Carrying stuff with you on long rides

[skywalkerbeth]

Hello

How do you carry "stuff" on your longer rides?

Right now I've got a fanny pack which holds my phone, a tiny tube of sunscreen (something I got at REI - zinc oxide - small, mostly for face I think), a breakfast bar, a few dollars, etc.

It won't hold much else and for longer rides I think I'll need a banana and maybe peanut butter or something. Or just more of what I already have. Not to mention more sunscreen and something better suited for arms/legs than just the tiny tube of zinc oxide I have. Plus I have two water bottle cages and on the trail I can think of only one water fountain and it's near the beginning/end of my ride so not much help in refilling.

What do you do?

[pll]

A seat pack (http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/gear/on-your-bike/seat-packs-panniers/c0-c60-c61-c65.html) for a spare tube, levers, a patching kit, and very basic necessities (including ID, cell phone and keys), the jersey pockets for sunscreen and munchies. For a banana, I usually stop at a coffee place or convenience store or even gas station along the route.

[spokewench]

Camelbacks are good for lots of water and carrying things. They have more pockets for carrying, and more water for water if you buy one large enough. I also use a small seat bag for tire levers, co2 cartridges, and a multitool.

this plus three nice sized pockets in my jersey do it for me. That is one of my pet peeves of course with women's jerseys. Sometimes they don't have enough pockets or enough room in the pockets. Of course, I don't carry more sunscreen usually and a small one would work for me. I carry, extra jacket, (rain or warm), sometimes tights, since I live in the mountains and weather can change in a second, my tire changing stuff, with a tube in my back pocket or my camelback since tubes often get a hole in them in a small underseat bag from the zipper, extra food - a bar or two, and gels, a banana if I want, or pbj sammy, chapstick.

That's about it as I recall

[pll]

Camelbacks are good for lots of water and carrying things. They have more pockets for carrying, and more water for water if you buy one large enough. I also use a small seat bag for tire levers, co2 cartridges, and a multitool.

this plus three nice sized pockets in my jersey do it for me. That is one of my pet peeves of course with women's jerseys. Sometimes they don't have enough pockets or enough room in the pockets. Of course, I don't carry more sunscreen usually and a small one would work for me. I carry, extra jacket, (rain or warm), sometimes tights, since I live in the mountains and weather can change in a second, my tire changing stuff, with a tube in my back pocket or my camelback since tubes often get a hole in them in a small underseat bag from the zipper, extra food - a bar or two, and gels, a banana if I want, or pbj sammy, chapstick.

That's about it as I recall

Have you noticed that some jerseys have very shallow pockets? It makes me mad! In the seat pack, I put my tube into a tight fitting zip lock bag. I've never had a hole made in a tube (yet, I guess!).

[indysteel]

I use a relatively large seat bag, a top tube bag and my jersey pockets to hold what I need. Usually, I plan my routes to pass by a convenience store or gas station for extra provisions. This past weekend, DH and I did a route that we weren't sure had a store along the way, so we brought our Cambelbaks. Ouch. While I find it to be relatively comfortable on my mountain bike (and it's more upright position), I found it hard to wear by the end of our 45-mile ride. My low back was killing me. My guess is that I could get used to it, but I don't think I really want to use it for most rides.

[KnottedYet]

Rack and pannier, baby! :D

[Knot flexes arm muscles and does best Incredible Hulk impersonation]

Actually, they aren't that heavy and the convenience of having a pannier more than makes up for any extra calories I have to burn to haul it along. I can carry other people's stuff for them, too.

[Becky]

Jersey pockets for food, phone, etc. and a small seat bag for flat repair stuff.

For longer unsupported rides or any ride that requires easy camera access, I'll add my Mountain Feed Bag (http://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=2&ProductID=12).

[GingerbreadGirl]

...seat bag for tube and tools and cell phone and in this heat I have been wearing my running tanks instead of jerseys (don't have a sleeveless jersey yet) so I've been carrying a tiny drawstring nylon backpack. I freeze my second water bottle and throw that in there so my back doesn't get hot, and have my id and a snack in there. A shot blok or maybe one of those packed lunch-sized potato chips.

I am trying to figure out how to squeeze another water bottle onto my road compact... do those cages with the velcro strap really stay on? What if I reinforce with zipties?

[indysteel]

...seat bag for tube and tools and cell phone and in this heat I have been wearing my running tanks instead of jerseys (don't have a sleeveless jersey yet) so I've been carrying a tiny drawstring nylon backpack. I freeze my second water bottle and throw that in there so my back doesn't get hot, and have my id and a snack in there. A shot blok or maybe one of those packed lunch-sized potato chips.

