Bought First Saddle Bag-Supplies?

[Velocivixen]

Hello. I've been carrying my spare tube, etc. in an Arkel "Bug" pannier. After my first long ride last weekend (turned out to be 25 and not 30 miles), I decided that I needed to go "lighter". I don't need a pannier to carry everything I own. So today I bought my first under seat or saddle bag.
It is a RavX Maxi X large wedge strap bag (see here): http://ravx.com/products/bags_racks/maxi_x.html

Here is a photo of all I think I should carry. I have a spare tube in the box (should I take it out of box & in baggie with talc powder?), two batteries for my rear superflash light, a small multi tool, some skabs patches, CO2 cartridge with pump, 3 tire levers & a Park Tool 13/15mm wrench in a roll kit.

I would also carry my cell phone, driver's license, credit card/cash, starbucks card. If I needed my lock I would bungee it to my rear rack like I used to do prior to the pannier. What do you put your driver's license in? The ladies at the LBS (guys too) had Driver's license/credit card together with a rubber band around them. I'm thinking of a small ziplock bag or something.

I also bought my first ever bicycling jersey. A Castelli Perla Jersey in purple, which has a large zip pocket in the back along with 3 deep traditional cycling type pockets. If the ride is longer I would bring snacks and the bag would fit some snacks like string cheese, fruit, boiled egg, gu or whatever.
Anything else I might need on a "lighter" ride?
Thanks for all your advice and help so far. It's been great!

[ClockworkOrange]

Smart bag and you are so very organised but think you should lose the box.

I'd slip in a couple of tissues, always useful also a satchet that's a wet wipe.

The new cycling top sounds cool also, you should have posted a pic.

[pll]

Sounds like you are mechanically skilled! I would not know what to do with the tools, save for the allen keys. I would check that your rear light works properly before leaving and not carry batteries, but I avoid riding when it's dark.

In addition to a tube and tire levers, I carry a patch kit, a CO2 cartridge inflator (in addition to a pump attached to the frame). As Clockworkorange suggests, a wet wipe is also handy (after replacing a tube).

Re the driving license, my wallet has a removable ID case, so I take that with my health insurance card, some money and my debit card. A zip lock bag works, too.

Other things I carry: something to clean my glasses, a small pack of tissues (usually in my jersey), a couple of advil and, er..., some emergency feminine supplies.

[Chicken Little]

Wow, you're certainly well prepared. I agree, loose the box. I think I have tiny multi-tool, a tube, two iron's, and a pump on my water bottle cage.

I slipped in 50 cents and always carry a credit card.

[Chile Pepper]

Wow, that looks like a lot! I carry a tube (no box, no baggie, just the tube right in the saddle bag), two tire irons (plastics, actually), and some tissues. I have a pump on my bike, and I carry my ID and a bit of cash in my jersey (along with my keys, a snack, lip balm,and cell phone). That's it. If I need anything else, I either have to make do without or (worst case) use my cell phone.

[Catrin]

I wrap the tube in a small rag to protect it. I have a little plastic "jenni?" wallet that I use to carry a COPY of my license and insurance cards if I have them with me. If I am riding from home then I just have my Road ID on my wrist. I should probably have money with me more often than I do.

I like my Arkel Tail Rider, though can only use it on one bike and that only for rides >3 hours when I need more nutrition than I can carry in my jersey - my new Camelbak has enough storage to serve for my other bikes.

[KatzPajamas]

checked out your RAVX bag at the website. NICE!:cool:

[withm]

I second the idea to carry a COPY of your driver's license and insurance card. I keep mine in a small zip-loc baggie along with some money ($10-20) and what ever loose change accumulates. I have one on each of my bikes. Never have to worry about transferring back to my wallet after a ride. Hmmm - with 3 bikes I guess I have ~$50 stashed away. This way if I end up stopping somewhere to get coffee, snack, Sunday newspapers, whatever I always have enough to do it. When I get down to about $5 to $8. I replenish my supply.

[Velocivixen]

So I took the batteries out of the ziplock and slid them into the pocket where the "skabs" are (pink pocket). I took the tube out of the box and slid into a recycled bulk spice ziplock, added 2 Neutrogena "Deep Clean Sport" wipes, travel size kleenex, chapstick.
I have RoadID on both my running and cycling shoes. My concern about keeping copies of driver's license, etc. is that I'll get complacent, leave them in the bag and if someone stole them it would be fodder for ID theft.
@Catrin, funny you mention the Arkel Tailrider trunk bag; my DH has one and I almost bought one yesterday. If I go on longer rides that don't need a pannier, but need more than a seat bag I'll get one.
What is a "jenni" wallet?

