tools, spares, tubes oh my...

[Jstyle]

Where does every one keep their multi tool, spare, co2 ect? I have a bag thing that attaches to the back of my seat that I used to use on my MTB. I have been riding with it on my tri bike for a week and it's looks like crap. It hangs all low and swings back and forth. I know it can't be aero at all. I would just skip it but I tear a lot of tubes up. So my question is what does every one use to carry their stuff? Do you guys use the same thing on race day?

[chrisesposito]

I use a Bento box on the top tube, just behind the head tube, and about the same width. This holds a spare tube (long stem), spare valve extender, CO2, Topeak Toolbar, patch kit, and some room for Hammer gels. On training rides I add a frame pump (Topeak Road Morph) just behind the box.

[rplong]

I use this:

http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=520&type_id=1&sport_id=5&category_id=11&color_code=068

There are many versions from different brands, I just found this one cheap locally, so I bought it. Holds everything I need, and tucks under the seat nicely.

[Hazelmn]

I don't carry anything with me on race day. I just make sure the bike is working well and then chance it. Of the people I know, I think about 1/3 carry tools during a race, and the rest don't bother with it.

[Fivetenfrank]

I don't carry anything with me on race day. I just make sure the bike is working well and then chance it. Of the people I know, I think about 1/3 carry tools during a race, and the rest don't bother with it.

I agree. I am only doing sprints now, and my theory is that if I flat, I am cooked anyway. When I train, I carry everything in my pockets on my jersey. I carry a tube, a tire iron, and a mutlitool. I keep a CO2 inflator taped to the seatpost (this is a mountain biker trick that alot of the pros use).

I see a lot of the triathletes have those headtube bags. I rarely ever see a tri guy with a saddle bag.

[Jerl]

I also use tape.
I use black electrical tape to tape my CO2 and tire levers to my seatpost and my tube underneath my seat.

[jennings780]

When I train I carry a tube, a tire tool and co2 in one of my back pockets.
I don't know what I'll do in a race - I rode my road bike in races last year. Didn't get a tri bike until recently.

[munckee]

I used to use an underseat by made by Jandd Mountaineering (I think that's correct). Was narrow and deep, didn't swing around much, and looked find to my eyes. Held a tube or two, tire irons, multi-tool, and co2 with no problems.

[Dalai]

Depends on the distance and importance of the race.

Sprint races - I don't carry any spares.

Important shorter races (eg Duathlon World Championships last year where I didn't want a DNF next to my name. Also during qualifying events for such races where points are critical for selection) - tubular strapped under the seat with a toe clip strap, co2 canister and fitting strapped to the back of the seat post with electrical tape (usually fold end over slightly to create a small tab to help unwind quickly if necessary)

Longer Races (1/2IM to IM) - place one folded tubular with co2 kit (including two co2 canisters) in a drink bottle with the top cut off and contents secured with a wrap of electrical tape over the top to guarantee I don't have it ejected during the race. This is stored in the left bidon cage behind the seat. The right bidon cage is then still free for liquids as well as using a Jetstream bottle on the front. Second spare tubular is squeezed in above the bottle holder and secured under the seat with an old toe clip strap.

Never carry tools - I always service the bike thoroughly before the bigger events and only use this bike for racing.

[chrisesposito]

Longer Races (1/2IM to IM) - place one folded tubular with co2 kit (including two co2 canisters) in a drink bottle with the top cut off and contents secured with a wrap of electrical tape over the top to guarantee I don't have it ejected during the race. This is stored in the left bidon cage behind the seat. The right bidon cage is then still free for liquids as well as using a Jetstream bottle on the front. Second spare tubular is squeezed in above the bottle holder and secured under the seat with an old toe clip strap.

At the risk of hijacking the thread and morphing it into the never-ending `tubular vs. clincher' debate, maybe you can answer a question for someone that has very little experience with tubulars.

One of the advantages of tubular wheels (Zipps, for example) over their clincher equivalents is that the tubular wheels are about 200 grams per wheel lighter. Carrying 2 spare tubular tires (about 200 grams each?) would negate most or all of this weight advantage. If that's so, what do you see as the advantage of tubulars in this case?

[Dalai]

At the risk of hijacking the thread and morphing it into the never-ending `tubular vs. clincher' debate, maybe you can answer a question for someone that has very little experience with tubulars.

One of the advantages of tubular wheels (Zipps, for example) over their clincher equivalents is that the tubular wheels are about 200 grams per wheel lighter. Carrying 2 spare tubular tires (about 200 grams each?) would negate most or all of this weight advantage. If that's so, what do you see as the advantage of tubulars in this case?

I am sure it will degenerate, :)

but here are my reasons...

1 Rotational weight said to be more important than static weight. And in most triathlons (at least down my way) don't have too many big hills if any, so carrying the two tubulars isn't an issue.

2. If I flat in a race (touch wood - never have) I can change a tubular far quicker than a clincher.

3. Won't pinch flat.

4. You are carrying a tube and casing, so if your tire is slashed you are carrying a replacement (unless clincher users also carry a spare clincher? Then the extra weight won't be a consideration between the two)

5. You can ride on a flatted tubular (in case you are within a couple of km's of the transition area)

6. They take higher pressure (I know this will create controversy in regards to rolling resistance and ride) but I still feel faster on 170 psi than 120 psi.

7. Finally and most importantly. I have always raced on tubulars, so all my race wheels are tubulars. It would be far too expensive to swap...

[Jaybird]

Morphing back....
I don't carry stuff on a short race either; however, on long races and rides I also carry my stuff in a water bottle behind my seat in my Xlab. I fit 4 CO2's, 2 tubes, tool and an inflator. I use a bento box and my shirt for food and gels.

[Jstyle]

I didn't think about the water bottle thats pretty obvious good idea I have been missing.