I am trying to figure out how to squeeze another water bottle onto my road compact... do those cages with the velcro strap really stay on? What if I reinforce with zipties?

I assume you already have a cage on the seat tube. Will another cage not fit on the downtube? I have a Bontrager cage (http://bontrager.com/model/05512)on my MTB's downtube that offers a "side entry." If a standard cage won't work, you might try something like that.

[Biciclista]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215185_10150389734578047_659828046_10432257_5955304_n.jpg
first you need a lightweight rack on the back of your bike. You can hold all sorts of things there, including panniers, booster seats, etc. And you can get a little bag that ties on the back of your seatpost as well.
Another possibility is to get a little bag that hangs in front of your handlebars. Hm, I have all of that sutff.

[shootingstar]

All my bikes have a permanent bike rack. I have 4 bikes.

I carry a pannier...about 90% of the time. Whim sometimes takes me to store during a ride or I carry some raingear.

It's the only way I can carry a U-lock, given my bike geometries.

It's not a big deal to me..it's been this way since I returned to regular cycling 19 yrs. ago.

And we live a car-free life. I do have to be prepared for...anything.

I haul home toilet tissue, art supplies on top of rack, etc.

[maillotpois]

Mimi you have a lot of baggage.

:D

(From someone with a lot of baggage.)

[Owlie]

Large-ish seat bag for tubes, tools, tampon and emergency gel (and a few other things). My phone, wallet and food go in my jersey pockets, or Camelbak pockets if I'm using it.

[tulip]

I have a under-seat bag for my tools, 2 tubes, a patch kit, spare Powerbar and a tube of Nuun for emergencies. And my epipen should I get stung by a bee.

In my jersey pockets (I only buy jerseys with deep pockets), I carry a mini pump, phone, wallet and ICE information in a ziplock bag, and a Powerbar or two to eat.

Sometimes I'll attach my bento box and put my cell phone in there, maybe along with some gels or chews or dried apricots in a ziploc bag. Depends on how far I'm going. 50+ miles I use the bento for extra food.

I have two water bottles with G2. For rides longer than 30 miles, I make sure to pass by a convenience store to stock up on food and drink.

[RubyTuesday]

I struggle with this one. I have to take diabetes supplies (meter, strips, lancer) plus a cell phone, food for lows and tube and tools. I am thinking I will get a small pack on the top tube for my cell and meter and then my seat post bag can hold tools. I carry blocks or gel and starbursts in my pockets.

I have always been an over packer!

[ehirsch83]

I'm a believer that- if it doesn't fit in your jersey pockets- you don't need it.

I don't use a seat bag, they always rub on my shorts- no matter what..
tube and co2 go in a ziplock bag in my middle pocket, phone and house key in a side pocket and then gels, blocks,etc. in the other pocket. I will carry my debit card with me so I can stop at a convenience store if needed.

[AnnB]

I have a bike trunk (that fits on the rack) for my commute back and forth to work. I can fit lunch, a change of clothing, my kindle, wallet and rain poncho. I have a zippered pouch on the frame, for smaller items. And I also have a zippered basket/bag that goes on the front of the handle bars (that's removable).

[Catrin]

....Plus I have two water bottle cages and on the trail I can think of only one water fountain and it's near the beginning/end of my ride so not much help in refilling.

What do you do?

I love my Camelbak for all of my bikes and all kinds of riding. I have a 100-oz WSD model that fits me well (it does make a difference). I keep my tools in there, though I do have a very small seat-bag on the bike where my tube(s) for that bike lives. I still have plenty of room for all kinds of munchies or other stuff I might want to take along on that particular ride. Once I have it strapped on and am on the bike I do not notice the weight. I do have a quite upright riding position which probably helps with that.

Why so large a pack? My road rides are in the country where there is no place to refill water...and I just will not/do not drink enough from water bottles. My FS mountain bike is so small that I don't have room for a water bottle if I were to install a cage...and water bottles have been known to bounce off of mountain bikes anyway. I also love my not-so-mini air pump that has a tire gauge on it, and it won't fit on either my Gunnar nor Jamis - it isn't THAT big, but my bikes are indeed that small. I just use the water cages on my Gunnar to hold bottles with Hammer Heed when I need to have that with me.

On my touring bike I've rack, fenders, and a lovely Arkel Tailrider rack trunk to carry stuff.

[blue_angel]

I have a seat wedge for a spare tube, co2 cartridge, multitool and levers, and $20. In my jersey pockets I carry my cell phone and snacks (and now my digital camera, as I only just bought it). For rides of 50 miles or longer, I have a handlebar baguette bag that holds a 12 oz bottle of Gatorade, additional food, a handkerchief, sunblock, extra chami cream and another $20. I have two bottle cages on my bike, so I'm carrying 48oz regularly and 60oz on long rides. My 50+ mile ride routes all have at least one store along the way, so I can stop for extra liquids.

