What are your "must haves"?

[Vireo]

It's bike riding food. That and fig newtons.

Hmmm, in my seat bag I have:

2 spare tubes, 1 700c and 1 24"
patch kit
multi-tool
ball wrench
compact screwdriver
tire pressure gauge
spare stem
spare stem caps
tire levers
small pack of bandaids and antibiotic cream


In my camelbak-equivalent:
Driver's license
cell phone
bike lock
maps
glasses
money
debit card
keys
foodal items - dates, raisins, butterscotch, bananas, PB crackers
water IN the camelbak-equivalent reservoir
SPF 45 chapstick
If the ride is > 50 miles

• extra bottles of propel
• extra bike shorts
• rain gear
• extra gloves
• spare 24" tire (lashed to my rear rack)
• sample size sunscreen (for touch-up)

on the bike:
the seat bag
frame pump (Topeak Morph)
however many water bottles will fit under the frame pump (usually one large, one small) containing watered down gatorade or propel
Cyclometer (I forgot that one, LOL!)

On my person:
helmet
hair band (and I DON'T mean an 80's glam rock musical combo)
gloves
sunglasses ($10 from the hardware store, basically tinted safety glasses)
bike shoes (in the hopes that some day, I WILL clip in again)
The camelbak-equivalent of course
Slather up with sunscreen which usually lasts 'til the end of the ride

Things I'm going to add because I have them now and didn't use to:
digital camera
digital video camera if multi-day (slightly larger than the still camera)
spare cell phone battery, fully charged and in a heavy duty ziploc bag

Things I'm going to add after reading other people's lists:
Magnifying glass

At the risk of getting my head chopped off I would like to express my views on some of the things on your list. I wish for you to take it only as my perspective from riding a minimum of 12,000 miles a year in racing and training most of it in very remote areas.

Some things happen on a bike that are freak happenings and may NEVER happen again or at the very least are less likely to repeat. For example, one day I had 5 flats. In my 20 plus years of riding that had never happened to me before nor has it happened since (last summer)

My intent is not to reduce the weight of your gear although that will happen. Quite the contrary, I have a term for the over-packing of "must haves" I call it the Linus Blanket Syndrome. Leave it behind you really don't need all of it.


2 spare tubes, 1 700c and 1 24"
patch kit
multi-tool
ball wrench
compact screwdriver COMBINE ALL OF THESE INTO ONE MULITOOL
tire pressure gauge TRULY UNNECCESSARY
spare stem FOR YOUR H-BARS? OR VALVE STEM? LEAVE IT BEHIND
spare stem caps USELESS-- STEM CAPS DON'T DO ANYTHING I HAVE NEVER USED THEM
tire levers
small pack of bandaids and antibiotic cream DEBATEABLE BUT YOUR RIDES ARE SHORT ENOUGH YOU CAN WAIT TO GET HOME TO DO THAT. IF YOU ADOPT A SPORT DRINK YOU CAN USE THAT TO RINSE YOUR WOUND. SUGAR IS A NATURAL ANTISPECTIC.

In my camelbak-equivalent: YOUR RIDES ARE SHORT ENOUGH YOU DON'T REALLY NEED A CAMELBACK
Driver's license
cell phone
bike lock: ARE YOU COMMUTING OTHERWISE MY BIKE NEVER LEAVES MY SIGHT. I WALK IT INTO GROCERY STORES UP AND DOWN THE AISLES OR EAT AT BIKE FRIENDLY PLACES ONLY
maps CAN YOU SORT THIS OUT BEFORE YOUR RIDE?
glasses
money
debit card
keys
foodal items - dates, raisins, butterscotch, bananas, PB crackers
water IN the camelbak-equivalent reservoir
SPF 45 chapstick
If the ride is > 50 miles
[LIST][*]extra bottles of propel HARDLY ANY NUTRITIONAL VALUE FIND A SPORT DRINK

[*]extra bike shorts WHY? GOOD PAIR OF SHORTS HAVE ENOUGH DENSITY AND MEMORY FOR AT LEAST A CENTURY. ON MY CENTURY PLUS TRAINING RIDES I DON'T TAKE EXTRA SHORTS. EVEN AT THE FURNACE CREEK 508 (508 MILES NON STOP) I DON'T CHANGE MY SHORTS BUT ONCE-- MAYBE TWICE MAINLY TO GIVE VISIBILITY TO MY SPONSORS WITH DIFFERENT KITS.

