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.
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.
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.
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 .
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!!!
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.
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.
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
+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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you prefer CO2 instead of a manual pump, you can buy a canister holder that mounts under the bike cage on your seat tube. You can screw in 2 canisters and they sit behind the bidon so they won't affect the aero. It frees up a lot of space in the saddle bag and the one I have ($5) is aluminum so if weighs much less than the equivalent vinyl/plastic you would need to store the canisters in a saddle bag.
netfischer umm no... I look after my stuffs, especially my bikes, even more so than cars. It's like you tried to install something to your car then you scratch the paint in the process, maybe I wouldn't care so much for a Walmart bike
I look after my bikes, too. I build them up myself and service them regularily and clean/grease them daily. But riding 800h/a in all conditions scratches and paintjob defects are gonna happen. Alot of them... Carbon doesn't rust anyway, so what the heck. If you ask me this commodity fetishism is really the cancer of western society. This is not against you in specific I am gulty of this, too. But lets be honest: Riding a like-new high end bike means fuck all. People wont think you are cool, it doesnt make you a good person and it doesnt make you a good cyclist. So why care about a mark on the paintjob thats meaningless for function??
netfischer what makes you think I ride a carbon Bianchi? It's steel and steel is real, except maybe when it rusts? I have got it sorted with some nail polish. Good on you for washing and greasing your bike daily, it certainly would help make it last longer, I wish I have the time to do this, I don't even ride my bike often enough. All these commodity fetishism and high-end bikes ≠ good person/cyclist talk sounds a little salty to me and maybe you just need to get over it and stop hating
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 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.
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.
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.
Like the new FPS GCN. Out of interest is it really necessary to carry a super multi tool with the chain tool? i mean how many times has your chain ever snapped on a ride? I know Dan puts a lot more watts out than me but still, i always thought snapped chain would just be a taxi job or a begging phone call home :)
It's perhaps more common than you might think. OK, it doesn't happen often, but if it does, it's annoying to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when a multitool could allow you to get out of the situation.
This is true. Amateur question, but would you carry a few spare links then? or just make the chain smaller and ride home on gears that the chain can stretch too.
After 4 snapped chains (over 3 bikes) i always carry a chain splitter and powerlinks..... ohh and make sure you get the right sized powerlinks for the chain speed!!
tvi82 I hope you stopped using that chain manufacturer?! How are people snapping so many chains? Is it common on modern day carbon road bikes? Is there that much stress being put through them? Or is it MTBers doing crazy shit and bashing them about? Or people putting too much force through the drivetrain, grinding it out in the wrong gear? I don't ride anywhere near the amount of annual miles as those that talk of regular chain replacements through wear & tear, so this concept is quite alien to me.
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.
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.
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.
Fitting two tire tubes in that small saddle bag seemed to defy the laws of physics! I keep a photocopy of my I.D., a $20 bill and a credit card in my saddle bag, instead of a cumbersome wallet.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Actually, I have a small 1/4" diameter coiled cable I keep in my saddle bag. Takes up about as much space as a tube. Wouldn't stop a determined thief for more than a few seconds, but will stop someone from just jumping on and riding off, or throwing it in their truck and driving off.
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
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.
Road ID is brilliant. As for cash I have taken $20 folded into a 1" pad and place it in my breakhood. You don't even know it's there and neither do your mates. It's for emergency and a bit of food. As for extra patches: if you live in the drier states of the US we have tumbleweeds and the likes with devilish thorns dropped for a good distance along the road. You need a lot of patches when introduced to this horror. If you want to go spartan you can use the quick release as a tire lever, super glue to fix torn tires and I never leave home without my lucky tiny swiss army. One thing that looks funky, but is a life saver is simply tape your emergency contact and medical ID to your top tube before that long ride. Yes, your bike doesn't look cool, but the emergency responders will be able to help more quickly and that's all I care about.
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 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
Well, I admit my style is not particularly elegant I tend to get pragmatic with what I take with me. A camelback offers plenty of space for spare parts, bars, water while being quite comfortable to me, the only downside is I sometimes need to recenter it on my back because it can sometimes drift to one side.
Also it’s heavier. I just bring a water bottle and food, I refill the water bottle along my way and I have a multi tool attached to the frame. I just hope and pray I don’t get a flat and if I do I just walk to the nearest car accessible road and call my mom. Luckily I haven’t needed to be picked up more than 30 miles away.
likeferrari it’s impossible to look cool in roadie gear anyway so a camelbak isn’t going to hurt the look 😂 however because of riding position and comfort I don’t wear one.
