I'd also recommend wrapping spare tubes tightly in cling film. This adds some degree of protection from cuts or nicks and you can also shape them to make them longer to fit better in bags, pockets or tool bidons.
Happy Elephant Yeah was waiting for the explanation for having one for most jobs (like I have) AND another that covers all kinds of unlikely scenarios, that costs and weighs a lot more, but it never came. The simple one should be able to get you home and then you'll have either your own garage or your LBS for any other job that needs doing.
Was thinking the same. Why have a multi-tool AND a super multi-tool? I mean, maybe I'm missing something but doesn't the super multi-tool have everything the normal multi-tool hs?
Id figure from my experience that its a not a absoulte necessity but is nice to have in case of a serious mechanical on the road you can toss one to a buddy if he forgot his and grab your other one and set to work. Think of it like a mini-trauma kit. Carry it, but hope you dont have to use it.
Tiny Rick || An ID is super important in case something happens and you find yourself on the way to a hospital or something like that, and having a bit of cash can go a long way if you get lost or if you need more food than you have
I punctured my back wheel a few days ago, my hands where absolutely filthy with oil. I had to go to a pound shop and buy some wet wipes and suddenly had the brainwave of getting latex gloves for future packing. I'm glad someone else has thought of it.
Often worth hiding any chocolate bars inside your water bottle (with water), they stay nice and cool, and dont melt in your back pocket! Can just take the lid off and they float to the top when you're ready to snack!
As someone has already asked, why pack two multi-tools? Can't you just pack one comprehensive multi-tool for most repairs? Also, what about packing CO2 canisters instead of a mini-pump? They really save space and are much quicker at inflating your tires, and most mini-pumps will struggle to reach 100 psi, especially the smaller ones.
Surprised Matt of all people forgot a first aid kit! Couple of bandages, some sterile wipes, some plasters and a couple of pain killers is enough I find - it has saved me (and my less well-prepared riding buddies) more times than I can remember.
One of the first things that Matt does when he goes abroad is find out the local emergency services number.... In all seriousness, though, good suggestion.
2 Conti tubes, 1 Specialized mini pump, 2x levers, a set of patches, Topeak tool, 2-3x zips, home keys, some cash - Topeak Aero Wedge Small 0.6L. I use a knife case for tool to protect other things inside the Topeak bag .
Fantastic video loads of tips as i am new to cycling this has help me a lot as what to take when out riding as i normally take nothing at all like the jacket where do you get them from.
Thank you for specifying "whatever currency have in your country" otherwise I was struggling to get pounds accepted here... ;-) As always, good videos, indeed! Happy cycling to everyone!!!
im a MTBR i always use a camelback or a bike back pack looks like this is s Roadie channel but nice tips and information, I never walk with much, one mulit tool for me does it all and only new tubes no patches cause they got to dry. Very good info.
I like a small hard case, like a Witz ID Case, for my notes, ID, key, etc. It makes it easier to locate in the pocket, as well as more difficult to accidentally slip out, yet easier to notice if it does slip out and fall to the ground. Also, I take cleat covers on just about every ride.
I have tried to carry stuff in jersey pockets and cant get comfortable, so I got my saddle bag, it's a little big, but it has patch kit, tire levers, big multi tool, ID, and cell phone! Have a nice little pouch that holds my spare tube, another set of tire levers, and extra show strings, hand air pump mounted on a bottle cage and handlebar light and small tail light on seat post, sometimes I take some clear safety glasses in case I have to swap from my polarized sunglasses
I'm not yet a full roadie and basically rely on luck to not puncture. However I carry money, and the phone case money trick is has always been a godsend because it straightens your bills and takes no space.
I like to have a spare power link and chain tool with me. Repairing a snapped chain at the road side normally means repairing a snapped chain 2 miles down the road again because it's quite tricky and you've rushed it. Remove broken link with the chain tool then simply fix with power link or whatever works for the kind of chain you have, then head for home and buy a new chain and cassette.
Things I carry - Ipod, earphones, transparent and dark tinted lenses for my glasses, a snickers bar, a banana, mini pump, multi tool, one tube, spare batteries, patches, tyre leavers, water bottle, house keys, cell phone, cash, debit card. Holy shit that's a lot of stuff!
What about a tyre boot, easily made from an old tyre, and a few cable ties. They are the most versatile bit of repair kit you can have and can be used to repair helmet straps, shoe fixings, broken freewheel pall springs, mudguard fittings etc.
i like the medium topeak wedge pack. my friend makes fun of me, but i dont know what is wrong with a big saddle bag. i can fit a tube, levers, multi-tool, patch kit, co2 inflator, energy bar, mio (some of the water on the trail doesn't taste right), extra batteries, money, and keys in it with no problem. it's great to not have to pack that stuff up for each ride.
+stoppsi Everyone has to start somewhere, I didnt start cycling seriously until 4 years ago and if it wasnt for GCN's advice I wouldnt have known half the stuff I do today, not to mention saved a fortune in maintenance costs.
I find that with some sensible packing, everything fits fine in my jersey pockets. I take a decent multitool (with chain breaker etc.), a couple of CO2 cannisters (and a tiny pump on longer rides, just in case), and wrap some electrical tape around the cannisters for bodge jobs to gte home. That, plus a tube, some glue-less patches and quick links all go in one pocket. I use a phone/wallet case that carries phone, cards and cash, and that goes in with my gilet or rain cape (depending on conditions). There's also space for another tube on longer rides. Finally, the other packet carries food - usually a couple of bars and gels, and maybe a banana. I use maltloaf on long rides, as it fits nicely in a pocket, is delicious, loaded with calories, and just what I need! No need for saddle bag, converted bidon or frame pumps.
All very good ...... I would just like to add just in case it wasn't clear, don't forget your chain link extractor and some chain pins and/or a "quick link" to repair a broken chain.
I carry a drink bottle sized zipped case from eBay - holds 2 inner tubes, small pump, 2 tyre levers and fits I one drink bottle cage on the road bike :)
I use a Audax saddle bag or take my Osprey Pack even on my road bikes. I take loads and the one time I tried to go light and thought sod it I got a puncture. I was miles away from anywhere and had to blag a bus for a lift.
A couple of things i'd like to say on these cool tips. 1st most small pumps ( i have that exact same one from Topeak) come with a mount that bolts right under the bottle cage.Since the only time you wont be needing a pump is if you're racing with a support car behind you (which in turn means you dont need half the stuff mentioned here), I see no reason in carrying the pump in your pockets. Then, if you do carry self-adhesive patches, I think it's pretty safe to carry just one inner tube. And Last(l)y, why are you guys so fond of the cut in half water bottle...??There are storage bottles made for that purpose,with a proper screwing lid, that don't cost more than 5 Euros :D
keasone Yeah but who cares what a load of self-important hipster elitist snobs think? Most of those rules are highly subjective tosh based on nostalgia and a slavish obsession with 80s pros. Cycling is for everyone and everyone is different and therefore should have a set-up to suit them not those that judge. The only one truly worth following is #5...
i'm included to agree with the frame attached pump...but only 1 inner tube? I've had 3 flats before in one ride...it was a long one though, so maybe for most rides your idea works. good comment though! also, i'm curious which topeak pump you have...i tired a super small pump and it was too hard to get up to a good PSI / bar.
One day I was out riding in my neighborhood . I decided to ride over a nearby mountain into he next valley over. I just stopped at 7 11 bought a brownie and did it lol
Get a quad lock. Phone is on the bike. Also set up a pay wave function on your phone so you don't have to carry cash (everywhere in Australia uses it). Also now.i have a tail light with HD camera in it I had to go to a smaller saddle bag. I only have one tube but surely it will be fine. Haha and my multi tool is a single Allen key
Minimise is the key in my book. For any length of ride, I carry: Rain cape in side pocket. Multi tool, CO2 canister, tube, levers & patches in middle pocket. Any food/gels in the other side pocket. I disagree with the notion of carrying 2 tubes...there is always using patches if your spare punctures. Furthermore, I've found that carrying a gilet has been nothing but dead weight in the past. It's probably worth mentioning that I live in North Wales, where it is pretty much consistently wet and windy.
Believe it or not Matt is actually missing something useful...a Schraeder to Presta adapter so you can use gas/petrol station pumps or a friendly motorist/homeowners pumps in a pinch. I leave one on the spare tube -- the Aluminum ones weigh next to nothing.
You know those black caps that come with presta tubes? Cut off the round end and BLAMMO instant schrader to presta adapter that you won't be afraid to lose.
7 years ago probably I'm just thinking of buying my first mountain bike and still using BMX going to school, now I have two MTB, one road and gravel bike, a Japanese bike and BMX bike, still this content is helpful.
an inner tube, a pump, a couple of tyre wrenches, puncture repair kit, a spoke key, in my saddle bag... and the biggest wad of notes i can afford at the time incase i need a train!
Tip: if you have a pump that can be disassembled stick money in there, sometimes you can even get the pump/gas canister combo pumps that you can store a gas canister wrapped in a 20 inside.
I did my first 100k today around the new forest on a single speed charge 😄, no Lycra no tools or inner tubes or anything! Just one gear my Garmin and my poor legs lolLuckily nothing went on the bike!! , can’t wait to get a bike with gears
Dear GCN, love your show keep up the good work guys. I was wondering if you would be doing a bike saddle review. I just purchased the Trek Emonda Project One and would like to find a saddle that is both light weight and comfortable. Cheers
Hi Jeff. We don't tend to do reviews, but to be honest saddles are such a personal thing that it's hard to say that this one or that one will be good for everyone. Fizik offer certain local bike shops a 'try before you buy' saddle so that you can have a go with their various models, and see what's right for you.
