Some first aid essentials: antibiotic cream with lidocaine, gauze and tape for scratches; a cold relief complex with acetaminophen and non-drowsy antihistamins to deal with aches and allergies. It weighs nothing and is great to have when needed, particularly when riding with children as they can't tough it up like adults do.
I always carry a Presta to Schrader valve converter. Useful if you don't have a pump with you and need air, can stop into most petrol stations and use the air filling station.
Usually for more trail or offroad rides with perhaps a backpack / hydration system, taking a spare 26" Schrader tube to rescue people you pass is very handy. Certainly I've bought more of these for that purpose than ever needing a tube myself on a tubeless setup
Just a shame you didn't give this detail to Olly and Alex before they tried to ride around Mallorca!! Clearly Manon should be put in charge and the boys are clearly useless.
Regarding multitools. Don't just buy one and put it on your bike instead practice using it by servicing your whole bike using just the multitool. That way you discover which important tools are missing on the multitool as none of them are perfect. Many multitools for example don't go above 6mm Allen/Hex, but a surprising number of bikes now go up to 8mm or 10mm in the crank fittings. Same for the larger Torx sizes. When you see you don't have everything you need on the multitool then add the missing tool to your pouch for peace of mind. In addition to the multitool (with built in chain breaker), I also carry chain pliers, a small plier wrench (to help break tyre beads on tubeless & 10mm MTB suspension pivot nuts ), proper screwdrivers (multitool ones are tricky to use), a knife and a proper spoke key.
Good idea about practicing with the multitool. I was replacing my saddle and went to use the multitool and found that I couldn't get enough leverage with it, and had to use an Allen socket and a ratchet.
Manon's take on "a good old-fashioned saddle bag" wasn't what I expected. It was just a modern bag. Back in the 60s, we had saddle bags that must've been about 12" wide, and big enough to put one's change of clothes in to leave at the roadside near the start area while riding an early morning TT. Along with the clothes were sandwiches, a set of darts, a bottle of "horse liniment", a puncture repair kit, and a waterproof cape. Oh yeah, and beer money.
Carradice saddlebags are still popular with audax and touring cyclists. I've ridden across the USA, Iceland, and done a LEJOG with tent, sleeping bar etc in a large Carradice saddlebag and an Ortlieb Classic front bag.
This is a really good primer for what and how to carry necessary things. But one thing was left out - a small first aid kit. We've all crashed and ended up with some road rash. Since we don't have a medical car to ride up to for treatment we need to have be prepared to deal with minor injuries on the road. I crashed and ended up with a 6 x3 " road road rash on my lower leg that was full of gravel. I used my water bottle to wash it off and had some antibiotic, a few 3x3's, and a bandage roll to patch things up while I limped home. The Dr at the emergency room said that doing so probably saved me from significant infection and scarring. And if you don't have to use it on yourself, you may be able to help a friend on a ride. There are may good small kits available or make your own as I do. Keep up the good work !
Absolutely. I've always carried a micro-sized first aid kit consisting of a few band aids, sterilizing packet and painkillers, but now that I have a larger saddle bag I'll be sure to expand it to include a few more items like more sterilizer and bandages, gauze and anti-bacterial lotion. If anything this is more important than a tool kit.
Having a spare hanger is really good to have, perhaps only needed on those really big rides but certainly worth picking one up. You never know when you'll need it!
I'd carry one on a bikepacking trip, for a single day ride I've got a chain tool and quick links so can shorten the chain and choose a "get me home" gear in case of emergencies.
I wrap my tubes in plastic sandwich baggies to keep them from being chafed by other objects in the saddle bag, and I once used the baggies as emergency toe booties when caught in a chilly rain. One of my riding buddies uses disposable gloves to wrap her inner tubes, again getting double use out of items in the saddle bag. Don't forget the saddle bag is a marginal aero gain....😜
OK, now, I'm a touring bloke, and weight isn't sooo important, but to the necessaries mentioned by Manon, I'd add 1 rear derailleur cable and the same for brakes if you're not on disk brakes. Having learned to race in the days when u-16s and u-18s in France had no assistance, I used to take one tubular and pump with me on the bike when racing, 2 when training. 1970s-Paris surroundings weren't always a smooth terrain to ride on. I'm now on tyres and 2 inner tubes are less cumbersome than 2 tubs used to be. And hurray for mini-pumps!
