Originally Posted by
polishmadman
Well, I try to ride at least twice a week. Thou, I'll probably only ride once this week. 115 tomorrow and possible rain rest of the week. I'm always worried of needing something, so I take what I think I need. For some it may not be that far of a ride. My ride is about 11.5 miles one way. I think I might leave my work clothes at work, and just bring them home to wash.
That is a good distance for vegas with the heat. I would look at how much fluids you really use considering you can leave fully hydrated and you have water where you are going. If you are on a populated route, you can always stop for some if you are really hurting.
You also mentioned energy bars. Why not keep those at work for after the ride?
And in terms of locking, why not keep your extra locks (cables and such) locked to the regular city objects you lock to. The locks will be where you need them when you arrive. You could hypothetically ride w/o locks if you truly only go from home to work and back. Please tell me you keep work shoes at work and don't carry them with you.
Why a patch kit plus a spare? Why not keep the patch kit at work only. What are the odds you would get two flats on a route and need to patch also? In the time it would take you to patch you could have walked pretty damn far in a 11.5mile commute.
Most people swear by racks & panniers. Ask yourself, can everything go in a big messenger bag? If so you can lose the rack and save weight. I don't use a rack anymore just because of the cumbersome nature of panniers and hopping on and off the bike since you need to take them with you. I prefer a large mess bag.
Are batteries necessary? You don't really need them in the mornings/day and if they run out riding home can you tough it out for 11.5 miles? Keep extra batteries at work and home and switch them out if they die during the ride. Reflectors should be enough for the odd times when your lights die.
SPF? Are you reapplying during the ride? Why not keep that at work and home only.
Do you need the cell phone cradle? How often do you need to check your phone on a (presumably) 50 minute ride?
I did an audit on my gear not long ago since I started to 'collect' things as well, my pack got pretty heavy. I rarely used many of those items and have not missed them since lightening my load.
In the end it is about simplicity. I like to go grocery shopping and ride with heavy loads when necessary. Otherwise, I like to keep it light and simple.