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what do you carry when you ride?

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Old 01-02-04, 04:52 AM
  #1  
OneTinSloth
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what do you carry when you ride?

i'm a bit untraditional, so i'll guess that i carry the most out of any of us...except maybe the touring folks.

keep in mind that this is what i carry on EVERY ride.

1) a tool kit with: tire levers, adjustable wrench, cone wrench, 15mm crescent, allen wrenches, metric and standard, spoke wrench, park glueless patch kit, headset/pedal wrench, maybe a chain tool, definitely a gerber super tool (a recent addition), spare tubes, a pump, and spare brake cables.

2) my journal.

3) water bottle.

4) whatever else happens to be living in my bag (cans of beer, newspaper/magazine, left over chinese food...sand...a compass, the book i'm currently reading (right now it's the martian chronicles).

all of this is in my Pac 2600cu. in. messenger bag. it used to be a lot worse, believe me...i used to carry a crank puller and multiple sets of pliers and wire cutters...i can't go out on a ride without any of this stuff. i feel like if i leave my bag behind, i'll end up needing something in it. i've used pretty much every tool that i carry with me at least once.

i only ask because all the tools seem a bit excessive. i could probably forget the spoke and cone wrenches, as i've only used them on a ride once, and it was because i wanted to.
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Old 01-02-04, 05:48 AM
  #2  
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Short rides (less than 25km)
1. money
2. celfone

Normal Rides (25-50km)
1. pocket multi-tool
2. patch kit
3. camel back (1.5Li ~ 2 Li H2O)
4. money
5. celfone

Long Rides (51-80km)
1. patch kit
2. spare tube
3. camelback (2Li H2O)
4. 1 water bottle (1Li H20)
5. celfone
6. money
7. pocket multitool
8. Food (powerbar, chocolate bars or banana)

Very long rides (above 80kms)
1. patch kit
2. spare tube
3. camelback (2Li H2O)
4. 2 water bottle (2Li H20)
5. celfone
6. money
7. multi-tool + spoke wrench + chain breaker
8. Food (powerbar, chocolate bars or banana)
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Old 01-02-04, 06:08 AM
  #3  
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Way, way too much! I have carried some things that I have never used, like a spoke wrench. But, being an enternal pessimist, as soon as I stop carrying it, I will need it.
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Old 01-02-04, 06:22 AM
  #4  
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My philosophy is generally "stuff for my bike's mechanicals (minimultitool, spare tube, small bottle of lube) go in the saddlebag... stuff that needs to stay with me (cleat covers, first aid kit, mobile phone, camera, food, contact case, etc...) goes in my jersey". Lately, I've been pretty good with packing compactly and densely. I have a pretty small saddlebag (Topeak Small Wedge Seatpack) but I'm able to cram my bike essentials in there. My typical loadout:

Bike
-----
  • 2 x 24oz. water bottles
  • CO2 inflator in holder attached to downtube waterbottle mount
  • 2 x CO2 catridges (one with inflator and other on opposite side of holder)


Saddlebag
-------------
  • spare tube (external bungee straps)
  • Topeak minitool (inside)
  • two spare links (inside)
  • small bottle of lube (inside)
  • small tire patch kit with 4 patches, glue, sandpaper, etc. (inside)

Jersey Pockets
-------------------
  • Nokia 8260 mobile phone (left)
  • Speedplay Zero cleat covers (left)
  • two energy bars (left)
  • route map if applicable (left or center)
  • insert from wallet containing ID, two credit cards, bank card, necessary keys, and small amount of cash ($20) in plastic sandwich bag with two extra bags (center)
  • Minolta DiMageX slim/compact digital camera (center)
  • small bottle of sunscreen (center)
  • compact/slim first-aid kit - First Aid Only FA-112 (right)
  • contact case (right)
  • Rx lens inserts (right)
  • second set of sunglass lens to swap out for different light conditions (right)
  • If weather looks like it might turn sour or I'm going far and long enough that the conditions could change then I also take along a Tyvek jersey-like STP longsleeve jacket compactly folded into its own pockets (right)

Curiously enough, even with all this stuff crammed into my pockets, I still have quite a bit of room for other small things. If I think I'll really be far away from civilisation or riding where water stops aren't plentiful then I'll drag along a CamelBak Lobo and reapportion everything appropriately. I've however been able to get away with 100-120 miles without one so far.

