The Next Evolution of BTS Hydration: Why We Turn Bottles Forwards

Behind-the-saddle (BTS) hydration has evolved significantly over the years.

Originally, most triathletes ran their bottles in a traditional upright orientation behind the saddle. As athletes became increasingly focused on aerodynamics, the trend shifted towards horizontal bottle mounting, reducing drag and keeping bottles tucked more cleanly behind the rider.

More recently, most horizontal BTS setups have positioned bottles facing backwards.

But what if there was a better way?

In fact, the Absolute Speed BTS was designed specifically to make this possible.

Why Traditional Horizontal BTS Setups Have a Flaw

Horizontal bottle mounting offers clear aerodynamic advantages, which is why it has become increasingly popular among serious triathletes.

However, many athletes quickly discover a practical problem:

The bottle can be surprisingly awkward to remove and replace.

To access a rear-facing bottle, you often have to:

• Reach a long way behind the saddle
• Pull the bottle away from your body
• Twist your shoulders and upper body
• Sit upright for longer than you'd like

Every second spent struggling with your hydration system is a second spent out of your most aerodynamic position.

That's why, when designing the Absolute Speed BTS, we focused not only on aerodynamics, but also on real-world usability.

Designed Specifically for Forward-Facing Bottles

Unlike most BTS systems, the Absolute Speed BTS wasn't designed and then adapted to work with a forward-facing bottle orientation.

It was designed around that concept from the beginning.

The longer geometry positions the cages further behind the saddle, creating enough clearance for the bottles to be mounted facing forwards while remaining easy to access.

This seemingly small change transforms how the system performs during racing.

1. More Secure Than Most Athletes Expect

The first concern athletes usually have is:

"Won't the bottle eject more easily if it's facing forwards?"

Actually, we've found the opposite.

When the bottle is facing forward, your body sits directly in front of it. If the bike hits a bump, there isn't a clear path for the bottle to launch forwards because the rider is acting as a natural barrier.

What initially looks unconventional can actually be an extremely secure setup.

Key Benefit

✓  Forward-facing doesn't mean less secure
✓  The rider helps prevent unwanted bottle ejection
✓  Confidence over rough roads

2. Significantly Easier to Access

This was one of the main reasons we developed the system.

With a traditional rear-facing horizontal bottle, you typically need to reach much further back and pull the bottle away from your body before it can be removed from the cage.

With a forward-facing bottle, the movement is far more natural.

Simply move slightly forward on the saddle and the bottle is immediately easier to reach.

The feedback from athletes has been remarkably consistent:

"It's much easier to get the bottle in and out."

Professional athletes including Malachi Cashmore, Daisy Davies, Kieran Lindars and Josh Lewis all run forward-facing bottles on the Absolute Speed BTS for exactly this reason.

3. Faster Access Means Faster Racing

This is arguably the biggest advantage.

Everyone talks about aerodynamics while you're in position.

Not enough people talk about what happens when you're trying to drink.

A BTS system may test as aerodynamic, but if you're constantly sitting up, twisting around and fumbling with bottles, you're giving away free speed.

The Absolute Speed BTS helps minimise the time spent:

• Sitting upright
• Reaching behind the saddle
• Searching for the cage
• Replacing bottles

The easier the bottle is to use, the quicker you can get back into your aero position.

In the real world, that's what matters.

Because the fastest hydration system isn't necessarily the most aerodynamic one in a wind tunnel.

It's the one that allows you to stay aero for the greatest percentage of your race.

Built Strong Enough to Do It Properly

Another reason the Absolute Speed BTS can support this design is its construction.

Unlike many competing BTS systems that are 3D printed, the Absolute Speed BTS is injection moulded from Nylon 6.

This produces a stronger, tougher and more durable component capable of handling the demands of racing.

The result is a platform that's robust enough to confidently support the longer geometry required for a forward-facing setup.

The Future of BTS Hydration?

The progression has been clear:

Upright bottles → Horizontal bottles → Forward-facing horizontal bottles

We believe forward-facing horizontal hydration is the next logical step.

It's:

• More secure
• Easier to use
• Faster in real-world racing

And the Absolute Speed BTS was designed specifically to make it possible.

Aerodynamics matter. But usability matters too. The fastest setup is the one that lets you stay aero while hydrating effortlessly.