Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - What to take along

I want to get out on my new bike (giant defy advanced). I am curious as a new rider, what should I carry along with me and what should I carry it in.

I have seen all manner of kits for flat repair, bit not sure if I should go tubes, or flat kits , or pumps , or gas inflators...you get the picture.

I have seen bags that go under the seat, bags that go on the handle bars, and bags that go in the frame....many choices

Does anyone have any input on a set up to start with.

I will be doing 2-4 hour rides and trying to work my fitness level enough to do some of the passes here. Most of the passes are in excess of 4k foot climbs.

And what about tools? Should I be carrying some sort of multi tool?

I like this http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_526673_-1_203148_10000_200804. Add a spare tube and an inflation device and you got a good kit. I like this because the tools are fitted in the top and you still have room in the bottom for the tube, money or a cell phone. It also is attached securely but is easily removed to get at everything. Topeak makes some good stuff.

For short rides, I carry a spare tube, small patch kit, tire levers, a CO2 inflator with spare cartridge, a few assorted small zip ties and a multitool in an underseat bag. A cell phone and water bottle are also good ideas.

2-3 water bottles.

You could have three flats and destroy a tire.
Have a chain jump off and break.
Spokes also break.
Your left crank arm can fall off.

What you carry is up to you.

For day/commuting rides, I always carry 2 tubes (not all flats are patchable), two CO2 cartridges, an allen wrench set and tire "irons" in a seat bag. If you are not familiar with/adept at changing flats and/or using CO2, I suggest a hand pump and maybe a patch kit. If you have "normal" wheels, a spoke wrench cannot hurt if you know how to use it.

I carry a pump, 2 spare tubes, patch kit, tire levers, a small rag and a multi-tool. I never leave home without my cell phone and at least one bottle of water.

I've never patched a flat. I carry a spare tube (or two, if its a longer ride), 3 tire levers, a multi-tool that has most of the common stuff, and a spoke wrench. I sometimes throw in a couple of allen wrenches in the most common sizes, just because they're easier to use than the multi-tool. Oh - and a pump, water and cell phone, of course. A lock, if I'm going to be leaving the bike.

Not forgetting your keys is also a good idea. DAMHIKT.

I will be doing 2-4 hour rides and trying to work my fitness level enough to do some of the passes here. Most of the passes are in excess of 4k foot climbs.

If you're going over high mountain passes, you need a camera. And, you need to come back and show us pictures of the scenery.

Beyond that, you need a way to deal with a flat, water, possibly some food, and what you need to be comfortable, like a wind breaker, arm or leg warmers, etc. And glasses - sun glasses are fine. You don't want a pebble or a bug in the eye while you're racing back down the mountain.

Tube, patch kit, pump, lip balm, water/drinks, and Cell phone. I try to not have to "fix" things on the side of the road anymore. I used to do that before cell phones, not anymore.
If you are in the boonies and using j"bike shoes" -- take some walking shoes - just in case you have to utilize shank's mare for a while. Cycling shoes blow chunks as hiking boots!

Thanks guys, for those of you taking multiple tubes, and tools, what do you carry all that in. My bike came with a tiny bag under the seat that will just fit one tube, two tire irons, and an inflator with one cartridge.

I have two water bottle cages as well.

Yeah, I am surprise at all the stuff people can cram in a seat bag. I got a bigger seat bag for my road bike and it was a mistake as my legs will rub against it and the light does not sit straight up and down. I have both the medium and large Topeak wedges that look like this:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41475MM81JL._AA300_.jpg

In the large I can cram a small pump, CO2 with inflator, as well as a two tubes, cleat covers (or ballet slippers), my set of allen wrenches and tire levers, and my phone, and a small snack. I can't get that much in the medium but the medium fits my bike better. I like having the pump, I don't do well with CO2 so I have to give up a tube and the pump or the CO2 with the medium bag.

I am thinking of getting a larger bag that hangs differently off the seat or a seat post rack for my summer riding as I might want a place to stash a jacket and other crap.

