Road cycling- what to do with drinks and tools
Discussion
Picked up my first road bike on Saturday and christened it yesterday with a nice brisk 26 miler (would have stayed out longer but had plans with family). After riding mountain bikes for the last 20 years all my kit is quite MTB oriented but I bit the bullet and donned the lycra without baggies for the first time in a good few years!
I took my camelback with drink and tools in. I came across a few roadies while out and noticed they all had bottles in cages and tools either in saddle bags or jersey pockets. I feel my camelback might not be appropriate for roadie use. I'm sure I'm probably breaking one of the rules. Thoughts?
I took my camelback with drink and tools in. I came across a few roadies while out and noticed they all had bottles in cages and tools either in saddle bags or jersey pockets. I feel my camelback might not be appropriate for roadie use. I'm sure I'm probably breaking one of the rules. Thoughts?
Jersey pockets and saddlebag are usually fine for stuff
Depends on ride, if I'm staying close to home: Muli-tool, inner tube and levers are fine
If its a longer one then a few other odds and sods such as patches and tweezers another tube etc, if I'm commuting I add a few more bits in the rucksack as I have space for it
My misses doesn't drive, so if I'm 50 miles from home and something big breaks I'm on my own
Its best to avoid any issues in the first place by checking the bike over every week, fitting puncture proof tyres and making sure they are at the correct PSI
Decent wheels help as well, seen loads of broke spokes recently
My mate once saw a guy riding round richmond park with 2 x tyres over his shoulder, he asked him and said they were "spares" in case of punctures....Except he had clincher rims and was riding an old MTB
Depends on ride, if I'm staying close to home: Muli-tool, inner tube and levers are fine
If its a longer one then a few other odds and sods such as patches and tweezers another tube etc, if I'm commuting I add a few more bits in the rucksack as I have space for it
My misses doesn't drive, so if I'm 50 miles from home and something big breaks I'm on my own
Its best to avoid any issues in the first place by checking the bike over every week, fitting puncture proof tyres and making sure they are at the correct PSI
Decent wheels help as well, seen loads of broke spokes recently
My mate once saw a guy riding round richmond park with 2 x tyres over his shoulder, he asked him and said they were "spares" in case of punctures....Except he had clincher rims and was riding an old MTB
Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Monday 20th October 11:09
I have to use a rucksack on my commute to work for clothes and packed lunch, and you really notice the sweat patch on your back when you take it off. I manage without at the weekends, when I have the usual jersey pockets and small saddle bag for tools, phone, money, a gel and flapjack. It's so much nicer not having a rucksack!
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-wedge-bag-2-clip-on...
I bought one of these recently and it's excellent. Everything I need fits inside. Yesterday it carried two flapjacks, park tyre levers & patches, debit card & cash, several energy gels, contact lens case & eye drops and there was still room left in there.
The only issue so far is that when its wet, the spray does penertrate, but that can be solved by putting the contents inside a plastic bag first.
I used to have a halfords one which was much bigger but I couldn't secure it to the seat post properly and it flapped about.
The topeak secures and fits very easily and is expandable too.
As far as water bottle cages go, I've got two of these and I use two SIS 800ml bottles to keep me going
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-c...
I bought one of these recently and it's excellent. Everything I need fits inside. Yesterday it carried two flapjacks, park tyre levers & patches, debit card & cash, several energy gels, contact lens case & eye drops and there was still room left in there.
The only issue so far is that when its wet, the spray does penertrate, but that can be solved by putting the contents inside a plastic bag first.
I used to have a halfords one which was much bigger but I couldn't secure it to the seat post properly and it flapped about.
The topeak secures and fits very easily and is expandable too.
As far as water bottle cages go, I've got two of these and I use two SIS 800ml bottles to keep me going
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-c...
freakynessless said:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-wedge-bag-2-clip-on...
I bought one of these recently and it's excellent. Everything I need fits inside. Yesterday it carried two flapjacks, park tyre levers & patches, debit card & cash, several energy gels, contact lens case & eye drops and there was still room left in there.
The only issue so far is that when its wet, the spray does penertrate, but that can be solved by putting the contents inside a plastic bag first.
I used to have a halfords one which was much bigger but I couldn't secure it to the seat post properly and it flapped about.
The topeak secures and fits very easily and is expandable too.
As far as water bottle cages go, I've got two of these and I use two SIS 800ml bottles to keep me going
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-c...
This is the one I have, found it fits my puncture repair kit, mini tool kit, phone and keys nicely. I bought one of these recently and it's excellent. Everything I need fits inside. Yesterday it carried two flapjacks, park tyre levers & patches, debit card & cash, several energy gels, contact lens case & eye drops and there was still room left in there.
The only issue so far is that when its wet, the spray does penertrate, but that can be solved by putting the contents inside a plastic bag first.
I used to have a halfords one which was much bigger but I couldn't secure it to the seat post properly and it flapped about.
The topeak secures and fits very easily and is expandable too.
As far as water bottle cages go, I've got two of these and I use two SIS 800ml bottles to keep me going
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-c...
Drinks bottle is in the standard place. I am looking at a Camelbak though, I tend to drink a fair bit, even during short rides and find my 500ml water bottle isn't enough.
I have a second bottle cage with a tool bottle thing in it. In there I have tyre lever things, 2x inner tubes and have stashed a few winter things like a neck warmer (as a newbie my judgement for dressing correctly is still way off). I also have a saddle to put my phone, keys, and maybe something to eat in.
Usually have enough room in jersey pockets to carry co2 inflator, patches, spare tube, multi-tool, a banana, couple of energy bars, some cash & card, mobile ... then a couple of bottles on the bike. Rides less than 40 miles then I simply don't bother which as much food or liquid. Try and get into the same routine with your gear and you won't get caught out!
I've got a few Arundel Tubi bags, they're a really nice size and shape, and very secure- I generally have a pump, a multitool, patch kit (proper one including vulcanising solution, chalk etc), spare inner tube, and cafe lock all in the bag, leaving pockets for filling up with food.
Bottles go in the bottle cages, one for rides of less than 50 miles, two for rides over that.
Bottles go in the bottle cages, one for rides of less than 50 miles, two for rides over that.
m444ttb said:
I have a second bottle cage with a tool bottle thing in it. In there I have tyre lever things, 2x inner tubes
There's an idea for my commute, I don't need to hydrate for 8 miles so I can put my levers, inner tube, repair kit and spare batteries in! Saves wondering where my wife has 'tidied' the contents of my rucksack! :-)Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff