Saddle bag & its contents
#1
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Thread Starter
Saddle bag & its contents
So I did search, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for which is odd because I am sure I missed a post somewhere along the way.
Anyway, my saddle bag crapped out on me yesterday on a ride. Someone very nice stopped and gave me a string to let me get through my ride. So I guess its time for a new bag. I think its time I slim down on my contents and go for a smaller bag. The reality is that I am not a mechanic and want a smaller multi-tool. The basics have come in handy, like allen keys for seat post & water bottle holders. Obviously need a flat kit (levers and tube). CO2 cartridge and attachment. I have a tire pressure gauge, but am thinking about ditching it. The rare times I get a flat I should be able to go by feel.
Am I short changing myself on anything? Can anyone recommend a minimalist multi-tool? I probably will never use a spoke wrench or chain tool.
Any bag recs? Obviously looking for something small - really for no reasons other than aesthetics. thanks
Anyway, my saddle bag crapped out on me yesterday on a ride. Someone very nice stopped and gave me a string to let me get through my ride. So I guess its time for a new bag. I think its time I slim down on my contents and go for a smaller bag. The reality is that I am not a mechanic and want a smaller multi-tool. The basics have come in handy, like allen keys for seat post & water bottle holders. Obviously need a flat kit (levers and tube). CO2 cartridge and attachment. I have a tire pressure gauge, but am thinking about ditching it. The rare times I get a flat I should be able to go by feel.
Am I short changing myself on anything? Can anyone recommend a minimalist multi-tool? I probably will never use a spoke wrench or chain tool.
Any bag recs? Obviously looking for something small - really for no reasons other than aesthetics. thanks
#2
Mostly Harmless
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Here's my thread about that.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...oad-caddy.html
I've used the Road Caddy for a whole season now and still like it. Probably don't need the big multi-tool in there.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...oad-caddy.html
I've used the Road Caddy for a whole season now and still like it. Probably don't need the big multi-tool in there.
#3
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Jandd makes fine seat bags; they are well made and tough. My favorite is the hurricane mini mountain wedge as it as a reflective band and an LED light can be hooked to the band:
Hurricane Mini Mountain Wedge
Amazon.com : Jandd Hurricane Mini Mountain Wedge Black : Bike Panniers And Rack Trunks : Sports & Outdoors
Insofar as a multi tool is concerned, I'd go maximalist rather than minimalist in terms of tools. It's a drag to realize that your multi tool lacks the right tool. I like the topeak alien II and III:
Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - ALiEN? III
You still need a patch kit, tube, and tire irons. Plus I think a tire boot of some type is handy like this,
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TB-2...park+tire+boot
Hurricane Mini Mountain Wedge
Amazon.com : Jandd Hurricane Mini Mountain Wedge Black : Bike Panniers And Rack Trunks : Sports & Outdoors
Insofar as a multi tool is concerned, I'd go maximalist rather than minimalist in terms of tools. It's a drag to realize that your multi tool lacks the right tool. I like the topeak alien II and III:
Topeak® Cycling Accessories ? Products - ALiEN? III
You still need a patch kit, tube, and tire irons. Plus I think a tire boot of some type is handy like this,
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TB-2...park+tire+boot
#4
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I downsized to this one:
I essentially carry what you listed above: spare tube, one CO2, inflator (planet zep red), one tire lever (I think it's a kool-stop, only need one from the set of 3), a small multitool, a small piece of old tire (as a boot in case of sidewall failure, although you could get away with a few dollar bills instead), and a small pack of slime skab tire patches. All of that fits in the pack. I think this is the right one:
https://www.bikebagshop.com/timbuk2-...ck-p-2987.html
I essentially carry what you listed above: spare tube, one CO2, inflator (planet zep red), one tire lever (I think it's a kool-stop, only need one from the set of 3), a small multitool, a small piece of old tire (as a boot in case of sidewall failure, although you could get away with a few dollar bills instead), and a small pack of slime skab tire patches. All of that fits in the pack. I think this is the right one:
https://www.bikebagshop.com/timbuk2-...ck-p-2987.html
#5
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Minimal contents:
- spare tube
- 1 CO2 cartridge
- Lezyne Control Drive cartridge head (the best thing ever)
- 2 tire levers
- small multi-tool (only for adjustments, so allen keys are probably sufficient)
- a quick chain link, e.g. KMC's MissingLink
- a pair of latex gloves (from your doctor's office when you are left alone waiting
Personally I don't use a saddle bag. I use a storage bottle, and stick it in the bottle cage on the seattube.
- spare tube
- 1 CO2 cartridge
- Lezyne Control Drive cartridge head (the best thing ever)
- 2 tire levers
- small multi-tool (only for adjustments, so allen keys are probably sufficient)
- a quick chain link, e.g. KMC's MissingLink
- a pair of latex gloves (from your doctor's office when you are left alone waiting
Personally I don't use a saddle bag. I use a storage bottle, and stick it in the bottle cage on the seattube.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks all. great post & pics on the Lezyne Road Caddy
I think I am sold.
I am a bit of a timbuk2 junky though and do like that bag as well. The jand looks good, I may have to pick one of those up for my mtb that I use when tooling around with the fam.
I think I am sold.
I am a bit of a timbuk2 junky though and do like that bag as well. The jand looks good, I may have to pick one of those up for my mtb that I use when tooling around with the fam.
