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Best Triathlon Hydration Systems in 2023

 

Hydration is key for any sport. Dehydration is one of the most common ways to lose performance during a race or while you’re training.

On a bike, it’s just as important to stay hydrated as it is while running.

Sure, you have your water bottle handy at all times. But it can be difficult or inconvenient to take it out and drink while you’re going hard, especially on the aerobars.

The best triathlon hydration systems are designed to be mounted to your bike for hands-free drinking.

We recommend the Profile Designs FC System hydration system, but every option on this list is a good one. It’s up to you to choose which one you like the most!

Top 3 Best and Favorite

 

Profile Designs FC System

 

  • BPA-free, food-safe HDPE bottle
  • Rear airfoil storage pouch
  • Flexible straw
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Profile Design HSF Aerodrink 880

 

  • Capacity of 30 ounces
  • Flexible straw with bite valve
  • Aerodynamic shape
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Speedfil F1

 

  • Dual splash-resistant opening
  • Fluid capacity of 40 ounces
  • Uses standard water bottle cage mount
Check Price

Best Overall

1. Profile Designs FC System

This between-the-aerobar hydration system fits both narrow-mounting and wider-mounting aerobars, so it should fit comfortably on almost any bike. It features an ultra-streamlined design with a low-profile, symmetrical, and airfoil shape.

It’s located conveniently between your arms in the aero position, with a thick and durable bite-valve straw that can be positioned either to the right or the left, whichever suits you best.

The bottle features a no-spill aperture-baffle design that allows quick refilling but prevents splashbacks.

It’s designed to be hardy and to withstand plenty of handling. The BPA-free storage compartment can hold 35 ounces of water, enough to see you through longer triathlons comfortably. An airfoil storage pouch at the back gives you space for a couple of energy gels or chews.

It also features a built-in computer mount on the front, that’s compatible with Garmin devices.

With a weight of just 16.4 ounces and available in both white and black, this hydration system is ideal for every triathlete who wants both speed and convenience.

PROS:

  • BPA-free, food-safe HDPE bottle
  • Rear airfoil storage pouch
  • Flexible straw
  • Integrated computer mount

CONS:

  • May not fit easily on bikes that have cables
 

Top Value

2. Profile Design HSF Aerodrink 880

This slim, barely-there hydration system does an excellent job of providing you with adequate hydration for longish rides while minimizing drag when you’re going at a speed.

It’s designed to fit between your aerobars, and features a thin, edge-facing shape that keeps the mounting bracket hidden and provides little resistance. There’s not a lot of surface area to meet the wind, keeping you as aero as can be.

The bottle is BPA-free and weighs just 10.5 ounces when empty. It can hold 30 ounces of fluid when full, enough for a ride of significant length.

The straw can be mounted on the front or the back of the bottle, allowing you to customize it to your liking depending on your aero position. It’s flexible, although it sits just a touch high and may be difficult for some riders to grab without having to lift themselves slightly out of their position. The bite valve makes it easy to drink on the go.

A large leakproof flip cap on the top of the bottle makes it super easy to refill, and completely minimizes the chance of splashing while you’re riding.

PROS:

  • Leakproof, flip-cap for easy refill
  • Capacity of 30 ounces
  • Flexible straw with bite valve
  • Aerodynamic shape

CONS:

  • The straw may be slightly too high for some riders
 

Easiest To Refill

3. Speedfil F1

This is a frame-mounted hydration system that was developed in the wind tunnel to be super streamlined.

It’s mounted underneath you, with a long bite-valve straw that runs up the frame, snakes around your handlebars, and ends right in the optimal position for you to drink while in the aero position.

The bottle features a unique no-splash opening that can be filled up on-the-go using a bottle, without even needing to remove a lid.

Thanks to its positioning, it has enough space to be slightly bigger than other hydration systems. You’ll fit 40 ounces of water in this bottle, more than enough to keep you hydrated on long rides.

PROS:

  • Dual splash-resistant opening
  • Fluid capacity of 40 ounces
  • Uses standard water bottle cage mount
  • Allows rider to maintain an aerodynamic position

CONS:

  • May be difficult to move from bike to bike
 

Best BPA-Free

4. Profile Design Aeria Hydration System

If you have an Aeria Ultimate aerobar, this system integrates seamlessly with it. If not, but you still want a healthy, BPA-free hydration system, this one would be a good choice.