[owlice]

I put my spare in a baggie with cornstarch. Underseat bag has the spare, a couple of tire levers, CO2, multitool. I have handlebar bags (big and small, depending on where I'm riding/what I want to take), and use one to carry the cell and wallet.

Good idea to have copies of the DL and insurance card. When I buy another bike (sometime soon, I hope!), I'll do the same.

[Velocivixen]

Chile Pepper mentioned it's a lot of stuff. It sure looks that way, huh? Once it's rolled up (the black thing with purple trim is a tool roll), it's small. I was surprised at how much stuff can fit in that seat bag! I doubt I'd need the wrench or even the multi-use tool, however since it all fits and there's still room I just left it all together.
The bag is also expandable with a zipper around the top.

[Velocivixen]

My DH just gave me this for my ID. It's white plastic on one side and says "Emergency Identification", and this side is clear. The red is the "ziploc" closure. So I won't have to shop for a wallet. ;)

[pll]

Oh! I've used one of those - would not know even how they are called. They are very convenient!


My DH just gave me this for my ID. It's white plastic on one side and says "Emergency Identification", and this side is clear. The red is the "ziploc" closure. So I won't have to shop for a wallet. ;)

[Crankin]

My regular wallet is jersey sized and comes with me on all rides, in addition to my Road ID. My seat bag (which is smaller than the one I had before, but broke) is a bit smaller than I like, but I am constrained because of the small size of my bike, the teeny teeny bit of seat tube I have, and the modular shape of the tubes in general. I have 2 tubes in a baggie with powder, a co2 inflator and 2 cartridges, 2 levers, some band aids, antibiotic ointment, and a couple of tissues in a baggie. I can usually squeeze in a Luna Bar and a couple of Nuun tablets or Shot Blocks, too. Friday, I took the Luna Bar out and put it in my jersey and was able to squish my vest in there.
I try to buy jerseys with deep pockets. The best one i have so far is one of the TE design contest jerseys I got last summer. You could put the kitchen sink in there! But, when we are doing a longer ride, like today we took lunch, DH has 2 sizes of Carradice bags which we use. I wish I could put one on my bike...

[owlice]

Oh, I also have a patch kit in my seatbag, which I'd use if I needed to (if I flatted both tires), but which I mainly keep in case someone else needs it for lack of a spare tube/equipment.

[nscrbug]

I agree about nixing the box. I always carry 2 tubes (rubberbanded to stay together), a C02 inflator w/2 cartridges, tire lever, mini-tool, a small container with Excedrin & Advil (I get headaches a lot during rides), an extra tampon, 2 packets of individually wrapped Wet-ones wipes, and a few dollar bills. All of this fits nicely into my medium-sized Topeak Aero Wedge seatbag.

[Velocivixen]

Okay, I'm continuing to modify my bag's contents based on this great information. So I got a small ziploc and put in a few various sized water resistant bandaids, antibiotic ointment (half tube I already have), put a few purse sized kleenex in there with 2 Neutrogena Sports wipes. I put the tube in a larger baggie with talc powder. I like the idea of pain relief, not sure I want loose pills floating around a bag though.
So all I need now is one more CO2 cartridge, since I only have 1.
I feel so prepared now!!

[OakLeaf]

What I need on my person goes in one of those one-cup sized ziploc bags that you get bulk herbs and spices in. Perfect size for cards and phone.

Driver's license (original - who's going to accept a copy???), insurance card, organ donor card, store loyalty cards, one credit card, at least one $20 plus at least two $1 bills for vending machines if I'm desperate for water. Phone. Car key if I've driven to ride.

This weekend I double-bagged everything. I think I'm going to make a habit of that. I had a close call with getting my phone wet a couple of weeks ago, so I'm going to be extra careful from now on.


I think a second CO2 cartridge is optional if you have a really usable pump. I carry two since my back-up pump is really for emergencies only ... it takes a LONG time to inflate a tire to a rideable pressure even at my size. But if your pump will inflate a tire in a reasonable amount of time, I think a second cartridge isn't an absolute necessity. Really, if you're not under the gun (either commuting to work or part of a club ride), CO2 isn't a necessity at all.