I've tried riding with a camelbak and a messenger bag. They both suck! I don't recommend it. I now have a lumbar camelbak for hiking, which would probably be better than the backpack camelbak, but it would interfere with accessing my jersey pockets.

[OakLeaf]

If I know I'm going to be a long way between water stops on a hot day, I'll wear my Platypus pack. I don't really like wearing it on the bike (nothing to do with fashion, everything to do with heat dissipation and weight distribution), but it beats dehydration.

It's a lot more comfortable if you loosen the shoulder straps so that most of the weight of the water rests on your hipbones, on the waist straps.


Nathan makes a couple of packs (http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/paks) designed for mountain biking. I've never tried them, but as amazingly perfectly balanced as their running vests are, I'd tend to expect the bike packs to be just as good.



I'm a believer that- if it doesn't fit in your jersey pockets- you don't need it.

Unless you need an Epi-Pen like me, or other medical supplies like RubyTuesday...

Or unless you ride in rural areas, where not having a good multi-tool could mean a LONG period of being stranded... and not carrying water could mean dehydration, because there's just no way to carry three liters in your jersey pockets and cages...

I admit I don't need a full-fledged phone on a ride, and my phone takes way more weight and space in my pocket than I like, but anyone who rides in rural areas does need *a* phone. (Anyone who rides in *really* rural areas probably needs a SPOT device, which is freakin' enormous.) I thought about getting a cheap prepaid flip phone specifically for riding and running, but decided against it. And if you drive to the start of a ride, a car key is bulky, too.

[ny biker]

I use a relatively large seat bag, a top tube bag and my jersey pockets to hold what I need. Usually, I plan my routes to pass by a convenience store or gas station for extra provisions. This past weekend, DH and I did a route that we weren't sure had a store along the way, so we brought our Cambelbaks. Ouch. While I find it to be relatively comfortable on my mountain bike (and it's more upright position), I found it hard to wear by the end of our 45-mile ride. My low back was killing me. My guess is that I could get used to it, but I don't think I really want to use it for most rides.

This pretty much sums up what I would say, except for the fact that I have no DH and I find the Camelback bothers my neck and shoulders more than my lower back.

I used to have a handlebar bag, but after a few years it was too worn and gross looking, so I ditched it and got the top tube bag instead.

BTW I'm assuming you are either in Maryland or somewhere not far from it. What trail are you riding?

[Catrin]

Osprey also makes some very nice packs for mountain biking. If I didn't already have my Camelbak I would get one, and whenever this needs .

There are so many different approaches to this, the important thing is to find what works for you!

[jobob]

I'm a believer that- if it doesn't fit in your jersey pockets- you don't need it.

I don't use a seat bag, they always rub on my shorts- no matter what..
tube and co2 go in a ziplock bag in my middle pocket, phone and house key in a side pocket and then gels, blocks,etc. in the other pocket. I will carry my debit card with me so I can stop at a convenience store if needed.


I gather you never ride when it's chilly and you might need a vest or jacket. Or when it's blazing hot and sunny and you might need more sunscreen. Or where there might not be a 7-Eleven where you need it.

DH and I sometimes ride with folks who start out saying the same sort of thing. Sooner or later we'll hear something like: "Oh gee, I have no room left in my pockets for this vest, would you mind carrying it in your bag?" or "Mind if I use your pump?" or "Got a tube I can borrow?" or "Can I have a squirt of that sunscreen?".

We make lots of friends on rides like that. ;) Part of why we tend to go out more on our own nowadays, taking care of the masses gets a bit old.

[ny biker]

I gather you never ride when it's chilly and you might need a vest or jacket. Or when it's blazing hot and sunny and you might need more sunscreen. Or where there might not be a 7-Eleven where you need it.

DH and I sometimes ride with folks who start out saying the same sort of thing. Sooner or later we'll hear something like: "Oh gee, I have no room left in my pockets for this vest, would you mind carrying it in your bag?" or "Mind if I use your pump?" or "Got a tube I can borrow?" or "Can I have a squirt of that sunscreen?".

We make lots of friends on rides like that. ;) Part of why we tend to go out more on our own nowadays, taking care of the masses gets a bit old.


Word. I did a club ride a few years ago that started at a school. While in the parking lot, I took out some sunscreen to add an extra layer on my shoulders (I always apply the first layer before leaving home, to give it time to sink in). A few cyclists who I had never met and who had started the ride from a few miles away saw me and asked to use my sunscreen. They used lots of it, then said thanks and left. Never even bothered to introduce themselves.