Yeah , one time I was riding along the harsh Tibetan mountains when I had a inner tube puncture the derailer coming off. As I was fixed nag it with my multi tool, I was simultaneously attacked by an endangered snow tiger and a mountain goat, luckily, my multitool had a chain tool , a Phillips star head screwdriver and a .44 magnum, luckily, I used my gel and protein bars to tranquillise the attackers and I paraglide on my bike down the mountain to the Tibetan monks who treated by very shallow cut in my right ear lobe. True story.
I use a settle bag for repair kit . For pack food and money and cell and ids into ziplock sack into back tshirt pocket Pump on bike water bottle holder
I tend to stick an inner tube in my back pocket between the road and my phone (in plastic bag), you never know if you have an off the tube might save your phone
Vittoria Premium zip tool case (or similar goods) FeliCa IC card (electronic money) Rapha Essentials Case (or Sticky Pod .etc) these three are trendy among cyclists in Tokyo.
Something self and the group used to always take out on a ride was a small screw top capsule hung from a piece of string / lanyard around the neck. Inside the capsule would be my name and the number for people to contact in case of emergency. These days the lanyard also has my home key on it. I was taught that it was never good practice to carry anything in your pockets that could cause injury if you came off and bounced down the road. I shuddered when I saw the mini-pump going in the back pocket At best you may get seriously bruised and at worst its going to puncture some delicate flesh.
Not sure if this is a global thing, but if I am going on long rides into rural areas I carry my CAA/AAA card. I have the Premium/RV coverage and in an emergency it covers me for a recovery and ride home of up to 100kms. Haven't had to use it yet but I am sure it would be less trouble than calling my wife to come and get me (definitely faster, more reliable, quieter, ...)
Don't cut the top right off the bottle, if you experiment with leaving 20-40mm not cut through you can just pull back to insert kit and then top will go back across to stop kit jumping out or rain/ dirt getting in ! You can also add duct tape to make look neater
What I do with the ID and the cash is putting it beneath the gloves. In the end, cash gets a little bit moist, but it's all right. Nowadays cash is more plastic and less paper.
nice. i just have a MTB,but i´ve got similar saddle bag. but i have there: spare tube, multitool with chainriveter, puncturekit, leaver, money, spare shifter wire,spare hanger.and mini pump on the frame. in pocket just food and mobile phone. and jacket or spare shirt.
well i see some guys who had broken wire at mtb marathons when they crashed on derailleur. and sometimes it´s better to change wire than end of race. or shorten chain and have only one chainring back.
You can avoid carrying the ID if you use the ICE feature on your phone and take a picture of your drivers licence. I do carry a credit card in addition to emergency cash (stored permanently in my saddle bag) although with smartphone payment becoming universal this will be dropped in the next year or 2.
I don't ride my bike through the woods. I do races and rides to the store. However I always take a water bottle and pocket knife. And depending on the weather I will take a ponco but usually never wear it. I am allowed however to ride by myself so I am alone.
In the saddle bag:1*tube, 1*multitool.1*pump mounted on the frame. Back pocket: id,visa,mobile phone, 50 bucks. 2*0,75l water. So you can travel all day long.
man, all that gear AND a 20 pound note? so heavy lol. i've been riding 40+ years and never carried two tubes on me. i think one tube and a patch kit is more than adequate. the multi-tool is a must though and comes in handy for many things
You just need a bigger seat bag, 0.75 liter or 1 liter and you can get all that (except the rain coat) in the seat bag, and more. Leaving yourself to use both your water bottle holders as water bottle holders. I have a real nice water proof Axiom seat bag rated at 1 liter size, that is long and narrow in shape, so no wind resistance. It even reduces road splash up my back of wet days. I have a spare tube, patch kit, 2 CO2 cartridges, multi-tool, 3 tire levers, mini-pump, a few zip ties, hand sanitizer, grease soap, and even a small cable lock in it. I then just put my ID, bank card, credit card some cash in a small plastic sleeve, small tube of sun screen, energy bars and my smart phone in my jersey pockets. I can put my Gore Tex rain jacket (folds up real small) in my jersey pocket too if I need to take it. If I think I need to take a second tube that day, I put it in my jersey pocket too.
