What do you carry and how do you carry it?

[tjodit]

I was wondering if the road riders out there wore backpacks to carry their gear...or is that only "allowed" for mtn. bikers? Yes, I'm a newb. If you don't, what do you carry and how do you carry it? I want to carry a CO2 pump, tube, patch kit, tools, cell phone, gel, id, money, jacket if it looks like rain...I'm probably forgetting something. How do you carry all this stuff if you don't wear a hydration pack/backpack? Right now I have a seat bag but I can't fit all my stuff into it. I'd rather not wear my camelbak on the road...it gets hot here in Texas.

[Eden]

You are allowed to do what ever you feel comfortable with- no matter what anyone else thinks! Don't ever let anyone try to make you feel bad for riding the way you want to.

Personally I carry a spare tube, a mini pump, an even smaller co2 inflator, a patch kit, a park multi-tool, cash, cards and ID, food (bars & gels) and sometimes a little spare clothing (usually just arm/leg warmers). I can usually fit everything in my seat bag and back jersey pockets and sometimes I use a bottle cage carrier if I don't think I need two bottles to drink. I used to carry more, but I've found that I don't miss the stuff I leave home now.

If you want to carry a fair amount of stuff, but don't want to use a backpack you could get a number of different bags, some need a rack and some don't.

Handlebar bags can hold a small amount of stuff and usually have a map pocket on the top, but you need to be careful you don't overload them or they affect the your bike's handling.

Trunk racks usually need a rear rack to hold them up, but will hold a bit more than handlebar bag and won't affect your handling. Rivendell sells some rear bags that mount to the seat and can be used without a rack or with minimal support - they sell a stiff loop that attaches near the seat.

Panniers can hold a lot of stuff and need a rack to mount to. They are a good choice if you need to haul a lot of stuff (like a trip to the grocery store) or if you plan to do any overnight touring.

[Running Mommy]

Like Eden said.. Do what works for you. Even though I also live in a HOT area (AZ) I use a camelbak. I can't remember the exact model but it's almost the size of a Mule. I have a small pump- not CO2- that I carry in the "pump port" pocket on the outside of the camelbak. It's pretty long so it sticks out, but I really don't care. I can't put a frame pump on my bike so it's my compromise. I also carry a spare tube, levers, patch kit, small first aid kit, gel, ID,cell phone, and Benadryl (I'm allergic to bees),a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets, and the all important tube of Aquaphor to relube as neccesary.... ahmm.
WoW! When I think about it that sounds like alot, but it all fits in there pretty nice. Lets just say I don't like to be un prepared! And I've used my little first aid kit more than once for OTHER cyclists who have crashed.
basically do what works for you. But like a good scout I say- be prepared! If you have it, chances are you won't need it!!

[maillotpois]

I travel pretty light, I think:

Small seat bag: 2 tubes, 3 CO2 cartridges plus CO2 dispenser (what do you calll that thing?), multi tool, 2 tire levers, a couple cut up pieces of old tire to use as boots if needed, insurance card, $5.

Jersey Pockets: cell phone and money/ATM card in a baggie, food (amount and type depends on length of ride. For a ride under 50 miles, I usually don't bring any food.), short finger gloves if I start with long, any discarded clothing, rain jacket (if it looks threatening)

For a double century, long self-supported ride or Death Ride I _may_ bring a camelback. I usually don't. I have stopped using the Bento box unless the ride is long and flat (like this race I do in Tucson every year) as it really throws off my standing climbing.

[Nanci]

http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/

What about something from this page? I ordered the candy bar bag, which seems like it is NEVER going to get here. But one of the seat bags would be big enough, maybe the banana bag?

It just feels so good to get the Camelback off my back, I can't even imagine going back.

My basic setup is a small seat bag with a couple tubes, multi tool, quick stick tire tool on the back, and Bento Box for cell, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, and my camera or an energy bar on the top tube. I can only fit one bottle on my frame. Topeak Road Morph (tiny) frame pump. That stuff satys there and never changes or gets removed.

Then I have a Topeak Seatpost rack, quick release. I have a small bag and a big bag with zip out panniers with side supports that will hold up to 20# of stuff. I use that for very long rides, but the small bag is enough to holds plenty of stuff for any ride up to 100 miles. I am really happy with that system. I don't take the rack off, ever, and it has bungie straps that could hold a lot of clothing as you warm up. Or a rain jacket just in case. Or a ziplock with snacks.

