What is the minimum I need to keep in my saddle bag?

[Grog]

You've received good answers there.

My rule for this is: let's say you have a flat tire (a relatively common occurence) in the boonies somewhere, or in an industrial area on the weekend, five km walk from the nearest bus stop/phone booth/friend's house etc. Let's say that your DH does not answer his phone for a moment, or that your phone for some reason doesn't work. What do you need?

Which is why I make sure that I also have some way to patch a tire if it's slashed (energy bar wrappers work well for most of those, except sidewall holes, for which only a new tire will do, and then you're really stuck, but it's a much rarer occurence).

And the skills to change my own flats. As a woman, I find this especially empowering and important. I don't want to be at the mercy of any idiot who decides he wants to "help".....

[li10up]

Having something to boot your tire is a good idea...but there is so much trash along the sides of the road around here that I could probably pull a McGuyver and put a whole bike together if I needed to (assuming I had some mechanical ability).

[susiej]

I'm klutzy and expect to fall!

I bring two large gauze pads, two large "sport" bandaids, roll of waterproof tape, anti-bacterial cream, Tylenol, Benadryl, all in a ziplock bag. Use water from a water bottle to clean off.

I've only needed it twice, but it was great to have. The most recent time was a bike buddy doing an endo (braking, turning, hit a small pothole, up over the handlebars! ) and scraping his forearms and palms before we got riding. He opted to bandage himself up and head out for the 30 miles. I'm not sure I wouldn't have bailed at that point.

[Starfish]

All good info in earlier posts. Two ideas, plus a question:

1) I wrap my phone is a small sheet of saran wrap - works great, no bulk.

2) If it is a long ride and I want to carry a bunch of stuff, I put my repair and first aid stuff in a tiny wedge that was meant to go under the seat, except I've rigged it up to go right under my stem, in front of the head tube. Also works great, and keeps the stuff out of my way when I'm digging for snacks, extra clothes, etc.

3) Question: how many of you have actually needed your chain tool, spoke wrenches...etc...the sort of "extra" or "over and above the minimum" tools? I don't carry chain or spoke tools, and have never needed them, but I always kind of wonder if I should?

[RoadRaven]

The ABSOLUTE minimum?

A fully charged cell phone...


However... I also have a tube, levers, gas cylindar pump thingy, and a laminated card with my details in it...



Starfish... I have never needed more as I have only ever had flats on the road. However, I am thinking it might be useful to carry all these extra bits for the extra weight... it would make me stronger!!!

[singletrackmind]

Starfish, I've used the chain tool on the road and trail several times, like when my rear der got toasted. Once or twice for myself, and the rest for others I've come across. Nice little bit to have and it can mean not having to hoof it back.

[Fredwina]

I've also used my chain breaker.
Have you thought about getting a Multi-tool, like a Topeak alien or Hexus? Granted, they usually don't work as well as the "full-sized" ones, but it would more compact and less stuff to forget