Hi. I was wondering when you would need both a multitool and a "supermultitool"? I only carry an ordinary one both road and mountainbiking and never fell short. Are there bikes with bolts for which you would need both?
in addition to matt's input, I put tyre patch (saved me from walking home after a really deep inner tube explosion), a sram chainlink and a pair of disposable gloves in my tool bottle. Mount my mobile phone on the stem (not aero I know) with Quadlock
Bank notes can also serve as an emergency tire patch. Our new plastic Canadian money is perfect for it -- a friend of mine had to do this and it worked so well he put 100's of kms on it before he got around to replacing the tire.
I hate carrying to many things in my jersey pockets. I have a fizik saddle, on the rear of the saddle they have a tag that can be removed to fit a medium saddle bag that clips into the base of the seat, the bag does not have enough room to fit much, but what I have done is fit a 2nd bag (scicon med. saddle bag, rail mounted but you can rotate the bag to unclip) in front of the fizik saddle bag. This one mounts to the rails of the seat and hard up against the seat post, the fizik bag then hard up against the 2nd bag, in total, I can now carry,2 tubes, 1 set tyre levers, 2 co2 canisters, inflator, mutli tool, money & house keys, all compact and looks sleek under the saddle, best of all, both bags take less than 2 seconds to remove, this has freed up the rear pockets of the jersey of the uncomfortable bits.
funny, i posted a similar comment before reading yours. i have a fizik saddle too, but i just use one medium topeak bag, which can fit all of the stuff you mentioned except i only put one tube in it.
One thing I always take with me on long rides are those energy bars Simon taught us the recipe!!! Speaking of which, can you guys teach us how to make an effective electrolyte drink? Cheers!
i've found you can at about 50/50 mix of apple juice and water with a pinch of sea salt as a way to get some energy and electrolytes. easy to make. just make sure to rinse out thoroughly afterwards.
Bruno Kabbaz Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon, juice of a whole lime, a pinch of good quality sea or Himalayan pink salt to 500ml/750ml/your bidon's capacity of water. Good to go.
Would it be worth putting a couple of big rubber bands around the last think they talked about so if your bike goes on a rack and you forget to take it out it doesn't fly off never to be seen again
5 years later still amazing quality content
Thanks Carlos!
Global Cycling Network you guys are the best! I am 14 and absolutely LOVE cycling! You guys have inspired me sooooo much!! Thank you!!
6 years this time
8 years still amazing
9 years later
I'd also recommend wrapping spare tubes tightly in cling film. This adds some degree of protection from cuts or nicks and you can also shape them to make them longer to fit better in bags, pockets or tool bidons.
OMG WHEN THEY FILMED THE GUY ERRATICALLY BIKING IN SLOW MOTION I LAUGHED SO HARD
You really don't need 2 multi-tools!
Just carry 1 that does everything.
Happy Elephant Yeah was waiting for the explanation for having one for most jobs (like I have) AND another that covers all kinds of unlikely scenarios, that costs and weighs a lot more, but it never came. The simple one should be able to get you home and then you'll have either your own garage or your LBS for any other job that needs doing.
Just carry a super multitool.
Was thinking the same. Why have a multi-tool AND a super multi-tool? I mean, maybe I'm missing something but doesn't the super multi-tool have everything the normal multi-tool hs?
Id figure from my experience that its a not a absoulte necessity but is nice to have in case of a serious mechanical on the road you can toss one to a buddy if he forgot his and grab your other one and set to work. Think of it like a mini-trauma kit. Carry it, but hope you dont have to use it.
Tiny Rick || An ID is super important in case something happens and you find yourself on the way to a hospital or something like that, and having a bit of cash can go a long way if you get lost or if you need more food than you have
A pair of latex gloves. Takes no space in bag or pocket but very handy when need to fix anything dirty, tyre, chain.
Tamas Singlar you could even pack sth in it
I punctured my back wheel a few days ago, my hands where absolutely filthy with oil. I had to go to a pound shop and buy some wet wipes and suddenly had the brainwave of getting latex gloves for future packing. I'm glad someone else has thought of it.
Thanks TS. A great idea... I've just put a pair in my saddle bag.
This is great guys. The only other thing I pack is my keys. So I can get in my house once the ride is over.
Small detail I know
Dont lock it in the first place.
Often worth hiding any chocolate bars inside your water bottle (with water), they stay nice and cool, and dont melt in your back pocket! Can just take the lid off and they float to the top when you're ready to snack!
Thats actually a great idea
You are a genius
Damn. Such a good idea.
NASA need this man
How about FROZEN chocolate bars in water bottle?
As someone has already asked, why pack two multi-tools? Can't you just pack one comprehensive multi-tool for most repairs? Also, what about packing CO2 canisters instead of a mini-pump? They really save space and are much quicker at inflating your tires, and most mini-pumps will struggle to reach 100 psi, especially the smaller ones.
You forget to include a comb on that list. Helmet hair is unacceptable for fashionable coffee stops.
That's what cycling caps are for..