Tube, patch kit, pump, lip balm, water/drinks, and Cell phone. I try to not have to "fix" things on the side of the road anymore. I used to do that before cell phones, not anymore.
If you are in the boonies and using j"bike shoes" -- take some walking shoes - just in case you have to utilize shank's mare for a while. Cycling shoes blow chunks as hiking boots!

Mountain shoes aren't nearly as bad as road ones - that's why I use them. They aren't nearly as good as hiking boots, either, but I think they're a good compromise.

What to take depends on your mechanical aptitude, your mechanical attitude, and how far you plan to go.

At a minimum I take at least one tube, a patch kit, tire levers, a frame pump, multitool, Road ID, cell phone and some way to lock the house and then get back in when I return. And almost always water.

vesteroid, Rule of thumb is "If you brought it, you won't need it... most of the time." ;)

For a new rider, the bag/kit that Jethro56 linked to is excellent, as is his advice. You can also use a handle bar bag for snacks, camera wallet and keys.

Brad

In my seat bag: 1 tube, 1 small patch kit, a couple of tire levers, a small allen wrench set, a small crescent wrench, pliers, and a couple of slips of tyvek to use as a boot. Occasionally (if I've replaced as needed) there may be a couple of bandaids, and maybe some strips of duct tape/electrical tape.

Strapped to my frame is a pump and my locks.



If it's a really long ride, then I'll throw a bag on my rack containing beers and snacks.

I always carry more then what I might need. I have a true saddle bag with the rack that comes off my seat post. I like it because I like to carry a little more then what I might need.

Tools, gloves, patch kit, chain lube, money, wallet, phone, couple energy bars, fruit and a sandwich for lunch, glasses and some winter stuff like winter gloves, face mask, etc.

I always come more prepared then not. I do find it funny when a roady breaks down and nothing to change his flat with and to find all all he was carrying is a banana. He wanted to save weight. great job he did! :)

In a seat bag, I carry:


One tube
Patch Kit
Tire Levers
CO2 device + 3 cartridges (these are actually in my jersey pockets)
Spoke wrench
And always: cell phone.


In the old days, I might have even carried an extra spoke or two for the rear wheel (2 diff length spokes).

I should find a good multi-tool to carry at least some wrenches and a chain tool, but I haven't found one I like yet.

My under the saddle bag has a spare tube, a patch kit (don't know how to use it, but it has directions and might need it sometime), tire levers, multitool, small bar bell wrench, nitrile gloves, bungee netting (in case I stop by the store and want to take something home) and sometimes a small adjustable wrench or phone or wallet. I've got a topeak morph pump attached to my frame, usually one or two water bottles (unless I'm using my backpack that has the hydration bladder), and my locks are usually strapped to my rack (because if I have a breakdown I'll have to leave it somewhere as we don't have a car). Lately, my jersey pockets have my keys, wallet, and phone as I like keeping them on me, but sometimes they go in the seatbag instead. Some rides I'll throw a granola bar or some nut and fruit mix in a handlebar bag and put that on the front, but not always. Also, if I've got my handlebar bag on, I'll use a chip clip to clip my cue cards or direction sheet to the handle loop on the top of the bag so I've always got the directions visible (assuming I'm using them). The bar bag usually also has in it some extra cold weather gear (balaclava, armwarmers, legwarmers, light jacket) if I'm not wearing them or room for such things if I am wearing them and anticipate the need to take them off. Yeah, I over do the preparedness thing.

I don't bring my keys with me. Sounds like I'm the only one, which is kind of lonely. I trained my cat to open the door when I get back from a bike ride and let me in.

One further word of advice... tubes take a lot of room in your bag but I always take one anyway. Make sure you rotate that tube out of your bag before it dry rots!

True story, I went on a ride once and about 10 miles from home got a flat. Dug out my spare tube, installed it and the valve stem was dry rotted. Dug out the patch kit and the glue was dried out. Started walking in my bare feet with my cycling shoes hanging on the brifters (a very handy place, IMO)

after about a mile, some nice soul saw me walking and flat out gave me his spare tube. His patch kit glue was also dried out. Joy! It also had a dry rotted valve stem, no joy.

Back to walking. Blisters are forming now.