Manon, you taught me, a while ago, how to change tires without a lever. 😂 Don’t forget the wipes or the little dried cloth tabs to clean off your hands. You can dust the butyl tube in corn starch and place in a bag, makes install easy. I usually place a few wraps of duct tape around the single tire lever I still carry. And always throw in a few small cable ties.
Best thing I carry in winter is a set of 'petrol station' gloves. When it gets super cold, I put them on underneath my usual gloves, especially if i'm subject to a lot of rain. They are completely waterproof and wind proof and just provide that layer in keeping the wind and rain off. They are free and have saved me endless amount of times!! plus, they fold up to nothing!!
One trick for pumps is to velcro it to the underside of your saddle. I use Brook's saddles which have an enclosed nose. The pump will slide into that between the rails. I stick velcro to the undersurface of the seat with a corresponding piece on the pump. It seems to work pretty well if the pump isn't to big or long. My small saddle bag is mounted underneath that on the rails.
Always test inflating your spare tube before you shove it in your saddle bag. Nothing worse than being stuck roadside and you realise your spare tube has a manufacturing defect.
A mini first aid kit is a must on any ride to handle minor accidents, aches and pains, consisting of some band aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers and maybe a short length of gauze and tape. Also some spare money and a credit or debit card in case you forgot your wallet, an extra photo ID or copy of one, and emergency contact info in case something happens. Also not a bad idea to bring energy bars and such for a pick me up. And a light rain jacket just in case. Not just for rain but also wind and if it cools down a bit or you have an accident for the road rash. Never needed anything else but I always pack nearly all the items in this video along with these.
I'm wary of carrying anything hard in my pockets duch as a multi tool pump etc as I think they could cause injury if you come off. Great video and in time for me returning to cycling in my 60s.
Good list. The best way to figure out what you need to carry is to just ride and see what you need. All of what said here is good. I usually have a bike light, lock all the time. With all my stuff, I just use a backpack and have for over 10 years. It gives me some space I pick something up from a store or restaurant while riding. I mostly do urban exploring kind of rides with an occasional back country road ride.
I'm on Team Manon for pocket neatness. I usually keep snacks and keys in my back pockets, everything else in a small saddle bag on my road bike or in a storage bottle under the down tube on my gravel bike.
Hi Manon. I particularly like the "tape the spare quick link on". It seems obvious but when you carry tube patches, make sure they are the right ones (butyl and TPU use different patches/adhesive). I might also add the wisdom of making sure you can use your pump of choice before you set out with it the first time. I found that the sort you have to grip gainst the tyre to seal it (tht one of my bikes came with) was too difficult because my grip is too weak so I got another one (and a a flexi hose which screws on the valve) and that fine. Also if you have to grip it against the valve and you are unfortunate enough to be on the ham fisted/clumsy side then valve damage is a risk. Be aware. Ok Manon thats enough for about 90 minutes but how do you carry all the food and drink for a day out without the benefit of a team car or organised feed stops?
The mini pump can be strapped under the saddle bag using an old leather toe clip strap if you can find one in the attic bits bin. A velcro strap will do also.
I hate how bike bags don't have reflectors on them. It would be so obvious - red reflectors on saddle bags, white reflectors on steering bar bags. As it is, I have to go on ridiculous engineering adventures to mount reflectors. Reflectors - perhaps the most underengineered piece of bike tech in current existence.
Little tip for storing the electrical tape - wrap it around your pump. As for storage space, I used a small bikepacking rear bag (6 l) during the Vätternrundan this year. Could easily store everything, including a long sleeve jersey and rain jacket - and all the energy bars and gels needed for the 315 km ride. (They provide energy drink mix for the bottles.)
I’ve done that before, works quite nicely! As of late however I wrap my tape around an old plastic library card which I keep in my slim wallet should I ever need to use it it’s in a place I’ll always have with me
I have a tire lever/quick link tool combo among my tool kit. Learned the heard way to need that quick link tool, that and a spare derailleur hanger. May never need them, but I'll have them.
Basic first aid: I always have some rolled gauze in my bag. It’s lightweight and easy to squeeze in. After a bad fall that tore open my glove and hand, I was glad to have that rolled gauze to wrap around my bloody hand… it was just enough to get me home, where I could properly care for it.
I always used to fall but never carried first aid. Always thought about it but never did. I figure it’s so rare to see it put to use and space. Cool to hear others are doing it!
Extra small (back)light if there is a chance of riding in a dark, emergency snack (yes, can be rather old at some point), small amount of cash in separate place from your usual. Used to carry small power pack when mobile phone was also a bike computer (kept running very low on battery).
