How to carry extra fluid?

Refilled my bottles with ice-cold water straight from a mountain spring last week. Really good stuff, made a nice change from the usual petrol station and beergarden stops (for shandies or alcohol-free beer or apple juice diluted down to isotonic levels or just water).

When all else fails: country graveyards have taps.

if half litre disposable bottles won't fit in your pockets shove one or 2 down the back of bib shorts, Not too uncomfortable and can be emptied into main bottles fairly soon. there's an extra litre easily enough.
have carried the odd puri tab if in the mountains. Usually fine to top up from faster streams anyway.

I mentioned a hydration pack (racebac) earlier, and I am a fan. I can think of two reasons why you might not want to use them though. Firstly the weight on your back can give back pain on long rides, I certainly feel it after a few hours. Secondly your drink can get pretty warm, and in a racebac it can get borderline hot!

You can get some minimalistic, lightweight hydration packs with up to 3l. reservoirs which will do the job perfectly. There is no reason whatsoever not use them on the road unless you're concerned about some stupid "rules".

You can get a Topeak cage which holds a giant 1.5 litre bottle. http://www.topeak.com/products/bottle-cages/modulacagexl I used it for cycle-camping in remote areas. You can stick a big mineral water bottle in it, or for something more durable a 1.5 litre Sigg alloy bottle, which is what I used.

Another option, which I also used, is a 1.5 litre Podium Quest bottle which attaches to tri bars. http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2008/06/podium-quest-aero-bottle-review.html Hands-free drinking! Touring with this, and some tri bars, was just great.

As for suspending bottles from the bars: http://bit.ly/14StrbU

I know it's not very 'Roadie' but Camelbak or similar hydration packs are great. You can keep yourself topped up as you go and stick some of the stuff in your pockets into the pack.

You need to buy some dehydrated liquid tablets. Pop a couple in a bottle of water and off you go.

Carrying money is a lot lighter than extra bottles.

In Europe they call shandy a 'Radler' as it is mighty refreshing for a thirsty cyclist but won't get you drunk, well a pint won't.

+1 for the garden hose - my rule is, I only ask if they're already running the hose. People washing cars at the weekend are a great help.

(That's as much for freshness than anything else, I don't want to turn on a tap that's not run for months, nor run someone's tap for ages to freshen the line up).

If I don't see someone with a hose, a pub is the answer. Have a half-pint, too!

My middle pocket usually carries my rain jacket, so in this weather that is replaced with a 750ml bottle on long rides.

unless you need to travel fast and not stop, +1 for fill up on route

once did 100km in 100F and consumed 7l of liquids with only 2 750ml bidons. It was case of knowing where water was available. The 3 petrol stations on route and not much else.

Oh and don't be afraid to simply ask somebody mowing their lawn, fixing their tractor, washing their car etc - people always fill you up - some even offer ice!

FIll up on route, even in the quietest of places I always find water. I even have a mini-database in my head of all the houses on my route with garden taps. Very handy.

What are in your pockets that takes all 3?

Monkii cages can be mounted *anywhere* on your bike: http://www.freeparable.com/monkiiclip

Get 'em from http://www.cyclemiles.co.uk/products/

You're welcome

I have an SKS adapter and bottle cage that clips easily and quickly on to the seat post. It's only plastic but good for the hottest days when you want an extra bottle.

Also, Minoura make an adapter that fits to the saddle rail. Bottle cages can then be fitted to the adapter. I think there are single and double versions.

Alternatively, use bigger bottle SiS do some very cheap
1 litre bottles.

I prefer to stop and refill at a shop. 2 750ml bottles, stop after 50-60 miles and do 50 on 2 more bottles plus a good glug when I fill up. But there are a few options if you really can not stop. A transfill bottle holds around 1.5L I think. A racebak holds 2L. You can also mount bottles behind the saddle.

Stop at pub/café and ask them to fill up your empty bottles? Isn't that the most practical and traditional method?