[kmehrzad]

Oh! I've used one of those - would not know even how they are called. They are very convenient!

I've gotten those clear resealable pouches along with fishing licenses. I believe Wal-Mart has them in the sporting goods section of their store.

[Owlie]

Let's see...my bag contains:

-2 spare tubes
-tire levers
-multi-tool (Alien XS)
-Emergency gel (don't like them, so I'm not going to be tempted to use it unless I actually need to!)
-small notebook + pencil
-a couple doses of benadryl (in their individual blisters)
-CO2 inflator plus at least one cartridge
-bandaids of varying sizes
(to add--antibiotic ointment, a few doses each of ibuprofen and Tylenol, another gel, a few dollar bills)

My wallet, shot blocks and phone fit in my jersey or Camelbak pockets.

[Velocivixen]

My CO2 pump is like a cartridge sized "gun" where the cartridge fits inside, you unlock the safety, attach to stem and pull the trigger. So it's not a "pump" in the normal sense of the word. I will take benadryl in blister packs, but what do you do about pain relief pills? I bet a small Altoids metal box might do the trick!

[goride]

Single dose pain relief tablets (Advil, Tylenol, aspirin, etc.) can often be found in a small packet about 1 1/2 x 2 inches in size, at gas station convenience stores, pharmacies (like Walgreen's or whatever chain is in your area), supermarkets, etc. I find these very convenient to carry in my underseat bag.

[Velocivixen]

@goride, that's a great idea! I'll check for those. I didn't see any at the grocery store.

@kmehrzad, I saw some fishing plastic holders for fishing licenses at REI. Great idea too.

I think I'm all set. I have a superflash blinky on the back of my bike (off the rear rack), but there is a strap across my saddle bag for another. I don't ride too often at night, but that might change as it warms up and I'm riding more. I think I might get another one.

[marni]

the small plastic wallet is called a Jimi and most bike stores carry them. I use my jimi to carry an expired drivers licence (well the address and number are still the same even though it's expired), a credit card with a low limit so if I lose it I will be out a minimal amount but at least I can cover an emergency with a downpayment, a couple of singles and a twenty for water and or food. It fits in my underseat wedge bag along with a spare tube, co2 gun and two cartridges, tire irons, compact park multi tool, a small bayer aspirin tin with a couple of aspirin, a couple of anit histamines and a couple of band aids, a small pcket knife, and an emergency gu packet. That plus two bottles, one always of plain water for drinking washing, first aid, whatever, in my jersey pocket cell phone, key, bandana, and a zip lock bag with a packet of chamois buttr, an energy bar, and a few cliff blocks.

Most of my rides are three hours but the energy bar, like the cliff bloks and gu are mostly there in case I feel a bonk coming on.

I have thought about a bento bag but decided that there wasn't quite enough space, and besides if the stuff is there where I can get at it easily, it will be easy to eat so best to do without because if I have to stop to fumble for a bar or gel, I will stop and step down long enough to drink, catch my breath, eat part of the bar, and break up the rest and put it back into my pocket for later.

This is my standard set up and has worked on local training and charity rides from 2-4 hours as well as cross rides and rides of five hours or more.

[Velocivixen]

Hey Marni, thanks for your input. I did an online search and figured out it was "Jimi". I went to several bike shops today and didn't happen to see any, but I wasn't really looking.

So you go for some of what I call "serious" rides! Nice job. My longest ride was 25 miles last weekend and we stopped and took photos, so it took just over 2 hours 40 minutes. I had snacks but didn't eat until we returned to the car. I think something like Gu or shot blocks would be advisable in an emergency. I'd rather eat real food if given a choice.

[LivetoRide]

When I got my Fizik saddle a friend let me have their Fizik clip on bag (they use a different saddle now) and even though we think it’s their medium size it’s still insanely small! I’ve managed to fit (barely):
-Lezyne multi-tool
-1 spare tube
-1 c02 cartridge and inflator
-2 tire levers (I may take one out though since I’ve only ever needed one)
-I’ll probably add a $20 bill, too.

In my jersey pockets I keep:
-Cell phone, money in a zip-lock bag (I'm going to trade the zip-lock bag for this Seal Line bag (http://www.tahoemountainsports.com/product/sealline-electronic-case-sm?sku=SEAL-ECASE-SMGN&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping))
-Gel, etc.
-Vest, arm warmers, etc. if necessary

On my wrist I wear my Road ID.

