What I Carry on my Bike - How about You?
08-15-09, 05:47 PM
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Denver,
You saved me. I have to write my monthly blurb for our local mag and was out of ideas, which I just mentioned to Mrs. Slim about an hour ago. I will use your "what I carry" idea (with our without your permission
. Of course, I have only 150 words to it will be very basic and probably aimed at the 20-miler. I will also steal a couple of the other titles for future blurbs.
You saved me. I have to write my monthly blurb for our local mag and was out of ideas, which I just mentioned to Mrs. Slim about an hour ago. I will use your "what I carry" idea (with our without your permission
. Of course, I have only 150 words to it will be very basic and probably aimed at the 20-miler. I will also steal a couple of the other titles for future blurbs.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
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'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
08-15-09, 07:09 PM
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Here's what I carry, haven't compared it to your list:
Tubular tire, pump, tubes, tire irons, Allens and a 10 mm box for adjusting two kinds of saddle, seatpost and handlebar, flat blade screwdriver and pliers for resetting cable tensions (hmm, haven't really needed these for a while!), kleenex, 6' lock, several Clif bars and /or Pay Days, water, alternate (i.e. finger) gloves, ID, $$, credit card, insurance card, sun block, handkerchief, ibuprophen, band-aids, Neosporin, phone(s) (including Mrs. Road Fan, too), lights if expected, plastic bag to protect Brooks or Selle AnAtomica, tire guage, Presta adapter, spoke wrench, tiny multitool, 6" adjustable open-end wrench (tradition!!!! done this since high school), sheesh, what else? Sometimes a shell jacket, knee warmers, or leg warmers, or needle-nose pliers (high school again), paper, ballpoint pen, route map sometimes.
All in one or two Kirtland wedge seat packs from the late '80s. Thinking of changing to a front bag, or adding one.
Acorn is a $$ solution.
Just saw your list: I also use a speed/cadence computer, HRM, reminder about training zones, and a nice French single ding bell.
Tubular tire, pump, tubes, tire irons, Allens and a 10 mm box for adjusting two kinds of saddle, seatpost and handlebar, flat blade screwdriver and pliers for resetting cable tensions (hmm, haven't really needed these for a while!), kleenex, 6' lock, several Clif bars and /or Pay Days, water, alternate (i.e. finger) gloves, ID, $$, credit card, insurance card, sun block, handkerchief, ibuprophen, band-aids, Neosporin, phone(s) (including Mrs. Road Fan, too), lights if expected, plastic bag to protect Brooks or Selle AnAtomica, tire guage, Presta adapter, spoke wrench, tiny multitool, 6" adjustable open-end wrench (tradition!!!! done this since high school), sheesh, what else? Sometimes a shell jacket, knee warmers, or leg warmers, or needle-nose pliers (high school again), paper, ballpoint pen, route map sometimes.
All in one or two Kirtland wedge seat packs from the late '80s. Thinking of changing to a front bag, or adding one.
Acorn is a $$ solution.
Just saw your list: I also use a speed/cadence computer, HRM, reminder about training zones, and a nice French single ding bell.
08-15-09, 07:14 PM
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Denver,
You saved me. I have to write my monthly blurb for our local mag and was out of ideas, which I just mentioned to Mrs. Slim about an hour ago. I will use your "what I carry" idea (with our without your permission. Of course, I have only 150 words to it will be very basic and probably aimed at the 20-miler. I will also steal a couple of the other titles for future blurbs.
You saved me. I have to write my monthly blurb for our local mag and was out of ideas, which I just mentioned to Mrs. Slim about an hour ago. I will use your "what I carry" idea (with our without your permission
. Of course, I have only 150 words to it will be very basic and probably aimed at the 20-miler. I will also steal a couple of the other titles for future blurbs.Do I get any credit?
Or a link to the index?
https://www.ourwebs.info/bicyclingaboutparkerindex.htm
08-15-09, 07:23 PM
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The link is a good idea. Done.