My slightly sarcastic response is my Brompton C-line with a borough bag holds it all and a decent sized shopping list of things too! Nothing in the pockets! I'm teasing of course, the fast road bikes pass me like I'm hardly moving!
Well, i ride a steel touring bike, so a decent amount lol. My bottles, my pump, a patch kit, a tool kit, a spare tube, some candy, my click stand, bike computer and phone are in my always on the bike kit. forgot to add: My sungods, and a pair of clear safety glasses for night riding and a hat to throw under my helmet are always in my bar bag.
Cycplus Tiny Pump Cube - very small rechargeable electric pump. Good for a couple of 700 x 32C tyres up to about 60psi As quick as a gas canister, less effort than a mini-pump. I carry a pump too, just in case 😁
I needed a new saddle bag to replace the one I had for year but whose zipper finally broke. I initially got a Topeak Micro, which was around the same size as my old bag, but it just felt too small, and overstuffing the old one probably led to its zipper to break. So I got the Small, and it was ok but still a bit on the tight side and a bit more room would have been nice to store more than just the obligatory Altoids tin tool kit, spare tube, tire levers, small first air kit and house keys. I then ordered the Medium, which is the one that Manon has in this video with a second zipper to expand it in case you need a bit more room, and I think it's the one that I'll use. It will easily hold all the essentials plus some food and a second spare tube. It looks a bit dorky compared to my old micro bag, but strapped tightly to the saddle and post it should be just fine and not dangle too much, and has a perfectly positioned rear strap to hold a rear light and/or radar.
Uh...because sometimes you're out there, like doing ragbrai, and you gotta go..like , go, I always have a bit of paper towel, anything for wiping with me in my bag, corn fields are great!
Tyre levers in winter: add cold shrinks the tyre a bit and hardens the material to make it harder to get off than in summer. Quite apart from wet, grit, cold hands. I'd always put patch on the punctured tube as well as using spare tube. In old days, fitting the spare gave time for the glue to get tacky and dry off ready for contact with patch
I'll take some of these if I'm going way out there, but for most rides nothing beats the feeling of going out with nothing, unencumbered, just some light clothes, free pockets and empty bike, I only ever needed to push my bike back home like 3 times in the last 5 years, once I made it less than 1km before puncture, other times I was 3 and 5km away from home respectively so not bad at all
I've never needed a multi tool I remember really early on, something came loose during a ride never happened again, always tightened everything within an ounce of it's life tube, C02, tire levers, lock, couple patches in case the universe HATES you, but you probably wont need them
as for bags, im a big fan of 'snack packs' and have 2 permanently attached to my bike. sometimes i throw drinks in there, sometimes, snacks, phone/wallet etc. Really good for a 'do anything' bag, and easy to use and access while riding
Another one I picked up from a mate: take one of those fish-shaped soy sauce packets you often get with sushi, and fill it with lube. It's a really handy size and the nozzle means it's easy to apply too.
Sure, but getting to use another cyclist's 'inflator valve will be for free, getting a cartridge might not be. So if i can't find that tool in time before leaving , i would still take a cartridge with me.
I guess that we also carry stuff based on our past experiences, such as I once broke a gear cable and could not engage the gears, so now I carry spare cables.
Back before cell phones were for anyone but business class. Got a flat miles from anything. It was such a long walk I hid my bike in a ditch because I was sick of walking with it. Never left my house without a patch kit and a spare tube.
I don't like multi-tools. They are hard to use, and often have bits that you'll never need for your bike. I much prefer to create my own kit. It doesn't even weigh much more. I also have a neat little puncture repair patch box with space for a spare quick link.
@@madmick9205 Yes, its also more aero there. When its not hot weather I use one liquid bottle. Note that you can just have one large (950cc ?) bottle in front only.
Remember to always close the seat bag after use. Once, after changing a tube, i forgot to close the zipper. My multitool fell out after a few hundred feet. I heard the clunk when it hit the ground, felt behind me to check if the bag was open. And started to circle back to look for the tool. The very next car coming down the road "found" it. He managed to get a flat on the hex key. I payed him some money, i think $40 for a patch but probably should have paid a lot more as tire plugs are supposed to only be temporary, and you normally gotta change at least 2 tires when you do.
