Commuting - Top What should I bring with me when commuting?

I just started commuting and would like some advice on what experienced commuters bring with them. As of now I bring
1-patch kit
2-spare tubes
3-small tool kit
4-pump
5-rag
I'm sure there's some other things that I'll wish I had, probably when it's too late. Any advice is appreciated.

how far is this commute? sounds like a long trip

What I take:

Lock (Abus, not Kryptonite)
Multi-tool + park chain tool + spare links (and these days I always check I got the chain parts as I seem to always drop a chain when I don't have these)
park Wheel truing key
Pump + repair kit

I carry:

Pump
Spare tube
Self-adhesive patches
Tyre levers
Multi tool (inc. chain tool & spkoe key)
Track nut spanner
Leatherman
Spare batteries for lights

Oh, and a short piece of duct tape :-)

I also carry some surgical tape and a couple of dressings since the time I had to do the 2nd half of my commute with road rash dribbling blood down my leg.

Seems everyone is much the same, but less is best and the idea should be to not break down. You wouldn't expect a car to why expect a bike to.

I carry

Spare Tube
Pump
Patch kit
2 allen wrenches
If it's not raining a light weight rain mac, (really light weight).

I've been commuting for about 15 years and never needed any more and only rarely needed the above with the exception of the rain mac.

You need to maintain your bike so it doesn't breakdown, cleaning lubing and tightening stuff once a week, with a full take to peices and put back together, about 4 times a year. (Replacing anything that is worn out). I commute about 50-100 a week depending on where work is. I have never been stranded except when I crashed my bike into a car being stupid. Me not the car.

in winter I carry
pump
1 spare tube
patch kit
allen keys from a Cooltool.
spoke key
leatherman mini tool
zip ties
first-aid graze kit
waterproof over pants
spare socks
plastic bags

HID headlight
Halogen headlight (for backup)
LED helmet mounted light (mainly for repairs)
2 LED blinkies
waterbottle
pump

In seat bag:

Spare tube
Pressure guage
Patch kit
Tire levers
Screwdrivers
8 and 10mm ratchets
Small, 10mm cresent wrench
Spare chain link
Chain tool
Spoke wrench
Metric allen wrench set
$20 cash
Bus fare
Health insurance card
Energy bar
Spare AAA batteries for LED's
Electrical tape wrapped around ratchet
Zip ties
I bought individual tools instead of a multitool because I wanted to have top quality tools for work at home, as well as on the road. A good multitool would replace a lot of what I carry, but it just hasn't made it into the budget, yet.

In my saddlebags, I carry my wallet, work clothes, and lunch (I keep shoes at the office). I don't carry a lock because I keep my bike in a closet at work. If I have an unfixable problem to or from work, I can put my bike on the bus. In the winter, I also stick an emergency blanket in the saddlebags.

At work, I keep energy drink mix and drip lube. Sometimes I need the sugar boost to get home at the end of the day. Sometimes my chain has an annoying squeek I don't want to hear on the way home.

Spare tube
Patch kit
Tire levers
Pump

Change of clothes and lunch.

I have any tool I need at work other than a chain tool. I have never needed one other than for planned maintenance.

1) spare inner tube
2) spare halogen bulb for headlight
3) tool kit with, chain tool, spoke wrench, adjustable spanner and tyre levers
4) mini-pump
5) locks
6) waterproof jacket
7) waterproof overtrousers
8) pen and paper for taking driver details in case of non-fatal (to me) accident
9) lights and blinkies with spare batteries
10) rubber shoe covers
11) baseball cap for putting under helmet in case of rain
12) glasses with interchangeable dark and clear lenses
13) 2 plasters
14) sram chain link

I don't bring anything other than my wallet, keys, comb and cellphone. I think the best plan is to make sure the bike is unlikely to break down, rather than bring a lot of stuff.

Paul

Ah yes tire levers, otherwise the pump, inner tube and puncture kit can become pretty useless. I can get my tires off without a lever in a warm dry house, but by the side of a road in the wet and dark, I doubt it.

Ah yes tire levers, otherwise the pump, inner tube and puncture kit can become pretty useless. I can get my tires off without a lever in a warm dry house, but by the side of a road in the wet and dark, I doubt it.
In a crunch, your quick-release levers might work.

I carry similar to above, but would like to add:
An extra key for your lock. esp. if it is a lock that does not need the key to lock it. (i.e. padlock)

Aside from change of clothes, I don't bring anything for commuting that I wouldn't normally be carrying on any other ride. Same as a lot of the other posters: spare tube, patch kit, pump, tire levers, combo tool, presta/schrader adapter, and a few dollars.

pump
multi tool
wound wipes/dressings
money (bus.. also emergency boot for tire)
cell phone
lunch
poncho or rain suit
and the most important things:helmet, lights and spare batteries(I commute before daylight and sometimes after dark)

spare dry clothes at work

Thanks to all, I haven't even thought of bringing $, or tape, or anything to fix my chain,...and a few others. I appreciate your patience with the newby. F.Y.I., my commute is 13 miles one way, a mix of streets and bike path.