I enjoy my many longer rides, too, but have found the above to work for me.

[OakLeaf]

What's everyone's experience with putting phone plus electronic car key plus cards and cash in a dry bag and still having it fit in a jersey pocket/bouncing on climbs? Just my regular ziploc bag is borderline - I have trouble envisioning anything heavier or larger. But they're not very durable (being stretched to the gills doesn't help that a bit), and if I could do something more permanent, I'd like that.

[LivetoRide]

I currently just use a quart sized heavier duty zip-lock bag for my cell phone, cash, and ID. It works but I usually have to switch to a new zip-lock bag fairly frequently. The size small Seal Line electronic bag I want to try (linked to in my above post) will be no bigger and will be more permanent. I'd go for the Jimi wallet but I don't want / need a separate thing for my phone and the Seal Line bag would still hold everything together (cash, ID, and phone).

[OakLeaf]

Let me know how it works out. From the picture I'm skeptical that there's room in the bag for much besides the phone. I guess I could keep cash and cards in a separate ziploc bag - I'm not shy about handing soggy money to a cashier :rolleyes: and my organ donor card will dry - but it would be a lot less convenient, and at least my car key obviously has to stay pretty much bone dry.

A quart bag has to fold quite a bit to go into any of my pockets. That really does create unnecessary bulk (and wear on the bag - both at the folds, and as things shift around). As I said, I'm using the cup-sized bags.


ETA - I have one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Dry-Pak-Cell-Phone-Case/dp/B004C4YWNG/ref=pd_sim_sg_5) for kayaking, and there's no way it would come close to fitting in a jersey pocket.

[TsPoet]

I'm really surprised to see all the CO2 cartridges. I bought a CO2 pump years ago, it has sat in a drawer. I prefer the old hand pump - don't need extra cartridges, no worry about blowing a tube... yes it takes work and yes it only fills to ~80 lbs, but it gets me through every time.
Then again, I live in tackweed central and 2 cartridges is sometimes not enough.
Road Morph
http://www.rei.com/product/648089/topeak-road-morph-pump-with-gauge
My kit, other than that is just like everyone else'
-patches and superglue (Rivendell sells the best kit)
-1-2 tubes (many of my bikes have 2 different tire sizes)
-Alien multitool
-tire levers

on long (century or tours) I carry extra spokes because I was told to years ago. I'm not sure I'd know what to do with them.
I also carry glucose tabs, but that's not something most of you would need to worry about.

[OakLeaf]

As I hinted in my other post, the CO2 is pretty much a necessity if you're under a time constraint, as in commuting to work - and it's definitely a matter of politeness if you're riding with others. If I did most of my riding alone I wouldn't bother with it. A "real" pump doesn't weigh any more than CO2 plus backup pump, and that's all I carry on the commuter. It's only on the roadie that I'm usually on a club ride and have to take other riders into consideration (and waning light, on an evening ride).

[LivetoRide]

I will bump up this thread when I get around to ordering one. The quart sized zip-lock baggies are thicker plastic than any of the sandwich baggies I've tried. So, while it does need to be folded more it actually lasts longer for me.

Supposedly, the small Seal Line bag is 4"x6" and photos show an iPhone being a (somewhat close) fit. My cell phone is smaller, so I'm not too worried about things fitting inside the bag--I'm more worried as to how it'll fit in different jersey pockets. However, if I can't use it on the bike it'll still get used.

How large does the bag you have for kayaking actually measure, by the way?

[OakLeaf]

It's 4x6, but that's on the outside. The seams take up a couple of millimeters, and just general stiffness of the material keeps me from packing it too tight. The sealing edge is hard plastic.

[Velocivixen]

As a quick update I purchased a second CO2 cartridge and it's in the bag. So, other than some small sized pain relief, I think I'm good.

Thanks for all the great advice.

[goride]

Oh - two other really small and light (but handy) things I carry because they don't take up much room - a couple of zip ties and a few safety pins.

[marni]

there are also things called jersey bins, which are like thick eleastic pencil cases with a good tight zip seal. The Sag guy puts his car keys, cell phone and drivers licence in one and carries it in his jersey pocket. They are really sturdy and see throughable and are just slightly smaller than his jersey pocket so they also work well for keeping cue sheets and maps dry.

I like the zip tie and safety pin idea. another is to wrap your jimi with duct tape so you have some around for emergencies, mending torn clothing, torn skin, and I also have several various lenths velcro bands around my seat stem just in case.

marni

[marni]

So you go for some of what I call "serious" rides! Nice job. My longest ride was 25 miles last weekend and we stopped and took photos, so it took just over 2 hours 40 minutes. I had snacks but didn't eat until we returned to the car. I think something like Gu or shot blocks would be advisable in an emergency. I'd rather eat real food if given a choice.[/QUOTE]

I too would rather eat real food, given the choice, and on the cross country rides, I will always stop for lunch and a longish break. Even on rides of three hours or more I try and find a coffee shop or Mac Donalds for an iced coffee. I tend to ride the same training routes and variations locally for set distances, with bail out points for food or turning around so I know where all the real food is. Since I ride through the summer, quite often what I need is a brief period in some ac so I will hit a Mac D;s or gas station just for the ac.

Like I said, the gu and blocks are only for emergencies as they kick in quickly for a bonk, but other than that, they are just along for the ride.

keep up the good riding and enjoy the process. Any day on a bike is a good day.

marni

[LivetoRide]

there are also things called jersey bins


Hey, thanks Marni! I hadn't heard of JerseyBin. :)

[Velocivixen]

@Marni, you're a woman after my own heart regarding food. ;), but I will get some Gu or similar "just in case". I've bookmarked the page for JerseyBin and it looks like I'd have to order online. Oh well.

So I have a question regarding safety pins and zip ties, since I'll probably add them to my saddle bag. What would be typical uses of these? I'm wondering about specifics so I can figure out what size pins & ties to use.

Thanks again to everyone for their great suggestions.
BTW, I have a small "Swiss Army" type knife that would probably fit. Not sure if I'd ever need it but it could come in handy.

[goride]

I just carry "basic size" safety pins - the size they give you for race bibs when you run. I used pins once when I pulled away the corner of a jersey pocket from a shirt (maybe the pocket was overstuffed), or I thought they would be handy if I somehow managed to have a problem with a full length jersey zipper. Once we used them for temporary repair of a friends saddle bag strap (it attached with Velcro vs. clips) and kept pulling open. Used the zip ties on another friend's saddle bag when the strap broke so it wouldn't be bobbing up and down while she rode. If your shoes have laces instead of buckle or Velcro closures, a zip tie could also be used to fasten your shoe if the lace broke. Marni mentioned duct tape - definitely would be useful.

[OakLeaf]

I've used a safety pin when the zipper pull on my bootie broke. I needed something in that slot to unlock the zipper so I could take it off.

That was in my cycling bag back at the car though, I don't carry them on me.

[marni]

@Marni, you're a woman after my own heart regarding food. ;), but I will get some Gu or similar "just in case". I've bookmarked the page for JerseyBin and it looks like I'd have to order online. Oh well.

So I have a question regarding safety pins and zip ties, since I'll probably add them to my saddle bag. What would be typical uses of these? I'm wondering about specifics so I can figure out what size pins & ties to use.

Thanks again to everyone for their great suggestions.
BTW, I have a small "Swiss Army" type knife that would probably fit. Not sure if I'd ever need it but it could come in handy.

I have used zip ties to fasten a broken watch strap, reattach my garmin to the handle bar, replace a broken shoe lace, reattach a seat bag, as a lever to get a chain jammed in the rear derailleur and crank unstuck. Myriad uses.

Incidentally, duct tape is an almost instant stop and sterile closure for deep bleeding cuts, not so good on road rash, but when you slice your calf open on your crankk, definitely a god send.

marni

[kajero]

My seat bag (which is smaller than the one I had before, but broke) is a bit smaller than I like, but I am constrained because of the small size of my bike, the teeny teeny bit of seat tube I have, and the modular shape of the tubes in general.

Crankin,
I have the same issue because of the small of size my bike. What type of seat bag are you using? I'v tried about every one from the LBS here!
Thanks, K

[OakLeaf]

Hey Velocivixen, did you make that tool roll?? Or if not, what brand is it? That's very cool. What's in the pocket on the left - patch kit? Space for spare CO2 cartridge? Space for the tube?

[Catrin]

As a quick update I purchased a second CO2 cartridge and it's in the bag. So, other than some small sized pain relief, I think I'm good.

Thanks for all the great advice.

Have you had a chance to practice with the CO cartridges? I don't carry them myself, I have a pump, but my LBS has told me that if you don't practice using them that there are often problems using them when you need to. I do know that last year my pump was used fairly often on club rides by people who had problems with thier CO cartridges. My pump has two pressure settings on it so it doesn't take long at all to air up a road tire. Some carry both.

