What do you take with your on your daily rides?
#1
bragi
Thread Starter
What do you take with your on your daily rides?
What do you think you need to carry with you when you roll out of the house and face your day? Some people apparently need nothing more than themselves, a small cable lock, and their bike. I am not one of these people; I'm more of a "more is more" kind of rider, one who approaches every ride like an opportunity to prepare for the Apocalypse. Or at least, bad weather. Here's what I have in my panniers on every ride:
1. rain gear (jacket and pants)
2. extra wool hat, sweater and gloves (except during June, July and August)
3. water bottle
4. repair kit (2 extra tubes, multi-tool, 2 extra spokes, tire levers, and Mini Morph tire pump)
5. 2 Bungee cords
6. 1 U Lock
7. 1 small spray can of deodorant
8. 1 extra pair of socks
I'm probably overdoing it, but I can't think of anything on this list that's totally superfluous, and the truth is I've actually used everything I carry on at least a few rides. For a while, I stopped bringing the repair kit, because flats are pretty rare, but then I got a flat late on a Friday night, and regretted my lack of planning on a very long walk home..
I'm curious: what, if anything, do you take with you when you ride, and why (not)?
1. rain gear (jacket and pants)
2. extra wool hat, sweater and gloves (except during June, July and August)
3. water bottle
4. repair kit (2 extra tubes, multi-tool, 2 extra spokes, tire levers, and Mini Morph tire pump)
5. 2 Bungee cords
6. 1 U Lock
7. 1 small spray can of deodorant
8. 1 extra pair of socks
I'm probably overdoing it, but I can't think of anything on this list that's totally superfluous, and the truth is I've actually used everything I carry on at least a few rides. For a while, I stopped bringing the repair kit, because flats are pretty rare, but then I got a flat late on a Friday night, and regretted my lack of planning on a very long walk home..
I'm curious: what, if anything, do you take with you when you ride, and why (not)?
Last edited by bragi; 06-30-12 at 03:07 AM.
#2
Super Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hurst, Illinois
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My bike is like a Swiss army knife haha... I have a bag on the front with an extra tube, tire repair kit, several tools related to bikes and trail bars to eat when I need to eat something. I carry about 6 water bottles in the 3-pocket in the back jerseys I wear. I have a portable air pump, front and rear lighting system, water bottle and a another bag with two cans of pepper-spray, one graded for dogs and another graded for humans. Once my fellow NRA brothers fights IL to allow conceal and carry, I have a special bag for my pistol. Never know when you will need that with all the crazy meth heads in my area. They rob you of your bike and kill you dead if they thought they could get money from it for their meth lol.
I also carry my cell phone too just in case.
I also carry my cell phone too just in case.
#3
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I keep small seat bags on most of my bikes with the basics for on the road repairs and a cheap plastic poncho. Depending on weather and distance I may add a water bottle or a thermos of coffee.
My basic list is:
Aaron
My basic list is:
- Spare Tube
- Repair kit
- Multi tool
- Mini pump ( or frame pump)
- Plastic bag/shower cap
- emergency poncho
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#4
Basically the same various tire/bike tools repair kits previously posted, along with a small roll of tape, pocket knife and lighter( I cannot recall the number of times that smokers have asked me for a cigarette or a light, and now that I carry a lighter, nary a single request since, good insurance I'd say)
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: I'm in Helena Montana again.
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I take lots of tools. Anything that I can work on can be done with the tools I carry. Everything else I carry is just part of my daily necessities. The weather is predictable where I live so I know at the beginning of the day how to dress.
#6
Insane cycling cook
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Between my handlebar bag and my Camelpak...
Flat kit
Arm sleeves
gloves
TI spork (has come in handy to many times)
10' cable
electrolite tabs
Compact bike tool
mini wallet with extra ID
spare change (bonk insurance)
chapstick
sunscreen
City Map
I'm sure I've forgotten a few items but I like having basic needs covered
Flat kit
Arm sleeves
gloves
TI spork (has come in handy to many times)
10' cable
electrolite tabs
Compact bike tool
mini wallet with extra ID
spare change (bonk insurance)
chapstick
sunscreen
City Map
I'm sure I've forgotten a few items but I like having basic needs covered
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#7
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Fruitport Michigan
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Just for communting two waterbottles if it's under about 80 I put water in one and in the other a spare tube and a set of allen wrenches. I put a c02 thing in my jersey back pocet for inflating my tires. When it's colder I carry a smaller back pack to put layers of clothing in as I take them off, or if I need to bring my laptop or anything else with me. Cellphone and wallet in jersey pocket too. No lock, more cows than people where I live.
Last edited by robbyrocks12345; 06-30-12 at 02:58 PM.
#9
Senior Member
I've always got basic tools, patches and a pump. I'll carry a lock if I'm going to lock the bike, but not otherwise. I'll throw rain gear into the rack trunk if there's a chance I'll need it.