Well, Dan's hair is always perfect, and Matt's is a wig, so we just don't bother.
Don't need a comb no hair to get helmet hair.
Surprised Matt of all people forgot a first aid kit! Couple of bandages, some sterile wipes, some plasters and a couple of pain killers is enough I find - it has saved me (and my less well-prepared riding buddies) more times than I can remember.
One of the first things that Matt does when he goes abroad is find out the local emergency services number....
In all seriousness, though, good suggestion.
Enjoying the tips and tricks. Looking to start riding again in a couple months. Been 25 years since I have ridden more than a couple miles.
how about mini pump on frame holders - using water cage holes to attach it?
Hey men! I love your advice. It is very helpful. Thankyou for this video.
Surprised you can fit two tubes in that tiny saddle bag.
Mini-pump is better strapped to the frame then you can't forget it.
"Rule #30 // No frame-mounted pumps."
vaizdaitau In most situations, screw the rules. Do what every you need to get out and ride, especially HTFU.
I have the exact same bag and if I jammed 2 tubes in with my multi tool, I would expect at least one of them to need patching.
+vaizdaitau Sorry but most of the rules are just for butthurt "pro-cyclists"
2 Conti tubes, 1 Specialized mini pump, 2x levers, a set of patches, Topeak tool, 2-3x zips, home keys, some cash - Topeak Aero Wedge Small 0.6L. I use a knife case for tool to protect other things inside the Topeak bag .
Fantastic video loads of tips as i am new to cycling this has help me a lot as what to take when out riding as i normally take nothing at all like the jacket where do you get them from.
Loved your color on Ruta del Sol, Matt! Just wish they could have gotten a laugh out of you!
Apparently, Matt doesnt to bring his key out cycling...
real GCN fans know Matt doesn't lock or even close his door at home
Haha laugh at that! 😂
Chan Joseph whats his address again? might be able to find some useful toys.....
Chan Joseph And Dan burgles his place..
Flociety I'm afraid I do not know but if given the chance, all I want is a red GCN bottle (uncut)
Thank you for specifying "whatever currency have in your country" otherwise I was struggling to get pounds accepted here... ;-) As always, good videos, indeed! Happy cycling to everyone!!!
im a MTBR i always use a camelback or a bike back pack looks like this is s Roadie channel but nice tips and information, I never walk with much, one mulit tool for me does it all and only new tubes no patches cause they got to dry. Very good info.
I like a small hard case, like a Witz ID Case, for my notes, ID, key, etc. It makes it easier to locate in the pocket, as well as more difficult to accidentally slip out, yet easier to notice if it does slip out and fall to the ground.
Also, I take cleat covers on just about every ride.
I have tried to carry stuff in jersey pockets and cant get comfortable, so I got my saddle bag, it's a little big, but it has patch kit, tire levers, big multi tool, ID, and cell phone! Have a nice little pouch that holds my spare tube, another set of tire levers, and extra show strings, hand air pump mounted on a bottle cage and handlebar light and small tail light on seat post, sometimes I take some clear safety glasses in case I have to swap from my polarized sunglasses
I'm not yet a full roadie and basically rely on luck to not puncture. However I carry money, and the phone case money trick is has always been a godsend because it straightens your bills and takes no space.
Good call on the note in the phone case, such a simple idea I don't know why I never thought of that.
Ornot has amazing handlebar bags. I pack extras in there. Even a little chain lock for cafe stops 👌🏻
I have a Carradice Camper Longflap Saddlebag...and love it.
This was great! Great ideas! Just what I needed!
wow , I never knew. thanks GCN!
Matt cramming things into his saddle bag in 50fps was, admittedly, stunning. Haha
Thank you very much GCN now im ready for my 100km solo ride
I like to have a spare power link and chain tool with me. Repairing a snapped chain at the road side normally means repairing a snapped chain 2 miles down the road again because it's quite tricky and you've rushed it. Remove broken link with the chain tool then simply fix with power link or whatever works for the kind of chain you have, then head for home and buy a new chain and cassette.
Things I carry - Ipod, earphones, transparent and dark tinted lenses for my glasses, a snickers bar, a banana, mini pump, multi tool, one tube, spare batteries, patches, tyre leavers, water bottle, house keys, cell phone, cash, debit card. Holy shit that's a lot of stuff!
What about a tyre boot, easily made from an old tyre, and a few cable ties. They are the most versatile bit of repair kit you can have and can be used to repair helmet straps, shoe fixings, broken freewheel pall springs, mudguard fittings etc.
i like the medium topeak wedge pack. my friend makes fun of me, but i dont know what is wrong with a big saddle bag. i can fit a tube, levers, multi-tool, patch kit, co2 inflator, energy bar, mio (some of the water on the trail doesn't taste right), extra batteries, money, and keys in it with no problem. it's great to not have to pack that stuff up for each ride.