But on really long unsupported road rides (>100mi) and on all mountain bike rides, I'll use a CamelBak MULE which will contain the following additions to the above list:
  • 100 oz. hydration bladder
  • Topeak minipump (with patchkit in handle)
  • additional spare tubes
  • two spare 9V batteries for my shocks (K2 SmartShocks - MTB only)
  • spare battery for my digital camera
  • mini-tripod for digital camera
  • couple of spare spokes
  • replacement spare der. hanger
  • a couple of zip-ties
  • small roll of electrical tape
  • small roll of toilet paper in plastic ziploc bag

I'll also strap the Tyvek cycling rainjacket (or something heavier/warmer) to the bungee if the weather looks questionable. And of course if I think I'll be riding into the night, I'll have the lights and blinkers along too.
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Old 01-02-04, 07:17 AM
  #5  
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I carry a general all purpose tool , 2 tubes, patch kit.. My problem here in California in the winter, chilly mornings and my mid day it is pretty warm..Need to wear lots in early AM and do not need it by 10 am....On a road bike with little storage space, no paniers; where do you put it.. Just yesterday I had this problem.... Tend to not use my road bike in the winter...My tour bike always has panniers on it..
Need heavy jacket, shoe covers, heavy head wrap,heavy gloves. By 10 you would be too hot with all this stuff..On a long ride on race bikes, where to put it...
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Old 01-02-04, 07:35 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Need heavy jacket, shoe covers, heavy head wrap,heavy gloves. By 10 you would be too hot with all this stuff..On a long ride on race bikes, where to put it...
I have a (actually 3) very neat foldup backpack that folds very small so you could get it in a jersey pocket or whatever. Generally about $10 (on sale) to $15.

It was produced by Camp Trails, and I bough it through campmor.com, but I called them and they no longer carry them.

It was big enough for a sack of groceries, but folds into itself into a very small pocket.

As you take those clothes off, unfold backpack and put them in it. Also extremely handy for a grocery store quick stop.

Last edited by DnvrFox; 01-02-04 at 08:43 AM.
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Old 01-02-04, 07:52 AM
  #7  
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I carry too much weight.

Topeak alien
spare Tubular
2 C02 carts
1 energy bar
1 gu

Thats what is always stuffed into my seatbag (or under
it). I also carry 1 or 2 bottles of water, cell phone if
out for more than an hour.

Marty
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Old 01-02-04, 08:05 AM
  #8  
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Regular rides (15-40 miles) (24-64 km)
<seat pack>
1. money (coins and bills)
2. patch kit
3. spare tube
4. two tire levers
5. Alien multitool
6. folding reading glasses (so I can see the small stuff needing repair)

<on the bike>
1. frame pump
2. 24 oz (0.7 L) water bottle
3. 24 oz bottle of Gaterade, Powerade, etc.

<in my pockets>
1. two PowerGels


Long rides (>40 miles) (>64 km)
1. same as Regular ride
2. 70 oz (2 L) Camelback
3. one or two Powerbars


Organized rides (metric and full centuries)
1. same as Regular ride
2. one or two Powerbars



No cell phone. Don't own one. Coins are for the pay phone.
Never had to call anyone yet, but did get a ride from a fellow cyclist once when my rear derailleur hanger broke.
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Old 01-02-04, 08:23 AM
  #9  
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Depends on the lenght of the ride.

I always have a minitool, two spare tubes, patch kit, CO2 cartridge and inflator, and a small first aid kit in my seatbag. I carry a mini-pump on the seattube waterbottle bosses. I always carry water depending on the ride distance.

Less then 15 miles- one bottle
15-25 miles- two bottles or my Camelback
25-40 miles- Camelback and one bottle of a sportsdrink
40-55 miles- Camelback and two bottles, one of a sportsdrink
55+ miles- I'm stopping somewhere to refresh.

I always have a cellphone and medication. For rides more then an hour, food, one energy bar after an hour.
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Old 01-02-04, 09:18 AM
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And then some

Ya I tend to bring the norm, tubes, co2 pump,tool,cell,cash but I also pull a trailer on most my group rides, so that inclueds ice, water, 2 caes of beer, bottel of tequila, 12 volt battery, solar power charger, amp, 2 6x9 speakers and a horse saddle to carry the stragglers. ohh and duc tape and bungies. Somtimes I tend to get new things added while I am riding also.


Peace....


Coconut
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Old 01-02-04, 10:04 AM
  #11  
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On my bike-

A frame pump

A small seat bag with multitool, tire levers, tube, patch kit, first aid kit

On me-

Wallet, keys, cell phone, gu, clif bars

DEMON
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Old 01-02-04, 10:27 AM
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Cool AM rides.