It’s BPA-free, food-safe, and healthy for prolonged use. Weighing just 14.8 ounces empty, this hydration system is light and streamlined. It’s shaped similarly to the front of a boat, allowing for air to flow easily over it without causing drag.

With a 30-ounce capacity, the system utilizes a bite valve so you can control how much fluid you take in. A “no splash” refilling port with a magnet mount for easy maneuvering to a suitable position for you.

There’s also a removable computer mount, as an added bonus for those who use one.

PROS:

  • Foodsafe HDPE and BPA-free bottle
  • Straw magnet mount
  • Removable computer mount
  • Bite valve for fluid control

CONS:

  • May rattle slightly when riding
 

Top Aerodynamic Design

5. Speedfil Aerobundle

This bundle includes the A2 hydration system and Z4+ bottle cage, for the complete package. It’s a comprehensive system and can be used with any thread-compatible bottle of 20 or 24-ounce size.

It was developed in the wind tunnel, so although it doesn’t look extremely streamlined, it doesn’t create much drag as it doesn’t have much surface area facing the wind. It’s also cradled right between the rider’s arms, effectively shielding it from the wind.

Zerosplash technology prevents any fluid loss from sloshing around on rough terrain. It’s also easy to refill on the move and very quick to clean.

All you need to mount this system is four zip ties. It includes a non-slip strap that prevents it from rotating on the bar as you ride, keeping it as stable as possible. Also included is a tube clip to keep your straw out of the way and secured.

The system can also be installed both front- or rear-facing, depending on your personal preference.

Riders who use Garmin computers will be happy to know that this system comes with a detachable arm that’s compatible with a Garmin Quarter Turn Bike Mount (that’s sold separately, though).

PROS:

  • Multiple mounting options
  • Developed in the wind tunnel
  • Zerosplash technology
  • Used with thread-compatible bottles

CONS:

  • The zip tie mounting may not be durable, especially on bumpy rides
 

Best Versatile Design

6. XLAB Torpedo Versa 200

This is a hydration system, bottle cage, and computer mount package that gives riders all the hydration they need without compromising their spot for a bike computer.

It’s a lightweight system that comes in three different color schemes. A telescoping computer mount comes with On-the-Go Tilt Adjust, so you can make small adjustments easily while riding. It’s compatible with Garmin bike computers but also includes an aero computer mount for non-Garmin computers.

Their Super-Sealed No-Leak design features a Dolphin Breather Valve to keep your liquid in the bottle until you need it. An integrated bite valve makes it easy to control your fluid intake, and you can choose between two straw placements.

You’ll also get two different styles of lids, so you can choose one depending on your needs. The Solid Refill Lid allows you to quickly add tablets, powder, or fluid while on the go. The Slotted Refill Lid is suitable for adding tablets and more liquid.

The Megadjust mounting system is very adjustable, fitting cockpits from 70mm to 150mm. Its reinforced aluminum construction makes it both bounce-free and rattle-free. It attaches quickly and easily to the aerobar extensions with SecureClick brackets, eliminating the need for extra zip ties or straps.

This system is aerodynamically-designed and has a small frontal area for reduced drag. It’s contoured to fit the shape of your arms when in the aero position.

PROS:

  • Leak-free bottle design
  • SecureClick brackets
  • Two straw positions
  • Contoured design

CONS:

  • The plastic cage can be easily breakable
 

Top High Volume

7. Controltech Time Zone Hydration System

This streamlined hydration system fits neatly between your aerobars, jutting down so there’s no interference when you’re in the aero position. It fits on bars between 90mm and 120mm.

With a volume of 27 ounces, you should have more than enough liquid for long rides. An Easy Refill Port design, adjustable straw position, and magnets to secure the straw make it very user-friendly.

The front-placed computer mounting is compatible with Garmin and GoPro systems. An integrated storage compartment allows you space to store energy bars, chews, or other valuables.

PROS:

  • Easy Refill Port design
  • 27-ounce capacity
  • Adjustable straw positions
  • Computer mounting compatible with Garmin and GoPro

CONS:

  • The elastic mounts may break on bumpy terrain
 

Best Garmin Compatibility

8. XLAB Torpedo Versa 500

If you’re a Garmin fan, then this system is the one we recommend for you. It has a raised, tilt-adjustable computer mount that’s specifically compatible with Garmin bike computers and watches.

