[RunningForT3]

I think this was addressed before, but... how do you make sure the yellow spongy thingy in the Profile Design aero bottle doesn't pop out?<br><br>
Also... any tips on better securing the bottle and the bracket?

 

[MBannon]

I've heard that if you pull the sponge apart and scrunch it all up into a ball, it works just fine. Something about "following the instructions provided" or some such nonsense. Personally, I tossed the thing in the trash and replaced it with the cap for a 55mm camera lens.<br><br>
What problem (specifically) are you having with securing the bottle?

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

As for the sponge... See <a href="http://community.active.com/message/302868#302868" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br>
As for the bottle and bracket... Uh, I don't have a bracket - mine just straps to the aero bars with big rubber bands.

 

[Pichburg]

Duct tape!

 

[Alaska Mike]

Holy Carp! And it fits just right? The yellow sponge is freakin useless, every time I've got a full bottle and hit the smallest bump, I end up with sticky sports drink all over my cockpit and bike computer. I was getting ready this season to give up on the Aero Drink and try something like <a href="http://www.profile-design.com/products/hydration/aquacell/" target="_blank">http://www.profile-design.com/produc...tion/aquacell/</a>, <span style="color:#000000;">even though I didn't need something this big off the front of the bike, because it has the caps.</span><br><br>
55mm hmm, I'm going to give that a try. Paired up with a lenscap keeper and I should be set if it works well.<br><br>
Thanks Matt!<br><br>
Mike

 

[niemsco]

I was going to try this aero drink at IMAZ but I think I've been talked out of it. Too risky. I'll try it later this week after I duct tape it and squish up the sponge. Thanks!

 

[hobey]

I pulled my sponge apart and wad it in. No pop outs and minimal splashing. Other folks have used a new bath poof with great success.

 

[MBannon]

I'll try to remember to take some pictures of my setup tonight. You won't even believe it. But yes, a 55mm cap fits perfectly (actually, the one I am using is technically the cap to close the hole in the camera when no lens is attached - not sure of the name of that one). Dab some liquid rubber in there as a gasket and away you go. I thought I was All That for figuring that out until a couple months later I discovered an entire thread about it on Slowtwitch.

 

[Yo Mikey]

1. Get the bracket.<br><br>
2. Get 2 new plastic pot scrubby things and stuff them into the top. When they expand, they are wider than the opening. Mine have never fallen out.

 

[Cashmason]

Low tech is cutting duct tape into thin strips and making a cross hatch across the the top.<br><br>
The 55 mm lens cap also works. Some guys drill a small hole in the side of the top of the bottle and run the lens cap cord thru that so when you refill the bottle you don't lose the lens cap accidently.

 

[3chilipeppers]

O.K. I just got this bottle and was wondering the same thing about the stupid yellow spongy thing. I stuck it in there as is, and there is not way it will stay. Then, I pushed it down, and it just got stuck in the bottom!! So, pulling it apart totally makes sense, but I didn't want to mess it up. I do like the lens cap solution better, though. I just think I'll be splashed with no cap. I ride some pretty rough roads at times (heck, my aerobars almost fell off on one of my rides!)<br><br>
I'll try wadding the yellow thing up, and if that doesn't work I'll get the lens cap. I haven't even ridden my bike with it on yet (except on the trainer -- no bumps there!), but I don't think it is going anywhere with those rubber bands (makes it a total pain to take it off and rinse it out, though)

 

[Cashmason]

Kelli, you can take the yellow thing, pull it apart and then stuff it in sideways. It doesnt come out on me, but I still do get splashed when I go over a bump at speed. Its why I only put water in the aero bottle.<br><br>
I hear the poofy bath sponges sold in bath and body type stores work better than the yellow thing that comes with the aero bottle. Haven't tried it myself. I do like the lens cap idea a lot too.

 

[3chilipeppers]

Yeah, I kind of tried to stuff it in sideways, but I didn't pull it apart much, so it didn't really work. I'll try again. I have a ton of those bath poofs lying around the house. I could try one. I probably won't put anything but water in it until my HIM. I think I might want to be able to mix stuff in it. I haven't gotten to the nutrition part yet.

 

[Silly Sally]

I think I would be annoyed to have that bottle in my face as I'm bending down, but heck, I can't put anything on top of my car dashboard either. Montreal roads are notoriously bumpy as well ... I'd be wearing more sports drink than drinking it ... That lens cap seems to be a good solution.<br><br>
Question 1: How does one clean/disinfect that sponge? I'd be worried about bacteria, fungus, other microbes, etc. <img alt="uhoh2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/uhoh2.gif"><br><br>
Question 2: Do you find that the weight of the bottle affects your handling of the bike at all? Or you just got used to it?<br><br>
Sally

 

[3chilipeppers]

I thought I'd be annoyed too, but I really don't notice it (nothing on my dashboard either -- or hanging from my rearview mirror!)<br><br>
1. I think I'll put mine in the dishwasher, but it could be boiled or whatever -- it is plastic<br>
2. I haven't ridden outside yet, but it doesn't seem all that heavy, even filled up.