__________________
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
08-15-09, 08:25 PM
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I have posted another article - wildlife while bicycling, and a ride around Cherry Creek State Park - perhaps another article? Do you have wildlife in your area?
https://www.ourwebs.info/bicyclingaboutparkerindex.htm
https://www.ourwebs.info/bicyclingaboutparkerindex.htm
08-15-09, 09:16 PM
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Perhaps I did not read this thread completely?
I find a rain jacket a necessity. The weather around here can go from the 80's down to the 50's in a blink. It is no fun to be soaked and frozen. My rain jacket is too heavy to use in warm weather but very good if it turns cold and wet.
This jacket fits in my large wedge under the seat but limits what else I can take. Spare tube and tools fit but that is about it. I do use a industrial strength pump.
I use a small cross bar mounted pocket to store a wallet, phone, keys and some Hammer gel.
I find a rain jacket a necessity. The weather around here can go from the 80's down to the 50's in a blink. It is no fun to be soaked and frozen. My rain jacket is too heavy to use in warm weather but very good if it turns cold and wet.
This jacket fits in my large wedge under the seat but limits what else I can take. Spare tube and tools fit but that is about it. I do use a industrial strength pump.
I use a small cross bar mounted pocket to store a wallet, phone, keys and some Hammer gel.
08-15-09, 09:41 PM
#32
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In my saddlebag I carry, a small tire boot, 2 tire levers, 2 CO2 cartridges and very small inflation tool, some cash, an expired drivers license, 3-5mm Allen wrenches, small stick on patch kit.
In my jersey pocket I carry, one tube, a cell phone, a bit of food (dependent on distance but I don't eat much -about 250 cal per hour).
On the bike are 2 bottles and a rear blinky. I usually ride without a computer unless I'm doing a specific workout and then I have the powermeter.
In my jersey pocket I carry, one tube, a cell phone, a bit of food (dependent on distance but I don't eat much -about 250 cal per hour).
On the bike are 2 bottles and a rear blinky. I usually ride without a computer unless I'm doing a specific workout and then I have the powermeter.
08-15-09, 09:43 PM
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08-15-09, 09:56 PM
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Perhaps I did not read this thread completely?
I find a rain jacket a necessity. The weather around here can go from the 80's down to the 50's in a blink. It is no fun to be soaked and frozen. My rain jacket is too heavy to use in warm weather but very good if it turns cold and wet.
This jacket fits in my large wedge under the seat but limits what else I can take. Spare tube and tools fit but that is about it. I do use a industrial strength pump.
I use a small cross bar mounted pocket to store a wallet, phone, keys and some Hammer gel.
I find a rain jacket a necessity. The weather around here can go from the 80's down to the 50's in a blink. It is no fun to be soaked and frozen. My rain jacket is too heavy to use in warm weather but very good if it turns cold and wet.
This jacket fits in my large wedge under the seat but limits what else I can take. Spare tube and tools fit but that is about it. I do use a industrial strength pump.
I use a small cross bar mounted pocket to store a wallet, phone, keys and some Hammer gel.
https://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Sto...ry~646770.aspx
08-15-09, 10:48 PM
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That's a very helpful article covering the basics. I'd add a small emergency kit containing bandages of different sizes and a few aspirin; a small bottle of liquid soap (Amway LOC, great stuff!) in water, ready to squeeze on greasy hands to clean, or a small package of wet wipes.
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08-16-09, 10:24 AM
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Besides much of the above I carry a pocket pack of Kleenex. Great when sinuses are acting up and if nature calls...
08-16-09, 12:21 PM
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08-16-09, 04:05 PM
#38
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What is it a function of age? All of us 50+ers venture out carrying everything under the kitchen sink. My rear pack looks like Barrettscv's with the addition of a cable lock, cash, a credit card, cell phone, wife's Blackberry and a couple of towels for wiping our brow if we stop for lunch in the heat. Everybody we ride by seems to carry a bottle of water and nothing else.
Last edited by donheff; 08-16-09 at 04:21 PM.
