Never leave the house without it

[Davidc]

I'm mystified how on earth you all pack all that stuff onto a bike! I've got a tiny little bag under the handlebars and it's only just big enough for a bottle, phone and a fiver. Hence leaving the keys at home. I stuff some snacks in my jacket pockets but that's it.

Can't really do pictures but ....

Bottles (for water) go in bottle cages screwed to the frame.

All the rest of my stuff, except clothes and food, goes in a little saddle bag under the saddle.

It's amazing what will go into a small bag. It's just down to looking at the space and what has to go in. The aim is to get it all in without damage and with no unnecessary air in the bag.

For clothing and food I put a pannier on the bike, but I'm considering a proper saddle bag at some point for the tourer.

 

[bikeblob]

Every journey:
Pump.
Spare inner tube.
Puncture repair kit.
Lock.
Multi-tool.


Any journey over about 5 miles:
Waterproofs (unless it's an infallibly clear day)
Hanky.
Water.
Banana or choc bisc.
Usually a relevant map unless I've done the route billions of times.

 

[Fnaar]

Usually a relevant map unless I've done the route billions of times.

I was just about to post that nobody's mentioned maps... oops, yes they have... but not many... I know my regular routes really well, so map not needed, but I take an OS map on any trips further afield...

 

[Clandy]

<br /><br />
<br />
I was just about to post that nobody's mentioned maps... oops, yes they have... but not many... I know my regular routes really well, so map not needed, but I take an OS map on any trips further afield...<br />

<br /><br /><br />
I have Google maps and Tomtom on my phone.

 

[Fnaar]

<br /><br /><br />
I have Google maps and Tomtom on my phone.

Me too (well, the google sat nav thingy) but my OS maps don't have battery issues

 

[Cubist]

Spare tube levers, patches, mini-pump, allen key set, chainsplitter, spare powerlinks, nitrile gloves, large cotton handkerchief, lens cloth. Phone, wallet and cards/id etc.

 

[Gixxerman]

I got to thinking and I actually got the contents wrong, I missed a few items, so here it is unpacked:
Small selection tie wraps
1 x Quick Link (for chain)
Small bag of cable nipples (Oooo errrr)
1 x Pair Laytex Gloves
2 x Batteries for back light
1 x Topeak Mini ToolKit (Chain Tool, various allen keys and screwdriver ends etc)
1 x Pair Tyre Levers
1 x Roll PVC Tape
1 x Fold up Pliers
1 x Wire Cutters
2 x P******e Repair Kits
2 x Inner Tubes
1 x Gear Cable (not shown in the picture coz I used it the other day)
1 x Pair Specialized BG Gel Gloves
1 x Cyclechat Buff

I'm even more mystified now. Come on, what is the trick? Do you have a TARDIS saddle bag?

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I'm even more mystified now. Come on, what is the trick? Do you have a TARDIS saddle bag?

I guess I must just be an expert packer, I used to have a lot more than that in there but I broke the last one at the seams so I had to slim the contents down a bit.

 

[coffeejo]

Thanks, everyone, that's been really helpful.

 

[Clandy]

I'm even more mystified now. Come on, what is the trick? Do you have a TARDIS saddle bag?

The trick is to buy small kit. For example a Park tube patch kit is about the size of a £2 coin.

 

[Bluebell72]

Wow,

I never thought of carrying all that stuff around with me. Mostly cos I wouldn't know what to do with it

small rucksack with -
Keys
Phone
Water bottle
Haribo sour cherries, sometimes snakes

That's on the way home from my fella's. (25miles)
On the way to,

same rucksack with usually, the tea things - last week I had a bunch of rhubarb from allotment that was too long for the bag and stuck out the top, I looked liked a dodgem car!

 

[ufkacbln]

No-one has actually mentioned.............. A bike

 

[Clandy]

I'm surprised at the amount of people who are carrying drinks in bags and not using bottle cages. I have always believed that if you're riding a bicycle, and the load is on your back, then you're doing something wrong.

 

[coffeejo]

 

[Bicycle]

I'm surprised at the amount of people who are carrying drinks in bags and not using bottle cages. I have always believed that if you're riding a bicycle, and the load is on your back, then you're doing something wrong.

Me too... But I'm a complete hypocrite because on longer rides I like to use a Camelbak.