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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Every ride:
1. U-Lock
2. Cheap Schwinn foot pump
3. Tire Levers
4. Spare inner tube
5. Allen wrench set
6. Adjustable wrench
7. Two water bottles
Commutes (all of the above, but):
8. Work clothes
9. Work gear (pocket stuff)
10. Lunch
11. Two generic sport drinks.
1. U-Lock
2. Cheap Schwinn foot pump
3. Tire Levers
4. Spare inner tube
5. Allen wrench set
6. Adjustable wrench
7. Two water bottles
Commutes (all of the above, but):
8. Work clothes
9. Work gear (pocket stuff)
10. Lunch
11. Two generic sport drinks.
#11
Sophomoric Member
In addition to the stuff I would also take if I ws walking, I also take a mini-repair kit (Allen wrenches, tire irons, chain tool), one tube, lights, and lock.
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#12
In the right lane
Between my handlebar bag and my Camelpak...
Flat kit
Arm sleeves
gloves
TI spork (has come in handy to many times)
10' cable
electrolite tabs
Compact bike tool
mini wallet with extra ID
spare change (bonk insurance)
chapstick
sunscreen
City Map
I'm sure I've forgotten a few items but I like having basic needs covered![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Flat kit
Arm sleeves
gloves
TI spork (has come in handy to many times)
10' cable
electrolite tabs
Compact bike tool
mini wallet with extra ID
spare change (bonk insurance)
chapstick
sunscreen
City Map
I'm sure I've forgotten a few items but I like having basic needs covered
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Not sure what you'd need a spork for. Perhaps in case you suddenly decided to camp overnight? Or you visited McDonald's and they suddenly ran out of plastic spoons?
Please advise on the spork.
#13
Pedaled too far.
Patch kit and pump are the only things I "take" with me in my panniers. The headlight and curly cable lock are always on the bike, and the rear blinkie is always on my helmet. I do wear a helmet, thick padded cycling gloves and leg bands around my pants.
I have two water bottles that get filled and used depending on where I am going. Sometimes I don't take them, but then riding around in yesterday's heat, I filled them both 3 times and emptied them.
I have two water bottles that get filled and used depending on where I am going. Sometimes I don't take them, but then riding around in yesterday's heat, I filled them both 3 times and emptied them.
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#14
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texarkana, AR
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1. Under-seat tool bag with basic tools and a patch kit.
2. Frame pump.
3. Water bottle.
4. 2nd water bottle if it's a long ride, or very hot out.
5. Lock and cable.
If it's winter and I'm commuting to a job, I'll often pack a 2nd set of clothes in a plastic bag in my backpack just in case.
2. Frame pump.
3. Water bottle.
4. 2nd water bottle if it's a long ride, or very hot out.
5. Lock and cable.
If it's winter and I'm commuting to a job, I'll often pack a 2nd set of clothes in a plastic bag in my backpack just in case.
#15
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hurst, Illinois
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I always wonder if I should take another pair of bike shorts and jersey with me as well. I have seen photos of bike wrecks where it ripped holes in the clothing where you don'r want holes to be LOL. I'd hate to be out 20 miles from my truck with the barn open for everyone because the door was torn off >_<
Any thoughts on taking more apparel?
Any thoughts on taking more apparel?
#16
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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I always wonder if I should take another pair of bike shorts and jersey with me as well. I have seen photos of bike wrecks where it ripped holes in the clothing where you don'r want holes to be LOL. I'd hate to be out 20 miles from my truck with the barn open for everyone because the door was torn off >_<
Any thoughts on taking more apparel?
Any thoughts on taking more apparel?
#17
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Nashville TN
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Bikes: Trek 7.3FX, Diamondback Edgewood hybrid, KHS Montana
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1. Under-seat tool bag with basic tools and a patch kit.
2. Frame pump.
3. shirt for the office
4. extra socks
5. cable lock (I park in a secure parking garage, next to a security booth)
I have an extra pair of pants, shirt, and shoes that I leave at the office.
2. Frame pump.
3. shirt for the office
4. extra socks
5. cable lock (I park in a secure parking garage, next to a security booth)
I have an extra pair of pants, shirt, and shoes that I leave at the office.
#18
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Southern CA
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For me the bare necessities are: Water, purse, leash, camera, U-lock, and (usually) my pup! DH carries the tools, food, water, extra gear, leash, and (usually) second pup. If I'm riding alone then the repair kit and food transfer to my bike.
In winter/spring I'll add a jacket to the list.
In winter/spring I'll add a jacket to the list.
#19
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Eugene, Oregon
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Bikes: 2014 Specialized Dolce Triple, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 2012 Windsor Kensington 8
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I carry my tools, boots, 15mm wrench (only 1 bike has QR skewers) and spare tube in a Lezyne Caddy Sack. That and a Lezyne Micro HP drive is either in a pannier/seat bag (commuter/utility bike) or in my jersey (road bike.) My lock is carried either in a pannier or strapped to the rear rack. Lights and stuff stay on my bikes. I go out with as much water as my cages can hold. I wear safety glasses, clear or tinted depending on the weather. I also wear gloves for pretty much every ride. A habit from growing up on horseback, I guess.