Some are uncomfortable without alot of stuff on their commute. Generally, the most you need is what is necessary to fix a flat. That is of course if you keep up the maintenance on your bike. In general most commuter bikes take a beating and require regular checking over, even more attention if your an all weather commuter. A well cared for ride will seldom break down on the road.

I don't even bring the stuff for the flat. I wouldn't be able to fix a flat anyway. I'm ashamed to admit I don't know how. I've never been able to pry the tire back on again.

I've got a phone, though, so I can call for a ride. Sensible shoes so I can walk.

I carry two multi-tools, actually (Topeak Toolbar, Topeak Alien)... along with a patch kit and CO2 inflators. I do not, however, carry extra tubes. Obviously my other normal stuff such as wallet, keys, cellphone, etc.

When I started commuting last year I carried so many tools it wasn't funny. I've pared it down to my pump, self adhesive patch kit, 4mm-6mm allen wrenches (two 5.5's for my seat post), a 15mm end wrench (for my rear wheel- single speed), multi-spoke wrench, two tire irons, and a screw driver thats double sided with reversible bits on each end. If I break down worse than that on my commute, then I'll just call for a ride. On longer rides than my 6 mile commute, I also care spare chain links and my chain tool. Oh and of course I carry my celphone.

I don't even bring the stuff for the flat. I wouldn't be able to fix a flat anyway. I'm ashamed to admit I don't know how. I've never been able to pry the tire back on again.

I've got a phone, though, so I can call for a ride. Sensible shoes so I can walk.

learn it is a shame to have to depend on someone else to fix your problem. don't be one of those females that are clueless about their transportation. I am sure your LBS can show you.

I carry this in my seat pack..

Topeak Hummer Multi-Tool w/Chain Tool
2 - Spare Tubes
2 - Tire Levers
1 - Crank Bros Speed Lever
1 - CO2 Inflator w/ 2 cartridges
1 - Park Tire Boot, in case you blow your tire
1 - Park Self Adhesive patch Kit
1 - Spoke Wrench

Spare tube, patch kit, the main three Allen wrenches, spoke wrench, tire levers, some duct tape, a piece of tuffy liner (for temporary fix on side wall puncture on the tire), rubber band, and a small bungee cord (one that will fit in the side compartment of the saddle bag, and an old sock.

I don't even bring the stuff for the flat. I wouldn't be able to fix a flat anyway. I'm ashamed to admit I don't know how. I've never been able to pry the tire back on again.

I've got a phone, though, so I can call for a ride. Sensible shoes so I can walk.
We all have our ways of dealing with things, but changing a tire is a basic skill. I'm a total klutz, and I even can do it. Practice at home on a day you don't need to bike. Get a good set of tire levers and a bike maintenance book you understand (you can use the library if you don't want to buy the book). Your LBS might be willing to show you. If they balk, offer to pay them $10 for "labor."

I carry the following always:
Spare tube
patch kit
Park tire boots
pump
tire levers
folding hex wrench
extra SRAM powerlink (I use SRAM chains...if it breaks I fix it with a powerlink)
water bottle
lunch
day's change of street clothes (I leave shoes at work)

If my ride is extended (basically if I add miles that day to exceed 20 one way) I also carry:
spare folding tire
2nd spare tube
chain tool

Last but not least if I ride the singlespeed I carry a couple of extra chain links...kinda need every one ;)

Crescent wrench, couple of Allan keys, tire levers and a patchkit. I've got a bunch of junk living in my backpack too, along with my lunch and rain pants.

My commute is very short, about a mile, mile and a half. I often walk it if it's raining very hard. I pass a couple of gas stations so the pump is not a big deal. There are tools at home and at work and I can always push 'er to whichever is closer.

One thing I threw in, that's come in useful, is a large crochet hook. It's just the thing for pulling a thrown chain back on without getting greasy fingers!

I changed my first tire by finding the instructions online. I used a butter knife as the tire lever. Guess I need to buy some tools..lol.

I carry a standard set: multi-tool, pump, patch kit, light. And a change of clothes.

I also started carrying a small lock for those times when I wanted to step into a store to grab a drink or something and didn't want to leave your bike unattended. I found that the lock is something I don't use often, but like a patch kit, something I am glad that I have had once in a while.

People .... please practice at home how to replace inner tubes. It takes less time than you think once you practiced a few times.

One tube and patch kit should do nicely.

Keys, work badge, watch, wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, work clothes.

Water bottle, headlight, taillight, helmet, lock.

