Camelbak flow meter

[Ingle, Bruce]

I had been thinking this morning that one of of the biggest problems
with using a Camelbak instead of bottles is running out of water from
not knowing how much is left. This should theoretically solve that
problem, although I expect a loop of extra tubing may be required to
make the gizmo readable.

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/accessories/flowmeter.aspx

- Bruce

[littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi]

Bruce -

By reading the operating instructions it looks like it attaches inline
to your bite valve, and you can adjust the length of hose you use to
position it in an easy to read place.

I ran out of H2O yesterday on my MTB loop.
Not a big deal as I was close to home... but on a brevet or long solo
effort - could be a show stopper.

-Mike

[Donald Perley]

Nothing like taking a big gulp and having it stop partway through.
I'd guess the "fluid remaining" function is useless if you don't fill
your bag to the max, which I generally don't do unless I anticipate a
long stretch.

[littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi]

Looks like the input and output numbers can be changed - as it somehow
calculates 'flow' - so you could probably just enter in .5L if that is
all you filled... Of course it also appears to use the same logic as
cyclocomputer programming - sequences of button presses to change
variables.

[thirty-six]

I thought the point of a bag on the back is that you maintain maximum
hydration because you dont limit your intake because you cant see it
being used up. Just carry a bottle as well if you are running out. I
like the Rubbermaid chug bottles. I've settled on using the smaller
ones and just use the one bottle cage for basic hydration needs,
swapping the bottles from my bar bag. My seat tube cage holds a
strongly made up fruit cordial or fruit juice usually. I prefer not
to use the 'hydration pack' because I cant add cordial to it during a
ride and shouldn't really do it anyway because of cleaning
complications. Sometimes the variety of flavours in bottles is much
much better than water alone. Even just a little lemon, lime, orange
or grape can do the trick to encourage fluid intake when you otherwise
just couldn't b A.

[littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi]

Not really. The CB was originally designed by someone who didn't want
to take a hand off his bar during a charity ride. Me thinks it has
more to do with ease of sipping and qty carried than tricking yourself
into drinking more.

I've found I drink more when using one... But have yet to carry it on
a proper brevet or road ride.

[thirty-six]

On 30 Oct, 09:24, "littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi"

<mike.bega...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Not really. The CB was originally designed by someone who didn't want
> to take a hand off his bar during a charity ride.

Inconceivable in the real world. I have to make hand signals on
public roads.
I get pins and needles in my my hands if not removed occasionally.
Every 15 minutes (for a gulp of water) seems to do fine. It also
gives an opportunity to stretch my back and neck.

>Me thinks it has
> more to do with ease of sipping and qty carried than tricking yourself
> into drinking more.

I prefer to take a gulp. The Chug bottle from Rubbermaid is certainly
easier for me than any spouted bottle I have used.
-36 -

[William Beck]

If you don't carry extra items in the Camelbak, it seems fairly easy
to estimate how much water is left by the weight of the thing. Mine
weighs next to nothing when it is approaching empty, and I can easily
flip it up and down on my back with a single finger. But that method
is probably harder to use if you also load the CB with an extra tube,
tools, etc.

Bill

On Oct 29, 2:44 pm, "Ingle, Bruce" <Bruce.In...@gdc4s.com> wrote:

[littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi]

Perhaps a Camelback is not for you.
Keep enjoying your chug bottle. Its working - for you.
And it appears that in addition to the secret sauce of wheel building,
you also have the secret sauce of hydration.

;)

And you might want to check your fit if you can't keep on the hoods or
bars for more than 15 minutes.

[thirty-six]

On 30 Oct, 12:26, "littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi"

<mike.bega...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Perhaps a Camelback is not for you.

I try it now and again. I do seem to prefer bottles. Having the bar
bag helps much with ensuring supplies are readily available.

> Keep enjoying your chug bottle. Its working - for you.
> And it appears that in addition to the secret sauce of wheel building,
> you also have the secret sauce of hydration.

My wheelbuilding method is no secret, I was barred from the ng before
posting my technique. I stuck it on rec.bicycles.tech with the title
elephants crossing. It includes the history of the first wheel I made
like that and why I came to my decisions for that construction.