+stoppsi Everyone has to start somewhere, I didnt start cycling seriously until 4 years ago and if it wasnt for GCN's advice I wouldnt have known half the stuff I do today, not to mention saved a fortune in maintenance costs.
I find that with some sensible packing, everything fits fine in my jersey pockets. I take a decent multitool (with chain breaker etc.), a couple of CO2 cannisters (and a tiny pump on longer rides, just in case), and wrap some electrical tape around the cannisters for bodge jobs to gte home. That, plus a tube, some glue-less patches and quick links all go in one pocket. I use a phone/wallet case that carries phone, cards and cash, and that goes in with my gilet or rain cape (depending on conditions). There's also space for another tube on longer rides. Finally, the other packet carries food - usually a couple of bars and gels, and maybe a banana. I use maltloaf on long rides, as it fits nicely in a pocket, is delicious, loaded with calories, and just what I need! No need for saddle bag, converted bidon or frame pumps.
All very good ...... I would just like to add just in case it wasn't clear, don't forget your chain link extractor and some chain pins and/or a "quick link" to repair a broken chain.
Crankbrothers makes both levers in one, on one side, you install the tyre, and on the other, you can unmount it.
I always put my inner tubes and patches in a ziplock bag and put them like that in my saddle bag to protect them from my tyre levers and multitool.
I carry a drink bottle sized zipped case from eBay - holds 2 inner tubes, small pump, 2 tyre levers and fits I one drink bottle cage on the road bike :)
Absolutely excellent well done. I personally do not use or like saddle bags
Oh and I have a neat key padlock combo thing with I can leave bolted to my car/door/whatever
A bumbag/fannypack can be worn across the back over the shoulder, you can fit a good amount of kit in one of those. :)
I use a Audax saddle bag or take my Osprey Pack even on my road bikes. I take loads and the one time I tried to go light and thought sod it I got a puncture. I was miles away from anywhere and had to blag a bus for a lift.
A couple of things i'd like to say on these cool tips.
1st most small pumps ( i have that exact same one from Topeak) come with a mount that bolts right under the bottle cage.Since the only time you wont be needing a pump is if you're racing with a support car behind you (which in turn means you dont need half the stuff mentioned here), I see no reason in carrying the pump in your pockets.
Then, if you do carry self-adhesive patches, I think it's pretty safe to carry just one inner tube.
And Last(l)y, why are you guys so fond of the cut in half water bottle...??There are storage bottles made for that purpose,with a proper screwing lid, that don't cost more than 5 Euros :D
Rule #30
keasone Yeah but who cares what a load of self-important hipster elitist snobs think? Most of those rules are highly subjective tosh based on nostalgia and a slavish obsession with 80s pros. Cycling is for everyone and everyone is different and therefore should have a set-up to suit them not those that judge. The only one truly worth following is #5...
i'm included to agree with the frame attached pump...but only 1 inner tube? I've had 3 flats before in one ride...it was a long one though, so maybe for most rides your idea works. good comment though! also, i'm curious which topeak pump you have...i tired a super small pump and it was too hard to get up to a good PSI / bar.
what brand & model of pump he's using?
Gcn i always have a stanley knife blade in its case most usefull thing in the bag
nice of you to mention wristbands. i'm riding with onelife id band and don't need to carry a wallet. nice one :-)
Just got my new Platypus hydration pack after carrying a Camelback for decades. Carries all my bike kit.
One day I was out riding in my neighborhood . I decided to ride over a nearby mountain into he next valley over. I just stopped at 7 11 bought a brownie and did it lol
On the subject of sun screen, try Reimann P20.. Lasts for about 8-10 hours even on the hottest of days.
KitKat a little bit efficient than snickers. 518 vs 488 Cal on 100 g.
How about a compact bike lock? For example I take a spare buff or a balaclava with me during the exceptionally cold days.
Get a quad lock. Phone is on the bike. Also set up a pay wave function on your phone so you don't have to carry cash (everywhere in Australia uses it). Also now.i have a tail light with HD camera in it I had to go to a smaller saddle bag. I only have one tube but surely it will be fine. Haha and my multi tool is a single Allen key
Love the 50FPS option now!
Matt sounding reeet posh in this! till he burps at the end, that was grotty
Ok I know I’m 5 years late, but goddamn what a British sentence
Minimise is the key in my book.
For any length of ride, I carry:
Rain cape in side pocket.
Multi tool, CO2 canister, tube, levers & patches in middle pocket.
Any food/gels in the other side pocket.
I disagree with the notion of carrying 2 tubes...there is always using patches if your spare punctures.
Furthermore, I've found that carrying a gilet has been nothing but dead weight in the past.
