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What To Pack On Bike rides: How To Not Get Stranded

what's in my saddle bag — what’s in my saddle bag

This is what I pack in my saddle bag for cycling rides long and short

Below, I’ll break down each item numbered in the photo, explain why it’s essential to my gear setup, and share my thoughts and suggestions on each piece. For longer rides, especially those nearing 200 miles with uncertain routes, I carry an extra tube to stay prepared. My aim with this setup is to get patched up and pedaling again as quickly as possible. I’ll also point out any items you may not need, especially since a couple of these are only needed for tubeless.

1. Roll up saddle bag

First things first, you need something to keep all of this stuff in. I currently use a saddle bag that rolls up. I love the flexibility this thing offers and would recommend it, however there is a strategy to rolling these up properly, I will be uploading a video to show the best way to keep everything intact.

Before moving to this roll up bag I used to use a gear keg on the bottle mount on the front cage of my bike in front of my crank, however I transitioned off this since I would rather keep a third liter bottle of water there, especially for longer rides. There is no wrong answer however I have re-prioritized having the space for that extra bottle of water so I can limit my stops to refill.

2. Tube, you put this thing in your bike tire

Even though I run a tubeless gravel bike (and bring a tire plug kit) occasionally there are things that can’t be fixed by a plug. In that scenario it is a great idea to have a backup tube. Though I have only had the need to reach for this tube once or twice over thousands of miles it is obviously best to be prepared for anything, as I mentioned above too if Im getting into 100 mile and more territory in remote areas I will even bring a second tube just in case I don’t end up stranded.

3. Tire Levers

Tire levers, these are needed to help pop that tire off the rim to insert the tube.

4. C02 Bike Tire inflator (presta valve)

Instead of lugging around a small bike pump—though I do bring one on remote rides occasionally—it’s much quicker to use a CO2 tank to inflate your tire almost instantly. To use a CO2 tank, you’ll need a screw-on top that fits the tank and allows you to inflate your bike tire. Remember, there are two types of bike valves: Presta and Schrader. Make sure you get the correct inflator for your valve type. It’s also a great idea to choose one with an easy-to-use on/off feature. And finally, practice using it at home; it’s better to waste a tank in your garage than out on the trail with limited supplies.

5. Extra CHARGED SRAM eTap battery

This is only necessary if you have a bike with electric shifting assist. I always bring along an extra battery just in case, you don’t want to be in the backroads of a long ride and have your technologically advanced electric shift assist bike all of a sudden become a fixie.

6. Extra couple chain links

Chains break, things happen. I always bring along an extra couple links just in case. They are tiny, if you don’t need them someone else in your group might so I don’t think its a bad idea to have this in your bag.

7. Quick links

Again same as extra chain links, I carry a set of spare quick links just in case, these take up even less space.

8. Tire patch kit

This is only needed if you have a tubeless bike setup. Having a tire patch kit or “bacon” its often called is a great idea, sometimes if your sealant can’t get the job done a quick plug application is all you need to continue along. I STRONGLY recommend the Dynaplug racer plug kit. This setup is FAST easy to use and not messy at all. I have had tires with 3 of these plugs in them before that have rode fine for hundreds of miles.

9. Gloves

Lots of things on the bike are messy, maybe your chain, maybe the mud but also maybe your tubeless sealant rolling around in your tire. There are few things in this world more frustrating than having to close out another 50 or so miles on your bike with greased up disgusting hands requiring you to also replace your bar tape in the same day.

10. A good cycling multi-tool

It is critical to have a GOOD multi-tool. I would recommend finding one that lets you do just about everything you would need to do to your bike, here is a quick checklist,

Can you get your wheel off?
Does it have a chain breaker?
Does it allow you to tighten or loosen each bolt on your bike (you never know what you may need to loosen or tighten)

11. Cash

Stuff happens, having some cash is never a bad idea. Whether it’s to purchase a snack or water or a ride back if things don’t go according to plan its always a good idea to carry a few bucks. Additionally I keep this cash for rides I go on and forget to grab a credit card.

12. Replacement dynaplug plugs (bacon)

The racer I use allows the holder to have 2 plugs, I always carry extra because you never know what could happen on a ride. Personally I have used 3 plugs on a single ride before, these don’t take up much space so I always keep a few in my bag.

13. eTap battery covers

These are only needed if you bicycle comes equipped with SRAM electric shifting. I really only keep these in here so they are always with me.

14. C02 Tank

C02 tank to quickly fill your bicycle tires. for riding around town I carry one possibly two of these, if I am on a longer ride I will absolutely carry two or three tanks. These will work with your #4 item the inflator to ensure you can quickly fill your tire and/or tube.

Anything else?

if you think I have forgotten anything reach out to me on the contact form on my page and let me know. If I am going on super long rides as I called out above it may not be a bad idea to bring extra tubes especially if you feel like you often get unlucky on rides. Bringing a long a micro pump is not a bad idea since once a c02 tank runs out that’s it, whereas the only limit to a pump is your willingness to continue pumping. VIDEO coming soon!

September 12, 2024