[*]rain gear

[*]extra gloves ROUGH IT A LITTLE -- YOU ARE ON A BIKE

[*]spare 24" tire (lashed to my rear rack) ALL YOU NEED IS A TIRE BOOT NOT A COMPLETE TIRE

[*]sample size sunscreen (for touch-up)

on the bike:
the seat bag
frame pump (Topeak Morph)
however many water bottles will fit under the frame pump (usually one large, one small) containing watered down gatorade or propel
Cyclometer (I forgot that one, LOL!)


On my person:
helmet
hair band (and I DON'T mean an 80's glam rock musical combo)
gloves
sunglasses ($10 from the hardware store, basically tinted safety glasses)
bike shoes (in the hopes that some day, I WILL clip in again)
The camelbak-equivalent of course
Slather up with sunscreen which usually lasts 'til the end of the ride

Things I'm going to add because I have them now and didn't use to:
digital camera
digital video camera if multi-day (slightly larger than the still camera) MOST "STILL" DIGITAL CAMERAS SHOOT VIDEO GET A BIGGER MEM CARD YOU CAN SHOOT UP TO 2 HOURS OF VIDEO
spare cell phone battery, fully charged and in a heavy duty ziploc bag: IS THIS FOR MULTI-DAY TRIPS OR ALWAYS?

Things I'm going to add after reading other people's lists:
Magnifying glass: IF YOU WEAR GLASSES OR NEED THEM FOR READNG THEN BRING -- READING GLASSES.

Now please this is not a hostile post. I just think you are planning for every eventuality and I truly believe you just don't need so much stuff. Even on my unsupported brevets of 600km (375 milers) I don't take half of the stuff you are taking with you on your 50 milers.

Additionally, while I believe there should be a "safe" place to post your concerns there should also be the attitude of "If I post something that is just silly can you girls set me straight?"

[maillotpois]

+1 on everything Vireo said.

That being said, I know EVERYONE will have different needs on their bike for rides of 10 - 375 miles. So everyone's list will be different and that's fine. We can all agree to take different approaches to riding and what we believe is essential on the bike.

I have learned a lot about what is and is not essential on every long ride I have done. On my 600k brevet I brought WAY too much food. In fact that's a lesson I still didn't learn at last weekend's double century - I brought WAY too much. After a learning experience ride like that, I take some notes on what did and did not work, what I need next time and what I should leave home.

Here's my list of what is ON my bike for any ride over 60 miles:

2 bottles (2 scoops each SE and power bar endurance)

Garmin

Seat bag: 2 tubes, 3 CO2s plus CO2 filler (what the heck do you call that??), 1 tire lever, 1 multi tool, snack size baggie containing (1) small rolled up piece of duct tape (probably 5" of tape and MAN has that come in handy on brevets) and (2) 3 zip ties.

In the Jersey Pockets: snacks, baggie with cell phone, ID and cash, short finger gloves if it is cold when I start and I think it will warm up.

If the rides get longer and more remote, I start to pack more food, specifically baggies with drink mix in them. On my 600k brevet, I did pack extra shorts and used them happily, but this was the only time I did that. (I also packed and used my rain pants on that ride, more for warmth in the wee hours, though it also did rain).

[ZenSojourner]

Oh shoot, now I'm going to have to add some duct tape!

I never wear a jersey, hate 'em - if I were thin enough I'd be embarrassed to wear something that tight, and since I'm fat, I'm still embarrassed to wear something that tight, LOL!

So no pockets for me. Everthing goes in the seat bag or in my camelbak-equivalent pack. Unless it's lashed to the rear rack.

[Vireo]

All this talk of essentials on a ride has given me an idea for my website. I will compile some of the good ideas and make kits based on mileage.

[SadieKate]

maps CAN YOU SORT THIS OUT BEFORE YOUR RIDE?
extra gloves ROUGH IT A LITTLE -- YOU ARE ON A BIKE
Magnifying glass: IF YOU WEAR GLASSES OR NEED THEM FOR READNG THEN BRING -- READING GLASSES.

On my gawd. I must be so uncool because I carry a magnifying glass and extra gloves when I'm mtb-ing. The magnifying glass takes up much less space and enlarges contour lines on topo maps far better than reading glasses, especially when you already are wearing corrective lenses. Matter of fact, I'm going to put one in my road bike bags because, hey, it takes up less space that the recommended reading glasses.

An extra set of dry gloves when it's snowing can mean non-frostbitten fingers. I even carry extra gloves up long mountain climbs on my road bikes because dry gloves descending can be more effective than a jacket. We each have our own weak points for staying warm. For me it's gloves. I know jobob likes her neck warm. Carry what you need to.

Then all of us carry maps cuz there's nothing like getting lost in the back of beyond out of cell phone range. I guess some of us like to ride new routes and trails, to see new territory. Or perhaps just like the assurance when they're in the back of beyond on a route that they can only ride a couple times a year that they're taking the right turn.

Too each his or her own opinion, but can you not shout it (ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING ON THE WWW) because it makes you sound like the proverbial sneering lycra-clad racer. I truly don't think you intend that at all. You don't strike me as that type, so perhaps no shouting?

[Vireo]

maps CAN YOU SORT THIS OUT BEFORE YOUR RIDE?
extra gloves ROUGH IT A LITTLE -- YOU ARE ON A BIKE
Magnifying glass: IF YOU WEAR GLASSES OR NEED THEM FOR READNG THEN BRING -- READING GLASSES.

On my gawd. I must be so uncool because I carry a magnifying glass and extra gloves when I'm mtb-ing. The magnifying glass takes up much less space and enlarges contour lines on topo maps far better than reading glasses, especially when you already are wearing corrective lenses. Matter of fact, I'm going to put one in my road bike bags because, hey, it takes up less space that the recommended reading glasses.

An extra set of dry gloves when it's snowing can mean non-frostbitten fingers. I even carry extra gloves up long mountain climbs on my road bikes because dry gloves descending can be more effective than a jacket. We each have our own weak points for staying warm. For me it's gloves. I know jobob likes her neck warm. Carry what you need to.

Then all of us carry maps cuz there's nothing like getting lost in the back of beyond out of cell phone range. I guess some of us like to ride new routes and trails, to see new territory. Or perhaps just like the assurance when they're in the back of beyond on a route that they can only ride a couple times a year that they're taking the right turn.

Too each his or her own opinion, but can you not shout it (ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING ON THE WWW) because it makes you sound like the proverbial sneering lycra-clad racer. I truly don't think you intend that at all. You don't strike me as that type, so perhaps no shouting?

My apologies about the caps I wanted my comments to stand out from Zen's copied post. I was not shouting.

My assumptions were based on a moderate temperature day. Obviously rain, snow or any type of inclement weather carries with it its own requisite gear.

By the way, I will admit I am totally clueless about MTB'ing and getting "lost" on purpose for the adventure. I have spent plenty of time in the "bush" in my 12 years in the Marine Corps and maps was vital to my survival.

I will be carrying a map and compass for Trans Iowa.

[Delta7]

I had a mechanical on today's ride. Fortunately, since I keep a pair of disposable gloves in my bag, I did not get grease on my hands nor on my cool new Luna gloves !

[jobob]

All this talk of essentials on a ride has given me an idea for my website. I will compile some of the good ideas and make kits based on mileage.

Glad we were of assistance.

[salsabike]

All this talk of essentials on a ride has given me an idea for my website. I will compile some of the good ideas and make kits based on mileage.

Actually, that's a pretty cool idea. If you are willing, please let us know if you really do put that together and put it up on your site.

[crazycanuck]

+1! Vireo(Can well call you george?) do you just have info on roadie stuff or mtb stuff as well on your training site?

In terms of a roadie ride-I just carry a phone, change, id & keys in my little ground effect wallet thing. If i'm doing 50km+ I'll just have a baggie with my drink stuff & fill up at at the beach(the pee stop) plus a couple of clif blok packages.