If you do switch watches or use another computer, don’t worry. It includes an aero computer mount for non-Garmin systems too. If you aren’t using your bike computer on a particular day, you can raise or lower the computer mount to store an extra water bottle.

It’s lightweight and easy to use, featuring 16 layers of unidirectional carbon for strength, stability, and durability. It’s also one of the brand’s most compact designs, requiring 80mm less space than others. It also has more mounting positions than previous models.

A leak-free Dolphin Breather Valve prevents any of your fluid from escaping. Position your straw in two different spots depending on what suits you when you’re in the aero position. Two different styles of lids allow you to add powders, tablets, or extra fluid wherever you need.

There’s also no need for extra zip ties, Velcro, elastic bands, or other stuff to secure it to the frame. Using SecureClick brackets, it simply snaps on tightly and stays secure.

PROS:

  • 16-layer unidirectional carbon mount
  • Telescoping Versa computer mount
  • Contoured design
  • Two lid styles

CONS:

  • May not be able to tighten enough to support larger computers
 

Top Small Size

9. XLAB Torpedo Versa Slim

If you’re looking for a compact system, this one could work for you. It’s just 10.5 inches long and weighs under 10 ounces. It’s a real bonus that it can be attached to your bike in under 5 minutes!

The full system includes a bottle, bite valve straw, aero straw retainer, 2 lids, a breather valve, and a spare straw hole blocker plug. You’ll also get the Torpedo Carbon Bottle Cage, a Versa Slim Carbon Plate, and all the necessary hardware.

The bottle is BPA-free, certified food-safe, and can hold up to 26 ounces of liquid. You’ll also have your bike computer right where you need it, on a telescoping computer mount. It’s compatible with Garmin, Polar, Wahoo, Sigma, and Cateye computers.

The Vera Slim Carbon Plate and Carbon Cage come with limited lifetime warranties. The computer mount and the bottle have a 3-year warranty, with 6 months on all other parts.

PROS:

  • Lightweight at 9.9 ounces
  • 10.5 inches in length
  • Easy to install
  • Capacity of 26 ounces

CONS:

  • May not be enough capacity for longer rides
 

FAQs

Wondering about the best triathlon hydration systems? Here’s some more information to help you decide if it’s the right thing for you.

What is a Hydration System and Where Can You Place It?

A hydration system is a fixed water container that’s specifically designed to be mounted on your bike.

The position and shape of the container help to keep vital fluids within your reach but out of the aerodynamic slipstream, allowing you to stay hydrated without leaving the aero position.

Some brands of hydration systems have storage compartments for nutrition or gels, or integrated computer mounts. But most hydration systems are designed to be simple and clean, to reduce drag so the rider can maintain their optimal speed.

The hydration system that you choose will come down to your personal preference! Choose from the following systems:

The Between-the-Aerobar Systems

The biggest advantage of the between-the-aerobar systems is that it’s positioned virtually beneath your head. Most of these hydration systems are designed with a no-splash refill port which makes it easy to fill it up on the go.

The straws are flexible, have a bite valve, and can be adjusted to rest either on your left or right. This keeps the straw within your reach, so you can drink fluids without having to lift yourself off the aerobars.

Both the shape of the bottle and the position of the mounting bracket are designed to avoid adding drag and to minimize the space that it takes up on the handlebars.

Frame-Mounted Hydration Systems

This type of hydration system is securely mounted on your bicycle frame and sits above the cranks. These hydration systems use a longer tube that you can position within easy reach on your handlebars. The straw has a bite valve to prevent any fluids from leaking out when you’re not actively drinking.

The position of the hydration system minimizes drag and allows you to carry a bit more water, as there’s more space below you than under the bars. Some of the hydration systems have a splash-resistant opening so that you can refill the bottle on the go without compromising your aero position.

Rear-Mounted Hydration Systems

Rear-mounted hydration systems are mounted to the rails of the saddle. This helps to reduce drag as they’re usually shielded from the wind by the rider’s back, but they remain within easy reach. That being said, these aren’t always the most aerodynamic of hydration systems.

They can be mounted with standard water bottle cages. This lets you carry additional spare parts like inflators and CO2 cartridges. But it also means that you can accept bottle handouts at aid stations or while you’re on the course. The downside of this is that if you ride over a large enough bump in the road, you could lose a water bottle.

Shanna Powell

Shanna Powell

Shanna is a writer who runs... And cycles, jumps rope, and lifts weights. She lives in beautiful South Africa and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with other avid athletes.

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