northeastsurf

I am a big mountain biker, I carrie most of my gear, water, etc, on my back. Keeping the bike light, and gear free. I noticed with road riders I do not see any extra stuff, do they carry tools to fix tires, where is the best place to carry water, etc, on long rides, and tips would be great, thanks Ronnie Lees

mtnbk3000

tire levers and pumps, etc. go in the pockets on the back of there jersey

Old School

A matter of personal preference. For both my roadie and MTB -- water bottle in a cage on the downtube, spare tube/tire levers/ID in a seat bag, minipump on the frame, cell phone and energy bars in the jersey.

alanbikehouston

Well, the road bike I use the most has three water bottle cages, a bag on the front bars, a bag under the saddle, and two saddle bags clipped to the rear rack. No need to put anything in a jersey pocket (or to own a jersey).

GuitarWizard

Some people don't need to carry everything but the kitchen sink on some of their rides.

I can fit a mini-pump, multi-tool, tire levers, tubes, money, cell phone and food just fine in my jersey pockets. If you need more than that for a 10 to 100 mile ride, you have issues.

thelazywon

I carry H2O on the frame, CO2 pump/patches/levers in the jersey pockets

dcvelo

I'm a minimalist...I use a small under saddle bag to carry a tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool. A CO2 inflater goes in one of my jersey pockets, as does ID, snacks, and any other small items I might want.

Water bottles in cages and I'm good to go.

Of course, if you're going to be doing really long rides in remote areas you might want a bit more than this...

northeastsurf

I wont wear one of those jersey shirts, I am all set. I also notice that not many bikers carry the back packs full of water.

Over all is it better to have all your stuff on your back or on the bike. I thought the idea was to keep the bike as light at possible? Or is it okay to put water, etc on the bike?

Ih8lucky13

I didn't know it was you .

You didn't sign your post with your name, Ronnie Lees

hurley.girl

Why not?

punksurfer024

i would wear a camelpak on a really long trip in middle of no where, but where i ride, two water bottles is enough, if i need to refill my bottles i just stop at one of a thousand stores on the way

slacker00

Don't bother with the jersey shirts. I bought a few and wore them, but realized I don't really need them. I'm not buying any more. I'm just buying generic dry-weave T-shirts from now on. Sure, they don't have the pockets or race fit, but I don't eat powerbars on my ride, so I don't need the pockets. My spare tube(s), tools, levers, CO2 inflator, cash & ID(s) go into my seat wedge.

It's ok to put water on your bike. Get some water bottle cages and use them. Nothing is more critical on longer rides in hot weather than keeping hydrated. Do whatever you've gotta do to get enough water, which includes carrying water and/or making stops to rehydrate with sports drinks/water/pop/whatever. Get some good water bottles, fill them, carry them, & use them.

Java man

I think Camelbaks are uncomfortable on road bikes. I believe the idea is that usually in mountain biking there isn't much water available for purchase anywhere on the trail. But with most road riding adventures, if you run out of water you can just pull in to a store and buy some.
Also, most road rides all I carry is spare tire, tire levers, CO2, credit card/DL, phone, and keys that all go in the back jersey pockets. If the ride is going to be a long one, or unfamiliar, I'll take a seat bag and carry extra tubes, CO2, crank bros 19-multi tool, and maybe a camera.

northeastsurf

I am a big moutain biker and the reason never put water bottles on the frame of your bike is simple, one, if you have a nice bike, you will only be able to fit one bottle because of the shape of your frame, and two, you will lose the bottle two mintues into the trail. Also your right, there are not stores in the woods.

So If I got it right, two bottles on the frame for road biking, and maybe a under the seat bag for tools, pump, tube, and any other gear. Try to stay away from back packs. Correct me if I am wrong.
Now if I work my way up to some big miles, I had a few questions.

When I see bikers out on the road on the weekends, if your a big biker what is a common amount of miles will one do in a day. Also is there maps of the state you live in that will help you get around highways, or can you buy any state map.

I was thinking of down the road biking up to the white mountains some day, it is 120 miles by highway. I was wondering what kinda ride this is. What does the avarge rider do in a day, (miles) I have no idea what those bikes can do once your in shape for it. How many miles in a day can you really do? It would be nice to do a long ride with a small pack and stay over night somewhere. Ronnie Lees.