08-16-09, 05:28 PM
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In the rear rack bag, I've got 3 regular spare tubes, 1 thorn-resistant spare tube, two cable locks (mine & my wife's), 2 pairs of pliers, a handful of zip-ties (2 sizes), two sets of hex keys, a multi-tool, a pair of gloves (yeah, it's 90 degrees outside, I'll really need those!), 3 patch kits, ibuprofen, an elastic bandage, a mixture of various sizes of adhesive bandages, a couple of ziplock bags, a bottle of sunblock, Benadryl, an Epi-Pen, my keys, wallet and cell phone. On the trike itself, there's the Road Morph G, three headlights, two taillights, a bell, a CatEye cycle computer, a small orange flag and two water bottles. I pretty much figure the trike starts at 49 lbs bare, so I might as well just go ahead and throw in everything I might want or need anyway. My wife's trike has a Road Morph G, 2 headlights, 2 taillights, a cycle computer and 3 water bottles - so far, at least, she's only gone riding when I go as well, so she doesn't need to cart around the excess baggage I do.
I don't take the headlights off even if I don't expect to be out after dark. On one ride, I went about 10 miles further than I'd planned, then got 3 flats on the way back. That one instance of riding the last 5 miles down a pitch-black trail through the woods convinced me that lights belong on the bike permanently.
- Bob
I don't take the headlights off even if I don't expect to be out after dark. On one ride, I went about 10 miles further than I'd planned, then got 3 flats on the way back. That one instance of riding the last 5 miles down a pitch-black trail through the woods convinced me that lights belong on the bike permanently.
- Bob
08-17-09, 03:49 AM
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I always carry too much and am trying to carry less. it kinda depends on where I'm going and how many miles I expect to ride. meaning 100 miles means 2 tubes, but usually just 1 tube plus patches. I still carry a spoke wrench; chain tool and small adjustable wrench but might omit them soon. I also carry a patented pressure gauge cuz after chaning a flat - if I find a power pump I want to get back up the correct MAX pressure. I only used the gauge once this season. 
... and never used the spoke wrench; chain tool or crescent wrench - except when swapping seats when I swapped bikes on a long trip. But I could have left the wrench in the car, you know?
I don't usually carry a lock.
... and never used the spoke wrench; chain tool or crescent wrench - except when swapping seats when I swapped bikes on a long trip. But I could have left the wrench in the car, you know?I don't usually carry a lock.
08-17-09, 06:45 AM
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In the rear rack bag, I've got 3 regular spare tubes, 1 thorn-resistant spare tube, two cable locks (mine & my wife's), 2 pairs of pliers, a handful of zip-ties (2 sizes), two sets of hex keys, a multi-tool, a pair of gloves (yeah, it's 90 degrees outside, I'll really need those!), 3 patch kits, ibuprofen, an elastic bandage, a mixture of various sizes of adhesive bandages, a couple of ziplock bags, a bottle of sunblock, Benadryl, an Epi-Pen, my keys, wallet and cell phone. On the trike itself, there's the Road Morph G, three headlights, two taillights, a bell, a CatEye cycle computer, a small orange flag and two water bottles. I pretty much figure the trike starts at 49 lbs bare, so I might as well just go ahead and throw in everything I might want or need anyway. My wife's trike has a Road Morph G, 2 headlights, 2 taillights, a cycle computer and 3 water bottles - so far, at least, she's only gone riding when I go as well, so she doesn't need to cart around the excess baggage I do.
I don't take the headlights off even if I don't expect to be out after dark. On one ride, I went about 10 miles further than I'd planned, then got 3 flats on the way back. That one instance of riding the last 5 miles down a pitch-black trail through the woods convinced me that lights belong on the bike permanently.
- Bob
I don't take the headlights off even if I don't expect to be out after dark. On one ride, I went about 10 miles further than I'd planned, then got 3 flats on the way back. That one instance of riding the last 5 miles down a pitch-black trail through the woods convinced me that lights belong on the bike permanently.
- Bob
08-17-09, 06:49 AM
#43
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Road Morph, 2 water bottles, shot bloks, Hammer gel, pb&j sandwich (on a hamburger bun), cell phone, GPS, 2 spare tubes, tire tools, disposable gloves (for chain work), wrenches for saddle, handlebar & brake pad adjustments, cable ties, spoke wrench, electrical tape, $20 bill.
