I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new backpack after this thread has run it's course So what do you carry with you? I carry a couple of spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit, waterproofs, lights (when I'm not using them) and a crap pump! That's about it, so what am I missing?
In my rucksack is a shirt, trousers and underwear; my wallet; cufflinks, tiepin etc; mobile phone and travel card. I also have a saddle bag thing that contains two inner tubes, tyre levers and some allen keys. Got a pump attached to the frame of the bike. I think that's about it
For commuting on the fixed ... On the frame: pump, water bidon In the saddle pack: Multi-Tool, Adjustable spanner, spare tube, p*nct*re kit, tyre levers, zip ties, spare section (2-3 links) of 1/8" chain, 2 snap links for 1/8" chain, tissues, 2 pairs nitrile gloves, keys , mobile, money pouch, security pass, lunch box, reading glasses, shirt, pants, socks
Inner tube Repair kit Spoke key Multi-holed spanner Spare chain links with powerlink Tyre levers Multitool (with tyre levers, screwdrivers, chain tool, Allen Keys) Zip ties Latex gloves - for roadside repairs 3 carrier bags - to cover the saddle & bar ends in case I have to put bike upside down on pavement to work on it Mini Pump (on frame) Hooded waterproof Hi Viz vest in case it's overcast/raining/dark. £3 bus/train fare - in case something serious happens and I can't get the bike fixed roadside and I'm too far to walk home. I commute 24 miles a day, 365 days a year so I like to be prepared for all eventualities. At work, I have a bottle of lube and wet wipes in case it rains on the way in. I'll clean and re-lube at lunchtime to ensure the ride home is smooth.
I used to keep the pump on the frame, but found it a pain to keep removing it (and the lights) whenever I stopped at the shops. So now I just leave it in the backpack. The pump holder makes a useful holder for an umbrella when it's raining and my wife has forgotten to send our daughter to school with her waterproof. Note to self: Buy a small retractable umbrella that can fit in backpack
I've come to enjoy the freedom of not wearing my rucksack in the warmer, brighter days. Winter is a different story as I carry night wear (nice pair of pj's!!...no, a big bright jacket) overshoes seperate gloves etc During the summer I use the under saddle "eastpeak" baggy thing In it, I manage to fit: House Keys Office Keys Blackberry Wallett Spare cash (roll of coins) Spare tube Repair kit and a waterproof over cover for the lot In addition, My bike carries the pump (a good "clip on valve type"), 3 lights and two cages for water bottles. I am thinking of useing one cage (as i never take two bottles on a commute, thats for days out with the kids) to carry the above as I dont like it hanging under my seat...potentially blocking my rear light. Each Monday I take the loud bike in a drop off/remove shirts and underwear (all folded in the top box) for the week.
wow, you cycle with an umbrella...now that i have to see. have you considered buying a rainproof jacket. they are quite cool looking and you can keep both hands on the bars in the rain
Not a lot today as brought everything in on Monday so I could ride the good bike yesterday. Normally - Clothes for the day Towel Toiletries Tools Puncture repair kit and tube Spare lights and batteries.
I only need it for when I'm on the mobile It's rare - my wife works in the same office as me, but her working times are different. She drops the little-one at school and I collect her. It's a three-quarter mile walk home from school and when it's raining heavily, I take an umbrella from the car before leaving the office and strap it to the bike for the little-one's walk home).
I usually have: Panniers: Trousers T-Shirt For the time being a jacket incase I get cold Washbag Lunch Notebook for times Pump Fairy visit kit Spare tube Screwdriver Allen Key Spoke key Chain tool Wallet Travel Pass Glasses case Blackberry Keys Inhaler Spare hearing aid batteries Bike: Lock tied to the rack Water bottle
Hmmm im liking the umbrella idea, maybe you could fashion it into some sort of sail to speed up commutes too? Iv got a little dhb backpack with: 2 tubes + tyre levers Multi-tool Pump Keys + wallet + watch + work pass Bike lock Lunch box + random bananas/apple Hi-Viz waterproof thing in the side pouch On the frame iv just got a bottle and the computer jobby + lights. Maybe one day ill put the saddle bag on to save the backpack zip from exploding. Fortunately i do some running on wednesdays so have to drive in then and I resupply my work clothes stash then so i dont need to cram extra stuff on top of that!
I'm no sailor, but given that cyclists always have to cycle into the wind (why ), doesn't that mean constantly veering across the roads?