For repairs: Frame pump, patch kit, tube, tire boot, tire levers, mini tool w/ chain tool, spare connex link, surgical gloves, small bottle of chain lube, short length of duct tape, 6" crecent wrench, small pliers w/ wire cutter


Depending on season: Light gloves, medium gloves, heavy gloves, headband, wool hat, helmet cover, arm warmers, leg warmers, rain jacket, rain pants, shoe covers

For all riding:

1 or 2 water bottles

In the Barley saddle bag:
Topeak Alien II multi tool
Leatherman
Extra tire lever
patch kit
spare tube
Road Morph pump (when not in top tube mount)
spare batteries
first aid kit (including some surgical gloves)
duct tape
lock and cable
rag
Illuminite Switchback jacket
Nashbar Crossroad pants
spare spd cleats
energy bar
couple of empty plastic grocery bags
LD500 red blinkie mounted on the bag.
Cargo net across the bag for stuffing stuff on the quick

In the small Topeak handlebar bag:
EL300 light (when not mounted on swing grip)
2 energy bars
Plastic bag - for wallet & Treo
saddle cover
bag rain cover
hi-vis reflective vest (when not in use)
lighter
odds-n-ends as needed

When commuting, I throw on a cheap pair of waterproof Avenir panniers for my clothes & a towel (bagged), lunch, odds-n-ends as needed and Cateye Mars red blinkies clipped on the rear of each. If I need more room, I throw the Arkels on instead.

Hi there is a cool item that I always ride to work with. It's called a Chain Stain Away. It's something that you wrap around your lower leg so your pants don't get the "Chain Tattoo" on them.

My work is not too far from my home so I ride with my work pants. This product has saved me alot of grief, because sometimes I'd lean my right leg in and touch the chain with my pant and get that frustrating "tattoo". Anyway, I don't leave home without it. They have a web site.

I also carry showerproof pants and jacket, a light weight cable lock (leave the U lock at work), bungee chord, wet wipes (for cleanup after flat fixing), drink.

Probably the most important things to bring on every commute:

1. Alertness
2. Patience
3. Sense of Humor

Probably the most important things to bring on every commute:

1. Alertness
2. Patience
3. Sense of Humor

Agreed...to make it home alive and well!

I just started commuting and would like some advice on what experienced commuters bring with them. As of now I bring
1-patch kit
2-spare tubes
3-small tool kit
4-pump
5-rag
I'm sure there's some other things that I'll wish I had, probably when it's too late. Any advice is appreciated.
Sounds like what I carry . However now that the weather has turned cold I also carry a rain jacket, and I always carry a cellphone and my wallet. And since I have a fixed gear bike I carry a stubby 15mm wrench for the axle nuts. The only other gear I usually carry is a lock for when I stop at a store, resturant or other non secure location.
Craig

Cripes are some of you commuting or touring the world? Carry a spare tube, patch kit, leavers and co2 refillers since they take up less space. I've ridden year-round in Alberta for 10 years and can say this is all you'll need. I keep my bike in good working order and as such the only problem I've ever had was a flat. The less stuff you carry, the easier your ride and therefore you'll do it more often. Nuff said.

Cripes are some of you commuting or touring the world? Carry a spare tube, patch kit, leavers and co2 refillers since they take up less space. I've ridden year-round in Alberta for 10 years and can say this is all you'll need. I keep my bike in good working order and as such the only problem I've ever had was a flat. The less stuff you carry, the easier your ride and therefore you'll do it more often. Nuff said.

Cripes, you're right! I've been commuting all these years with such a heavy load, how did I ever manage to get up and ride every day? OMG I WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I CAN SEE!!!

Riding with 1 extra pound of cautionary tools will save you of walking with 20 pounds of an inert mass

Riding with 1 extra pound of cautionary tools will save you of walking with 20 pounds of an inert mass

Not to mention all the times you prevent people who don't have that extra gear from walking themselves, by stopping to help them out.

I just started commuting and would like some advice on what experienced commuters bring with them. As of now I bring
1-patch kit
2-spare tubes
3-small tool kit
4-pump
5-rag
I'm sure there's some other things that I'll wish I had, probably when it's too late. Any advice is appreciated.
money,cellphone...

In addition to the previously noted items, I carry a set of latex exam gloves-- they are great for keeping your hands clean while fixing a flat or dealing with your chain, and are a necessary precaution if assisting in first aid.

A set only weight a few grams, and when you are done, just turn them inside out--keeps the grease/dirt/whatever out of your pockets/panniers/tail bag/etc until you can dispose of them properly.

Costco sells a 3 box set of 100/box for less than $10. These gloves are cheap, and great for maintenance on your bike, house, auto, painting, etc.

