I've finally gotten myself comfortable enough that I might try a race event or two next season. I've never spectated one (and even so, while you are there it is tough to tell who the leaders in the field are), and I am curious as to whether the frontrunners generally wear Camelbak-sized packs for water and supplies (i.e. patch kit, extra tube, tire levers, pump/CO2)?
It seems like a Catch 22. Wear it, and it's extra weight to lug around and an instantly overheated back. Don't wear it, and good old Murphy's Law will kick in and pinch flat a tube halfway through the course, causing a leader to fall off pace jogging their bike back to the pits.
Granted, I am sure many use a UST setup to avoid such problems, but for someone like myself still using tubes, what's the more common course of action?
It seems like a Catch 22. Wear it, and it's extra weight to lug around and an instantly overheated back. Don't wear it, and good old Murphy's Law will kick in and pinch flat a tube halfway through the course, causing a leader to fall off pace jogging their bike back to the pits.
Granted, I am sure many use a UST setup to avoid such problems, but for someone like myself still using tubes, what's the more common course of action?