[Crankin]

Kajero, I have a Topeak seat bag. I have had several of their products, in varying sizes, on different bikes. But, the Cannondale one I had before held a lot more and still fit on my teeny bike.
Even I can use the CO2 inflator. The one I have has a button you push and it lets you release various amounts of "gas." There are also various types of cartridges and I think some are better than others (threaded vs. unthreaded). I carry 2-3 cartridges and 2 tubes.
I have never worried or obsessed about my phone or wallet... am I weird? I stick my credit card sized regular wallet and my phone in my jersey pocket and go. When I first started riding, I put them in my seat bag, but I stopped doing this when I wanted more room in my bag.

[OakLeaf]

I have never worried or obsessed about my phone or wallet... am I weird?

Nope ... either you have phone insurance, or you don't sweat like I do and don't ride when there's a chance of rain. ;) And I'm pretty sure you don't drive to ride, so you don't have a car key to worry about.

I'm totally not shy (though I am apologetic) about handing soggy bills to a cashier. And I'm confident my organ donor card and insurance card will dry without major damage. But if water got into my electronics, I could be unable to drive my car, unable to call DH to come get me with his key, and out $800 for a new car key and a new phone. I did have a close call with my phone a few weeks ago as the result of a pinhole in my bag - fortunately I removed the battery and packed it with silica gel dessicants and it dried out, but it's likely that the indicator inside my phone will show that it was exposed to moisture, and if something entirely unrelated goes wrong with my phone, it won't be covered under warranty.

I think paying a little extra attention to the condition of my ziploc bag, and taping over any holes, is worth it. :p

[soprano]

Spare tube: after having an unprotected tube go bad and leave me stranded (the 1/2" nail I took in my tire left an unpatchable gash) I've started treating spare tubes with cornstarch and encasing in a heavy quart-size bag. Normally I carry in my saddle bag a patch kit, spare tube, tire levers, allen wrench set, Swiss army knife, zip tie, and a tube of After-Bite, because I seem to run into fire ants about once a summer. Riding home with 40 fire ant bites on one foot and nothing to treat them was No Fun. I also have a Topeak Road Morph G pump that lives on the bike.

I like to keep my cell phone closer to hand than it would be in my saddle bag. If I whip it out and take a photo of misbehaving drivers, they usually can't leave me along fast enough.

I got a RoadID so I could leave my wallet at home. Ccredit card numbers are memorized.

[Crankin]

Oakleaf, I do drive to ride to some of the group rides I do in the summer, as they tend to be "beach" rides on the North Shore or even Cape Cod. I have a zippered pocket on the inside of the flap of my seat bag and that is where I put my key. I took it off my key ring long ago, since we have a keypad on the front door, and don't need any other keys.
I guess I really don't care about my phone. It's a flip phone, nothing special and I hardly use it. Also, I don't ride in the rain, unless it happens "unplanned." Last Sunday was the first time in 2 years I got rained on.

[OakLeaf]

Credit card numbers are memorized.

I honestly don't understand this, or the people who carry copies of their ID.

What store or agency will accept a copy of an ID? What store will run something off your recital of your bank card number when you're there in person? Obviously it won't work in an ATM.

Memorizing your CC number is good in case you lose it when you're away from home and need to call the issuer. It's a time saver for ordering stuff off the internet (it probably saves me entirely too much time :rolleyes:). But it doesn't do you much good out on the road ... nor does a copy of a license.

My strategy is to carry everything I need. If I'm driving to ride, I don't want to leave credit cards in the car, and it's most convenient to have my store loyalty cards in the bag as well since I almost always use the drive as an opportunity to run errands. Some stores will accept a memorized number or phone number (and those cards I don't carry), others not.

The paperwork (including the "plasticwork") stays in the ziploc always, just gets jammed into my purse when I'm not riding or running, and carrying everything.

[withm]

I honestly don't understand this, or the people who carry copies of their ID.

.

I carry a copy of my drivers license and insurance card only. Since 95% of my rides I'm alone, it's for identification when the ambulance comes to pick me off the side of the road, or to give them a starting point to prove I have health insurance. I also wear a Road ID, to provide phone numbers of emergency contact.