I try to travel light when I commute. All I bring in my back pack is a bottle of Slime and one CO-2 cartridge. If I have a flat, and the puncture is not too big, I take off the tire valve, pump some Slime in, put the valve back in, spin the wheel, and apply air with the CO-2 cartridge. This takes five minutes. The CO-2 cartridge should get it up to 60 pounds. Some people say Slime will screw up the valve (get it gummy), but I have never found this to be true. According to the manufacturer, Slime will last two years, keeping you from getting another flat. I also take a cell phone -- if all else fails, I call my wife at 6 a.m., and she comes to rescue me. One more thing: before you apply the Slime, inspect the tire and make sure there's no nail or glass in there. A pair of needle nose pliars or even tweezers can help here.

My rides are typically to go somewhere. I once in a while I'll ride just to go for a ride, but that's unusual for me.

I carry:
Mini Pump
Tire Levers x3
Glueless Patches
Spare Tube
Presta/Shraeder Adapter
Bicycle Multi-Tool
Pocket Knife (often two)
Spare AAA Batteries x2
Spare AA Batteries x4
Spare CR2032 Batteries x2
Cell Phone
ID
At least $50 Cash
Keys to the house I live in and the one I'm working on
Digital Camera (sometimes)

When towing the trailer I also take any combination of the following:
Various Tools (for yard work and carpentry)
25 or 54 Quart Cooler
9' Castnet
5 Gallon Bucket
Casting Outfits (up to four)
Walking Stick
Wading Booties

My "Fishing and in the woods CamelBak BFM" also goes on the trailer and contains:
Water
Signal Mirror
Whistle
Hand-Held Marine Flares
1st Aid Kit
Sun Screen
Bug Repellent
Fishing Tackle Trays
Fishing Pliers
Spare (dry) Clothes
.357 Magnum (sometimes)
And a roll of Toilet Paper

During hunting season I'll also, at times, carry a 12 guage shotgun or 30-06 rifle and ammunition.

don't be one of those females that are clueless about their transportation. As if there weren't enough clueless males. :)

But I agree with you. Any biker should know how to fix a flat. It's not difficult. Well, some wheels and some tires could be somewhat difficult for person with weak hands... but still there are very few people whose physical conditions genuinely makes it impossible for them. As a rule such people can't even be bikers for the same reason...

Anyway, even if you have trouble putting the tire back on, you can ask somebody on the road to do that last tricky bit for you, I guess. Better than calling and waiting for help.

Riding with 1 extra pound of cautionary tools will save you of walking with 20 pounds of an inert mass

Sometimes it's only a sort-of-inert mass. One time I had my chain come undone, so I used my bike like a scooter (and I don't mean a motorscooter) to get home.

One of the lessons I learned is that bikes make really crappy scooters. Still faster than walking.


The bikerepair items I usually bring are:
-tube, pump, levers
-multitool consisting of a bunch of allen keys and two screwdrivers
-6" adjustable wrench

I do my own wheels truing, and I don't own a spoke wrench, but my adjustable wrench serves as a spoke wrench.

I think the latex gloves would tear too easily when doing work of this sort. You must be having good luck with them. I would instead take a pair of cheap cotton work gloves for those tasks and store the dirty gloves in a ziplock.


In addition to the previously noted items, I carry a set of latex exam gloves-- they are great for keeping your hands clean while fixing a flat or dealing with your chain, and are a necessary precaution if assisting in first aid.

A set only weight a few grams, and when you are done, just turn them inside out--keeps the grease/dirt/whatever out of your pockets/panniers/tail bag/etc until you can dispose of them properly.

Costco sells a 3 box set of 100/box for less than $10. These gloves are cheap, and great for maintenance on your bike, house, auto, painting, etc.

I think the latex gloves would tear too easily when doing work of this sort. You must be having good luck with them. I would instead take a pair of cheap cotton work gloves for those tasks and store the dirty gloves in a ziplock.

I agree about the fragileness of latex but Nitrile gloves are much tougher but otherwise are nearly identical to latex gloves. You can find them in most hardware and auto parts stores. Cost about the same as latex - maybe a tad more.

I've never been able to do mechanical work wearing cotton gloves.

FWIW

In Miami you need primarily two things, a Glock 9mm and a cell phone with the 1st speed dial set to 911. The drivers here are a breed apart.

2 types of drives here, the ones that are distracted by cellphones and therefore clueless, which is by far the majority as I can usually count on one hand the number of drivers that are NOT on their cellphone. These are easy to ride with, just have to pay a little attention.

The rest are out to actively f*** with you. They look straight at you and turn left in front of you. Or they try to run you off the road. Or they accelerate past you, get in front of you and slam the brakes on. And my favorite,the ones who pull out in front of you when you have the right of way, and then, when you yell to alert them, chase you down and want to fight you. By the way, just kidding about the glock.