But I wanted more stuff to be more accessable without stopping, because I felt like I wasn't eating enough on long rides because I didn't want to stop, but couldn't fit enough of a variety in my Bento box, and then someone here suggested a handlebar bag, which I am anxious to try out! And I think that might be good for Centuries, too, and I won't feel like I shouldn't be taking my camera, etc. because of space.

Nanci

[CorsairMac]

on long rides I wear a Camelbak and I carry everything in it. I don't really care what people think - I live alone and have no one to sag for me so if I don't carry it and need it - I'm out of luck. Also, with our heat here in NM, my 100 oz camelback can be pretty light by the time I get home. I also carry my extra water bottles (full) there in case I "can't" get to a convenience store for some reason during the ride. everything=spare tube, spare co2 cartridges, cell phone, food, extra electrolyte packs, tea bags, tire levers, leatherman, garage door opener, 2 full extra water bottles, empty baggies (for trash), bandaids.

[Aint Doody]

Don't overlook what maillotpois said about that insurance card--a photocopy works well. I also carry a photocopy of my drivers license, too.

I have removed my handlebar bag, and my bicycle handles much, much better. I think sometimes I was carrying way more than I needed.

[Trekhawk]

I have a large seatbag that I carry my spare tube or two ( depending on ride length) tools, co2 x 2 ,co2 pump, small patch kit, small first aid kit, money and keys.

I have a bento box which I use for food and phone (and maps if I need them ).

I wear my ID around my neck and anything else goes in my jersey pockets.

I also have a pump on my frame.

My husband often laughs at me for the amount of gear I take but it makes me feel confident that I can cope with most situations.

I was glad for my small first aid package when I was stung by a bee on my first organized ride - wiped down the sting with stingoes and away went the pain and so did I to finish the ride happy.

[Duck on Wheels]

I use a camelbak. I can't remember the exact model but it's almost the size of a Mule. (...) small first aid kit, gel, ID,cell phone, and Benadryl (I'm allergic to bees), a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets, and the all important tube of Aquaphor to relube as neccesary.... ahmm.
WoW! When I think about it that sounds like alot, but it all fits in there pretty nice.

This thread is SO helpful! I've been mentally listing things, then striking some off to save weight. I almost forgot the adrenalin injection kit I too am allergic to bees, but haven't been stung for so many years now that I keep forgetting to carry it. Won't do me much good if it's home in the fridge!

Otherwise, I plan to carry everything in my hydration pack (REI Cascade, women's model, holds 3 liters!). Water in the pack, pedeolyte in a bottle in the cage, small repair kit, spare tube, small pump, cell phone, emergency cash, emergency ostomy pack, sun factor ... which leaves plenty of space to stow a layer of clothing if I need to strip some off as the day and my body heat up. Anything I'm forgetting? Anything I can leave in the car?

[bcipam]

I'm a Camelback user so that solves alot of problems but I carry a spare tube, tire irons and a small Park tool kit in a small under seat bag. I carry my cell phone and keys in a BENTO BAG. If you are unfamiliar with them, google Bento Bag. It's a rectangular shaped bag that sits behind the head/steering tube on the top bar. The large size (which isn't that large) is perfect for phone and keys, or a small digital camera, or fig bars etc.

PS: I stopped carrying CO2 a long time ago - too much hassle . I always carry 2 spare tubes (taken out of the square cardboard boxes and placed in plastic bags with talcum powder), tire irons (just two) the small tool kit in the seat bag and a Road Morph pump by Topeak that I carry in the pump port of the Camelback. I almost always also have some GU or a Balance Bar, some medical supplies such as bandages, and alcohol pads, personal ID, some money - all "just in case." I use a smaller Camelback for the road and a larger one for mountain biking.

[bikerchick68]

I don't wear a Camelback... mainly because I get really, really hot if my back is covered with it... I tried it once but especially in the summer here when I would need it, it was just too hot for me. I suffer in the heat and live for any weather that's from 40-80 degrees!

That being said, I have 2 bottle cages, a RoadMorph pump attached to my frame, and a medium size seat bag. The seat bag has 2 tubes, 2 tire levers, a multi tool, a ziploc with photocopy of my license and health insurance card, and a patch kit. I stopped carrying CO2 after getting the road morph... and switching to GatorSkins! Got tired of flatting...