I'm not a roadie so I probably shouldn't bother even commenting. My relatively slow heavy hybrid bike is for commuting and utilitarian. I probably carry way too much because if I'm 20km from home I need to be prepared for all eventualities. Although I only carry ONE spare tube so now I'm even more worried. So I have racks front and back coz I carry a lot of stuff. I carry my tools in a tool bag plus a couple of bungee cords and cable ties. . Always great to have. I also carry a chain breaker, did Manon mention that? I also carry additional tools I wouldn't need because when I take them out, then I often forget to put them back in for when I do need them so i just say sod it, and leave them in all of the time. I also carry a foldable 40 litre pannier to drop over the back rack when I need to carry stuff which is most of the time to be honest. I have a selection of very good lights for the front and back for day and night use always AND spares just in case they run out, break, get lost or whatever. I also carry a 2 litre tupperware style container with a small wash cloth and a little soap for having a wipe down in a toilet cubicle if I'm sweaty when I reach my destination. This can be a life saver sometimes. The tub i carry my lights in (plus a power bank and some charging cables) fits into the wash tub for space saving. I wear normal but appropriate clothing for cycling but I sometimes bring a change of top in hot weather. All of this fits into a 30 litre backpack that I carry on the back rack and I carry that with me when I reach my destination and lock up my bike for a few hours or the whole day or whatever. That is essentially a full nearly all possibilities covered commuting set up for me. I'm not a roadie as I said in the beginning. So basically unless it's just a very short local trip, that backpack goes with me nearly everywhere.
For someone who's doing long ride every week mine is , 2 tube 2 size allen Mini pump Invisible bike stand(for pictures) Mini string bag(for shopping on way back)
I always go full risk and carry nothing. Makes for a super light riding experience. If something goes wrong, bring enough swear words and take the bus home. 😻🚀
I did a ride the other day that turned into an accidental credit card touring adventure when I missed the last train home. I'm definitely taking spare pants with me on long rides from now on :-)
Only needed rivet tool for my chain once - it didn't work - decades ago, Specialized, kept slipping off the rivet. Fortunately close to a bike shop. When I compared it with my other rivet tools, I realised it wasn't me. The pin was badly designed. Replaced it in my bag. Lesson: test each tool before you need it. But, over many decades, my toolkit has let me help lots of other people. I have a pack for each bike on each bike.
I keep everything on the bikes, that way I can't forget anything. Excellent tip using the gloves to protect the inner tubes. I always carry both, but have never thought of combining them.
Pretty sure I saw this on a GCN video some time ago, but I keep some tape wrapped around my mini pump. You can store quite a lot without it taking up any extra space
The cleat bolt is an awesome suggestion! I've definitely ripped a bolt. Use a paint pen or some way of making sure you know where you installed it. You should always install cleat bolts with grease and this would not be easily done on the fly. So, when you get home, you will want to address this otherwise you might get a stuck bolt.
I like to reserve my bar bag for on-trail repair tools & supplies. Since my bike is pretty much set up for bikepacking, it keeps me from searching through my frame pack and panniers (if I have them along) making an already stressful situation worse. My kit is basically on point with Manons' suggestions!
A couple of items I always carry. Some zip ties to keep Si happy! In addition have ID with your Emergency contact noted for EMS. A little cash for coffee and a credit card can get you out of a lot of trouble.
Nice vlog on the need to take with you! Everything though? What about a tiny bike-lock cable against opportunity theft when nJoying a quick coffee stop and legally obliged front and rear stick on LED in case the ride lasts longer than planned after dusk? hmmm
1. Always carry 2 bottles of water just in case you drop one while riding and a car flattens it (happened to me). 2. Get some pouch bags for your back pockets - neat and stops discomfort of pumps/mulitools etc. 3. Spare lights. 4. Always take some cash and of course your mobile phone !
Nice video! One thing that I always keep in the saddlebag for longer rides is spare batteries. I carry batteries for rear lights, helmet light, sram axs levers (same as helmet light) and derailleurs, power meter, and Tyrewiz (also same as helmet light).
I always carry 2 spare tubes. One of them is for the f***wit in the group who thought they wouldn't need one. I rode Audax for a decade (200km, 300km, 400km, 600km and 1200km self-supported rides). That helped me create the ideal kit. Spare tubes PLUS puncture repair kit (you only repair punctures in the next Cafe, not piss wet thru in the cold, wet and dark (Well, that's when I get punctures). A couple of quick-links for whatever chain I have on (they weigh nothing so why not?) A small Lezyne pump (high quality, expensive, but totally worth it. I tried CO2 but it failed me). Zip ties, a Cycling Multitool with rivet tool, a load of Duck Tape, wrapped around a small wooden Dowel (Duck Tape makes perfect Tyre Boots). Handy Wipes for getting oil off your hands and/or a few pairs of surgical gloves. Note ONLY REMA Tip-Top patches and Glue will do. Fit the best, f*** the rest.