#10
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Using C02 cartridges on the road, the correct pressure is all the pressure you can get out of a 16g cartridge. It is what it is. No reason to measure it.
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#12
SuperGimp
I'm rethinking my saddle bag too and the small timbuktoo is going on shortly instead of the larger one I have now. I think I've used one allen wrench one time in 6 years of owning the park ibeam 2, so that's just going to go in my helmet bag for pre-ride adjustments. If I'm going on a shakedown cruise for any new or adjusted items, i'll just bring it that one time.
two tire levers (never needed more than 1 but hey, they nest), 1 tube, patch kit, tire boot and CO2.
I should probably think of some additions for rides that are known to be out of cell coverage.
two tire levers (never needed more than 1 but hey, they nest), 1 tube, patch kit, tire boot and CO2.
I should probably think of some additions for rides that are known to be out of cell coverage.
#13
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In some cases it makes sense to ditch the multi tool all together and just carry the wrenches you need. Those things are like bricks and wind up never using half the stuff on it. I don't carry a spoke wrench, pressure gauge, chain tool or any kind of multi tool. Chains are changed proactively on my bike and my road bikes have all had KMC Missing Link instead of master link for close to 15 years.
Fixed gear bikes with track bolts will need a 15mm "peanut butter" wrench which doubles as a tire lever.
Do riders with disx breaks need torx? I don't have disxs so don't know/worry about it.
The only thing else I can think of is a tiny phillips head for gear adjustments.
XLAB Mini and Mezzo are excellent bags.
Mini Bag
Mezzo Bag
- 3/4/5mm Allen's cover all the bolts except crank bolts
- 2x Co2 and small inflator head
- Tube
- A couple of dollar bills as tire boots.
- Levers
- Patch kit
- KMC Missing Link
Fixed gear bikes with track bolts will need a 15mm "peanut butter" wrench which doubles as a tire lever.
Do riders with disx breaks need torx? I don't have disxs so don't know/worry about it.
The only thing else I can think of is a tiny phillips head for gear adjustments.
XLAB Mini and Mezzo are excellent bags.
Mini Bag
Mezzo Bag
Last edited by TimothyH; 10-23-15 at 01:03 PM.
#14
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I also carry a chain tool, spoke wrench and zip-ties. I've gone back and forth: you almost never need them, but in the end it comes down to "why not". And if you ever use the quick-link, wouldn't you need the chain tool anyway?
#16
Senior Member
I don't know which one I have. I got the cheapest bag that fit everything I needed. I like to carry two CO2 cartridges, I had a dud once. I also carry a Garmin Tempe in mine but that's because I record my rides with a watch.
#17
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I go pretty light on my travel bag. I carry a new tube, CO2 cartridge, Lezyne speed trigger inflator, KMC missing link, compact Syncros folding tool, presta/Schrader adapter, this light and $20. It all fits nicely in a Syncros speed 230 bag (12.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 cm). I keep my phone and snacks in my jersey pockets. The light has been nice to have on those rides when I misjudge how long I will be out and run out of daylight.
#19
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Lezyne V5 gives you 3,4,5,6, and a Philips head. Weighs 50 grams, and is tiny. Likely as light at 3 regular sized allen wrenches, and handy having it all together.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#20
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I like living on the edge.
I have a tiny Arundel pouch with a tube, patches, lever, and CO2.
I have a tiny Arundel pouch with a tube, patches, lever, and CO2.
#21
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One thing to keep in mind is that good maintenance means you are less likely to need a tool.
I live alone with no family nearby to call. That means that all my bikes are maintained. Tires inspected for cuts and replaced when worn, chains and brake cables replaced proactively, etc.
That's a good looking bag. I generally prefer a clip instead of velcro closure but I might try one.
Thanks for the recommendation.
I have been on a fixed-gear kick for a while and don't think that it has a 6mm bolt anywhere on it, certainly no Philips anywhere. My wheels don't even have 15mm track nuts but 5mm bolts.
But yeah, that V5 is nice and small. Lezyne seems to get it. I may have to grab one of those. Can't go wrong for that price.
I live alone with no family nearby to call. That means that all my bikes are maintained. Tires inspected for cuts and replaced when worn, chains and brake cables replaced proactively, etc.
I have been on a fixed-gear kick for a while and don't think that it has a 6mm bolt anywhere on it, certainly no Philips anywhere. My wheels don't even have 15mm track nuts but 5mm bolts.
But yeah, that V5 is nice and small. Lezyne seems to get it. I may have to grab one of those. Can't go wrong for that price.
#23
Same here- with the addition of an extra CO2 cartridge, Lezyne V5 multi-tool I like better, + my keys. And sold the fixie so I don't need the nut wrench either.
I stopped carrying the 11spd missing link, because it's tough/impossible to remove or install without a proper plier, and besides if I break a chain I'll probably have bigger issues accompanying it like a snapped hanger etc.
by ,
I stopped carrying the 11spd missing link, because it's tough/impossible to remove or install without a proper plier, and besides if I break a chain I'll probably have bigger issues accompanying it like a snapped hanger etc.
by ,
#24
No mention of using a bottle/bottle cage? Elite even makes a 'special' configuration that isn't actually a water bottle; it's designed to hold a tube, pump, etc.
When I go on short rides (or can re-fill one bottle), I go this route.
When I go on short rides (or can re-fill one bottle), I go this route.