Alternative to saddle bag: My solution
 

I recently started this thread asking whether people ride without saddle bags (my aesthetic preference, which I have begun to indulge since I posted). Some people agreed with me that if one runs tubeless and has emergency access to Uber, it's safe enough, but many objected to taking the risk. I just bought an all road bike with the intention of going on longer rides farther away, including trails I'd have to walk my bike a distance to a street if it flatted, so wasn't planning to take that risk. Because the new bike (being made now) is a Seven Titanium, which I expect to be beautiful, I also prefer not to use a saddle bag.

I have found a solution: a cycling wallet that will fit what I was putting into my saddle bag plus a little more, fits comfortably into the middle pocket of my Assos Mille GT C2 cycling jersey, which is a fairly tight jersey. Access to what's inside the wallet is much, much better than access to contents inside my saddle bag, which was tricky but possible without removing the bag from my bike. I provide more information about the wallet next, but first, here's what I have in it: electric mini pump (which I far prefer to hand pump and far far prefer to CO2 cartridges. BTW, this holds a charge for months if not years, and also like I said, it's much easier to get in and out of my wallet than in and out of the saddle bag I was using), Dynaplug Tire Repair Tool, portable reading glasses in case (which I'll need if I have to do repairs but also good to have if I stop for a meal or coffee), and (these weren't in saddle bag) SPD-SL cleat covers in case I want to walk more than a few steps for some reason (I will have road cleats rather than off-road cleats on the new bike).

The wallet that I've settled on is the third I've tried. (It's the cheapest btw, and cheaper than the Silca saddle bag, which was my favorite and on my bikes.) The other two held the essentials but not quite everything or as well, because they were smaller. (I got the "medium" not the "small" size of my preferred wallet.) The others also were bulgy, whereas there's not a noticeable bulge on the side of my preferred wallet that I will put facing my back. Oh, my wallet is "water-resistant" not "water-proof." This matters little to me, because I hate riding in the rain. But it seems from reviews that it protects the contents from rain well, while absorbing water into the outside fabric.

BTW, I don't need/want my cell phone in the wallet, because I want frequent access to it. I listen to audiobooks/podcasts (mainly) or music (less often) almost always while I ride, and sometimes must rewind, forward, pause, or whatever. (Those of you who are going to scold me for listening to stuff while I ride–and I use AirPods Pro with noise cancellation in both ears!–hold off until you put Varia radar and blinking lights front and back on your bikes, like I have. That's plenty of protection.) So iPhone goes in left pocket, wallet in middle pocket, actual wallet with id and credit cards and money in right pocket.

Although my intention was only to take this on long rides with trails, I see no reason not to take it on every ride. I'll just leave it in a place I inspect before every ride, and doubt I'll forget to take it.

That is all.

my « wallet » is a ziplock sandwich bag with a butyl tube and a pair of levers. When off the bike, it sits in my helmet with my gloves and anti-dog pepper spray, so it never gets left behind. The only thing I need to remember is to transfer the frame pump to the bike I’m using that day

Why is the "wallet" needed? Just put the stuff in the pockets, maybe?...

Feels better and is more organized and is protected from water.

I could do one kit for road riding except the tires on the 3 bikes are different sizes, thus different size tubes, thus 2 saddle bag and in truth it’s easier to just have those bags set to go and installed rather than move around. I do one kit for mt bikes and keep that in my CamelBack as I always use that mt biking but would not want to be carrying my repair kit in a jersey pocket.

Makes sense. I don't plan to carry tubes for my tubeless (do on my bike with clinchers), because I'm daunted by the prospect of this kind of repair.

Looks like a good plan for your gear! Ride on!

A nice and cleaner alternative to a saddle bag for those with aesthetic reservations. Didn’t know they existed.

During the shoulder months, I need all the storage my jersey pockets will afford since I always carry my phone and wallet, a gel and energy bar, a mini-pump, and space for removable arm or leg warmers or packable wind breaker. Winter and summer when not removing clothing or carrying extra gloves, would work fine.

Agree but the sandwich bags are kinda thin.

FREEZER BAG FTW.

Jersey pockets only. Tube, pump, master link, multi tool, spoke wrench and nitroglycerine just in case. Still plenty of room left.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0aeafb12f.jpeg

2 road bikes are tubeless and I carry a spare and CO2 for those in the event a hole doesn't seal. I expect it to be a PITA to get a tube in and get the tire seated, have not had to do this yet. Tubeless tires are a pain to re-mount some times.

I just remembered I have a zipped pouch, very similar to your cycling specific Lumiere & Co wallet. I use it to move my gear/tools from one of many hydration backpacks I use for mountain biking. Magpul DAKA Utility Organizer. https://a.co/d/6KSdKI6

I did not come across your Lumiere & Co. Cycling Wallet when I was researching them.

Reading glasses and a custom Seven... Yeah, that tracks. Quadlock for the trifecta!

No, I use a Garmin.

Vanity, thy name is.......

Right, most people don't care how good their bikes look, right?

I don't care how I look on a bike, nor do I judge other rider's kit. :D
¡BWAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA!

My last word: it's not about me on the bike, it's about the bike. I enjoy gazing at my bike, which I think looks better without a saddle bag. Furthermore, the solution I have proposed in this thread works well for me, and indeed, allows me to take more things and have better access. You do you.

I think I'm on your side, just being obtuse!! :) This winter when I was off due to injury, I'd bring my Bottecchia in from the garage just to look at it.

Though, I do admit my kit/personal vanity and bike vanity are a tandem deal.

What’s that about he who casts the first stone? If it works for him, it works for him.

Evanston1957 and letrebici: Both great options, food for thought.
I already carry a Silca Borsa Eco Bag for my iPhone and health insurance card.
I may have to go dual wallet with one of the options you suggested above.

Now that I think about it, I can just remove the nylon loop from my ALMSTHRE saddle bag and put it in my jersey, duh.

I agree with the OP with regard to the aesthetics of the bike and saddlebag. I carry with me two CO₂ cylinders, inflater, one spare tube, a tool, small patch kit, and $5.
I like the idea of the “wallet” suggested. My current “wallet” is made by Glad; a zip-lock freezer bag.

Dan

I'm not here to tell you how to ride, what to carry, and where to go.
But, I will suggest that the most important thing you carry on every ride is 'Situational Awareness'.
I'm a bit 'slow', so my ability to focus on a diverse range of important stuff at the same time is limited.
So, what do you focus on? The road ? The conditions around you and what you're moving thru? Traffic (either motor or walkers or squirrels & other sudden emergents) ? An Audio Book?
DO you always ride alone, on the same route, same exact riding conditions and terrain/road, same visibility?
Does appreciation of where your riding ever become a 'thing' ?

I ride now often ride alone and am constantly surprised how everything changes.
When I do ride in groups, the element of 'surprise' is a constant occurrence, sometimes one immediate on another.
I've had some decades of riding in groups and situations where 'SItuational Awareness' is Key, Essential, Life and Injury saving; so it's ingrained.

We all think we're more capable than most to handle situations - until we're not...
... just some suggestion for your consideration...

Ride On
Yuri - The 'Ride' is when You, The Bike and What/Where You move thru, Become One...

EDIT: and I've not read a more unrealistic view on 'Protection'...