge said there might not be enough room between my aerobars to install the Aquacell and to bring my tri bike in to make sure it would fit before buying it.

Vince Damiani at Racer's Edge slightly tweaked my aerobars open just a hair so that the larger Aquacell would fit between my aerobars. I can still use the smaller Aerodrink during my shorter training rides and sprint races. I like having the option to use either system. I plan to carry electrolyte solution in the large compartment, and water in the smaller compartment. When I eat a gel pack, shot block or other solid food, I would rather wash it down with a bit of plain water rather than a flavored electrolyte drink. Lemon lime sports drink mixed with coffee flavored gel is just kind of gross if you want my personal opinion.

Comparison of the Two Hydration Systems

Profile Design Aerodrink

• MSRP: $19.95
• Weight: 171 grams
• Capacity: 32 fluid ounces
• Details: single reservoir cell
• Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Profile Design Aquacell

• MSRP: $34.95
• Weight: 310 grams
• Capacity: 50 ounces total; 35 ounces large reservoir, 15 ounces small reservoir
• Details: two reservoir cells; capable of carrying two separate fluids such as water and an electrolyte sports drink
• Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Aerodrink bracket by Profile Designs. Attaches between aerobars using Velcro.

Aero Bracket Option

If your triathlon bike has narrow set aerobars, then you should be able to use either of these hydration systems without any additional equipment. Just use a pair of Velcro straps or a couple of industrial strength rubber bands to attach the water bottle between the aerobars. If your tri bike has wider aerobars, you will need to add the Aero Bracket to be able to use either of these hydration systems. I had to have the Profile Design aerobracket fitted to my Cervelo P2C, with a suggested retail price of $11.95. This added another 31 grams of weight to my tri bike.

Additional Information

Once I've gotten a few test rides in using the new Aquacell, I'll post up another review to Bike Diva.

Visit Profile Design online: www.profile-design.com

Facebook: Profile Design

Profile Design products can be found at many bike shops and online retailers such as Nashbar or Tri Sports.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

View Original Post at bikediva.net

• Filed Under:  
• Cycling, Triathlon, Sports, SportsPLUS, Gear & Equipment, Multisport