A couple of weeks ago while riding on a rail-trail I saw a guy with a mountain bike on the side of the trail. He asked if I had a pump or CO2 canisters I could lend to him. He'd been riding for more than 90 minutes, and apparently toward the end of his ride noticed his tire had lost air. I got several mosquito bites while standing there listening to him tell me all about his tubular tires while he used my frame pump.

On the other hand, you have the guys with all the supplies needed to fix a flat, but they're walking their bike because they don't know how to use them...

[Biciclista]

I gather you never ride when it's chilly and you might need a vest or jacket. Or when it's blazing hot and sunny and you might need more sunscreen. Or where there might not be a 7-Eleven where you need it.

DH and I sometimes ride with folks who start out saying the same sort of thing. Sooner or later we'll hear something like: "Oh gee, I have no room left in my pockets for this vest, would you mind carrying it in your bag?" or "Mind if I use your pump?" or "Got a tube I can borrow?" or "Can I have a squirt of that sunscreen?".

We make lots of friends on rides like that. ;) Part of why we tend to go out more on our own nowadays, taking care of the masses gets a bit old.

thank you. I notice you didn't mention rain coats and extra gloves. I'd hate to shove all of that into the pockets of my jerseys, it would ruin them!

[jobob]

On the other hand, you have the guys with all the supplies needed to fix a flat, but they're walking their bike because they don't know how to use them...

Eh, we all have to start someplace, these folks certainly get brownie points for having the supplies on hand. Lee and I help lots of newbies with tire changes when we're out on rides. And then we look 'em square in the eye and tell them to practice when they get home.

I'm much less likely to go out of my way to help someone who is obviously an experienced rider but who is woefully (and deliberately) underprepared.

[ehirsch83]

I gather you never ride when it's chilly and you might need a vest or jacket. Or when it's blazing hot and sunny and you might need more sunscreen. Or where there might not be a 7-Eleven where you need it.

DH and I sometimes ride with folks who start out saying the same sort of thing. Sooner or later we'll hear something like: "Oh gee, I have no room left in my pockets for this vest, would you mind carrying it in your bag?" or "Mind if I use your pump?" or "Got a tube I can borrow?" or "Can I have a squirt of that sunscreen?".

We make lots of friends on rides like that. ;) Part of why we tend to go out more on our own nowadays, taking care of the masses gets a bit old.


actually I have.

Being in Florida- I deal with the worst heat out there and in the winter it is cold enough for a jacket to start, but usually warms up- which is why, drum roll please... if the tempature is going to fluctuate from a colder temp to warmer- you can use a product like Leg Salsa- works amazing! no need for that extra layer.

If it is going to stay cold- then I will keep my jacket on. IF i need to take off arm or leg warmers or anything- it can fit into a pocket.

I also carry an inhalor, in the ziplock bag with my tube in my jersey pocket.

I spray on sunscreen before I leave- it is enough to last up to 4 hours- if not, get a new sunscreen ;)

If I flat more then once then oh well, figure out how to get home- carrying more then one tube is overkill.

I also figure out my rides with hydration- if i need to carry a 3rd bottle in my jersey pocket, I do.

Unless you are riding more then 4 hours a few gels and a bar is all you should need, as long as you fueled properly before you left.

[jobob]

thank you. I notice you didn't mention rain coats and extra gloves. I'd hate to shove all of that into the pockets of my jerseys, it would ruin them!

Ah, I just noticed, the light packer lives in Florida so she might not need to have to deal with much outerwear. ( I was writing this while EH responded)

I'm with you Mimi, I dislike carrying much in the way of clothing in my jersey pockets, about all I can tolerate is a pair of glove liners or maybe a super-light windshell.

DH and I are heading up to Mt. Shasta for the century ride this weekend, it's fully supported and the cabin we're staying is along the route (Mt Shasta resort -- does that bring back any memories, anyone? :cool:), so we won't need to carry much of anything.

After that, we might head up to Crater Lake to do a bit of camping and ride up around Rim Drive. There's next to nothing for services past the Lodge, so we'll be carrying what we need up there! :)

[sarahkonamojo]

Osprey pack for longer rides. I prefer the weight on my back rather than my bike. Not aways the most comfortable solution, but works for me.

[jobob]

I agree that carrying two tubes can be overkill (depending on the situation), but I find I'm much less likely to flat *at all* if I'm carrying two tubes instead of one. Funny how that works. :D

[jobob]

As for sunscreen:

REI sells small-to-tiny plastic bottles in their camping department, I put my sunscreen in the 1 oz. cyclinder bottle, which is very easy to carry in a jersey pocket or a small saddlebag.