> And you might want to check your fit if you can't keep on the hoods or
> bars for more than 15 minutes.

It's not a cycling induced problem. My position is a modified
version of what was most efficient in power delivery for an hour on a
turbo trainer done a few years back. (checked milometer at an hour)
(MMmmm, Milo's nice, must get some now) The bars are up (and back)
from there and the saddle down a touch. Doing stretches regularly was
taught to me when I was an aspiring racer. It is a preventative
measure so that aches dont occur post ride.

[Roger Peskett]

Wow, an electronic flow meter for a hydration pack?? (Will I be able
to upload the data to my laptop?)

What's next? Maybe a similar flow meter to fit on the top of each 24oz
bottle a rider carries? (Some bottles are opaque, so it is a problem
knowing exactly how much fluid remains ....).

Here is an alternative method that I use for hydration packs: (1) At a
safe point, remove a hand from the handlebar. (2) Reach behind your
back and squeeze the lower part of the hydration pack between your
fingers a couple of times, to judge how much fluid is sloshing around
in there.

This alternative method will not tell you that you consumed X.X oz of
water in the last Y minutes. But, it will tell you: "I still seem to
have quite a bit of water left". or "Hmm ... I've almost run out of
the stuff. I should fill up soon". And, no batteries required.

On Oct 29, 11:44 am, "Ingle, Bruce" <Bruce.In...@gdc4s.com> wrote:
> I had been thinking this morning that one of of the biggest problems
> with using a Camelbak instead of bottles is running out of water from

> not knowing how much is left.  ..........

[thirty-six]

After much deliberation, the problem is perception. You don't need to
know. Just drink it all and when you run out, seek out a water source
if you dont beleive you will make your destination without water. You
dont need the water in the pack if it's in your body. A method I use
for the rare hot day is to drink just under a stomach load of fluid
before departure. This could be 2,3,4 pints depending on yourself.
With a bit of luck my stomach empties after I am fully warmed up and
results in super-hydration, and I still have my collection of water,
water with a little juice, rich cordial or juice and weak/regular
cordial or halfnhalf juice'n'water which I may need for a ride over
two hours.

On 29 Oct, 18:44, "Ingle, Bruce" <Bruce.In...@gdc4s.com> wrote:

[sfuller]

On Oct 29, 8:17 pm, thirty-six <thirty-...@live.co.uk> wrote:
> I prefer not
> to use the 'hydration pack' because I cant add cordial to it during a
> ride and shouldn't really do it anyway because of cleaning
> complications.  

Nathan makes a hydration pack with two separate chambers in it for
mixing of water and some other fluid. You can adjust the mix level for
your needs. I have an acquaintance that uses one. He mixes up a hyper
concentrated fuel source in one part and then dials in water to
taste.

Steve

Steve

[thirty-six]

That could certainly help in my acceptance of using a backpack system
rather than just using it for water. It may make it more practical
than using three different bottles. I've made a search for the
product am unable to locate it. Have you a model name for Nathan's
product or better yet a direct link to it? I just dont know what I'm
looking for, having not seen one AFAIK.

[littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi]

Google is your friend.

http://www.nathansports.com/our_products/hydration_nutrition/bottles_bladders.html

look for the synergy...

[thirty-six]

On 31 Oct, 13:51, "littlecirclesvt.com :: mike beganyi"

<mike.bega...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Google is your friend.
>

> http://www.nathansports.com/our_products/hydration_nutrition/bottles_...
>
> look for the synergy...

Yes, thanks. I have seen an image of the bladder etc before but never
in the flesh. There seems to be only one supplier in UK for this
product and hence it is too pricey. Looks like I'll work on my own
system to do the same thing. It's the variable concentration that'll
be difficult. Perhaps I dont need it and water, syrup or standard mix
is enough, which can be done with two clips and an erm, erm,
oujawotsit. Same as a spray gun or carburetter.

[Andreas]

Hi Bruce,

> http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/accessories/flowmeter.aspx

I'll buy it as soon as it becomes available in Germany!

Regards
Andreas

[thirty-six]

No, that's an atomiser, but I know what I mean. It's similar anway.