Some times you have no choice though. My tire was nearing end of life getting a lot of flats, and it had been a long and rainy day, and gone through 5 tubes, and just miles before my destination I got another flat. It was dark it was raining, and I had to patch a tube, I didn't even have a light source. Luckily I had flattened so many times it was piece of cake changing tube in the dark, but patching was much harder.
@@bjornlangoren3002 Perhaps buy new tires before they completely wear out? If you are doing long rides on rough roads it is also advisable to buy tires with more puncture resistance too. Having suffered punctures on my last two rides I have a pair of Schwalbe Marathons on order to get me through the winter
Topeak Hexus X is my multitool of choice, chain tool and tyre levers built in and even a presta valve tool if you run tubeless and need to replace a blocked core. I usually carry everything in an Elite Byasi storage bottle which has a small insert for little items like the patches and chain links, can carry it in a bag or add a 3rd bottle cage under the down tube for longer rides.
I use bikes with different speed chains and some with campag and some shimano - so I thread the various quick links I need on a really small keyring loop and then pop in saddlebag - I know I always have the right ones with me. You can also tape them inside a bar end cap so they are always on the bike, won't get lost easily, and accessible but not visible.
Great, useful video, thanks. I also carry a very basic first aid kit, just antiseptic, tube of sterile wash and plasters. Very useful when I crashed on a chalk road, result, a few nasty cuts and miles from any help. I also have a few cable ties for emergency repairs.
I agree you should always have tape. A roll even partial takes up more room than just peeling off a couple of feet (usually enough for a quick fix) and wrap it around one or two flat tire leavers. Always ready and not in the way.
Store on your phone the Taxi companies in the area you are going. Check where the railway stations are. When you phone the cab, tell the control guy you have a bicycle to carry. There are mini pumps that are 7" long and get the tyre up to 80 psi. These fit, with your PRK, in a pencil case that fits in your back pocket. Have spare inners in seperate plastic bags so yopu can select the correct size for the bike you are riding. I carry my PRK in back pocket cus I have 27 bikes.
Also.. A phone some cash and a credit card! (I even have some coins in there for the odd ferry that doesn't accept my card) For a multi day trip I might add some other stuff like some random bolts but then I might also bring a small powerbank a charger and cables...
I hae a mini pump which doubles as a co2 inflator. I wrap the electrical tape around the CO2 canister. My quicklink is is a small plastic resealable bag with my spare derailure hanger.
What you definitely not need is a saddle bag as big as this. Everything you need on a one-day ride - money, phone, mini tool, mini pump/CO2 cartridge, spare tubes, energy bars/gels, wind breaker - should fit in your jersey pockets.
I hate stuff in my jersey pocket, so use an XL saddle bag. But they always seem to be one large compartment, so keys/pump/phone jiggle around. Any recommend brands (or bar bags) that have inner compartments/dividers?
Topeak have some bags that have loops and pockets for tool storage like the sidekick or the mondopack. They (and Lezyne, Rhinowalk and others) also sell tool rolls/wallets that can either keep the tools seperate in a bag or have a strap to attach them to the bike in various places. Topeak's is called the Burrito, Lezyne's the Roll Caddy.
I like carrying two pad spacers for disc brakes with me. In case the problem is not fixable on the road and I need someone to pick me up, I don't have to worry when removing the wheels.
I carry pretty much as you recommend, but always two tubes and three for a long ride (200Km plus), when I also carry a spare tyre, which I've never had to use, but I've seen another rider in need of one. That was in the first third of a 220Km ride, so I didn't offer my spare. I have helped out with spare tubes. I pack a camel-back type bag which has a water bag, plus a bottle with electrolyte water. Not keen on CO2 bottles for the obvious reason.
What obvious reason? If you are worried about global warming, the canister isn't creating new CO2 from fossil fuels, it is just repackaged CO2 that was already in the air before it was compressed into it by the manufacturer. Remember to put the used one in your recycling. Aluminium is probably the least energy required to recycle! Anyway, you probably breathe out more CO2 on a ride than was in the canister!
