who DOESN'T use a saddle bag on summer bike

what is your saddlebag arrangement...

  • Use a saddlebag

    Votes: 2 100.0%
  • I don't use a saddlebag, and don't bother carrying puncture repair stuff

    Votes: 1 50.0%
  • I don't use a saddlebag and carry stuff in jersey pockets

    Votes: 1 50.0%
  • Other

    Votes: 1 50.0%

  • Total voters
    2
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bonj2

Guest
I'm curious to know whether people forego a saddle bag esp. on "summer" bike. I always take one but have seen some people without one and can't understand how they carry vital provisions, or do they just sod it?!
If so, how do you carry puncture provisions, if you do at all?
If you don't carry a saddle bag, why not? Weight? Looks (vanity) ?
 

Bman

Guru
Location
Herts.
I dont just for the weight savings. Bear in mind I have a laptop to carry with me on my commute. Instead I have a drawer full of tools/pump/spares/etc at work :angry:

If I get the dreaded "P word" on-route, I'll just have to be late. And thats a rareity for us cyclists isnt it :evil:
 

alecstilleyedye

nothing in moderation
Moderator
i just have a small saddle pack that is just big enough for a spare tube and basic tools. i've seen smaller mind.

if i have to ride on a club run when lights might be needed, i put a frame bag on (so the light is not obscured by the saddle pack), which will also hold stuff like my fold-away rain jacket that would normally go in a pocket.
 

dodgy

Guest
A tiny little seatpack with just enough space for a multitool, tube and puncture kit. I have a personal dislike for seeing beautiful bikes with a saddlebag the size of a cow's udder hanging from the seat :evil: Of course if the bike is ugly, it doesn't matter :angry:
 

Noodley

Guest
I know of some people who do not carry anything anywhere as they 'only' ride sportives and rely on the mechanics. :evil: Which is not much good when they ride an audax and stand at the side of the road waiting on the mechanics wagon, without mentioning their predicament to other riders willing to help. I also know they have never fixed a puncture....:angry:
 

John the Monkey

Frivolous Cyclist
Location
Crewe
I use a Specialized mini pack - 1x tube, Topeak Hexus, Tyre levers, patch kit and a spoke key are all in there. I tend to take along a top tube bag as well, which holds a notebook and pencil, and my mobile & keys.

I really dislike having anything that isn't soft (e.g. arm warmers, Montane jacket, bag of jelly babies) in my jersey pocket, having landed on my keys when I was knocked off by a bus last year - uncomfortable, to say the least.
 

John the Monkey

Frivolous Cyclist
Location
Crewe
Noodley said:
I also know they have never fixed a puncture....:evil:
Seen this is well.

My LBS in Crewe seems to do a pretty good trade fixing punctures, although the owner does often point out that the riders could be saving themselves the cash by learning how to do it themselves.
 
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bonj2

Guest
Noodley said:
I know of some people who do not carry anything anywhere as they 'only' ride sportives and rely on the mechanics. :evil: Which is not much good when they ride an audax and stand at the side of the road waiting on the mechanics wagon, without mentioning their predicament to other riders willing to help. I also know they have never fixed a puncture....:angry:

do you get mechanics running to your rescue in sportives if you get a puncture noodley? :ohmy:
so THAT'S why they're more expensive than audaxes!!?
 
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OP
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bonj2

Guest
John the Monkey said:
I use a Specialized mini pack - 1x tube, Topeak Hexus, Tyre levers, patch kit and a spoke key are all in there. I tend to take along a top tube bag as well, which holds a notebook and pencil, and my mobile & keys.

I really dislike having anything that isn't soft (e.g. arm warmers, Montane jacket, bag of jelly babies) in my jersey pocket, having landed on my keys when I was knocked off by a bus last year - uncomfortable, to say the least.

what about a pump, do you carry that on the frame presumably?

anyone carry a CO2 pump in a saddlebag, if so which, and which?

One advantage of carrying a pump in a back pocket though is you can whip it out and twat someone with it without even slowing down much if you see someone you don't like at the side of the road.
 
I carry a small wedge pack It holds my multi tool, a p kit (with some emergency 20p's and quick links), my keys and a cateye EL410 and a rear light clipped to the back and sometimes cash and or card. A spare tube, pump, cereal bars, bananas, waterproof and maps go in my rear pockets. I might lose the lights sometimes and don't always carry maps. There's not much weight to the stuff so I'm not really bothered and I don't think it spoils the look of the bike.
Funny enough (or maybe not :evil:) I got into a conversation after the club run, I've got one of those Fizik ones that clip into the saddle whereas my mate has a Lezyne one (Ive got one but don't use it) which I think is well designed storage wise but its let down by its flimsy led clip. I use a Topeak one on my other bikes for a similar reason.
 

Landslide

Rare Migrant
bonj said:
One advantage of carrying a pump in a back pocket though is you can whip it out and twat someone with it without even slowing down much if you see someone you don't like at the side of the road.
:evil:
Leaving your stunned victim to hear:
"Go and learn how to fix p*nct*res!"
 

John the Monkey

Frivolous Cyclist
Location
Crewe
HLab, do check on the Fizik one from time to time. I had one, and the bracket snapped (after 7 months or so of use).

I like the system, but I'm not too convinced by the durability of the parts.

Bonj, I do use a pump mounted to the frame, a Specialized Airtool Road - absolutely superb (but Presta valve only) and pretty good value for money at a tenner.
 

Chris James

Über Member
Location
Huddersfield
I have a (medium, I think) Topeak seat pack. In it I have a spare tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, with KMC missing link, chain tool. I also manage to squeeze my mobile and keys in.

I don't bother with any tools as I have never had anything come loose and check the bike is in working order before taking it out!

If I might need lights then I clip an LED on the loop on the back of the seat pack.

My pump is attached to the frame via a bottle holder bracket.

In my pocket I only carry food and spare clothing - i.e. soft stuff.
 
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