What do you carry with you?

[Cindyloo]

I would err on the side of getting one too big than too small! I have a medium sized seat bag on my path bike but got aggravated when I couldn't fit my cell phone, keys, and garage remote in it the other day. It also depends on what type riding you are going to do. If it is strictly going for a ride only then a medium sized bag might do. If you are going to be commuting or running errands around town then a bigger bag might be needed. Definitely bigger is better but check clearance over your back wheel also.

[kelownagirl]

Check out this link for lots of ideas!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9038

[Daggett]

Thanks for the link. Just what I needed.

[betagirl]

In my saddle bag is a spare tube and Alien tool. I have a frame pump strapped to my frame. Other than that, I don't carry much with me on shorter rides. When I commute, I use a messenger bag. Bike related items in there are locks, cleat covers, and a blinky light.

[Kano]

My saddle bag is kind of little -- it's got room for a tube and one of these multi-tool gizmos, and tire irons. I've needed the multi-tool, but not the rest of it so far, which is good, since I've changed my tire size and now the tube is for DH's bike and not mine! There's room for my garage door opener and possibly my cell phone in there if I don't want to carry anything else with me that day.

There's my Camelbak for water.

Then there's my handlebar bag for the stuff I might just want access to: camera, snack, chapstick, phone, and ID.

DH has been carrying the tire pump, but lately I've been thinking I should get one, cuz what if I'm out without him! Of course, he does not carry his spare tube, so he's up a creek too, without me along! We HAVE to get more organized one of these days!

Karen in Boise

[Kalidurga]

Pump strapped to downtube, everything else in the saddlebag:

1 spare tube
co2 cartridge w/ pumphead I've yet to fully understand how to use
levers
patch kit (need to get a small square of sandpaper)
multi-tool
1-2 handi-wipes (swiped from a bbq restaurant)
travel-size tube of ibuprofen
maps of the bike trails I ride

Since I'm starting to ride longer distances, I'd like to carry a second tube. I tend to waffle back and forth between militant minimalism and carry-the-kitchen-sink paranoia. I'm considering getting a bigger Camelbak to be able to fit the extra tube and more food!

[pooks]

I got the Carradice zipped roll:

http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/zippedroll.html

But I use mine on my handlebars. I like having something I can reach into without pretzeling 180 degrees to reach it, or get off my bike. I eventually want a saddlebag, but will get a larger one that will really hold bunches of stuff. In the meantime since I don't carry a lot with me (I'm just riding in the neighborhood) this is the way the zipped roll looks on the front of the bike:



I could easily stuff a jersey or lightweight jacket or something in it. Or a book or whatever. Right now it carries a couple of basic bike tools, cell phone, iPod, Cliffblox or Lara Bar and on this day, a bank deposit. That pic was made in the drive-through at the bank.