I just purchased a custom hydration set up from Gaurand (see other recent thread in staying cool). Here's what I can tell you about it. First it's very simple to install. Two bolts into your passenger peg (you pick the side) and the frame is on. I routed the drink tube under the seat (entering where the front & back seats meet so no pinching) and clipped the bit valve to my tank bag. The kit comes with all the peices you need, tube, bite valve, on/off valve, coleman jug, etc. I filled it up with ice and about 3 standard water bottles worth of water and had cold water any time I want it. He will powdercoat in in several colors. Quick release band allows you to remove the jug for refilling, or leave it on your bike and fill it there.
What I didn't expect was this: I have MCL tip over bars which I assumed I would have to remove to get this system to fit. Not so. It fits snugly up against the tip overs. Couldn't have planned it better. I also assumed that this would leave little room for repositioning my foot. Not so. I have as much wiggle room for my foot as I had before installing. Absolutely functional. Couldn't ask for a better product.
The bad: The coleman jug is red and white. Not pretty. I thought of painting it but I don't know if the paint would stick well. I found the drawstring bag from my bike cover and it's almost a perfect fit over the jug and fits inside the band clamp well. It's silver so it matches the trim on the bike. ha! I am considering trying the Aerostich tank panniers running the strap under the seat and fitting one bag over the hydration set up. These are listed at 12" H x 9" L x 5" D. The hydration system is about 5 3/4 inches, so the bag would bow a little but should fit great over the jug and frame. I'd have to put the bolts thru the pannier's bottom and figure out how to run the drink tube out the top of it.
he was also very accommodating on getting me the system quickly so I could take it on my trip to NC this week. Two thumbs up. Give Gary a pm. Gtllc@stny.rr.com.
Bob
What I didn't expect was this: I have MCL tip over bars which I assumed I would have to remove to get this system to fit. Not so. It fits snugly up against the tip overs. Couldn't have planned it better. I also assumed that this would leave little room for repositioning my foot. Not so. I have as much wiggle room for my foot as I had before installing. Absolutely functional. Couldn't ask for a better product.
The bad: The coleman jug is red and white. Not pretty. I thought of painting it but I don't know if the paint would stick well. I found the drawstring bag from my bike cover and it's almost a perfect fit over the jug and fits inside the band clamp well. It's silver so it matches the trim on the bike. ha! I am considering trying the Aerostich tank panniers running the strap under the seat and fitting one bag over the hydration set up. These are listed at 12" H x 9" L x 5" D. The hydration system is about 5 3/4 inches, so the bag would bow a little but should fit great over the jug and frame. I'd have to put the bolts thru the pannier's bottom and figure out how to run the drink tube out the top of it.
he was also very accommodating on getting me the system quickly so I could take it on my trip to NC this week. Two thumbs up. Give Gary a pm. Gtllc@stny.rr.com.
Bob
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