Story time ..

Back in the day, I also used to carry chamois butter in one of those bottles; I labeled the sunscreen bottle with an S and the chamois butter bottle with a C.

One day I was riding up Mt. Diablo and I was experiencing chafing issues :rolleyes: so I made a quick pit stop. As I was emerging from the dark porta-potty, I glanced at the bottle. Yep, I used the bottle labeled S.

That's really putting it where the sun don't shine! :D

(oh, and it worked fine ... )

[spokewench]

I'm a believer that- if it doesn't fit in your jersey pockets- you don't need it.

I don't use a seat bag, they always rub on my shorts- no matter what..
tube and co2 go in a ziplock bag in my middle pocket, phone and house key in a side pocket and then gels, blocks,etc. in the other pocket. I will carry my debit card with me so I can stop at a convenience store if needed.

I will travel like this on the road bike sometimes, but no way on the mountain bike - I'm way too far out in the boonies for that most times.

[ehirsch83]

We are all different- that is what makes TE so great.

This just shows the different mentality of a racer/group rider verse a touring rider/ longer distance relaxed rider.

[jobob]

This just shows the different mentality of a racer/group rider verse a touring rider/ longer distance relaxed rider.

Oh, absolutely! I was looking back at some of your earlier posts and I realized you were approaching all this from a very different perspective than mine.

And heaven knows I'm a relaxed rider ... my motto is "every ride is a recovery ride"!

[soprano]

I'm always surprised that I don't see more people with handlebar bags. I have a touring-type handlebar bag with a map holder that will take everything I need for a long ride. Yes, it does affect slow-speed handling (must be careful not to overload!) but I get lost easily and I've never regretted having a real paper map and compass on hand; I dislike using a GPS because I never feel like I know where I am.

[Crankin]

I have a medium-ish seat bag. It's stuffed with 2 tubes, Co2 cartridges, anti-biotic cream, Shot Blocks, an extra Luna bar and a tube of Nuun. It expands and I can put my vest in there, or arm warmers, but those tend to go in jersey pockets.
I've saved a few people who crashed with my antibiotic cream. I carry it for when I lead rides.
Nothing else on my bike except 2 water bottle cages. At one time, when I had my Trek I had a front bag. Then, when I took it off, I noticed how much better my bike handled. Seriously, I have enough trouble cornering, I didn't need something to make it worse!
My "second" bike has a rack and pannier. But, that's the bike I don't use for long rides. I depend on DH to carry things like jackets or a big lunch, as he can fit a Carradice bag on his bike, but mine has essentially no seat tube. I've learned to dress the right way because of this.

[wackyjacky1]

I used to use a large Topeak (http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Aero-Wedge-Velcro-Large/dp/B000FIE45O) seat bag that would hold my phone, wallet, keys, extra tube, gu gels or shot blocks, etc. It was great and held everything I might need.

Then I got my Kindle. Now my Kindle goes where I go, and it doesn't fit in the seat bag. (Sometimes I like to stop for a coffee and read for a bit when I'm out on my longer weekend rides.) Enter the Toba (http://www.amazon.com/Toba-Terry-Bicycle-Trunk-Bag/dp/B004OEVG9W) trunk bag. It holds everything, including my Kindle and u-lock.

Funny thing is, I generally don't carry a purse -- I just grab my wallet and phone, and I'm good to go. For some reason I carry way more cr@p when I'm on my bike. :D

[OakLeaf]

Chamois cream in a 1/2 oz screwtop jar, sunblock in half a contact lens case. Keeps 'em distinct. :D

[spokewench]

I agree that carrying two tubes can be overkill (depending on the situation), but I find I'm much less likely to flat *at all* if I'm carrying two tubes instead of one. Funny how that works. :D

One tube, one patch kit; If I get more than one flat, I'll just patch it, with hopefully fresh glue!:D

[spokewench]

We are all different- that is what makes TE so great.

This just shows the different mentality of a racer/group rider verse a touring rider/ longer distance relaxed rider.

By the way, I've been both, a racer and a long distance/mountain bike rider; so I kind of understand both mentalities, I'm like a hybrid bike!:D

[RubyTuesday]

As for sunscreen:

Story time ..

Back in the day, I also used to carry chamois butter in one of those bottles; I labeled the sunscreen bottle with an S and the chamois butter bottle with a C.

One day I was riding up Mt. Diablo and I was experiencing chafing issues :rolleyes: so I made a quick pit stop. As I was emerging from the dark porta-potty, I glanced at the bottle. Yep, I used the bottle labeled S.

