What do you take when you go cycling? « CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum

CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting

What do you take when you go cycling?

(60 posts)

Started 15 years ago by chdot
Latest reply from kaputnik

Tags:

12 Next »

chdot
Admin

I was involved in a lunchtime discussion yesterday about the 'essentials' to take when you go cycling.

The answers ranged from 'credit card and a 'phone' to a full workshop kit (the latter wasn't entirely serious - though if you're taking out a group of fairly novice cyclists it's hard to anticipate what mechanical problems they may have)!

The answers also depended partly on whether the trip was short and urban or an exploring the Pentlands or longer journey. in addition it depended on the extent to which rider was keen to do DIY.

The taxi option (they are obliged to carry bikes) can be a useful backup, which is a small commute cost - unless you have frequent mechanical problems...

The conversation moved on to other items - two sets of lights (not just as a spare) and appropriate clothing.

What are your essentials - and thing you 'should' take but seldom do!

New Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups /what_do_you_take_when_you_go_cycling

A lot of the early photos were found in a 'what's in my bag' thread, so show what people actually take on (probably) short, urban commutes where punctures and breakdowns don't seem to be a concern.

Update - some of the posts below demonstrate a slight gender split on what is 'important'.

Posted 15 years ago #
Colin
Member

My suggestions items to carry on every cycle trip are a working pump, puncture repair kit, 2 or 3 Pedros tyre levers (large, yellow, easy to use and not lose), two spare inner tubes, multi-tool which includes a cross and flat screwdrivers and a selection of allen keys and a rag dampened with Dettol which acts as both cleaner and degreaser sealed in a poly bag. A spare set of small lights would also be worth considering, as would a small set of pliers (for removing objects from tyres, amongst other things).

Posted 15 years ago #
LaidBack
Member

The tupperware and broken nails look familiar(!)
That kit though has a puncture repair kit hiding. Holding stuff together neatly is always nice rather than having it all rattling about.

Essentials for 'normal' people

• Mini-pump with gauge. Or one of these pull umps if you prefer. Decent tyre pressure saves your energy.

• Plastic tyre levers and a spare inner.

• Multitool.

• Latex gloves if you're not allergic.

• Good lock if you do have to leave bike and return later!

Ask someone to show you how these work. No point if you're not sure how to use although having a spare inner makes it easier for people to help you.

I would say to any newcomers that are hacking about town to invest in good tyres. So much really 'revolves' round this.
(Schwalbe Marathons + Marathon Racers / Specialized Nimbus. For extra beef try the Plus and Aramadillo versions).

Posted 15 years ago #
jacquie phelan
Member

I bring too much. Here's a picture.

a sandwich or bar of chocolate. Whimbreaker. Sunglasses. Notepad, pen, pencil. Zeiss monocular. Crashmere armwarmers. Couple of plastic baggies in case I stumble across a food hoard and don't want to pollute my bag.

Posted 15 years ago #
Claggy Cog
Member

Appropriate clothing for the weather like waterproof trousers, extra layers should you have to stop for any length of time and you start to cool down rapidly, clear glasses for all year round, pump, spare inner tube, I prefer metal tyre levers they work better and far more robust and for a couple of grammes extra weight worth it, spanners, and multi-tool, as well as the paraphernalia in a puncture repair kit, just in case, alcohol hand gel for cleaning and works a treat....and for a longer journey something to snack on, or sweets for a sugar boost, and of course, a full water bottle is a given. In summer sunscreen and in winter heavy duty face cream and lip salve.

Posted 15 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator
No matter where I'm cycling, I always take my:
- Blackburn mini pump
- Puncture repair kit (two levers, glue, sandpaper, tweezers, gluey patches, Park instant patches)
- Half a multi-tool (2/3/4/5/6mm hex plus Philips screwdriver)
- Clear cycling glasses
- Mobile phone with camera and voice recorder
- Pen
Depending on the weather, temperature, activity, time and distance, I might add:
- Goretex jacket or Polartec fleece, and gloves
- Armoured cable lock and/or long cable and/or U-lock
- Front lights (each of my bikes has its own rear light)
- Chocolate bars and/or bananas
- Bottle or two of water
- The other half of my multi-tool (chain tool, 8/9/10/12/14mm ring spanners, flat screwdriver) and a spoke key and maybe spare spokes
- Cable ties and a roll of insulating tape
- Real camera
- Suntan cream, insect repellent, tick tweezers
- Notepad
- etc.
Posted 15 years ago #
chdot
Admin

@Arellcat

think we need photos...

Posted 15 years ago #
Cyclingmollie
Member
For sportives:
- Innovations CO2 inflator
- 2 16g CO2 cannisters
- 1 spare tube
- 2 tyre levers (not ones made of "cheese", metal ones)
- patches and rubber solution
- Park MT1 multi-tool
- cable-ties
- money
- 2 gels for each hour riding
- 2 75cl water bottles
- mobile phone
- light rain-cape
Posted 14 years ago #
chdot
Admin

Posted 14 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

I knew that I wasn't imagining there being a thread about this. And lo and behold, the search facility came up with the goods.

Preparing myself mentally for the Xborder 100 by;

A/ not tinkering with bike (normally results in dérailleurs being stripped down or new riding positions being experimented with)

B/ sitting around thinking about "what's the worst that could happen"...

...led me to root around in the bits 'n' pieces box and come up with a wee emergency repair kit of all the potentially useful bits I don't already carry, as follows;

- 2 x 5 cm sections of x23c inner tube
- 2 x 3mm allen bolts (1 long, 1 short) with washers and nuts. (Frame already has a supply of 5mm bolts that can be scavenged in an emergency)
- 5 x cable ties
- 1 x section of biro pen bound in 20cm of gaffer tape

all held together with 2 smaller sections of x23c inner tube.