I can't imagine why I would need a wallet full of credit cards on a bike ride. If I'm stopping for lunch or a snack (extremely rarely) I would pay cash, and I keep somewhere between $10-20 on each bike for that reason. ATM? Well I only use that when I'm buying groceries or depositing my paycheck. Neither of which I'm likely to do via bicycle (although if that is on the agenda, I'll plan accordingly).

[Kerry1976]

I always wear my Road ID on walks, runs or rides.

[TsPoet]

I'm not sure I've seen boots listed. I also carry a piece of a tyvek envelop (received in the mail from someone random - so for free) to use as a boot if the tire itself tears. I've actually had to use a $20 bill once, because that's all I had. I've never used the tyvek envelope, but it's certainly a cheaper option. Weighs nothing and takes up no room.

[Catrin]

I carry a copy of my drivers license and insurance card only. Since 95% of my rides I'm alone, it's for identification when the ambulance comes to pick me off the side of the road, or to give them a starting point to prove I have health insurance. I also wear a Road ID, to provide phone numbers of emergency contact...

This is my practice as well - then they don't HAVE to contact Road ID to know my identity and and gets things started. Hopefully this will never be needed. I am too concerned about accidently losing my DL, and my insurance "card" is actually quite fragile and easily torn so I don't want it on the bike.

It works for me - I should probably carry more money - but where I ride there isn't any place to spend it...

[LivetoRide]

I thought I had forgotten another important thing that I carry in my saddle bag: a Connex quick link (and multi-tool w/ a chain breaker).

And for those of you that do manage to bring a bit of duct tape along (been there done that with slicing a leg open on the chainring while crashing and the duct tape idea is brilliant for that), how do you manage to bring some along?

[marni]

I thought I had forgotten another important thing that I carry in my saddle bag: a Connex quick link (and multi-tool w/ a chain breaker).

And for those of you that do manage to bring a bit of duct tape along (been there done that with slicing a leg open on the chainring while crashing and the duct tape idea is brilliant for that), how do you manage to bring some along?

I wrap my jimmi wallet in short overlapped lengths of duct tape. My son has a wallet he made of duct tape which is dis assembled if needed.

For tire boots, I too have used a monetary bill, a gu wrapper. These days I cut small 1" sections of a bad tube and then slice them lengthwise- I have been known to duct tape his small patches around a questionable tube, plus they make pretty good, flexible, boots.

[Velocivixen]

What I need on my person goes in one of those one-cup sized ziploc bags that you get bulk herbs and spices in. Perfect size for cards and phone.

Driver's license (original - who's going to accept a copy???), insurance card, organ donor card, store loyalty cards, one credit card, at least one $20 plus at least two $1 bills for vending machines if I'm desperate for water. Phone. Car key if I've driven to ride.

This weekend I double-bagged everything. I think I'm going to make a habit of that. I had a close call with getting my phone wet a couple of weeks ago, so I'm going to be extra careful from now on.


I think a second CO2 cartridge is optional if you have a really usable pump. I carry two since my back-up pump is really for emergencies only ... it takes a LONG time to inflate a tire to a rideable pressure even at my size. But if your pump will inflate a tire in a reasonable amount of time, I think a second cartridge isn't an absolute necessity. Really, if you're not under the gun (either commuting to work or part of a club ride), CO2 isn't a necessity at all.


Hey Velocivixen, did you make that tool roll?? Or if not, what brand is it? That's very cool. What's in the pocket on the left - patch kit? Space for spare CO2 cartridge? Space for the tube?

My DH bought it as a Christmas gift from a local gal who makes the tool rolls. I could find out if I researched around a bit. That "pocket" is only about 1.25" wide, so there is a flat box of "skabs" stick on patches and a tiny "multi tool" that has all sorts of allen/hex/screw driver type things on it.

[Velocivixen]

@Oakleaf, I cannot for the life of me find the name of the artist who makes the rolls. However here's an up close photo and a website of a shop in Portland who sells them and could give you the name. It's a woman in Portland who makes them.
It didn't work, so go to: http://bikeasauruspdx.com/great-gifts/

Scroll down and you will see #3 Roll Kit for storing tools $20.

[soprano]

And for those of you that do manage to bring a bit of duct tape along (been there done that with slicing a leg open on the chainring while crashing and the duct tape idea is brilliant for that), how do you manage to bring some along?

Tear about a yard of duct tape off of the roll. Starting at one end, roll it up into a small roll about the size of a cigarette.

[LivetoRide]

Thanks Marni, soprano.