Road Cycling - 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.

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)

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.

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.

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...

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.

I carry too much weight. :lol:

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

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. :crash:

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Milti-tool,id,tube,patch kit,pump & co2,4 quarters,couple of small zip ties all in my small seat bag.

cellphone, $20 + credit card, pepper spray, shell, patch kit, tube, pump, lip balm, water and food.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

how do you watch the video without a tv and vcr?

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? :D

It's an integrated GPS/VCR unit.

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.

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. :D

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.

On the bike: 1-2 water bottles w/either H20, Gatorade, or some combination thereof, frame pump

Under the seat: Chain tool, spoke wrench, multi-tool, couple of allen keys not included in multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit, 2 cone wrenches.

In jersey pocket:
- left: package of fig newtons or energy bar
- middle: plastic zip-loc bag with money, cellphone, credit card, ID, and spare bandana
- right: chapstick, contact lense solution

I like to put as little as possible on the bike so for anything under 50 miles or so I keep everything in my camel back. For anything other than my training rides I carry enough to do everything but rebuild hubs and remove the cranks.

20 bucks, tube, patch kit, c02 inflator and cartridges, minipump, tire levers, 8mm box end wrench, 3 way allen, one smaller allen (2 or 2.5 can't remember), chain tool, 2 small screwdrivers, spoke wrench. minimal first aid kit. zip ties, duct tape.

If I'm going off the beaten path I throw in more first aid and an emergency blanket.

Food and clothing are totally dependent on the ride.

-s

Whew, ok here goes the list, this junk I carry all the time on a roadie unless commuting to work then leave the water at home. In the seat bag I carry the Park multi tool MB1 and a small Leatherman Squirt P4; tire levers; another tire lever called a VAR; a Quik Stik; spare tube, spare (ultralight folding) tire; glueless patch kit; tire boot patch; spare batteries for tailight and computer; ID with blood info; phone card; $20.50; garage door opener; and a small first aid kit (I think I got everything). And a Torelli Aria mini pump attached to a waterbottle cage. When I go for longer rides under 50 miles I carry two 27oz Polar bottles filled with 50% strength Gatorade and one energy bar. If the ride is over 50 miles then I put on my Camelbak Rogue with 70oz of the same mixture except one of the bottles will have Emergen-C, then in the pockets of the Rogue I will pack more energy bars, bananas whatever suits my fancy or have around the house. And for rides over 100 miles I just strap on a 3rd water bottle to the stem (the advantages of a threaded headset!), and carry more food stuff in a handlebar bag and add a jacket, mini scope and a throw away camara.

Notice no cell phone? That's because where I ride I can't get any reception.

20 bucks, tube, patch kit, c02 inflator and cartridges, minipump, tire levers, 8mm box end wrench, 3 way allen, one smaller allen (2 or 2.5 can't remember), chain tool, 2 small screwdrivers, spoke wrench. minimal first aid kit. zip ties, duct tape.


Why a minipump and co2 inflators?

What I carry: Tube, levers and frame pump.

That's all.

I always ride with people who carry tons of tools so i just spare myself the weight.

What i do carry:
Camel Back,
Wallet ( with money, ID, and my coffee shop card)
1 gu
small keychain light

Regular rides
6. folding reading glasses (so I can see the small stuff needing repair)

Wow, I thought I was the only one who packed these with each ride.

Second Wind (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/common/products/productdisplay2_v2.cfm?PRRFNBR=21859&CGRFNBR=357&CRPCGNBR=357&CI=1,226,357&TextMode=0)
One would carry CO2 and a mini-pump cause when a patch fails, etc you only get one shot with CO2. The above link seems like a reasonable solution to me, if I can just get 40 psi back in the tire at least I can limp home. I got one a couple weeks ago, but haven't used it yet accept to verify that it will pump air.
In the saddle bag I carry the above inflator, 2 CO2 cartidges, one tube, patch kit with 4 patches, one Topeak Alien, 3 tire levers, master link, one cell phone, $20.50, one credit card.
Jersey, bottle holders <50 miles. One or two water bottles, two Cliff Shots, one Cliff Bar or banana.
>50 miles. Camelback Mule 100oz or Daytrekker 50oz (temp dependent), 3 to 5 cliff shots, 2 to 4 cliff bars.

Why a minipump and co2 inflators?

The minipump is really just for emergency backup. It's a blackburn air stick and is so small and light that I don't notice it. I use it to put a little bit of air in the tube before putting it in the tire but I really could do that with the C02 or my mouth. It's really just so if I get three flats, screw up when changing the tube(twice) or have to help someone, I won't be stuck.

-s

Second Wind (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/common/products/productdisplay2_v2.cfm?PRRFNBR=21859&CGRFNBR=357&CRPCGNBR=357&CI=1,226,357&TextMode=0)
The above link seems like a reasonable solution to me, if I can just get 40 psi back in the tire at least I can limp home. I got one a couple weeks ago, but haven't used it yet accept to verify that it will pump air.
That's pretty cool. They make the C02 inflator I carry. I'd be interested to know what kind of psi you are able to get with that.

-s

Wow, I thought I was the only one who packed these with each ride.

I had heard that Ekridge drug stores carried small pieces of plastic you could adhere to riding glasses with water. They came in all the right strengths, and were about the size of the reading part of bi-focals. I can't quite read the smaller numbers of my computer.

To date, however, I have been unable to find them. But I am going to have to start carrying something.

just as you tend to spend what you make, i have concluded that you will carry what your space allows. so i've gotten a smaller saddlebag (let the jokes begin) seriously, just the essentials ma'am.

-1 spare
-C02 cartridge/small simple adapter
-smallest, simplest spoke wrench they make
-1 allen wrench for seat adjustment
-bike phone (smallest nokia they make, size of credit card)

in jersey-powerbar (if needed)

anything else would not be essential.

Spare tube, tire levers, mini-pump, topeak alien, ipod, a book or two, wool hat, sweater, sharpies/paintpens/ballpoints, journal, phone, kryptocable (sometimes). all in the old zo bag or new chrome bag.

and a u-lock in the back pocket.

oh, and a roll of black e-tape and an almost-gone roll of black gaff tape.

A Grudge.....