It's probably worth mentioning that I live in North Wales, where it is pretty much consistently wet and windy.
instructions unclear, got myself stuck in jersey pocket
Believe it or not Matt is actually missing something useful...a Schraeder to Presta adapter so you can use gas/petrol station pumps or a friendly motorist/homeowners pumps in a pinch. I leave one on the spare tube -- the Aluminum ones weigh next to nothing.
You know those black caps that come with presta tubes? Cut off the round end and BLAMMO instant schrader to presta adapter that you won't be afraid to lose.
7 years ago probably I'm just thinking of buying my first mountain bike and still using BMX going to school, now I have two MTB, one road and gravel bike, a Japanese bike and BMX bike, still this content is helpful.
Glad we could help you, AJ!
an inner tube, a pump, a couple of tyre wrenches, puncture repair kit, a spoke key, in my saddle bag... and the biggest wad of notes i can afford at the time incase i need a train!
Tip: if you have a pump that can be disassembled stick money in there, sometimes you can even get the pump/gas canister combo pumps that you can store a gas canister wrapped in a 20 inside.
pack the innertubes in thin sock, keep the levers and multitool from rubbing on them when stuffed in the saddlebag.
I did my first 100k today around the new forest on a single speed charge 😄, no Lycra no tools or inner tubes or anything! Just one gear my Garmin and my poor legs lolLuckily nothing went on the bike!! , can’t wait to get a bike with gears
This ending... :D Nailed it!
Also essential is a cup holder for your cappacino and a bagel holder.
Cool tips
Dear GCN, love your show keep up the good work guys. I was wondering if you would be doing a bike saddle review. I just purchased the Trek Emonda Project One and would like to find a saddle that is both light weight and comfortable.
Cheers
Hi Jeff. We don't tend to do reviews, but to be honest saddles are such a personal thing that it's hard to say that this one or that one will be good for everyone. Fizik offer certain local bike shops a 'try before you buy' saddle so that you can have a go with their various models, and see what's right for you.
Global Cycling Network Same with Specialized and SMP [Demo models]
Yeah , one time I was riding along the harsh Tibetan mountains when I had a inner tube puncture the derailer coming off. As I was fixed nag it with my multi tool, I was simultaneously attacked by an endangered snow tiger and a mountain goat, luckily, my multitool had a chain tool , a Phillips star head screwdriver and a .44 magnum, luckily, I used my gel and protein bars to tranquillise the attackers and I paraglide on my bike down the mountain to the Tibetan monks who treated by very shallow cut in my right ear lobe. True story.
I use a settle bag for repair kit . For pack food and money and cell and ids into ziplock sack into back tshirt pocket
Pump on bike water bottle holder
Why 2 multi tools?
I tend to stick an inner tube in my back pocket between the road and my phone (in plastic bag), you never know if you have an off the tube might save your phone
Vittoria Premium zip tool case (or similar goods)
FeliCa IC card (electronic money)
Rapha Essentials Case (or Sticky Pod .etc)
these three are trendy among cyclists in Tokyo.
Something self and the group used to always take out on a ride was a small screw top capsule hung from a piece of string / lanyard around the neck. Inside the capsule would be my name and the number for people to contact in case of emergency. These days the lanyard also has my home key on it. I was taught that it was never good practice to carry anything in your pockets that could cause injury if you came off and bounced down the road. I shuddered when I saw the mini-pump going in the back pocket At best you may get seriously bruised and at worst its going to puncture some delicate flesh.
Would love if ye could do some bikepacking vids?☺️
Not sure if this is a global thing, but if I am going on long rides into rural areas I carry my CAA/AAA card. I have the Premium/RV coverage and in an emergency it covers me for a recovery and ride home of up to 100kms. Haven't had to use it yet but I am sure it would be less trouble than calling my wife to come and get me (definitely faster, more reliable, quieter, ...)
This guy is never out of cafes
Don't cut the top right off the bottle, if you experiment with leaving 20-40mm not cut through you can just pull back to insert kit and then top will go back across to stop kit jumping out or rain/ dirt getting in ! You can also add duct tape to make look neater
What I do with the ID and the cash is putting it beneath the gloves. In the end, cash gets a little bit moist, but it's all right. Nowadays cash is more plastic and less paper.
They tolt me that when you something hard like a pomp in your middle pocket, you can break your back when you fallout of the bike
You can break your back regardless! Don't crash!
nice. i just have a MTB,but i´ve got similar saddle bag. but i have there: spare tube, multitool with chainriveter, puncturekit, leaver, money, spare shifter wire,spare hanger.and mini pump on the frame.
in pocket just food and mobile phone. and jacket or spare shirt.
I have never had a situation in which i had to use a new wire. Only once I needed a cone wrench on a ride.
well i see some guys who had broken wire at mtb marathons when they crashed on derailleur. and sometimes it´s better to change wire than end of race. or shorten chain and have only one chainring back.