I bought the Pearl Izumi jacket that has zip off sleeves... so if I get hot, I'll zip the sleeves off first and shove 'em in my pocket... if I need to strip the jacket I ROLL it up tight and it goes in one jersey pocket... my other pocket has cell phone, cash, and ClifShots... that's pretty much everything I need for about any distance... I mostly ride organized centuries... have only ridden 3 that weren't organized... but those routes always have 7-11's where I can get some food as needed... OH! And for a solo century... I also carry TP in my back pocket... I have had one emergency situation where I peed behind a shrub and really, really wished I had TP!

[bcipam]

Bikerchick - it's funny you don't wear a Camelback because it gets hot. It's much cooler (usually) in San Diego than Orange County. I feel the Camelback keeps me cooler. I definitely sweat where the Camelback lies and the sweat keeps me cool (sounds icky but that's the whole purpose of sweat isn't it).

I also hate to ride in hot weather. I do much better with cold than hot weather. Anything over 80 is hot for me. I wear sleeveless when possible. I like Nema's jerseys made especially for Camelbacks. The part where the Camelback sits is mesh so cooler than regular jerseys.

I think it's all in what you get used to. I like having my water in the Camelback - just so much easier to reach and drink. When I used the cage and bottles, I found I drank water less. Also, I hate carrying too much stuff on the bike - it can all rattle driving me crazy. The bike just handles so much better with less stuff attached to it.

PS: On long rides I still carry a small water bottle in my cage - just for pee emergencies. No TP - just squirt water. Much better for the environment and cleaner too!

[DebW]

I go pretty light. My small seat pack has a spare tube, patch kit, and tire levers (clincher bike) or spare tire (sew-up bike), Park MT-1 multitool, and presta adapter. Frame pump on the seat tube, water bottle on the downtube. Wallet, cell phone, and bandana go in jersey pocket. If I need to carry spare clothes I'll wear a fanny pack.

[withm]

This sounds like a lot but I've used it all on rides or wished I had it when.

Seat pack: 2 tubes, each in separate baggie and dusted with talc. Tire irons, set of wrenches and multi tool. A small baggie with copy of driver's license and insurance card, short stubby pencil, and couple of 3x5 cards in case I need to write anything. Oh there are a couple latex gloves and a patch kit for tire changes, and a couple sealed moist towelettes for clean up after that tire change.

On my handlebars I have a very small bag for co2 inflator, cartridges, pocket sized pack of kleenex, and cell phone. Maybe a granola bar if I'll be out for a long time. I currently like Trader Joe's Sweet, Tart, & Savory . Yumm. If I wear a windbreaker I keep the cell in the front center pocket. Otherwise I don't like stuff in any pockets except for the trash - all those used kleenexes (I sneeze a lot).

I wear a fanny pack to carry some $, some first aid stuff - advil, benadry, sudafed, bandaids, neosporin, and my other glasses. Why can't I find a decent pair of wraparound sunglasses that will fit over my regular glasse? I wear a Road ID on my ankle.

2 water bottle cages on the tubes, with frame pump. In summer I wear a camelback...I must have COLD water. I half-fill the camelback and keep it in the freezer. When I ride, I top it off with fresh water and 3 hours later I still have cold water when I want it. I still carry the water bottles though since you never know if you (or someone else) are going to spring a leak or need more water for whatever reason. My camelback has very little room for extra stuff.

I have a canvas tote bag that I keep all the rest of the bike toys when I'm not riding so it's always together. I have an assortment of neck gaitors, ear warmers, balaclava, my collection of gloves, cue sheets, map holder, cable and lock, etc. so it's pretty easy to get ready for a ride. Everything has a place and I can quickly pick and choose what I need on a given day.

Martha

[jobob]

Here's a somewhat recent thread on a nifty bag that SadieKate is now using:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5042


And from the wayback machine, here's a thread from 2 years ago about what we carried in our bags way back then.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=948
Nowadays V is much more of a minimalist, but I'm still inclined to schelp around everything and the kitchen sink in my Carradice saddlebags, with, I might add, room to spare for friends' jackets and their purchases from the Jelly Belly factory

- Jo.