There's always a Clif Energy Shot/Bar in either my jersey pocket or my seat bag/pannier. I've never actually consumed one on my rides - always seem to run across someone who needs it more.
I also carry a cargonet/bungies on my rack/panniers.
There's always a Clif Energy Shot/Bar in either my jersey pocket or my seat bag/pannier. I've never actually consumed one on my rides - always seem to run across someone who needs it more.
I also carry a cargonet/bungies on my rack/panniers.
#20
What do you think you need to carry with you when you roll out of the house and face your day? Some people apparently need nothing more than themselves, a small cable lock, and their bike. I am not one of these people; I'm more of a "more is more" kind of rider, one who approaches every ride like an opportunity to prepare for the Apocalypse. Or at least, bad weather. Here's what I have in my panniers on every ride:
1. rain gear (jacket and pants)
2. extra wool hat, sweater and gloves (except during June, July and August)
3. water bottle
4. repair kit (2 extra tubes, multi-tool, 2 extra spokes, tire levers, and Mini Morph tire pump)
5. 2 Bungee cords
6. 1 U Lock
7. 1 small spray can of deodorant
8. 1 extra pair of socks
I'm probably overdoing it, but I can't think of anything on this list that's totally superfluous, and the truth is I've actually used everything I carry on at least a few rides. For a while, I stopped bringing the repair kit, because flats are pretty rare, but then I got a flat late on a Friday night, and regretted my lack of planning on a very long walk home..
I'm curious: what, if anything, do you take with you when you ride, and why (not)?
1. rain gear (jacket and pants)
2. extra wool hat, sweater and gloves (except during June, July and August)
3. water bottle
4. repair kit (2 extra tubes, multi-tool, 2 extra spokes, tire levers, and Mini Morph tire pump)
5. 2 Bungee cords
6. 1 U Lock
7. 1 small spray can of deodorant
8. 1 extra pair of socks
I'm probably overdoing it, but I can't think of anything on this list that's totally superfluous, and the truth is I've actually used everything I carry on at least a few rides. For a while, I stopped bringing the repair kit, because flats are pretty rare, but then I got a flat late on a Friday night, and regretted my lack of planning on a very long walk home..
I'm curious: what, if anything, do you take with you when you ride, and why (not)?
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
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#21
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Join Date: Jun 2012
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I either take a backpack or a saddle bag depending on whether I only need to carry my biking stuff or other things as well (sometimes both). On small rides I take nothing but my u-lock.
On longer rides (20+ km) I always bring:
-A U-lock + optional extra cord to use with it.
-Something water resistant if there is a high chance of rain or already raining
-Water bottle
-Multitool, extra tube, tire levers, mini pump
-Deodorant
On my commute (10 km) I only take a u-lock.
On longer rides (20+ km) I always bring:
-A U-lock + optional extra cord to use with it.
-Something water resistant if there is a high chance of rain or already raining
-Water bottle
-Multitool, extra tube, tire levers, mini pump
-Deodorant
On my commute (10 km) I only take a u-lock.
#23
Snakes on a bike
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, BC
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My ride to work is only 4.7 miles.
Spare change & a bus pass, my rout follows public transit.
Water, but that's more for my work day than cycling.
Fine tip sharpie, in case I need to write down a license plate.
Plastic bag for my seat if it rains. I don't bring any additional rain-gear for myself.
Lights, bell, multi tool.
For long rides I add patch kit, pump, tire levers, cell phone, wallet, U-Lock, snacks, gauze and wet wipes. My friend usually brings sun screen too, but I usually just need the one application before we leave.
Spare change & a bus pass, my rout follows public transit.
Water, but that's more for my work day than cycling.
Fine tip sharpie, in case I need to write down a license plate.
Plastic bag for my seat if it rains. I don't bring any additional rain-gear for myself.
Lights, bell, multi tool.
For long rides I add patch kit, pump, tire levers, cell phone, wallet, U-Lock, snacks, gauze and wet wipes. My friend usually brings sun screen too, but I usually just need the one application before we leave.
#24
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Florida!
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Driver's License
Insurance Card (medical)
Keys
Cash
Blackberry
2 checks
Credit Card
Mace or Taser because work sites do not permit gun on premises
Most Wanted: functional bicycle rain coat/gear, shoulder style messenger bag, better riding clothing (professional and weather proof), weather proof professional shoes
Insurance Card (medical)
Keys
Cash
Blackberry
2 checks
Credit Card
Mace or Taser because work sites do not permit gun on premises
Most Wanted: functional bicycle rain coat/gear, shoulder style messenger bag, better riding clothing (professional and weather proof), weather proof professional shoes
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#25
In the right lane
I have to confess that the things I carry change quite a bit. It's important to go through the bag to weed out unnecessary items.
It usually happens on some May day when the temps are at 85F, I reach for something in my pannier and pull out my balaclava.
It usually happens on some May day when the temps are at 85F, I reach for something in my pannier and pull out my balaclava.