After about an hour, some guy with a triathlete zombies jersey (local bike store in Santa Monica) on came to a screeching halt, identified that I was miserable and in about the span of 30 seconds, had my wheel off, tire off (bare hands thank you) and patched my original tube. Reinstalled and went flying off and wouldn't take a dime from me.

That's TWO people in the angry city of Los Angeles that stopped and helped a stranger out of the kindness in their hearts. :)

Anyway, 1 tube, 1 fresh patch kit, CO2 inflator, usually a couple small bills, a 5mm allen wrench and a few other tiny odds and ends go with me on any ride. In case you're wondering, the bills are for purchases *or* shoring up a tire sidewall with a hole so I can get home

Oh yeah, I always keep my spare tube in its original box so it doesn't get holes worn into it by the other crap I keep in my bag.

If you absolutely won't do a saddle bag, and don't have panniers, you can get a tube (just one), plus a tire lever, a few CO2 cartridges and the thing you need to use them, and a multi-tool, in a water bottle. But that leaves you with only one bottle for water. The upside is it's quick and easy to move between bikes.

I fly like this! I prefer a small folding slim tool with pliers and screwdrivers on the ends (Sears ). Separate allen wrenches and a spoke wrench. This way the tools fit in the small ziper pocket within the seat pack and go undetected unlike a chubby minitool. This leaves plenty of room for my 2 tubes double wrapped in baggies with talc powder and levers.

This allows enough extra room for me to carry a clif bar or two and a baggy of gatorade powder mix for longer rides.

Oh and a dollar bill to use as a boot incase of the dreaded tire slice. :p

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6801453724_78b0a2b035.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/6801453724/)
tools1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/6801453724/) by gulpxtreme (http://www.flickr.com/people/40913998@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6801453800_4212a500c3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/6801453800/)
tools2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40913998@N06/6801453800/) by gulpxtreme (http://www.flickr.com/people/40913998@N06/), on Flickr



If I am on a trail where water is plenty, I might even use a water bottle cut in two. Put stuff in then slide top over bottom section. ;)

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/SA%20River%20Trail%20Ride/IMG_7551.jpg

Here's what I use:


Pedro's Tire Levers (http://www.pedros.com/levers.htm), the only ones that work consistently and don't bend/shatter/break at the worst possible moment
Crank Brothers Multi-17 (http://www.crankbrothers.com/tools_multi17.php) multi-tool, though I should probably down-size to the Multi-10 (http://www.crankbrothers.com/tools_multi10.php)
Park CT-5 (http://www.parktool.com/product/mini-chain-brute-chain-tool-ct-5) chain tool; the Crank Brothers multi-tool includes a chain tool, but this one is much better
Park SW-7 (http://www.parktool.com/product/triple-spoke-wrench-sw-7) spoke wrench
A vulcanizing patch kit (ex: Park VP-1 (http://www.parktool.com/product/vulcanizing-patch-kit-vp-1) or whatever your LBS sells; they're all the same)
A spare SRAM 10-speed PowerLock master link
Topeak RoadMorph G (http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG) pump
A tire boot; you can buy a Park TB-2 (http://www.parktool.com/product/emergency-tire-boot-tb-2), or use a Clif Bar wrapper or dollar bill
A spare inner tube
(Charged!) Cell phone
A twenty-dollar bill


I strap the pump to the top tube of the frame and everything else fits in a bag under the seat.

A twenty-dollar bill

If you take a $20, make sure you don't forget the single. I did once and it was my bud that sliced his tire. You can bet I made him tear apart his wheel at the end of the ride.:roflmao2:

If you take a $20, make sure you don't forget the single. I did once and it was my bud that sliced his tire. You can bet I made him tear apart his wheel at the end of the ride.:roflmao2:

Agree! The $20 is for emergency purchases not for tire booting! :D

I head out on my first ride. I start out in my cul de sac just to get the feel of clipping in and out of the pedals. I am no farther than 400 feet from the house when the front tire goes flat.

Crap!

Well I wanted to learn how to Change a tire so why not now when I am close to home.

I go back into the garage, take off the wheel, and try to figure out how to use the tire irons. I get the old one off no problem, and put the new tube in, and the put on the new tire.

So far so good.