That's really putting it where the sun don't shine! :D

(oh, and it worked fine ... )

Where is the "like" button when you need one. Cute story!~

[skywalkerbeth]

Good morning!

Thanks for the tips. I do have a "flat kit" but the bag is almost full. I could probably stuff a breakfast bar inside though. I was wondering about the Camelbak on long rides. The thing is, of course, that once you buy it, it's a fair bit of money spent and you won't know how your back will feel until you use it once. A friend told me about another system that hooks directly onto the bike with a hose coming up from near the handlebars...

Is the rule of thumb "snack every 20 miles whether you need it or not"?

Who carries TP or handiwipes? I forgot to mention I carry handiwipes because the trail porta potties are disgusting. The last time I used one someone had apparently just had a major bout of diarrhea (fresh) and my gag reflex is going right now even thinking of it.

Yes, there is TP in the potties (so far) but I still feel icky when I exit...

[tulip]

Snacking: I drink a swig every 5 minutes or so. I take a bite of a powerbar every 15 minutes. It's become a habit, and I haven't come close to bonking since I started doing this. If you wait until you are thirsty or hungry, you've waited too long.

[jessmarimba]

For those of you who pocket the cell phones, do you also ziploc it? Mine gets so sweaty in my jersey pocket that I'm afraid I'm going to ruin it. So I've kind of stopped carrying it unless I'm realllly going out in the middle of nowhere (where it probably wouldn't work anyway).

The map function is helpful, but I have no one here I could call if I needed a ride, etc. and pretty much stay in populated areas where anyone could call 911. I guess I just don't see it as necessary for a ride, but my family would prefer I carry it.

[OakLeaf]

YES. After a close call this spring when a pin-sized hole worn in my ziploc bag let my phone get damp, I double-bag both it and my car key now, with a couple of desiccant packs that came in the box with electronic gizmos. Thankfully I was able to remove my phone's battery and dry it out and it's worked fine since [touch wood].

I've told this story here before, but it bears repeating. When I had my concussion, it was 1987. We were only about seven miles from a hospital and a mile from my friend's truck - not even close to "middle of nowhere." But with me lying there unconscious and no such thing as cell phones, there was no way for him to call for help. He sat with me, terrified I'm sure, for 25 minutes, until I regained enough consciousness that he felt it was the better option to leave me alone on the side of the road for a few minutes while he went for his truck. Having checked me over as best he could for spinal cord injuries, he helped me into his truck and drove me to the ER himself.

With a phone, the EMTs could've been there with a backboard long before I even regained consciousness. [With a phone, they WERE there within minutes this past December, when I didn't have a concussion, but was once again very lucky not to have broken my neck.] If I hadn't come to reasonably quickly 24 years ago, my friend would've been faced with the even more difficult choice of leaving me alone and unconscious by the side of the road, probably to drive three miles away to a pay phone to summon the EMS.

Carry it. And if you're often in cell shadow, either alone or with others in mountains (as opposed to my area, where we're often in cell shadow but it's not a terribly long walk to the top of the hill to find signal), carry a SPOT device.

[PscyclePath]

+100 for KnottedYet & Bicyclista... those guys rock it!

The bike I ride most all the time when I need to go somewhere, or off on club or training rides is a Surly touring bike with rear and front cargo racks. I usually have a Columbus rack trunk back there, but will either swap it out or augment it with panniers on a regular basis. All my goodies and comfort stuff go back there, as well as any Good Samaritan-type accessories. On both the LHT and my carbon road bikes, I carry a small Janndd handlebar bag that holds a spare tube, CO2 cartridges & inflator, flat-fixing tools, a tube of Nuun tablets, the battery & cable for my headlight, and maybe a few other small things that need to be squeezed in.

Racks, trunks and panniers are way under-rated... One of the reasons I ride my steel tourer so much more than my road or MT bike is that I've gotten spoiled by all the little comforts I can take with me on a rack-equipped bike. And it has a training benefit, having been pushing a 50-pound bike all spring and summer, when I load up for the HH 100 at the end of the month and go from the 50-pound Surly to the 18-pound (loaded) Orbea, I'm counting on that 30-pound handicap

[smilingcat]

Wow!!! Maybe I need to change my ways!

Always was and always will be a roadie

I carry my cell phone, patch kit, spare CO2 cartridge, CO2pump with cartridge, spare tube, tire "iron", about $5.00 in cash and Luna bar/banana on occasion. And it all fits in mt jersey pocket.

I guess I'm not as prepared as some here :o

[maillotpois]

It totally depends for me on how long the ride is and what it is (supported/non-supported, remote, etc.).