I think it's lacking some malleable wire of some description. What else could I put in there?

Existing kit in the saddle pack = dumbbell spanner, Lifu multi tool with chain tool (terrible corrosion resistance, slowly rusting to bits), inner tube(s), 10mm Surly wrench for tracknuts combined with bottle opener, steel cored tyre levers, rubber bands, some rags (mainly to stop rattling), Lezyne road drive pump.

Posted 14 years ago #
Cyclingmollie
Member

What are the bits of inner tube for?

Posted 14 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

Mainly to hold everything else together :) I've read various accounts of how they can be useful inserts if you get a slash in the tyre, or as high strength rubber bands. You never know, I might find a use for them!

Posted 14 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

Amir and I were admiring what this chap took with him when he went cycling. Never did find out what was in it. I presumed it was his knitting. Also featured the most alarming looking Brooks I've ever seen, the photo doesn't do it justice just how much like a horse-riding saddle it had been broken into.

Needless to say he finished before us... although to be fair to ourselves we did got 3 miles too far!

Posted 13 years ago #
DaveC
Member

I have a 7ltr panier top bag, but that is mostly for commuting to work, so has clothes I need for that day.

In my saddle bag, I have one inner tube, two old cycle spanners, a mutli tool with alan keys, screw drivers etc, (from Evans) and a puncture repair kit.

I have yet to find a way of attaching my pump to my bike, it didn't come with any way of attaching.

Posted 13 years ago #
Arellcat
Moderator

Dave, perhaps something like the Fenix straight flashlight mount would do the trick?

Posted 13 years ago #
ruggtomcat
Member

quick list from the weekend:

Cloak (large)
3man tent
nota-therma-rest
sleeping bag
full change of clothing + towel + waterproofs
food
6l water
crash symbol
cowbell
trainers
mess kit

This is no where near full capacity of the big rig yet, I debated taking a 3rd pair of shoes but decided that would be stupid for a two day camp. However the tour equipment list is a little longer and a lot heavier. as it has to include:

8 clubs (3Fire)
Poi
1l Parrafin
AmpCan (Lead acid battery no1)
Charger
Headset mic (Lead acid 2)
RollaBolla plank and tube
Boxing Kit
Magic Kit
5 balls
Costume
Hat

plus

Tent -mat - bag
Cook - eat - wash
Water - food - meds
Change of clothes
Netbook - notebook - bookbook
Touring toolkit
Towel

maybe I should have gone for a trike...

Posted 13 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

All in that rackpack with your "sports exhaust" lock? Good show, Ruggtomcat.

Posted 13 years ago #
ruggtomcat
Member

oh yeah + locks :(

Posted 13 years ago #
Smudge
Member

@Ruggtomcat, "cowbell?!?

I drag far too much around with me. If I'm feeling enthused tomorrow I may even list/photograph it!

Posted 13 years ago #
ruggtomcat
Member

@smudge yeah Im lucky its not a djembe. Im currently leading a drum crew and so I get to use the lighter instruments. Bass drums are not very aerodynamic either.

Posted 13 years ago #
strangemeetings
Member

I've generally been chancing it with pump and puncture repair kit (ie, patches and tyre levers) at all times. Lights are conveniently built in, but I have a back-up for the front as I don't like the dynamo going off when I'm stationary.

I'm taking my bike up north with me over the Easter weekend though, so I've invested in a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a few hours of swotting up for emergencies for that - distinct lack of taxis or phone signal, so I'm a bit less happy about trusting my mobility to Marathon Pluses and luck than I am in and around Edinburgh!

Posted 13 years ago #
chdot
Admin

"I may even list/photograph it!"

Don't forget there's a group for that -

http://www.flickr.com/groups/what_do_you_take_when_you_go_cycling

Posted 13 years ago #
Smudge
Member

"Don't forget there's a group for that "

lol, it's flickr, if you can think of it, even if you didn't want to(!) there is probably a group for it ;-)

Posted 13 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

Flickr?

There's an app for that...

Posted 13 years ago #
chdot
Admin

"there is probably a group for it"

Pretty much -

http://www.flickr.com/groups/cyclingedinburgh

http://www.flickr.com/groups/barriers_to_cycling_in_edinburgh

http://www.flickr.com/groups/citycycling

Posted 13 years ago #
kaputnik
Moderator

not to forget;

I love old signs!

and

I love my brick!

Posted 13 years ago #
gembo
Member

nice bricks

Posted 13 years ago #
Smudge
Member

ok, some of the cr... erm... stuff I haul around with me!

The full sorry list can be found on the cycling in Edinburgh Flickr group. Of course if the weather looks iffy then add waterproof trousers/jacket/overboots/tweed cap (depending how bad it is), oh and on one day a week add a full change of work clothes including boots. (and I wonder why my legs are tired at the end of the week :-o lol)

Posted 13 years ago #
Nelly
Member

I thought the larger the bag, the more stuff will fill it, so went for a tiny seatpost bag - and end up stuffing things in my back pockets - eejit.

I also realised yesterday I had been lugging round a small windproof tied under my seat pack for 6 months - I had been conscious of it, but it just kind of stayed there, getting steadily more damp and smelly.

Posted 13 years ago #
LivM
Member

One useful thing I carry around is a section of old toothpaste tube (opened out into a square) which is useful for patching a gash in a tyre and much less fiddly than a piece of old inner tube. Came in very useful on a Mellow Velo ride near Aviemore last summer.

Posted 13 years ago #