Drinking sufficient water and staying hydrated are essential for cycling. Your body produces heat while cycling and it must be dissipated by evaporating water from your skin. This in turn requires more intake of water. It is worth to drink one large water bottle of 750 ml per hour of riding. This is especially important if you ride in hot weather. Hydration systems help you stay hydrated and improve your cycling performance. In addition, drinking also helps you stay cool and comfortable.

Frame mounted system

Hydration system is nothing but a way of carrying a drink on a bike. You may not be able to stop at a shop or a café to drink water or juice on every ride. Hence, it is important to carry several bottles of water. Frame mounted bottle is the most commonly used hydration system during cycling. You can carry bottles in a cage on the frame. This method neither costs you more nor adds extra weight. It allows you to reach the bottles easily while you ride. You can go for a frame mounted system that is constructed with dual layer foam fabric that adds a bit of insulation. The system that comes with two Velcro tension straps to prevent bottles from shifting and tilting.Backpacking system

It is important to start drinking in the first fifteen minutes of a ride. Staying hydrated can help you avoid heat stroke, heat exhaustion and death. Backpack hydration system lets you quench your thirst and avoid dehydration while cycling. In this system, water and fluids are carried in a reservoir in a back pack and are delivered through a tube. The main advantage of using this system is that you can keep water clear of dirt. It is very easy to drink on the move, without disrupting your riding position. Backpack system allows you to carry larger volumes of fluids than other systems. This is especially useful for longer rides.

You can find backpacking hydration system in all shapes and sizes in the market. The dual chamber reservoir type is preferred by most cyclists as it helps to carry water and electrolyte drinks conveniently in one container. It features a dial that lets you choose water, electrolyte drink or a combination of both. As it features an on or off valve, it will not leak. It offers the most comfortable way to stay hydrated on long rides.

You can also choose a horizontal bladder that is anatomically designed to improve your comfort. It is lightweight and is easy to carry. It is designed with antimicrobial technology that reduces bacterial growth on the inner surfaces of the tube and the bladder. It features a large opening that makes it easy to clean and refill.

Tips

Before choosing a hydration system, it is worth considering the volume of liquid the system can carry. If you want to undertake all day rides, three litres of water is enough. You need to choose the system that comes with a comfortable to operate and a durable valve. Some valves have a tap to prevent leakage. The hydration system needs periodic cleaning. Hence, the system you want to choose should be easy to clean. If you want to choose backpacking system, ensure that it has broad adjustable straps at chest and waist, so that you can keep it secure on your body.