That Linux Guy

For the majority of my commuting time, I've kept at least 1 pannier for essentials (a small crescent wrench, a multi-tool and a spare tube (which reminds me that I'll need tire levers too)). However, sometimes I'm just running a quick errand that doesn't require cargo or I'm out for a fitness ride so I just need the essentials (and a Clif bar in my jersey. They're awesome!), so I got a small under-seat bag from my LBS. It's big enough for everything (even my HTC Evo) but there's really not enough room for a spare tube.

Does anyone know of a creative way to carry a spare tube without a pannier or under-seat bag? I've seen some people tuck it between their seat and seat rails but that won't work for mine. I've seen others some how loop it between the seat rails and where the seat-stays meet the seat tube but I'm still kinda lost.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I've added a picture of the installed bag below if it's of any help.

augustao

Usually I fold them as you would fold tyres (8 shape, then fold it onto itself) and put it around my chest.

no1mad 

Depending on your hydration needs, you might transfer some of the tools from the seat bag to a wide mouthed water bottle, then put your tube in the seat bag.

Bubba Zanetti

Inside the seat post or down inside the seat tube. For the latter, be sure to attach a piece of string to the spare tube so you can pull it out later.

GP 

That bag looks plenty big to hold a tube. Are you taking the tube out of the box?

If you're wearing a jersey with pockets, put the phone in your pocket.

If you're using a standard tube, try a light or ultralight tube.

wernst

Get a bigger saddlebag.

-Warr

FunkyStickman

Use a zip-tie or a piece of string and tie it to the seatpost if you can. The tube is generally stretchy enough to where you can get it out without too much trouble.

That Linux Guy

I tried putting the tube in my seaport or my seat tube but it was too difficult to even get halfway in.

when putting the tube in the bag, it is unboxed and It's a standard tube. With the tube in, I can only fit in a multi-tool and probably some tire levers.

As for getting a bigger seat bag, the next size up was too bulky IMO. I'll fiddle around with it some more and see what I can do.

tjspiel

Bartop or toptube bag. Great for snacks, phones, wallets,or whatever else you don't have room for in your seat bag. The nice thing about them is that they're accessible while you're riding.

Dan The Man

What size are your tires and what size is your tube? What exactly do you have in there? I would say get a smaller tube. You probably don't need a lot of tools. I just toss a 5mm wrench, tire levers, and patch kit into my bag which looks smaller than yours along with a tube and cellphone.

exile

Putting everything in a water bottle seems like it would work. No one really messes with those.

You can also try a fanny pack. I used one and didn't have problems. When riding I would turn it around so the pack part was against my lower back. Plus I would never forget to take it off my bike when I locked it up.

jr59

Isn't this what jersey pockets are for?

That or a water bottle.

Pinyon

In my seat bag, I carry:

• Multitool (Topeak mini 16)
• 2 spare tubes
• Tire lever
• small first-aid items (a few bandages, a foot of gauze, tape rolled flat, sterile wipes)
• 3-feet of duct tape rolled into a flat square
• CO2 inflator with 1-2 extra cartridges
• Maybe my keys and 1-2 gu-gels

Everything else either goes in my jersey, or in one of my water bottle holders. I usually ride with one water bottle, and get more water when I have to use the restroom too. If I take a jacket, and need to store it, I stuff the entire thing into one of the arm-tubes, to be about the size of a water bottle. Fits in the water bottle holder just fine.

Anything else I carry goes in my jersey (phone, wallet, spare change for payphone, etc.).

Unreqistered

Water bottle carrier. You can use an existing bottle, buy a purpose made container or find a tupperware type that works. I find the Profile Design & Catamount CatCages work best best as they have the flexibility to hold larger containers more easily.

fuzz2050

if you want a creative solution, you can wrap the tube around your front hub and hold it in place with a toe strap. It's best if you use some sort of covering though, it can get messy

pallen

Tube, multi-tool, tire levers, CO2 or minipump. That should all fit in there unless you have 3" tires or something...

neotheone

I would wrap it around the top tube, then hold it with a ziptie.

Bubba Zanetti

Forgot to mention, a little baby powder helps ease it down the tube. This is how I use to store a spare tube on my road bike. Hope this helps

waynesworld

I think I might try folding it up as small as possible, then sticking it on top of that Superflash, with a rubber band around it. Might have to take the seat off to do that, depending whether you wrap the band around the seat tube or the light itself, but not to get it back off.

ehsiung

+1. Aka bento bag for some reason. Something like this.

That Linux Guy

Thank you all for the great ideas. I don't really have any interest in adding yet another bag to the rig to be frank. As much as I love accessories for the bike, I don't want to fred up the retro sporty look to the bike. I did manage to include the tube though. I undid the straps that hold the bag to the seat rails, lowered the bag, placed the tube between the top of the bag and bottom of the seat and then re-attached the straps around the seat rails. It doesn't look horrible but I'll explore other options should this not work long term.

Thankfully, the seat bag sees important use on weekend fitness rides when I ditch the panniers. Monday through Friday, I've got a change of clothes, lunch, extra crap, and my lock in my panniers.

531phile 

Get a fanny pack, I hear they are making a huge comeback, get 'em before all the trend followers get them, then you'll get ultra mega commuting street cred.