Every ride: saddle bag with tools, 2 tubes, CO2, phone, money. Food and extra clothes if needed in jersey pockets.

For most of my rides as long as a double century, supported or not, I really don't carry much more than that.

Brevets over 300k: the whole shebang. Handle bar bar or trunk bag. I now have a rack and trunk bag with small panniers, but before I used a handlebar bag. Almost all our brevets that long are in pretty remote areas and they're all unsupported. 3 - 4 tubes and a pump as well as CO2. For a 600k, I bring an extra pair of shorts and long rain pants and a jacket, even if its not raining, for warmth. Back up lights and bulbs.

It also depends on the company: I just did a 30 miler with my daughter (her longest ride in her new bike with clipless) and I brought my brevet bike with a trunk bag with extra clothes, food, etc. We didn't end up needing any of it, but it was good to have in case and I really didn't care about the weight.

[Biciclista]

:p thanks psyclepath.. You said what I didn't think of.. The little COMFORTs of being able to carry stuff.
I can carry a first aid kit without having to put it in my pocket. I don't know about anyone else here, but I've LOST stuff that i put into my pockets, they are behind me and sometimes stuff gets pulled out when i am getting other stuff.
On longer rides, I often carry extra gloves, hats, little things like that are truly for comfort; not really necessary; but they sure help!

[TxDoc]

I just stuff what I need in the jersey pockets. Most of the time it is food, phone/wallet, car/house key, sunscreen, and sealant with CO2. On really long rides I stuff an extra tubie in the pocket just in case. If I ride clinchers I bring a spare tube instead of the sealant.
When it's cold at the start and then it gets warmer, I roll up jacket and gloves and tuck them in one of the waterbottle cages, or if both cages are occupied I stuff those in the back pockets too.

A few years back I tried a seat bag for a while, but it did snag a couple of bibs, and I never really saw the benefit of using it, so I decided to take it out. Never missed the thing.

Mimi I loved your picture of the bike with the rack!

[Becky]

For those of you who pocket the cell phones, do you also ziploc it? Mine gets so sweaty in my jersey pocket that I'm afraid I'm going to ruin it. So I've kind of stopped carrying it unless I'm realllly going out in the middle of nowhere (where it probably wouldn't work anyway).

I just bought a couple of these (http://www.jerseybin.com) in the smaller sizes for our phones. I'll post a review once they arrive...

[Catrin]

Since I use a hydration pack, there is a pocket inside of a pocket where I store my phone. No fast access, but I don't have to worry about it getting wet - or dropped...

[Crankin]

I've been caught in 2 torrential downpours in the last month and my unzip- locked phone was fine. So was DH's I phone.
It's all personal preference, but I don't mind stuffing my jersey pockets or my seat bag, which is not huge, but bigger than the average roadie's. I would have a bigger bag if my bike could handle it, or at least a bigger one I could use for the occasions that warranted one. I have been slightly annoyed at some of the group rides I have done (this is a purely social group with good riders who always include a lunch stop) when we stopped someplace to get food and then actually had to carry it to a different location to eat, like a park. Well, there I was with a huge paper bag full of a sandwich and drink, it was 90 degrees out and we were on Cape Cod in summer traffic. I had to ask someone to carry for me and I felt terrible. If they had warned me, I would have worn my Camelbak.

[lauraelmore1033]

I like to use a freebie drawstring bag from the Cycle the Wave ride on long rides. I probably carry too much stuff, and I'm getting better about that, but the wide variations in temp/precip throughout the day make it a necessity in my book. It is light and comfortable I must say, so I can't see a reason not to wear it. The bag also makes me recognizable on various organized rides and such. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. If I ever do something stupid/jerky on on one of those rides I'll have to look for a new bag...

[sfa]

I've got a small seat bag with an extra tube, patch kit, etc. For most rides I just have that and stick my i.d., phone, and a snack of some sort in my jersey pockets. But I also have a rack on my bike so for longer rides I attach a trunk bag to hold more food, a jacket, lock, or anything else I need. For commuting, I use a larger pannier to hold whatever I need for the day.

Sarah

[JuneHawk]

On my road bike, I have a medium sized saddle bag in which I carry a spare tube, CO2 canister, CO2 pump and tire leavers. In the pockets of my jersey I carry my phone, car keys if I drove to the start or my garage opener if I rode from home, a small ZipLock bag with a credit card, my drivers license and a copy of my insurance car, and snacks and/or gels.

On my tri bike, I carry everything in my jersey pockets. I have a behind the saddle hydration system so no bag there. I could get a bento box but I haven't for some reason. It doesn't bother me to carry stuff in my pockets.

