SpeedyBlueBiker

I always go with a saddlebag. I use a medium size one that fits under the seat where I can store two tubes, multi-tool, and tire levers. I also carry a credit card, $20 cash, ID, and my bus pass. Doesn't matter if I'm on a group ride or riding solo, I always carry these items.

c0urt

you guys actually reminded me i need a new one

tempocyclist

Carry spares and know how to use them. It's really not that obtrusive or difficult.

I have two spare tubes, CO2 cannisters, tyre levers and a few basic tools to get me out of almost any mechanical, all in a small saddlebag. If you're worried, the whole lot weighs less than 1lb (under 450g).

Relying on other riders to fix your problems (or supply the gear to fix your problems) because you could be bothered to carry the gear yourself is 100% selfish. 🙄

dsaul

****** has a whole section for AITA posts.

Wildwood 

Why would I ever give my tube to a stranded cyclist who has no regard for returning acts of kindness?
A Putz is more descriptive than Moocher.

Putz = "I can't help you, but I'm stopping and asking - to show you I'm a 'good' person and care about you. Have a nice day waiting, and you're welcome"

I only carry 1 spare tube or tubular tire - only the deserving should ever ask.

rsbob 

Please share your means test.

Wildwood 

It's the unwritten Universal means test.
Putz-ins gets nuth-ins.

administered on the road, where they never get a second chance at my first impression.

edit: Actually I have never run across a cyclist on the roads I ride, broken down with no tools. And only once or twice on a MUP by total newbs only a very few miles from their starting point.

philbob57

a few years ago I rode past an older guy (my age) with a flatted sewup and no pump. I stopped because I had my 'trusty' Zefal HP on my bike, forgetting that it was not in peak operating condition. I figured my pump would work well enough if I was able to find some grease for the innards of my pump to form a seal for the gasket(?). I rode off to a gas station. By the time I got back, he was gone. He had apparently decided to call a cab or someone with a working pump stopped to help (which wasn't a problem for me, since we knew it was a possibility).

That was a guy who had broken down on the road with no tools. He did have a spare tire, though.

Nice bike - the tops of the seat stays were stamped 'B. Carre'.

Man, I still feel like a fool for riding all those miles with a pump that didn't work. I feel pretty grateful too....

I got the necessary new parts that winter, and I test the pump periodically now. I doubt I'll ever be able to help that guy, though - he probably doesn't leave home without his Silca frame pump.

Camilo

Honest question: Why not then, if you've actually experience some big hassles from not carrying that stuff?

Russ Roth

This is a tough one, the biggest issue is that I've never seemingly had enough saddle bags for all the bikes and often forget to swap them. Which has resulted in me riding a couple miles more than a few times on flat tires since I don't walk. I've been trying to get bags on all of them though and I'm getting close. Over the last several years I've given away at least half a dozen tubes to people with flats, they've all been on the MUPs and are typically people who are more leisure riding without realizing they might get a flat.

1989Pre 

njkayaker: I admit that I misinterpreted the original post. I had thought O.P. was insinuating that it is "obnoxious" to not carry spare tools in a saddle-bag. Upon reading his subsequent statements, I realize he is a rider who chooses to ride without these insurances. Thank you for the correction.

rsbob 

The question is; If one sees an obviously experienced cyclist with a flat and zero saddle bag or tools, that has chosen to ride without said equipment, does one feel compelled to stop or just ride on and say, too bad so sad?

I have rescued several people that ran out of patches or needed a tube but were equipped.

I have also left a total know-it-all a-hole obnoxious jerk-wad on the side of the road who was too cool to carry anything. I figured I was assisting his karma. (Spare me any sympathy for that idiot and condemnation for what I did because you have no clue how desperately this poor excuse of a cyclist deserved it. You had to be there)

Bald Paul

Tell us how you really feel.

qwaalodge

No, you're not getting a spare tube from me. The most I can give you is a tiny patch of rubber I recycled from old tubes and stick it to your tube with super glue. It's quick fix though and will get you home in one piece. I have hundreds of this home-made patches of various shapes in my kit.

At least get a puncture-proof tire if getting by without saddlebag. Something like Gravel King Plus slicks

rsbob 

Ingenious. Never heard of that method.

qwaalodge

I heard it from another cyclist. In many cases, for tiny punctures, like from small wires, you don't even need rubber patch, just pinch the puncture point and apply a tiny drop of super glue, release from pinching and leave to dry.

I like superglue because it cures a lot faster than the glue from standard patch kit and it can cure in wet conditions like in rain. You can even accelerate curing time with sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda?). I just never tested how long it lasts. I also carry a spare tube.

LarrySellerz

I’ve tried this with the patch kit glue and it didn’t work

gorillimo

I ride places. Like being able to have what I'd like with me. Jacket. Food. Camera. I run errands. I carry things. I love my Carridice Longflap.........

Kai Winters

I've always carried a small bag under the saddle. It contains one tube, patch kit, tire levers, small foldy tool and a few bucks. Also a mini pump. I don't mind a bit of weight for piece of mind. I do ride with a rider or two, in our usual group of suspects, that won't carry any of this gear. I've made it clear, when asked, I'll give you a patch and let you use my levers and pump but a tube? no way!. I'm not your pack donkey...don't carry and need it? have a nice walk home or call someone. Might seem mean but I don't care. Funny thing is I'm also a lot faster than they are even with my extra weight...makes it all the more delish hehehe

qwaalodge

I use super glue with the home made inner tube patches.

I never tried patch kit glue with the home made patches yet.

wolfchild

No I am not giving away my spare tubes because I may end up getting a flat down the road and need them...An experienced cyclist should be prepared for emergencies, and if they're not that's their problem...Seriously, an experienced cyclists not carrying a spare tube is worse than an inexperienced cyclists not carrying a tube.

LarrySellerz

It’s just a tube lol… IRL people are happy to help.

WhyFi

If it's "just a tube," you shouldn't have any problem providing one for yourself, no?

njkayaker

You should see how happy they would be after seeing this thread. Hint: people aren't happy being taken advantage of.

At this point, you are just trolling,

LarrySellerz

So sorry that I'm not following "The Rules" to the letter lol