Hello. I've been carrying my spare tube, etc. in an Arkel "Bug" pannier. After my first long ride last weekend (turned out to be 25 and not 30 miles), I decided that I needed to go "lighter". I don't need a pannier to carry everything I own. So today I bought my first under seat or saddle bag.
It is a RavX Maxi X large wedge strap bag (see here): http://ravx.com/products/bags_racks/maxi_x.html
Here is a photo of all I think I should carry. I have a spare tube in the box (should I take it out of box & in baggie with talc powder?), two batteries for my rear superflash light, a small multi tool, some skabs patches, CO2 cartridge with pump, 3 tire levers & a Park Tool 13/15mm wrench in a roll kit.
I would also carry my cell phone, driver's license, credit card/cash, starbucks card. If I needed my lock I would bungee it to my rear rack like I used to do prior to the pannier. What do you put your driver's license in? The ladies at the LBS (guys too) had Driver's license/credit card together with a rubber band around them. I'm thinking of a small ziplock bag or something.
I also bought my first ever bicycling jersey. A Castelli Perla Jersey in purple, which has a large zip pocket in the back along with 3 deep traditional cycling type pockets. If the ride is longer I would bring snacks and the bag would fit some snacks like string cheese, fruit, boiled egg, gu or whatever.
Anything else I might need on a "lighter" ride?
Thanks for all your advice and help so far. It's been great!



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