Mtracer

No one would be able to see all the stuff I have becasue my bike has down tube storage. While I run tubeless, I still carry a TPU tube, CO2 and even a small pump. Also, a very minimal first aid kit. I keep some Gorilla tape wrapped around the pump. I carry a Dynaplug Racer in my ride wallet.

I can understand why some might not carry these things. I've never needed to put a tube in over about 5 years and 20,000+ miles. I've used a CO2 once, I've loaned the pump once or twice. I haven't even needed to plug a tire in almost two years.

But I know if I didn't carry these things, the cycling Gods would smite me. I see it as a way to ward off trouble. I do like the idea that short of a major mechanical, I can likely get myself home. I also do my best to keep my bike maintained to avoid problems.

tFUnK

I've got a buddy, he rides a heavy gravel/touring bike with chubby knobby tires that has a beefy rear rack with a large pannier bag, yet he only carries a single 20oz water bottle on his rides. I ask him what's in his pannier and he says spare lights, a wind breaker, and his tool kit. That's not that much gear for a 20L pannier bag.

The bike is so heavy and cumbersome, but he finds it comfortable so he rides it on both short and long rides, mostly on the road with occasional fire road. It's annoying for me to look at as well as ride with him because even my "heavy duty" gravel bike is so much lighter and faster than his bike. We once did a S24O bike camping trip - about 40 ish miles with one significant dirt climb to get to the campgrounds. My moving time was a generous 4 hours, but my total elapsed time was 6 hours because I literally had to wait 2 extra hours for him over the course of the ride. He also goes on these 50+ mile rides and spends all afternoon doing it, too. I cannot fathom how he can tolerate the slowness and inefficiency of doing those kind of miles on that bike, but he says he enjoys it. I told him if he wants to ride with me, he's gotta leave that bike at home and bring something lighter and quicker. He says I'm trying to be macho and that if I want to do a hustle roadie ride I should do it without him. I tell him I'm just on a regular road bike and that I'm not even pushing it, in fact I'm holding back just to not drop him on a coffee ride. Guy looks like he's touring when we're just going for coffee.

50PlusCycling

I’m the kind that can fit a tube, multi tool, and a mini pump in my jersey pocket. Carrying my own weight around is enough work for me, I don’t need to add any more burden to my bike.

slow rollin

I have a blink dagger in my camelback, that's why it's hard to catch me.
oh, and some tools

delbiker1 

I am pretty sure there are more than 2 types of riders that do not understand these posts.

PeteHski

Because they can.

Jughed

I don't carry anything. Water, food, tools - nothing.

I have people that carry my stuff for me.

Third type of cyclist - a rich M'Fer with a staff.

indyfabz

Thanks for saving me some time looking this up.

And it’s funny. Just the other day I commented that he appeared to have abandoned the “I’m doing it right and you’re doing it wrong.” threads. I’m guessing this thread is his response.

shelbyfv

[QUOTE=rydabent;23184727 I am old, was a repair tech for 50 years.[/QUOTE] Weird that you find so many folks on the road having problems with vintage photocopiers.

streetsurfer

wow...that's a lot of othering on his part.

Steel Charlie

Clearly an issue needing legislation. Big Tool, Big Tire/Tube, Big Bag should be called on to set the standards. I know that I'll certainly be happier with the roads populated by responsible cyclists and knowing that I have everything that I could need to support my ride.

ScottCommutes

I think different people have different tolerances for walking a bike as well.

Flip Flop Rider

stop noticing other cyclists and judging their lack of tools you deem necessary

Flip Flop Rider

and if I get a flat I'll get home

badger1

I know it's early, but ... potd!

rydabent

And they can do a long walk home, unless they come across someone that has the equipment like me, and is willing to stop and help.

'02 nrs

AAA offers bicycle transport should you be a road service subscriber.however there is no substitute for being independent,IMO.

rydabent

Well if indeed someone had a copier on their bike, I could probably fix it. An excellent technician can pretty much figure out how to repair many different kinds of machines.

Carbonfiberboy 

What's a trail ride?

Trakhak

A highly experienced car mechanic I knew used to bring his bike into our shop for service. I once asked him why, since cars required a much higher level of mechanical expertise, he didn't work on his bike himself. He said that he knew enough about working on cars to not assume that he knew enough to work on bikes. Smart man.

tomato coupe

An "excellent technician" could pretty much figure out that not everyone has to ride the same way that they do. The only logical conclusion, therefore, is that you're not one.

rydabent

Or maybe just a lazy guy. As far as mechanics go a bicycle is an incredibly simple machine for for a good technician.

indyfabz

It’s going to hit near 60 in Lincoln today. Go ride your bike (or the tricycle you claim to own) and post some pics.

Iride01 

I've walked home with my bike on my shoulder more than just one or two times. And even refusing offers of help from other cyclists. It wasn't because I wasn't prepared for the emergency. I had a both a tube and a patch kit along with a inflator in my bag. I just didn't want to fix my flat on the side of the road those days and I'd already finished most of my ride.

I wonder how many others wrongly judged me as inadequately prepared for riding my bike as I walked those 3 or so miles to the house.

Trakhak

I guess you're responding to my post. In which case, you missed an opportunity for a learning experience. To spell it out: the first requirement for a tech person faced with an unfamiliar repair situation is humility.

I've known plenty of mechanics and techs who were arrogant about their skills. I've known only a few whose arrogance was justified. All the best mechanics and techs I've known were anything but arrogant.