08-17-09, 09:08 AM
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Other than a towel to wipe the copious sweat I generate which I use several times each ride, my real accomplishment is not having to pull out the tool pack!
Oh, instead of water, I carry cold lemonade. I know it's way too hot to ride when I pull near home and have to get a cold soda at a hot dog stand before the final uphills home.
Oh, instead of water, I carry cold lemonade. I know it's way too hot to ride when I pull near home and have to get a cold soda at a hot dog stand before the final uphills home.
08-17-09, 09:20 AM
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...one tube, patch kit, mulit-tool, rubber glove, 1 fl.0z. spray on sunscreen, tweezers to pull things out of tires in case of a flat. All kept in Specialized mini wedge. Cell phone, money, & ID kept in jersey pocket.
08-17-09, 09:26 AM
#46
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08-17-09, 11:07 AM
#47
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I carry enough stuff to fix one flat tire. Most of the time I also carry my wallet and my cell phone in my jersey.
I never ride my fixed gear bike very far and, when I do, it's a trail that doesn't have very many obvious puncture causing hazards. I don't carry anything with it.
I never ride my fixed gear bike very far and, when I do, it's a trail that doesn't have very many obvious puncture causing hazards. I don't carry anything with it.
08-17-09, 11:41 AM
#48
Senior Member
Retro,
I think Dnvr Fox's article is a great description for a beginner. Not too far off from what I carry when I'm in civilization.
It's perhaps worth mentioning, though, that for those of us who ride in rural areas (especially out of cell phone reach) it's worth carrying more. And, when I ride in the mountains, I can start a ride at 70 degrees and run into cold rain, sleet or even snow at the top. I carry extra clothes on mountain rides, and have enjoyed several comfy descents on days when more "minimalist" riders were shivering so hard they could barely hang onto their handlebars. Even on organized rides, I don't expect the "sag wagons" to be able to help me with a broken spoke or broken chain, which is why I carry extra chain links and a spoke fix kit.
I go through my bike bags a couple of times a year to make sure they haven't accumulated stuff I don't really need/use...but the bag I carry on long out-of-town rides does end up getting bigger than the "in town" bag.
I think Dnvr Fox's article is a great description for a beginner. Not too far off from what I carry when I'm in civilization.
It's perhaps worth mentioning, though, that for those of us who ride in rural areas (especially out of cell phone reach) it's worth carrying more. And, when I ride in the mountains, I can start a ride at 70 degrees and run into cold rain, sleet or even snow at the top. I carry extra clothes on mountain rides, and have enjoyed several comfy descents on days when more "minimalist" riders were shivering so hard they could barely hang onto their handlebars. Even on organized rides, I don't expect the "sag wagons" to be able to help me with a broken spoke or broken chain, which is why I carry extra chain links and a spoke fix kit.
I go through my bike bags a couple of times a year to make sure they haven't accumulated stuff I don't really need/use...but the bag I carry on long out-of-town rides does end up getting bigger than the "in town" bag.
08-17-09, 01:33 PM
#49
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Retro,
I think Dnvr Fox's article is a great description for a beginner. Not too far off from what I carry when I'm in civilization.
It's perhaps worth mentioning, though, that for those of us who ride in rural areas (especially out of cell phone reach) it's worth carrying more. And, when I ride in the mountains, I can start a ride at 70 degrees and run into cold rain, sleet or even snow at the top. I carry extra clothes on mountain rides, and have enjoyed several comfy descents on days when more "minimalist" riders were shivering so hard they could barely hang onto their handlebars. Even on organized rides, I don't expect the "sag wagons" to be able to help me with a broken spoke or broken chain, which is why I carry extra chain links and a spoke fix kit.
I go through my bike bags a couple of times a year to make sure they haven't accumulated stuff I don't really need/use...but the bag I carry on long out-of-town rides does end up getting bigger than the "in town" bag.
I think Dnvr Fox's article is a great description for a beginner. Not too far off from what I carry when I'm in civilization.