@@James-yy4vl I also carry a small backpack with water bladder on my rides. I wear Lycra shorts but they're more casual gym shorts and some running shirt and jacket, so I have a more casual look when I ride. I hate the way cyclists look with their entire Lycra costume.
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.
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.
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 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 .
Loved your color on Ruta del Sol, Matt! Just wish they could have gotten a laugh out of you!
how about mini pump on frame holders - using water cage holes to attach it?
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!!!
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.
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.
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)
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?
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
+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 have a Carradice Camper Longflap Saddlebag...and love it.
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
Good call on the note in the phone case, such a simple idea I don't know why I never thought of that.
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!
Matt cramming things into his saddle bag in 50fps was, admittedly, stunning. Haha
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!
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.
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
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.
Ornot has amazing handlebar bags. I pack extras in there. Even a little chain lock for cafe stops 👌🏻
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.
Matt's my favourite presenter.
Why 2 multi tools?
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.
pack the innertubes in thin sock, keep the levers and multitool from rubbing on them when stuffed in the saddlebag.
Also essential is a cup holder for your cappacino and a bagel holder.
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.
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.
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!
nice of you to mention wristbands. i'm riding with onelife id band and don't need to carry a wallet. nice one :-)
If you prefer CO2 instead of a manual pump, you can buy a canister holder that mounts under the bike cage on your seat tube. You can screw in 2 canisters and they sit behind the bidon so they won't affect the aero. It frees up a lot of space in the saddle bag and the one I have ($5) is aluminum so if weighs much less than the equivalent vinyl/plastic you would need to store the canisters in a saddle bag.
I had one made up of metal on my Bianchi and it scratched my paint leaving a mark upon mounting, never again
Chan Joseph
jeez man its a bike. Ride it till it falls apart then buy a new one...
netfischer umm no... I look after my stuffs, especially my bikes, even more so than cars. It's like you tried to install something to your car then you scratch the paint in the process, maybe I wouldn't care so much for a Walmart bike
I look after my bikes, too. I build them up myself and service them regularily and clean/grease them daily. But riding 800h/a in all conditions scratches and paintjob defects are gonna happen. Alot of them... Carbon doesn't rust anyway, so what the heck. If you ask me this commodity fetishism is really the cancer of western society. This is not against you in specific I am gulty of this, too. But lets be honest: Riding a like-new high end bike means fuck all. People wont think you are cool, it doesnt make you a good person and it doesnt make you a good cyclist. So why care about a mark on the paintjob thats meaningless for function??
netfischer what makes you think I ride a carbon Bianchi? It's steel and steel is real, except maybe when it rusts? I have got it sorted with some nail polish. Good on you for washing and greasing your bike daily, it certainly would help make it last longer, I wish I have the time to do this, I don't even ride my bike often enough.
All these commodity fetishism and high-end bikes ≠ good person/cyclist talk sounds a little salty to me and maybe you just need to get over it and stop hating
Good idea with the old bottle
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.
Saddle bag is a must imo
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.
Thank you very much GCN now im ready for my 100km solo ride
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.
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.
Gcn i always have a stanley knife blade in its case most usefull thing in the bag
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!
I haven’t seen Matt in a video in ages
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.
Just got my new Platypus hydration pack after carrying a Camelback for decades. Carries all my bike kit.
KitKat a little bit efficient than snickers. 518 vs 488 Cal on 100 g.
Like the new FPS GCN. Out of interest is it really necessary to carry a super multi tool with the chain tool? i mean how many times has your chain ever snapped on a ride? I know Dan puts a lot more watts out than me but still, i always thought snapped chain would just be a taxi job or a begging phone call home :)
It's perhaps more common than you might think. OK, it doesn't happen often, but if it does, it's annoying to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when a multitool could allow you to get out of the situation.
This is true. Amateur question, but would you carry a few spare links then? or just make the chain smaller and ride home on gears that the chain can stretch too.
Andrew Bedford take something called a 'power link' or 'missing link' with you, makes life a lot easier.