Mtn biking-Ground Effect hydration pack with phone & id, sock with co2 cartidges w little pump top thing, multi tool & a gu or raisins or whatever else I choose.

Sk-thanks for the coolio seat like Madame Snap has.

Oh, Jobob-why not have leebob toast the old bagels?

[cylegoddess]

I would like to add my two cents!

I agree with Zen, as to me - a 20 mile ride IS LONG. Im frail, still and although I would love to be able to get by with a banana and a bottle of electrolytes, it takes me a while to cycle that. I cant eat at cafes due to allergies so have to carry food stocks, like Im riding bush rides.

My work commute is about 45 - 50 min ( about 25 km) but I add for that( Im a pack rat linus person anyhow!)

codeine ( I get migraines too)
sunscreen( a nifty tiny tube, for lips ears and nose, as we have high skin cancer here)
contact lens solution( as my eyes turn bright red and scare the cafe people without it.)
a towel( to shower before work)
whatever work clothes I need
wallet( with too much crap in it.)

So its pannier time.

I do agree with the race chick, less can be good. Im working on that!
but I think taking bike into shops is a no no here( as much as I like the idea of not letting it out of my sight) the Mall is gonna have other ideas, sadly.( I mean , why shouldnt I take my bike? People take their prams, and wheelchairs but I digress..) A lock is essential sometimes. I do admire someone who breaks the non bike barriers, good on ya!
I dont carry patches, rather tubes as my best riding bud, said - those dont work so well for road bikes. Besides tubes are cheap.
Sadly, I get cold, even in summer so I am always carrying around heaps of clothes I am shedding and re-wearing, Its annoying but from a virus so cant be fixed. I was once insulted by a cycle shop mech who sneered at my pile of jumpers in a pannier , on a 28 km ride. I had a two hour wait,later at a friends and wore them all later that day. I would love to be someone who sets off like those gorgeously fast riders in packs that whip around in shorts and a jacket, on frosty mornings( and ride my commute in like 25 minutes!)

I also had a handsome guy rider give me a spare tube cap. People who have spares rock, if your one of them, I love you! I have ADD and I KNOW someday I will lose my rear ,even clutching it with both hands so someday, I may need you kind people!
And racers, someday I hope to be like you . Lean,mean riding machines with a banana and bottle of water( and NO BAGS!)

[SadieKate]

Sk-thanks for the coolio seat like Madame Snap has.

I forgot I sent that to the crazy lady down under.

All the long road rides around here have no food and water for purchase, so I started using my Detours High Tail more frequently and got very spoiled by not having all that weight in my jersey (not to mention I can actually pull something out of a pocket while riding). Love the thing. This coming from someone who was raised in a culture to use only tiny bike bags, your pockets and short white socks.

And I noticed DeTours now has tres cool new recycled bags. Hmm, I have a new mixte still be to be accessorized for maximum around town shopping expeditions.

[maillotpois]

I read the all caps as him trying to differentiate what he wrote from the post he was quoting.

[SadieKate]

I read the all caps as him trying to differentiate what he wrote from the post he was quoting.

Yeah, but my hackles were going up and I realized that it was the all caps - and that the "shouting" was probably completely unintentional.

My forum options include bold, italics, underline, font size, font color, etc., not to mention just using quote tags (that little icon that looks like a square cartoon bubble). Lots of ways to differentiate.

[Heifzilla]

I love all the replies so far

It's interesting to see what is a "must have" for one person is something completely irrelevant to another. I do think it also really matters what, where, and how you ride: a road racer isn't going to need the same stuff that a mountain biker will. And someone that does extremely long endurance-type rides into very remote/uninhabited country isn't going to need the same as someone who rides in very urban/suburban environments.

The idea is to see what everyone needs and then take into consideration your own needs For someone like me, who is just really starting out riding at any real length, it's great to look through these and say, "Hmm. I never would have thought of that, that is a great idea!" or "Hmm, I don't think I'd ever need that because it just doesn't apply to the way/place/length I ride."

IMO, the most important thing you can carry is an ID and a cellphone. The ID in case you get hurt, and the cellphone because it means help is just a call away

Thanks for a really great thread