rsbob 

I changed to an electrolyte and carb drink whereas before I just was using electrolytes. Now I am battling sticky fingers which then transmit the stickiness to the bars and controls. Yuck!

Anyone drinking a carb based/sticky drink and using a bottle that doesn’t leak a bit? My 4 YO REI BPA free bottles need to go.

Not Reds <-thanks spell check

Mojo31

We have not had any issues with any of our bottles leaking, and some are at least three years old. They include Trek, Specialized, and Camelback Podium bottles. Have about a dozen that are informally rotated by two riders. All but one are the insulated varieties.

skidder

I'm just a plain tap water guy. I sometimes like to squirt a little on my face/arms during warm weather rides, and doing that with a mixed drink wouldn't work too well.

PeteHski

I like the Elite Fly bottles that most pro teams use. No leaking and they flow really well too. I have a few Camelbak Podiums, but I find their nozzles hard to clean.

PeteHski

That’s great but sometimes plain water just isn’t enough.

Eric F 

I have 6 Elite Fly bottles (small and large). They do flow well, but they don't seem to flow only into my mouth. It also sills out of the gap between the bottom of the nozzle and the bottle lid, invariably leaving sticky bottles and fingers, and dried carb drink on my frame. I'm also having a hell of a time keeping the inside of the Fly nozzles clean.

I have a pair of Specialized bottles that don't have the same spillage issues, but don't flow as well. Most recently, I got a pair of Polar Breakaway bottles. They flow well, don't spill, and the nozzle comes apart for cleaning. However, even when closed, the top of the nozzle still has a cavity that will collect dirt, which makes them a no-go for off-road riding.

I'm still searching for a better bottle.

Garthr

Any bottle like the Podium that has the one way squirt valve work well. The key for me in leak prevention is when tightening the cap good to lightly squeeze the bottle and you'll hear a little "blup" from the valve bladder. I guess that sorta pressurizes the bottle and since I do this they never leak ! I have Specialized Purist bottle also with an optional one-way squirt cap, as the ones that come with it , the mo-flow things, yeah they're mo-flow alright, the flow all over the riders face before you can get a drink ! El Sucko !

jadmt

I use liquid IV and REI bottles (26 ounce) and never an issue leaky tops or with sticky fingers. I do make sure I push the cap shut wit my teeth after drinking.

rsbob 

Must be working on his post count.

rsbob 

Did you know that some podiums are being recalled? https://www.bicycleretailer.com/reca...e-faulty-valve

genejockey 

Shouldn't that be "Podia"?

I don't have sticky fingers problems with Skratch Hydration Mix, but then I've never had sticky fingers problems with any drink mix. Are you having a drinking problem?

Eric F 

The Skratch Super High Carb mix gets sticky in a hurry.

genejockey 

Before I started using Podium bottles, I used to do that... BRIEFLY! Then I put that together with my AMAZING ability to find and hit rocks and potholes, and started bumping the tops shut on my leg before putting them back in the cage. I don't want to be singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"

genejockey 

But would you really drink that on the bike?

Garthr

Thankfully mine are too old !

rsbob 

Never had problems with Skratch electrolyte either but after switching to SIS with carbs, now I have a problem. And to answer your question; yes I do. Evidently not enough!

Eric F 

Absolutely. That's what it's designed for. I like it quite a lot for rides longer than 2 hours...except for the sticky problem. On road rides, I'll run a little less than the recommended dosage in my bottles. On long MTB/gravel rides, I'll run 2 full-dose bottles and a hydro pack of just water. Even with a full dose, the flavor is very mild and drinkable, not overly-sweet like you would expect. IMO, Skratch does a really good job with this product. I expect the SIS mix rsbob uses is similar.

genejockey 

Huh. Learn something new everyday.

Not sure it would work for me, since my primary need for drink is because I sweat like nobody's business. I need the fluid and electrolytes more than the carbs. Supposedly Old Guys don't sweat as much, but so far that hasn't been the case. Might work on long winter rides where I don't sweat as much, and fumbling food wearing full finger gloves is a pain.

shelbyfv

Maybe experiment with different liquids if it's a concern. I've noticed that Coke will give a sticky bottle and not from fizzing. Somehow it creeps past the threads. Gatorade and Liquid IV don't. Where is our chemist?

Eric F 

It's still the same amount of fluid The Super High Carb mix has sodium, but is lacking in the potassium, magnesium, and calcium that is present in hydration-focused mixes. It works for me. YMMV.

genejockey 

I need what plants crave....

I base this on just how much salt deposits on my jersey, shorts, and helmet straps (not to mention my temples) on hot rides.

rsbob 

The reason I moved from only electrolytes to a carb electrolyte mix in my bottles:
Just ordered two Podiums and will give them a go. Thanks for the responses.

Random11

I use Polar bottles with Gatorade and don't have a problem with leakage.

datlas 

Living on Reds, Vitamin C, and cocaine?

rsbob 

Casey Jones you better watch your speed.