After 4 snapped chains (over 3 bikes) i always carry a chain splitter and powerlinks..... ohh and make sure you get the right sized powerlinks for the chain speed!!
tvi82 I hope you stopped using that chain manufacturer?! How are people snapping so many chains? Is it common on modern day carbon road bikes? Is there that much stress being put through them? Or is it MTBers doing crazy shit and bashing them about? Or people putting too much force through the drivetrain, grinding it out in the wrong gear? I don't ride anywhere near the amount of annual miles as those that talk of regular chain replacements through wear & tear, so this concept is quite alien to me.
This guy is never out of cafes
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.
Hey men! I love your advice. It is very helpful. Thankyou for this video.
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!
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 ;)
Fitting two tire tubes in that small saddle bag seemed to defy the laws of physics!
I keep a photocopy of my I.D., a $20 bill and a credit card in my saddle bag, instead of a cumbersome wallet.
Crankbrothers makes both levers in one, on one side, you install the tyre, and on the other, you can unmount it.
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.
grumpy badger? that area is so quaint!
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
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.
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.
This was great! Great ideas! Just what I needed!
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 bumbag/fannypack can be worn across the back over the shoulder, you can fit a good amount of kit in one of those. :)
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.
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.
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.
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
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
On you can have a credit card on your phone or cash
What about some kind of lock, so when you stop at the cafe or gas station to use that $20, your bike's still there when you come out?
Definitely a good call. If you have a chain or cable lock, you can wear it like a sash.
Actually, I have a small 1/4" diameter coiled cable I keep in my saddle bag. Takes up about as much space as a tube. Wouldn't stop a determined thief for more than a few seconds, but will stop someone from just jumping on and riding off, or throwing it in their truck and driving off.
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
Love the 50FPS option now!
instructions unclear, got myself stuck in jersey pocket
bloody great idea to put money into a phone case! never though about if before watching this video
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.
If you haven't bought Santini gloves/arm warmers just use a resealable sandwich bag to keep you phone waterproof/scratch proof.
wow , I never knew. thanks GCN!
Oh and I have a neat key padlock combo thing with I can leave bolted to my car/door/whatever
Absolutely excellent well done. I personally do not use or like saddle bags
Camelbak Rogue works for me.
This ending... :D Nailed it!
Yeah but I still have a problem regarding where to put the laptop
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***** Musette??
Road ID is brilliant. As for cash I have taken $20 folded into a 1" pad and place it in my breakhood. You don't even know it's there and neither do your mates. It's for emergency and a bit of food.
As for extra patches: if you live in the drier states of the US we have tumbleweeds and the likes with devilish thorns dropped for a good distance along the road. You need a lot of patches when introduced to this horror.
If you want to go spartan you can use the quick release as a tire lever, super glue to fix torn tires and I never leave home without my lucky tiny swiss army.
One thing that looks funky, but is a life saver is simply tape your emergency contact and medical ID to your top tube before that long ride. Yes, your bike doesn't look cool, but the emergency responders will be able to help more quickly and that's all I care about.
I want those GCN bidons!!
Matt Stephens has the best laugh!
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.
Good tip I was given was to put £10 in your bars taped to the inside of your bar plug. For emergencies
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 was watching the Olympic road time trial yesterday and spotted a familiar face... Global Cycling Network
Matt get's everywhere doesn't he?! We're starting to wonder if he's got a twin.....
What size is the saddle bag in this video? Is it the mini?
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
I take a camelback, much easier and I get a water bladder on top of it :)
+xGshikamaru looks fine if you're on a MTB. Not so cool if on a road bike(:
Well, I admit my style is not particularly elegant I tend to get pragmatic with what I take with me. A camelback offers plenty of space for spare parts, bars, water while being quite comfortable to me, the only downside is I sometimes need to recenter it on my back because it can sometimes drift to one side.
Also it’s heavier. I just bring a water bottle and food, I refill the water bottle along my way and I have a multi tool attached to the frame. I just hope and pray I don’t get a flat and if I do I just walk to the nearest car accessible road and call my mom. Luckily I haven’t needed to be picked up more than 30 miles away.
likeferrari it’s impossible to look cool in roadie gear anyway so a camelbak isn’t going to hurt the look 😂 however because of riding position and comfort I don’t wear one.
@@James-yy4vl I also carry a small backpack with water bladder on my rides. I wear Lycra shorts but they're more casual gym shorts and some running shirt and jacket, so I have a more casual look when I ride. I hate the way cyclists look with their entire Lycra costume.