I pump up the new tube to 90psi and it pops.

I don't have any more tubes, nor do I know why I am popping tubes like crazy.

I take it apart again, look for sharps, but find none.

I give up, go to the store I bout the bike from, and ask for help.

They quickly find a really small (less than an eighth inch long) cut in the tire.

They replace the tire and tube for free and I am on my way.

I came home and did about ten miles, with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Averaged 14.8 mph. Kinda darn slow.

All I can say is I learned two things. One check your tire, and two, for goodness sake, don't ride too far forward on your seat, I did that, and don't even want to talk about the rubbing I took.

My wife reminded me this was all my idea as I sit here fussing.

I have several bikes that I ride, so I put this kit together and transfer it as needed. I put it in a Ziploc bag so that I don't lose anything in the transfer.

In the bag I keep the following.
Multi tool
Tire levers
Patch kit
Chain links
Tire boot
Co2 cartridges and filler
Zip ties


Also I keep a Micro pump (pictured) in my Camelbak when I ride my mountain bike, or put it in a mount that is held in place by the bottle cage on the road bikes. The tubes and cell phone I keep in the Camelbak or seat bag depending on which bike I'm riding

I don't bring my keys with me. Sounds like I'm the only one, which is kind of lonely. I trained my cat to open the door when I get back from a bike ride and let me in.

I don't bring keys either. Combination lock on the house and the condo. On the MH I have other ways.

I came home and did about ten miles, with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Averaged 14.8 mph. Kinda darn slow.



I look forward to the possibility of averaging 14.8 mph over ten miles. Just so you know that there are those of us who think that is a pretty darn good speed. :)

I always have the same thing, small saddle bag with two tubes, two C02, two tire levers, in a jersey bag I carry phone, multi tool with chain cutter, money. also some food and always water.

On top of all the items already suggested, people in this area seem to like this service.

CAA Bike Assist

http://www.caasco.com/automotive/roadside-service/caa-bike-assist.jsp

I carry what everyone else does but I carry it a little different. I once had a saddle bag come off and lost all of it's contents. I don't want that to happen with my cell phone and keys.

I use a small saddle bag and a "feed bag" on my tope tube. My cell phone, keys & snacks go in the feed bag. If they fall out or the bag comes off, I will see it. In my saddle bag is a Tube, tire levers, rubber gloves, patch kit, small tools, $20 bill, photo copy of my license with address blocked out (cops can figure out who I am if I'm run over - but the bad guys don't know where I live if they steal my bike then realize I am without a cell phone plus I'm 20 miles from home).

For longer or cool weather rides, I also have a 2nd bag that is expandable - I can take my vest or a layer off and store it or visa versa. I can also store a 2nd tube & a thin scull cap.

I have pump on my frame. I am sure the CO2 ones work great, but I always have something else I want to spend $20 on.

I don't bring my keys with me. Sounds like I'm the only one, which is kind of lonely. I trained my cat to open the door when I get back from a bike ride and let me in.

I rarely carry keys. I usually take a garage door opener.

Oh, and I forgot - I also usually take a twenty and a credit card (drilled out, of course ;) ).

I strongly recomend a pump verses CO2 you can always pump more but if you are out of CO2....well you are out. Having never used CO2 I cant say for sure but how much faster can it be. You should pump up and deflate your new tube once its installed aand then reinflate I just cant trust having enough CO2

I strongly recomend a pump verses CO2 you can always pump more but if you are out of CO2....well you are out. Having never used CO2 I cant say for sure but how much faster can it be. You should pump up and deflate your new tube once its installed aand then reinflate I just cant trust having enough CO2

I agree, which is why I always carry a pump, and only sometimes carry CO2 (a belt-and-suspenders approach, I grant you). CO2 is definitely quick and easy. And it can be a real interesting experience for the fingers, too. :D

I have three road biikes, (one of which is redundant), and carry the same kit on each.

