XLAB, a pioneer in triathlon hydration cages and carriers, has unveiled its new Torpedo Hydration System – available at US retailers nationwide on 1 August 2013. The ‘aerodynamically invisible’ system aims to solve triathletes’ need for an easily accessible and refillable hydration system without adding drag to slow them down.
XLAB’s Founder and CEO, Craig Turner, spent over four years developing the refillable Torpedo Hydration System by applying aerospace engineering principles and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis, alongside using feedback from leading professional triathletes.
In a recent velodrome testing session, the system was deemed to be aerodynamically invisible by 5-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion Craig Alexander and bike fit guru Mat Steinmetz.
“We know that long course triathlon is a logistical nightmare and athletes often have to make compromises to their aerodynamics to carry hydration and nutrition,” said Steinmetz. “With [Craig] Turner’s research and testing, we have found ways to carry fuel in a functional way with zero aero penalty! Plus, the integrated front computer mount is great!”
Every detail of the Torpedo Hydration System has been scrutinized, engineered and thoroughly tested including several innovative features to improve aerodynamics and ergonomics that, according to XLAB, have never before seen in the category. The system’s rearward positioning on the aerobar extensions ensures steering and bike handling is not compromised in the wind.
Unlike most computer mounts that are placed behind or on top of hydration systems, the included computer mount located at the front of the XLAB Torpedo system permits easy viewing while in the aero position, and reduces drag because the rider no longer needs to look down. Aerodynamically shaped spacers provide vertical adjustability to position the sleek contoured bottle at arm height and reduce the amount of exposed surface area.
The bottle’s small frontal area coupled with the Kamm tail design and flush lids allow for clean airflow around the bottle. This airflow has been tested ‘to eliminate drag by 50% over leading competitor bottle cage holders.’ Additionally, the unique dolphin-tail-designed straw retainer allows for flat folding of the straw when not in use, ‘saving another 100g of straw drag’.
“At times, one has a chance to make a great step forward in design,” said XLAB’s Turner. “We accomplished this with the dual and single rear carriers and high grip anti-ejection cages. We then followed with the best-selling horizontal Torpedo Systems. Four years later, we have made a huge advance with the aerodynamically invisible Refillable Torpedo System. We consider this a major breakthrough for hydration in triathlon.”
The system made its race debut this past weekend at the Vineman 70.3 triathlon where 70.3 US Champion and multiple Ironman champion, Meredith Kessler, dominated the race from start to finish. Post-race, Kessler tweeted “This new aero TORPEDO = the hydration way of the world – epic! Can’t ever say we won’t stay properly hydrated!”
The BPA-Free XLAB Refillable Torpedo Hydration System has a 26-ounce capacity and is available in 2 different series. The 100 series features the Aero bottle, an aluminium mount, nylon composite cage with clear bite valves and will retail for US$74.95.
The 400 model features the Aero bottle, carbon mount, carbon cage with colour coordinated bite valve and spacers, and retails for US$134.95. Each series model is available with red or magenta accents. Refill Upgrade Kits will also be available for current Torpedo mount and Torpedo cage owners retailing for US$39.95.
XLAB has been an innovator and important part of the triathlon industry for 20 years, helping athletes win 24 World Championships. The company’s engineers passionately design, analyze and test its hydration and storage systems ‘allowing for extremely light and yet extraordinarily reliable products that are unmatched in design, technology and style.’
www.XLAB-USA.com/torpedo-system
