Phaseshift

I would just like to start off that i've read part of the advice for new commuter thread, but i would like to compile a list for myself, what do you guys think are the MUST HAVE items to have in my backpack besides school stuff, I will be commuting for about 40 miles each day 20 miles each way.

weavers

two must haves is a helmet and chain lube.

for you i would get a rear rack and either a basket or painners. you will be sweating buckets with that backpack on your back, not to mention to weight, 10-20lbs is alot day after day no matter how young and strong you are. so get a rear rack.

- next thing is a proper ulock, perferably 2 ulocks(one for each wheel+fame to an inmovable object) or if you can't manage 2 ulocks then ulock+cable. you can put ulocks threw the rear rack or tie it down to the rear rack with a bungie cord or old spare tube

- i would get either clipless pedals+shoes or just toe straps. at the very least get toe straps for a 20mile ride. you will more than double your pedaling efficenty and won't be as tired and get a better workout.

- spare tube, tire patch kit, 2 tire leavers, plastic gloves, pump and co2. i keep this all in a saddle bag, i have a multi tool kit, but don't carry it. for a pump get the road morph G or if you need something small then blackburn mini pump or topeak micro rocket. this whole thing will cost around 50bucks, but it will get you to school on time and back home.

- i like full finger gloves, hate to have fingers mangled in a crash. always carry id and some money and cell phone and spare change, sun glasses or clear safty glasses, spare clothes for rain or cold weather, or wind breaker, a buff is wonderfuly useful as is spare pair of wool socks and wool liner gloves. last 4 are god sends in less then idea riding contions. also for 20miles your gonna want base layers, idealy wool, and maybe cycling bibs even with a comfy saddle.

- and lastly would be lights, high vis jacket, and ankle straps. plant bike superflash is a great rear light. i like Q5 lights flashing up front, good throw and can use to see the road if on high. a p7 is a better light, but cost a bit more, magicshine is really really good. oh and a bell and fenders are great too.
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.32749


last thing is learn how to maintain and make repairs on your bike, this is a great website:
https://bicycletutor.com/

CCrew

Must have...
2 spare tubes
tube repair kit
tire irons (3)
Air pump/C02
multitool that includes a chain breaker
powerlink for chain
spare batteries for lights
small(condensed version) first aid kit. If nothing more than antiseptic wipes and bandaids and a set of throwaway surgical gloves

There's the must haves. Weavers listed a lot of "nice to haves" but I consider "must" the stuff that's going to get your butt home at 3am

Stryver

Must haves may differ based on your surroundings. 20 miles is tough to hoof it, what other backup transportation exists, and what is the rescue potential for your route (ie, are you on well traveled streets, side streets, trails, untracked wilderness).

I second CCrew's suggestion of supplies to repair 2 flats and a multi-tool with chain breaker. A broken chain is the only thing I have experienced, so far, that I was unable to fix enough to hobble home. I've gone to the emergency room for things I rode back with, but I walked the chain.

If there is doubt in your mind as to the rescue potential of your route, I would add a mylar emergency blanket and a signal whistle, plus a cell phone. If you are playing off-road, you should consider more.

Be slightly cautious for a while with the extra layers you bring. I have a 3.5 mile commute, I can miss the forecast by a layer and still make it home. 20 miles is a long way if you missed much.

SlimAgainSoon

I carry one spare tube, not two, and a patch kit, tire irons, a tire boot (cut from a FedEx envelope -- never used, but, you know ...), CO2 inflator and two cannisters, emergency $, handy tool (screwdriver and allen wrenches), a presta adapter for gas-station use, a master-link for my chain and some identification (I use a dog tag).

In the wintertime, I also carry spare batteries for my lights.

Arcanum

In addition to all the stuff others have mentioned, carrying a couple energy bars in your bag is probably a good idea on a 20-miles-each-way commute. Water as well. That's a long way to go if you skipped breakfast (or lunch for the return trip). Likewise, serious dehydration becomes a real possibility at that distance.

mtalinm

I second the advice on the basket - I have a 13-15m commute and used to do it with a backpack but it's better with the bag in a basket.

I personally found toeclips/straps too cumbersome to get in and out of at all the intersections I encounter. maybe the fancy pedals are a good idea

definitely spare batteries if you use led lights

jefferee

This. Make sure the multitool will work for all cable adjustments and tighten all fasteners. (I only go six miles one way, so I live dangerously--one tube and no chain tool.).