1.) Depending on the season, (hot or cold weather), and the length of the ride, I'll take one or two water bottles. I have different size bottles, so will take along what I think I'll need.
2.) Under the seat post bottle cage, I'll mount a Lezyne Road Drive pump. CO2 is interesting, but I don't want to generate the landfill waste.
3.) An underseat bag containing:
3a.) three tire irons, (never figured out how to use just two)
3b.) a traditional patch kit
3d.) some glueless patches (they are in a very, very small plastic box)
3e.) a spare tube
3f.) a spare chain quick link
4.) In my jersey back pockets, I'll carry
4a.) in the left rear jersey pocket, in a ziploc baggie; cell phone, driver's license, medical insurance card, emergency contact information, ten dollar bill
4b.) in the right rear jersey pocket; also in a ziploc baggie, small snapshot camera
4c.) in the middle rear jersey pocket; again in a ziploc baggie, another spare tube
4d.) if a ride is more than 50 miles, in a different ziploc baggie, two Gu packets, (but now Gu, a different brand), and two granola bars

Note that I do not carry any spare tools. I make sure my bike is in good mechanical condition at all times. I remove, disassemble, and clean/lubricate my chain, cluster, and chainrings about every 300 miles. On rare occasions, I might carry a single allen wrench if I'm tweaking my seat position. I've been experimenting with different seats lately.

I don't bring my keys with me. Sounds like I'm the only one, which is kind of lonely. I trained my cat to open the door when I get back from a bike ride and let me in.

o.O
not sure if serious :)

3d.) some glueless patches (they are in a very, very small plastic box)

I've had very bad luck with these peel-and-stick patches, which is why I switched back to a vulcanizing patch kit. If the patches get too warm, the glue seems to fail. If you leave them sitting in your seat bag for too long, they're also prone to failure. I've had both Slime and Park peel-and-stick patches fail on me! Gluing doesn't take much longer and it's much more reliable in my experience...

I've had very bad luck with these peel-and-stick patches, which is why I switched back to a vulcanizing patch kit. If the patches get too warm, the glue seems to fail. If you leave them sitting in your seat bag for too long, they're also prone to failure. I've had both Slime and Park peel-and-stick patches fail on me! Gluing doesn't take much longer and it's much more reliable in my experience...

Thanks for the tip. I've just recently started carrying these. Lezyne has some as does Park. Have only had to use it once so far, and the tube is still holding up. Based on what you said, I'll reconsider using them. Maybe I should only use them for emergency usage?

Also forgot to add that I carry a house key to let myself back into the house when I get back.

I also prefer the vulcanizing patch kits. But be aware that those, too, can have long-term problems once the tube of vulcanizing "glue" has been opened. Don't be surprised if out on the roadside, you open up a 2 year old tube only to find it completely dried up.

Is there something special about the patches themselves. Could one use another tube and cut a patch out of it and glue it on?

Thanks for the tip. I've just recently started carrying these. Lezyne has some as does Park. Have only had to use it once so far, and the tube is still holding up. Based on what you said, I'll reconsider using them. Maybe I should only use them for emergency usage?

That seems to be the prevailing wisdom: use them on the road (if you must), but replace them with a vulcanizing patch when you get back home. Gluing only takes an extra minute or two, so I simply gave up on the glueless patches.

I carry a handlebar bag with a map flap on top. Inside is the patch kit, folded up skirt, container of underarm deo, banana, multigrain bars, an apple, camera, little purse, small windbreaker. Depends a lot on the day. If it's just a trip to the city (25 miles round trip) it's just my purse and a few things. If it's a trip to the sea, it's a lot more food.

Is there something special about the patches themselves. Could one use another tube and cut a patch out of it and glue it on?

I wouldn't swear to it, Jethro, but yes, I believe there is something special about the patch itself, causing it to react with the vulcanizing compound.

For my 30 mile day rides on GatorSkins I take two tubes, three 16 gram CO2, one steel core tire lever and three hex wrenches in a small seat bag. Wallet, keys, garage opener, gate opener, and cell phone in jersey pockets. One 24oz water bottle.
On the 65 mile ride I'll include a patch kit, pump and two more water bottles.
Normally I like to partially inflate, deflate, and re inflate a tire when using a pump. Using CO2 I'll just inflate very little at first and then inspect the tire and make sure that the tube is not showing as I work my way around the wheel pushing the tire away from the rim. Then I'll complete the inflation.