Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Yep, two bottles for audax.
I dont understand some cyclist
- Thread starter rydabent
- Start date
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Yep, two bottles for audax.
Absolutely. A lot of areas it's possible to need only one and fill it up but i've cycled in lots of places where I've needed two bottles especially if a hot day.
Anyway as for original topic I carry the basic tools to keep me going in a wedge saddle bag. Spare inner tube, patches, allen keys, couple tie wraps.
Regarding visibility as some have mentioned, I'm sure we've all seen cyclists out on a dull, grey day all in black and no lights. Entirely their choice but to me it's unwise. No question it's safer in more visible attire especially in low light. Obvious you'd think.
I'll always stop especially so if somewhere a bit remote if I see another cyclist stopped who look as if need help etc. I don't even consider if male or female, why would I. What I tend to do is slow down and shout "you OK" or words to that effect. In majority of cases get a yes so I carry on.
My view is we're all responsible for our own safety and that inc carrying drink/food/spares as required. I've been on club rides where a rider has punctured or needs tools but has literally nothing. Of course I assist but I make it known to them and ride leader that it's not good enough and in future should be self sufficient.
I always take 2 bottles out with me on my longer rides I will often return with one untouched especially if its been a club ride with cafe stop. On my solo rides I don’t include a cafe stop so on hot days I go through both. Last summer in the Alps I was planning rides around where I knew there was a water fountain so I could refill my bottles.
Alex321
Guru
- Location
- South Wales
The first time I rode the Bwlch was the hottest day of that year - temperatures reached 35C.
I took two bottles, bought two bottles of water at the top of the Bwlch to refill them, and then a large bottle at a shop in Hopkinstown to refill them again. I think I went through 8L of water in just over 50 miles that day.
But most days, agreed, I only take one bottle (750ml), which on longer rides may need refilling.
Katana
Well-Known Member
As they say…fail to prepare is prepare to fail! I don’t carry full load of tools when I go out for a ride on a bike to deal with all sorts of eventualities but carry 2 spare tubes, puncture kit, pump and multitool. It’s a case of basic common sense but going by the saying…common sense is very uncommon😂
Alex321
Guru
- Location
- South Wales
I ride mostly in 80 - 90 degree temperatures most of the year with high humidity and I sweat copiously. So two water bottles one consumed every 16 - 20 miles with electrolytes is de rigueur. If I had space, I'd add another cage for another bottle. All my tools go in a saddle bag.
In must be nice to ride in cold wet conditions.
There are words I could use, but I'm not sure "nice" is one of them
roubaixtuesday
self serving virtue signaller
I always take two. If it's hot and you're in unfamiliar, hilly terrain it's the bare minimum IMO.
Fastpedaller
Über Member
- Location
- Norfolk
When I rode a 12 Hr time trial in real scorching conditions (before we had global warming 
), I was getting through a large (700ml?) bottle every hour. Thankfully I wasn't carrying them all 
I didn't stop for a 'convenience break' either.
), I was getting through a large (700ml?) bottle every hour. Thankfully I wasn't carrying them all I didn't stop for a 'convenience break' either.
must be nice to ride in cold wet conditions.
It's not.
It's the reason why I have been out for 2 rides in February, total distance 36 miles. And unlikely to increase any time soon.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Always, on every ride. I carry a 750ml electrolyte bottle and a 500ml plain water. The 500ml is because a second 750ml won't fit in my frame.
My minimum fluid intake is 500ml per hour but often higher. An ordinary 50/60 mile winter ride will be around 2000 - 2500ml, the same ride in summer would be 3000+ and long days 5000 - 6000ml.
Any less than the above would leave me dehydrated, potentially for 36 hours. My usual water intake on a non-cycling day is 2500 - 3000ml. The same applies, less and I get dehydrated.
Contents of the tool bag (actually a 2 compartment pencil case)
That’s for commutes and shortish rides. For longer ones there’s enough room for another tube. Oh and I forgot the nitrile gloves that I usually take especially for commutes, to avoid getting fingers filthy.
The multi tool has a chain breaker and all the usual allen bolt sizes including 8mm for my Orbea Gain motor wheel nuts. The silver allen looking key is tamper proof torx for the locking skewer on the utility bike.
That’s for commutes and shortish rides. For longer ones there’s enough room for another tube. Oh and I forgot the nitrile gloves that I usually take especially for commutes, to avoid getting fingers filthy.
The multi tool has a chain breaker and all the usual allen bolt sizes including 8mm for my Orbea Gain motor wheel nuts. The silver allen looking key is tamper proof torx for the locking skewer on the utility bike.
Can you show a larger pic of the tool with a chain break? Make as well?
Can't take a photo at the minute as I'm in a teams meeting but it's this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075RQNTJ6
Okay, super, thanks. Must get one.