Multiple lights aren't a bad idea, either, in case one fails or falls out of its mount and smashes or something.

genec

Lights.

Did I say lights?

Get some lights.

Reflectors are nice, but you should have lights... good lights!

Phaseshift

thanks guys

Must have...
2 spare tubes
tube repair kit
tire irons (3)
Air pump/C02
multitool that includes a chain breaker
powerlink for chain
spare batteries for lights
small(condensed version) first aid kit. If nothing more than antiseptic wipes and bandaids and a set of throwaway surgical gloves

ill try to stuff as many of those in my backpack, or in the future a rack. My commute is all street as I live near the beach

JPprivate

If it's colder where you are, get some chemical hand/foot warmers.

AdamDZ

Another vote for some snacks. I carry oatmeal and trail-mix bars.

And a knife or multitool with a sharp blade. I picked up random pieces of twine, fishing line, Police tape from the road and knife came in handy to get that out of my gears.

Oh, and I carry some extra clothing depending on the weather forecast.

Adam

crazybikerchick

I would put lights much higher up on the list than a helmet.

crazybikerchick

You'll likely be more comfortable getting the backpack off your back. A convertible pannier/backpack would be ideal but for going cheap you could have a rack and a milk crate and throw the backpack in there.

Must haves:
- a pump (you could also attach it to the bike). I like the Road Morph. No CO2 required.
- multi tool with allen keys, screwdriver
- spare tube (one is plenty if you also bring a patch kit)
- tire levers (if you need them to get your tire off the rim, some come off easily enough by hand)
- good quality lock

Nice to have:
- zip ties are always handy for quickie fixes
- cell phone in case anything else goes wrong!
- rearview mirror

For the bike:
- lights

For you:
- a good waterproof windproof jacket

weavers

they are really great. about a month ago a bolt fell off from my rear rack. i was close to work and searched and searched for a bolt i could use, then i had an idea, ziptie. i put two of them in eyelets and was off, i didn't replace the zipties for over a month. just forgot because it worked so well. zip ties are great when you need to attachet something to the rear rack, like an extra wheel you just got trued at the lbs or some other object. like bungie cords, but smaller. oh and hose clamps are amazing for bike repair, like zipties but won't break.

Phaseshift

will I need a type of shoe? lol sorry for the noobie question, or can I jsut wear my boatshoes as its the main shoe I use.

what would you guys recommend a good light that I can mount?

does anyone know if the state of california require bikers to wear helmets?

Limey1212

If you're over 18 no helmet required.

Phaseshift

redondo beach! I'm in torrance! would you guys advice on getting a helmet?

Limey1212

A shout out to Torrance mate

LMAO I ain't touching the helmet question I doubt many will

colleen c

Torrance traffic can be heavy at times. I recommend a bright light so you will stand out better. The recommendation by Weaver for the P7 and Magic Shine is excellent if you are on a budgit. If you are in a rush, get a Magic Shine since Dealextreme takes so long. If price is not so important, than any light with 150+ lumen from your LBS will be fine.

Edit for: Also a spare change of shirt wouldn't hurt. So Ca can get warm after a 20 mi ride.

genec

Honestly you can probably stuff all that into a seat bag. Well at least with one spare tube you could. Then it just lives there, and you forget about it... until you need something.

I recently updated the contents of one of my bikes' seat bags and had to laugh... I had a couple of dimes in there for an emergency phone call... when was the last time you saw a payphone?

And rather than carry spare batteries... just mount redundant lighting. Handy and easier to use that way. My commuter has 3 sets of light systems... all independent.

Oh, almost forgot... Duct tape is good too... easy to carry... just wrap a length around your air pump (the outer layer protects the inner layers). Use it to tape on things that come loose... and to fix a cut tire. If you get a bad glass cut in a tire, just put several layers (2-3) inside the tire over the cut. You can ride quite a distance this way.

Roll on.

gerv 

Carry a couple of bus tokens. That way, when your bike breaks down some afternoon, you can always get towed back home by bus. It's a cheap tow truck.

SlimAgainSoon

Zip Ties — crazybikerchick is right. Take up very little space and handy when you need them.

Zip Ties are like baling wire — a hundred different uses.

Phaseshift

what would you guys recommend for a good seat bag?

mtalinm

i got one at Target for $5 and it works fine, but i'm sure there are better ones out there