You can avoid carrying the ID if you use the ICE feature on your phone and take a picture of your drivers licence. I do carry a credit card in addition to emergency cash (stored permanently in my saddle bag) although with smartphone payment becoming universal this will be dropped in the next year or 2.
I want those GCN bidons!!
Good idea with the old bottle
Saddle bag is a must imo
Hi Guys nice video. How can I order a cycling long sleeve Jersey like you are wearing on this video? Thank in adavance.
I don't ride my bike through the woods. I do races and rides to the store. However I always take a water bottle and pocket knife. And depending on the weather I will take a ponco but usually never wear it. I am allowed however to ride by myself so I am alone.
In the saddle bag:1*tube, 1*multitool.1*pump mounted on the frame. Back pocket: id,visa,mobile phone, 50 bucks. 2*0,75l water. So you can travel all day long.
Matt's my favourite presenter.
grumpy badger? that area is so quaint!
In the bidon I find if you leave it intact, you can still pack it, and you DON'T need to use a plastic bag to protect things.
bloody great idea to put money into a phone case! never though about if before watching this video
man, all that gear AND a 20 pound note? so heavy lol. i've been riding 40+ years and never carried two tubes on me. i think one tube and a patch kit is more than adequate. the multi-tool is a must though and comes in handy for many things
You just need a bigger seat bag, 0.75 liter or 1 liter and you can get all that (except the rain coat) in the seat bag, and more. Leaving yourself to use both your water bottle holders as water bottle holders.
I have a real nice water proof Axiom seat bag rated at 1 liter size, that is long and narrow in shape, so no wind resistance. It even reduces road splash up my back of wet days. I have a spare tube, patch kit, 2 CO2 cartridges, multi-tool, 3 tire levers, mini-pump, a few zip ties, hand sanitizer, grease soap, and even a small cable lock in it. I then just put my ID, bank card, credit card some cash in a small plastic sleeve, small tube of sun screen, energy bars and my smart phone in my jersey pockets. I can put my Gore Tex rain jacket (folds up real small) in my jersey pocket too if I need to take it. If I think I need to take a second tube that day, I put it in my jersey pocket too.
Hi. I was wondering when you would need both a multitool and a "supermultitool"? I only carry an ordinary one both road and mountainbiking and never fell short. Are there bikes with bolts for which you would need both?
in addition to matt's input, I put tyre patch (saved me from walking home after a really deep inner tube explosion), a sram chainlink and a pair of disposable gloves in my tool bottle. Mount my mobile phone on the stem (not aero I know) with Quadlock
Bank notes can also serve as an emergency tire patch. Our new plastic Canadian money is perfect for it -- a friend of mine had to do this and it worked so well he put 100's of kms on it before he got around to replacing the tire.
Mike Williams that should work too, I'm from Australia so plastic notes ;)
I hate carrying to many things in my jersey pockets.
I have a fizik saddle, on the rear of the saddle they have a tag that can be removed to fit a medium saddle bag that clips into the base of the seat, the bag does not have enough room to fit much, but what I have done is fit a 2nd bag (scicon med. saddle bag, rail mounted but you can rotate the bag to unclip) in front of the fizik saddle bag.
This one mounts to the rails of the seat and hard up against the seat post, the fizik bag then hard up against the 2nd bag, in total, I can now carry,2 tubes, 1 set tyre levers, 2 co2 canisters, inflator, mutli tool, money & house keys, all compact and looks sleek under the saddle, best of all, both bags take less than 2 seconds to remove, this has freed up the rear pockets of the jersey of the uncomfortable bits.
funny, i posted a similar comment before reading yours. i have a fizik saddle too, but i just use one medium topeak bag, which can fit all of the stuff you mentioned except i only put one tube in it.
What do you pack when riding tubeless ready tires?
One thing I always take with me on long rides are those energy bars Simon taught us the recipe!!! Speaking of which, can you guys teach us how to make an effective electrolyte drink?
Cheers!
Good idea! We shall add it to the list.
i've found you can at about 50/50 mix of apple juice and water with a pinch of sea salt as a way to get some energy and electrolytes. easy to make. just make sure to rinse out thoroughly afterwards.
Bruno Kabbaz Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon, juice of a whole lime, a pinch of good quality sea or Himalayan pink salt to 500ml/750ml/your bidon's capacity of water. Good to go.
Declan McArdle Thanks mate!
tawilk Thanks Bro!
What saddle bag do you use? Is that Toppeak Aero Wedge Micro with QuicClick system?
Would it be worth putting a couple of big rubber bands around the last think they talked about so if your bike goes on a rack and you forget to take it out it doesn't fly off never to be seen again
I haven’t seen Matt in a video in ages