How to carry your kit

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phil-b

phil-b

Veteran
Location
west wales
thanks for all the replies and lots of options there. I will take my time and go through them all in detail. A post mounted rack might suite me but I will need to work out in detail what exactly I need and what is not really necessary, The danger is if I create a lot of storage space I will just fill it with stuff I don't need
 
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cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
thanks for all the replies and lots of options there. I will take and go through them all in detail. A post mounted rack might suite me but I will need to work out in detail what exactly I need and what is not really necessary, The danger is if I create a lot of storage space I will just fill it with stuff I don't need
article-2281118-17AC7C57000005DC-564_470x496.jpg
 

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
thanks for all the replies and lots of options there. I will take and go through them all in detail. A post mounted rack might suite me but I will need to work out in detail what exactly I need and what is not really necessary, The danger is if I create a lot of storage space I will just fill it with stuff I don't need

Not if you buy small size panniers you wont. Buy front roller panniers. They are a lot smaller than rear panniers.
 

Spoked Wheels

Legendary Member
Location
Bournemouth
I use a swim bag like this to carry spare tube, patches, CO2 cannister, inhaler, migraine tablets, tools, gloves, etc.... too much if I'm honest but they are good for whatever bike a ride, only thing to check before I set off is that the inner tube is of the right sort.

I used to use saddle bags but I ended up having the same stuff in every bag and I'm too lazy to be swapping bags before I ride.

Last night I finally got round to buying a proper set of panniers which I can quickly transfer between two bikes. the idea is to go touring but I might use one for day rides..... we shall see!!!!!
 
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GuyBoden

Guru
Location
Warrington
On my short 30 - 40 mile "daylight" rides, I take 3 tubes, tyre levers and multi tool in a wedge bag under the saddle. A water bottle and a full sized frame pump goes on the bike. Snacks, keys, phone, money in my jacket pockets.

For my short 30 - 40 mile rides, do I need any more stuff?
 

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
On my short 30 - 40 mile "daylight" rides, I take 3 tubes, tyre levers and multi tool in a wedge bag under the saddle. A water bottle and a full sized frame pump goes on the bike. Snacks, keys, phone, money in my jacket pockets.

For my short 30 - 40 mile rides, do I need any more stuff?
3 tubes? I'd replace two with some self-adhesive patches (Park or other good brand) unless you've often suffered 3 flats in a ride (and not because you failed to remove a spike from the tyre).

If you're on a derailleur'ed bike, I'd add a quick link and a mini chain tool (if there's not one on your multi-tool). I assume you're all allen keys and quick-releases, so don't need a wrench.
 

RoubaixCube

~Tribanese~
Location
London, UK
I use a topeak pannier rack either with 1 Altura Urban 20 pannier (I have two of these but most of the time i just need one) or a topeak MTX trunk bag. Ive recently bought a Deuter Race EXP Air Rucksack while im waiting for my pannier rack to be fitted on my new bike. This rucksack is amazing and i cant recommend it enough. I'll probably end up using the racksack instead of the trunkbag and panniers unless i have big loads to carry
 

nickyboy

Norven Mankey
On my short 30 - 40 mile "daylight" rides, I take 3 tubes, tyre levers and multi tool in a wedge bag under the saddle. A water bottle and a full sized frame pump goes on the bike. Snacks, keys, phone, money in my jacket pockets.

For my short 30 - 40 mile rides, do I need any more stuff?

Exactly the same except I only take one spare tube unless I'm doing a really long one (more than 60 miles) then I might take two. Multi tool has a chain breaker

In the past few years I've had to call home once (spare tube valve was faulty) and get a taxi once (spoke detached from rim). Other than that I've never had a problem

Folk worry too much. With a mobile phone, a cr card and a bit of cash you'll be fine
 

GuyBoden

Guru
Location
Warrington
3 tubes? I'd replace two with some self-adhesive patches (Park or other good brand) unless you've often suffered 3 flats in a ride (and not because you failed to remove a spike from the tyre).

If you're on a derailleur'ed bike, I'd add a quick link and a mini chain tool (if there's not one on your multi-tool). I assume you're all allen keys and quick-releases, so don't need a wrench.

Yes, thanks, I'll get a quick link, good idea,,,but sorry, I only do self-adhesive patches at home with a cup-a-tea listening to the radio.

Exactly the same except I only take one spare tube unless I'm doing a really long one (more than 60 miles) then I might take two. Multi tool has a chain breaker

In the past few years I've had to call home once (spare tube valve was faulty) and get a taxi once (spoke detached from rim). Other than that I've never had a problem

Folk worry too much. With a mobile phone, a cr card and a bit of cash you'll be fine

Yes, I agree, "With a mobile phone, a cr card and a bit of cash you'll be fine"
 

crazyjoe101

New Member
Location
London
Normal road leisure / training / club ride:
-Gilet, midweight rain jacket, phone+cash+card, banana or two all in my back 3 gilet pockets.
-1/2 inner tubes, multitool, quick link, 2 tyre levers, a spoke key and either by headlamp battery pack or some road cleat covers all in a medium wedge saddle bag.
-2 bottles 500 or 750ml depending on speed/weather. One with water and one with electrolyte or energy stuff.

MTB:
Little 13L Osprey backpack.

The winter bike has a full rear pannier rack with which I can use saddle bags for commuting and touring. Front rack, barbag and maybe even a triangle bag to follow.

I also have a large Ortlieb saddlebag and a frame bag I use on the 'good' bike for very light touring.

I'd try and avoid using more than a small-medium saddle bag and your back pockets if you're out on a leisure or training ride; if doing muddy MTB then small high quality backpack is a popular choice.
 

derrick

The Glue that binds us together.
There is a lot of lists for beginners of what to take with you on a ride. Water, clothing tools and tubes ect.
But how do you carry it all. A camelbak seems to be a popular choice. But I do not like wearing backpacks when riding if I can help it. I just feel they make my back sweat to much and I get too hot and uncomfortable.

What are the best ways to carry the kit on the bike or is a backpack really the best option. Is a backpack something I will just get used too over time
What sort of rides are you doing?
 
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