Denver... As maybe you once were, we from SO Cal get pretty freaked out when the temp goes below 47 degrees F. My jacket, I wear when it is below 45 is pretty thick... thanks, I will look for this pack. above 50 degrees, I can get by with a thin nylon-like jacket, an undershirt, and leg or arm warmers.That I can get by with....which is easily foldable, and fits in your jersey pocket... Silly, I know, I just can't bring myself to put a rack on a Klein road bike.....Besides, the seat post on my Klein does not adapt to clamps, about the seat tube due to its shape. Your suggestion might take care of my problem.
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Old 01-02-04, 10:37 AM
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In my seat bag: multitool, tube, patch kit, ID and ATM card, and keys.

In my jersey: cleat covers, Gu, cell phone, and maybe a map of the day's ride.

I also have a small frame pump.
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Old 01-02-04, 11:07 AM
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Milti-tool,id,tube,patch kit,pump & co2,4 quarters,couple of small zip ties all in my small seat bag.
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Old 01-02-04, 11:19 AM
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cellphone, $20 + credit card, pepper spray, shell, patch kit, tube, pump, lip balm, water and food.
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Old 01-02-04, 01:29 PM
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One thing that I not seen mention of (maybe it is in some of those multi tools) is a chain tool. Mine saved me from an 8+ mile walk off road twice. It has also saved 4 other people, who didn't have one, from walking. I am amazed that people don't think to carry one.

I also carry a multi tool.
Pump
spare tube
patch kit
cell phone
a couple chain links
all in a Camelbak
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Old 01-02-04, 01:30 PM
  #17  
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Jersey: Cell phone, ID and health insurance card, $23, energy bar

Seat bag: spare tube, patch kit, multi-tool, tire levers, keys, basic first aid equipment

On the frame: 2 water bottles (1 for a short ride), mini pump (soon to be replaced by CO2 pump)
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Old 01-02-04, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Avalanche325
One thing that I not seen mention of (maybe it is in some of those multi tools) is a chain tool. Mine saved me from an 8+ mile walk off road twice. It has also saved 4 other people, who didn't have one, from walking. I am amazed that people don't think to carry one.

I also carry a multi tool.
Pump
spare tube
patch kit
cell phone
a couple chain links
all in a Camelbak
Never have broken a chain.
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Old 01-02-04, 04:23 PM
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i sometimes carry a chain tool, i should prbably ALWAYS carry a chain tool...i also forgot to mention my mini u-lock which goes in my back pocket...but that would be like mentioning my helmet...it's just always with me when i go out.
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Old 01-02-04, 04:36 PM
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Chain tool, frame pump, spanner, floor stand, TIG welder, crank puller, floor pump, third hand, fourth hand, truing stand, pedal wrench, bearing press, levers, hex set, sprocket chain, spoke wrench, two water bottles, cell phone, gps unit, $172.50, power bar, pork roast, spare socks, arm and leg warmers, spare spokes, flare gun, mace, a video of the 1992 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, bike lock, and on really long rides, a generator.
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Old 01-02-04, 04:48 PM
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how do you watch the video without a tv and vcr?
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Old 01-02-04, 04:57 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by OneTinSloth
how do you watch the video without a tv and vcr?
Helmet-mounted video entertainment system with a pop-down screen. Didn't you know that you get a free DVD copy of The Lion King with every purchase of a new Trek these days?
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Old 01-02-04, 05:17 PM
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It's an integrated GPS/VCR unit.
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Old 01-02-04, 05:56 PM
  #24  
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as most of my riding is done in nyc parks, i'm never far from home and don't carry much.

jersey: keys, phone, cash, metro card (so i can take the subway home, if needed) and a banana or power bar
seat bag: tube, 2 co2, tire irons, 3/4/5/6mm hex wrenches
frame: two bottles

i'm rarely in the park when there aren't at least a dozen other riders around, so if something goes majorly awry, i can generally bum a tool of someone.

on longer rides our of town, i'll bring my larger seat bag, and pack more food/clothing/tools.

it's rare that i'll do these rides alone, so it's good to check what tools the other guys are bringing and distribute the load while not duplicating.
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Old 01-02-04, 06:41 PM
  #25  
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Never have broken a chain.
You just haven't ridden far enough away. They have this little sensor that detonates the explosive pin at the apex of your loop ride.

I have broken two. I also ripped a derailer off of my MTB and had to shorten the chain and single speed it home. In all fairness I have not broken one on the road, yet. But have bailed out two roadies that did.
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