It's perhaps worth mentioning, though, that for those of us who ride in rural areas (especially out of cell phone reach) it's worth carrying more. And, when I ride in the mountains, I can start a ride at 70 degrees and run into cold rain, sleet or even snow at the top. I carry extra clothes on mountain rides, and have enjoyed several comfy descents on days when more "minimalist" riders were shivering so hard they could barely hang onto their handlebars. Even on organized rides, I don't expect the "sag wagons" to be able to help me with a broken spoke or broken chain, which is why I carry extra chain links and a spoke fix kit.
I go through my bike bags a couple of times a year to make sure they haven't accumulated stuff I don't really need/use...but the bag I carry on long out-of-town rides does end up getting bigger than the "in town" bag.
I have definitely set out solo many times with bike, a munch, ID, $$, and Allen wrenches, and had no problems and a great time. But when you carry for the family, you have to be more prepared.
08-17-09, 01:59 PM
#50
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Hi,
Wow (to this thread).
Mr. Fox's article is a good guide for beginners.
I carry as little as possible based on the kind of ride that I am doing.
At a minimum I have two (2) tubes, a couple of instant patches, a tire boot, a small multi-tool and two CO2 cartridges in in a very small seat wedge. I have a pump for the CO2 cartridges in the center pocket of my jersey, a cell phone in the right-hand pocket, and some cash in the left-hand pocket. One or two waterbottles on the bike and a computer on the stem. This easily covers me for anything up to 40-50 miles, depending on the expected pace and terrain.
For longer rides, I carry more food: gel in a flask or packets and energy drink mix in zip lock bags. For leisurely, fun group rides I might bring a camera. On the century I did on Saturday, I didn't bring the camera but I did wear arm warmers that I surprisingly wore all day.
Though locking a bike is probably prudent, I don't bring one on regular rides. I can usually keep the bike in sight if I am by myself and need to buy something at a 7-11 or similar establishment. (Of course, I carry a U-lock AND cable on my errand bike.) If I am feeling especially paranoid (vs. normally paranoid) I will do the shifter and quick release trick to slow down a thief.
On Tuesdays, when I ride my bike to the weekly twilight races, I bring lights in a fanny pack that I stash in a friend's or the organizer's car.
I've rarely brought more with me and for those even rarer times when something significant fails mechanically, I've called home for a ride. BTW, it's been before cell phones that I've called home for a ride.
IMHO, preventive bike maintenance is better than packing a lot of tools to cover on-the-road mechanical problems.
Wow (to this thread).
Mr. Fox's article is a good guide for beginners.
I carry as little as possible based on the kind of ride that I am doing.
At a minimum I have two (2) tubes, a couple of instant patches, a tire boot, a small multi-tool and two CO2 cartridges in in a very small seat wedge. I have a pump for the CO2 cartridges in the center pocket of my jersey, a cell phone in the right-hand pocket, and some cash in the left-hand pocket. One or two waterbottles on the bike and a computer on the stem. This easily covers me for anything up to 40-50 miles, depending on the expected pace and terrain.
For longer rides, I carry more food: gel in a flask or packets and energy drink mix in zip lock bags. For leisurely, fun group rides I might bring a camera. On the century I did on Saturday, I didn't bring the camera but I did wear arm warmers that I surprisingly wore all day.
Though locking a bike is probably prudent, I don't bring one on regular rides. I can usually keep the bike in sight if I am by myself and need to buy something at a 7-11 or similar establishment. (Of course, I carry a U-lock AND cable on my errand bike.) If I am feeling especially paranoid (vs. normally paranoid) I will do the shifter and quick release trick to slow down a thief.
On Tuesdays, when I ride my bike to the weekly twilight races, I bring lights in a fanny pack that I stash in a friend's or the organizer's car.
I've rarely brought more with me and for those even rarer times when something significant fails mechanically, I've called home for a ride. BTW, it's been before cell phones that I've called home for a ride.
IMHO, preventive bike maintenance is better than packing a lot of tools to cover on-the-road mechanical problems.
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Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/