[RubyTuesday]

I struggled with space in my seat pack for all of the small things I carry. I finally got a Bento Box on the top bar and that solved my problems. I carry because of Diabetes a Meter, strips and lancet device and some type of granola bar, sugar or candy for low blood sugar. I also carry a spare tube, patch kit, small dual chamber pump in my pocket, tire levers and C02. My cell phone and my diabetes supplies go in the Bento Box, my flat tire stuff goes under the seat and my small blackburn pump goes in my jersey pocket.

[skywalkerbeth]

What is this bento box many have mentioned? I've heard. It in the context of food...

[ny biker]

Well this is the one I'm using these days:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1493734.html

I like it because it has a rain cover and you can never have enough reflective stripes on your bike.

But many manufacturers make them now, with differences in style and size. Like this for example:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFB_840200.html.

[skywalkerbeth]

Thanks! Can you get a cell phone and keys in there? Along with the food... I'm going to have to take my fanny pack off, I think. But when I ride longer rides, twill be tough to carry all I need.

[ny biker]

I keep my phone, inhaler and a pocket pack of tissues in it, plus a pair of lighter lenses for my sunglasses. I can also fit a couple of packets of gu.

I use my seat bag for keys, jimi wallet, teeny bottle of hand sanitizer, tampon, spare tube, tire levers, band aids, mini tool, and more gu. Plus my cleat covers if I need them.

I hate having things in my pockets when it's hot, so I generally only keep the chapstick there, and maybe more gu if I need it for a long ride. My pump is on my frame next to the water bottle.

[azfiddle]

I'm a pretty light packer. I have 3 seat bags, but usually use the medium one. I carry a tube, sometimes 2, and the rest of the kit (CO2 cartridges, etc). I keep a couple of bandaids, sometimes a single-use sunscreen packet.

In my jersey pockets: cell phone, a few bucks, debit card, a few sticks of gum, and some snacks: usually shot blocks, Luna bar. Sometimes a Nuun tablet wrapped in foil, or a plastic baggie with powdered electrolyte mix.

I sometimes use a Bento bag, but have had some bad experiences with getting my shorts damaged from the velcro. On my longer rides, I have carried extra energy bars, a bag of fruit and nuts, GU in the Bento bag or in my pockets. I sometimes carry a small camera or mini-binoculars in the bag or in my pockets. If I need more food than that, I'll buy it on the way (a banana, a gatorade, etc)

Rarely do I need a lot of extra layers even in the winter, but I am able to pack arm warmers in jersey pockets. I can usually get away with wearing a pair of running knickers over my shorts and if I need to, can roll them up and put them into my larger seat bag.

[WindingRoad]

Those Fuel Belt (size large) Bento box will fit lots of stuff. They are super useful. The other thing that is perfect for phones are snack bags! Just the right size to fit an iPhone and you can still use it through the bag :)

[Hi Ho Silver]

Okay, here is the ultimate way to carry all the crap you need for a long ride: http://pictureisunrelated.memebase.com/2011/08/06/wtf-photos-videos-seems-heavy/

Jean

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi

I went to the LBS last night and looked at the Bento boxes. The ones they had looked REALLY small. I could maybe get my phone and keys in there, possibly a contact lens case with sunscreen. No banana, maybe a gel pack.

I bought a bigger saddle pack. The one that came with the flat kit is fine for the kit but not a lot else. "Aero wedge pack large". By Topeak.

I am going to try just that, this wkd, and, if I still need room for more I'll get the Bento and just keep food and nothing else in it. That might be the best.

[buffybike]

A seat pack (http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/gear/on-your-bike/seat-packs-panniers/c0-c60-c61-c65.html) for a spare tube, levers, a patching kit, and very basic necessities (including ID, cell phone and keys), the jersey pockets for sunscreen and munchies. For a banana, I usually stop at a coffee place or convenience store or even gas station along the route.

this.

[KatzPajamas]

A seat pack (http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/gear/on-your-bike/seat-packs-panniers/c0-c60-c61-c65.html) for a spare tube, levers, a patching kit, and very basic necessities (including ID, cell phone and keys), the jersey pockets for sunscreen and munchies. For a banana, I usually stop at a coffee place or convenience store or even gas station along the route.

This is basically how I travel too. I eat my Cliff bar right before I head out the door. There's always somewhere to stop and get a snack. If we plan a long ride, we incorporate that stopping place into plan. Here is a link to the Timbuk2 seat pack that I use. http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/search-results/lightbright-seatpack Google cycling seat pack and you will be amazed at the number of choices that are out there! :cool: