I now tow a small trailer containing a completely stocked toolbox, a small air compressor, a workstand, and of course, a mini fridge that runs on solar. You can never be too prepared, in my opinion, and dragging that extra weight around has really gotten me in fantastic shape! 😂
Love the on-bike approach. Had an off (admittedly on a motorbike so at a higher speed) and got stabbed by my house keys in the thigh, lots of pain and an amount of blood that would belong in a hammer horror movie but thankfully aside from concussion it was the most major injury I had, and it was all caused by having my house keys in a trouser pocket. Since then whenever I'm doing something that is more involved than walking, and I have a choice, I keep nothing "harder than my own skin" in pockets and on me. Everything else is on the thing I'm using, be it bicycle or motorbike.
I can share 2 hacks: 1) I use a running waist pack under the jersey to carry my big phone. It’s comfortable, has ton of space and that way my jersey pockets are not sagging with heavy items. 2) This one I’d say try it under your own risk to see if it works for you. But I put my Garmin radar inside a plastic card case and put it in my left back pocket. The case helps to keep it in place and aligned. It detects cars behind me just as if it was installed on the seatpost mount. (I just find it ugly). Good video!
I tend to use my 70 litre backpack. It's great whenever you pass a thrift shop with a substantial book section, or maybe a countryside food market. 70 litres is usually enough for my fill of leeks and pears, unless I've stuffed my backpack with too many books, that is.
Superb advice. Nothing worse than being stranded without the correct equipment as I discovered many years ago when riding solo in the Peak District and snapping a chain. Don't forget to pack quick links and a range of cable ties.
I don't know about anyone else but every now and then I feel the need to reassess both what I take on a ride and how I carry it! It's a sort of constant itch... Probably what's required is not a better saddle bag but counselling :)
I'm with Si on this. Handle bar cargo should be avoided at all costs. It is not just the aero dynamics that are affected, but also the steering and lights that become compromised. There are other options such as the cargo on the top tube or inside the bike frame which are easily accessible when riding more aero, and keep the weight of the bike centered. Also think about what you carry in your body because when you fall (for some reason) everything is going to fall with you which means you can break some stuff like your mobile phone screen, and if you carry spiked stuff you can also puncture yourself. Beware.
Yes! No reason to have a handlebar bag slugging you down unless you're going bikepacking. I just keep a small frame bag on the bike 24/7 that contains my multitool, mini pump, small cafe stop code chain lock, and during the ride, my phone, keys, wallet and maybe some snacks. Also have a tiny saddle bag that holds a spare tube, tyre levers and patches.
Almost seems like the handle bar bag would just slightly break the wind for your body. Your body is right behind it and much wider than the bag. I’d be curious to see it in a wind tunnel.
I think in back of Si’s mind, aesthetic plays an important part in why he shied away from handlebar bag. You need a proper touring or retro bike to make it more aesthetically palatable. Yes, many of us are still channeling our inner bike snobbishness !
What is often overlooked is to pack more compact things. You can get quite small mini pumps, tpu-tubes, multi tools. I have my phone, 2 tubes, pump, tire leavers, patches and quick link in my "cyclist purse" only taking up the size of 1 pocket. Another tip is get a pair of bibs with pockets for longer rides. You dont notice a few gels. And it's also nice to have a pocket for the phone when taking breaks.
I have one of those bike racks that hooks up to the seat post. I zip tied a milk crate to it. Bungeed on an old retroreflective safety vest I had lying around. It works great. I get groceries, carry my backpack, have a couple tools, etc.
I like using a “tool bottle” for heavier things like tools emergency spares and a tube. Keeps the weight low down and easy to move between different bikes.
I really like the all metal lezyne pumps. And yes the pocket drive pump (Which is fine for the road bike.) fits in the bottle easily along with two tubes, tire levers and tool kit.
Stem insulated bottle bags. I have two, one keeps a small flask of coffee warm for hours on cold winter rides and the other holds a whole packet of chocolate digestive biscuits. Many have a pocket for a phone as well, stops you landing on it when you fall off.😊
Top tube bags are great. Aero position, easy to get to snacks while riding, and just the right size for longer rides! I just don't understand bar bags on bikes that people have spent $$$ to shave a few aero watts.
Just don't understand why one would put any bags on a road bike at all. If you need to take along more than what fits inside your jersey pockets, get a support car.
I got an 11L saddle bag, that easily carries a days worth of gear. And I've aero tested it and it's a few watts faster than having nothing, since it fills in the space behind the rider.
I always have a saddle bag on, and it has the usual, plus a quick link, zip ties, and a valve converter (could use a garage/gas station air hose instead of mini pump if I am near one or mini pump it until I get to one, and top up if need be). For food I have it all in a zip lock bag (the same one for 18 months now, it fits in one pocket and dirty empty wrappers I put them all back in the bag fold it in half to, most of the time, keep gel goo off the other food. Frees my other pocket up for arm warmers, pocket knife or other stuff. Pump is fixed to the bike frame under the bottle cage it's always on the bike, so i never forget to take it. Drew.
Exact same setup I use. Also love a saddlebag for tools and pump as keeps both my bottle cages for their specific purpose as only taking 1 bottle on length of rides I go on would be too little.
Some great tips! I'm mostly on the same page as you guys. My couple changes though are attaching a mini pump to the bike via a mount that goes under my bottle cage - I do this because I don't want anything that plasticy and solid on my back, for that same reason I might get a bigger saddle bag to fit the pump. Also my favourite bib shorts have some good pockets, so my phone can be a bit less noticable and a bit more convenient
I am with you! Also, low point of gravity is good for handling, and not put things on moving parts, like the handlebars. I would actully put a rack on before handlebar bag.
Could be interesting to see the measured effect of handlebar bag on aero WITH the rider on a bike. Just go same downhill with and without handlebar bag, about 5 times for each set. And thanks for the long time ago video (Emma's times) comparing drag effects of backpacks, paneers and bikepack saddle bag.
@@MarcoTurcios I ditched (gave away a brand new, bought right before that video) pannier for dragging properties, will fill saddlebag with paneer. And in the future, if GCN aero testing approves, may be a handlebar bag too.
Good point on measuring with the rider. A front bag is wider than the bicycle frame, but not wider than the rider! A curved front on the bag may even reduce drag because it's more aerodynamic than the rider's body.
My Ortlieb framebag keeps the center of gravity low and central, and has everything I would need on a rad; spare tube, mini-tool, mini pump, bike lock, visibility sash, and store my heart monitor in there as well. Two revelate design feedbags hold my gels, trash, keys, glasses, and whatever other random things I will have. I don't always ride with a cycling jersey (Merino wool base layer is sometimes just the trick), so it's nice to have the space right up front. For touring/bikepacking, pop on the saddle bag and handle bar bag, and two fork mounted bags if I need em, which usually in the winter I do for extra layers. Overall good modular system that works well for me!
Conner - how do you pull your rain jacket out of the middle pocket without pulling out the other stuff? Like you have your wallet, phone & mini-pump in that same pocket?
I use the 2nd bottle mount with a wide opening bottle to stash tools, tube etc. bottle matches my drinking bottle unlike the bottle tool bags. Easy to move between bikes too. Also have a mini pump as co2 can run out leaving you stranded
+1 for handlebar bags! I use it to carry extra snacks so nothing melts on my hot back, and sunscreen in the summer. Most importantly, I use it to keep a power pack since my Garmin doesn't like to keep charge for more than 4-5 hours depending on the temp. And being right underneath the head unit, I can charge continuously on the go! If I were racing, I would definitely forego the handlebar bag, though. There's a time and place for everything, and the handlebar bag is best for long days
Love using my handlebar bag to protect snacks from melting or temps heating up my SIS gels. I also keep my iPhone in the bag along with cash/cards/ID/extra master link. I also run a castellli small saddle bag on the seat for tube/CO2/patches/Multi tool/leavers/latex gloves. Admit that I have phoned the wife vs changing tubes on the road as i ride solo 100% of the time but someday she might not be available to answer, so I will be forced to use it. Glad I had the phone in the handlebar bag the day I hit the pavement by misjudging how fast I could take a turn through the sand/debris on a road/parking lot transition. I ride my son's hand me down Roubaix so I am not concerned with any aero impact as speed isn't my current goal, simple endurance is for now.. or at least until I can average 20 mph for 80 miles. :)
For most rides, I just wear a very small rucksack and put all of my very few things in there. (rain gear, lock, repair kit.) If I'm doing a very long ride, I put my mechanical supplies (multi-tool, tubes, levers) in a second water bottle to spare my backside. I agree with Si on handlebar bags. I do use them for touring/bikepacking, but they're almost as bad as panniers at mucking up the ride characteristics of a bike. I'm a huge fan of Tailfin's Aeropack; if you want to carry a decent amount of stuff on a multi-day ride and still enjoy the actual ride, this is a good option.
I have a small Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag from almost 20 years ago for essentials, and also a Camelbak H.O.S.S. from 2008 if I need to a bit more stuff & up to 3L of water on longer rides. Also a couple of detachable rear pannier bags, and a Topeak MTX DXP trunk bag that slides into the rail on one of their Super Tourist DX rear racks if I really need to carry a ton of stuff.
If you have more pockets than you have stuff to fill them, don't spread things out between them. I usually carry my ride wallet jammed behind my waterproof, but when faced with 5 pockets on a Winter jacket I had distributed things evenly. Of course I lost my wallet, containing bank card, £15 and two microSD cards, one of which was unused.
I tend to be a minimalist. Tube, CO2, Tire levers, spoke wrench and a 5mm allen. To stay warm, I'll use arm warmers, knee warmers, sleeveless base layer, and an old piece of Tyvek to put under my jersey. I tend to use my jersey pockets to store all of this.
Great advice. I was wondering if you could do an episode of how to carry stuff specifically for small frame bikes? I am unusually short so ride a junior bike and many women are also on smaller frame bikes. Plus it would benefit children who are very keen cyclists. Carrying stuff is a huge challenge. Saddle bags either don’t have enough space at all or have just enough space but no space for a light. Top tube bags only fit if there is no bottle cage and the bottle cage with a bottle in it, can fill most or the entire space. The shorter seat tube means a second bottle cage isn’t an option. The narrower handlebars get filled up quick with essentials such as a light and bell. And if like me, you fit a child size cycling jersey, a lot only have two pockets. I find myself carrying a rucksack but I’d love for advice on a better solution. My bike is absolutely the correct size for me and I love being on it. But it definitely brings a unique set of challenges.
@Reuben-Bryant: Is it okay if you say what bicycle-brand, bicycle-model, and particular--frame-size of that bike you're utilizing? (In the case that the brand gives their "size" in both Letters *AND* Numbers, please provide both). It would help give me (and the rest of the readers) a better-idea of what we are dealing-with (in terms of the dimensions of YOUR bike's-frame). P.S. i would say the "Topeak Roadie Da G" mini-pump on the left-side of the "down tube", underneath the bottle-holder. A small saddlebag (like the Topeak Dry Wedge) for a tyre patch-kit, 2 or 3 tyre-levers, Topeak "Mini Pro 20" multitool, 2 spare inner-tubes, Presta-to-Schrader valve adapter, and a small air-pressure-gauge (like the Topeak Shuttlle Gauge Digital, for example).
@@reoencarcelado5904 Yeah, absolutely happy to share what I’m riding. My road bike is a Giant T-mobile team junior 24” wheel. Frame size is 42cm. Effective height to the clamp that holds the saddle onto the seat post 47cm (filled by the rear light). Top tube actual length 41cm (no easy method to measure the reach and junior bikes aren’t sized that way). If stood over the top tube, I have less than a inch clearance. I also have a hardtail mountain bike (which is more relevant to GMBN) but since the issue of carrying stuff applies to both, I’ll share that as well. That’s a Ammaco Black Mamba junior 24” wheel. Frame size is 13”. Effective height to the clamp that holds the saddle is exactly the same as my road bike. Top tube length is 18” but because it’s a mountain bike, it’s got an angle to it. Had to buy a side loading bottle cage because nothing else was useable and when the bottle is mounted, that’s the entire space filled. Little bit more length on the seat post but a light and mudguard fills most of it. Could theoretically fit a small saddle bag but I think the light would get obscured. For both bikes, handlebars are set to the lowest. I realise that’s not as detailed as you get for adult bikes. But generally the only variable is wheel size. I’ll take a look at that pump. I’ve got a Topeak Racerocket. Which thankfully does fit under the bottle cage on my road bike. But not on my mountain bike as it pushes the bottle too high and it then hits the top tube.
Surprised using a tool bottle wasn't mentioned as it's a pretty clean storage solution. I use one for shorter rides and keep it on the seat tube bottle holder. I can keep a tube (TPU tubes take up less room), CO2 cartridge, multitool, tire boot, and two tire levers in it. Only when I'm going on a longer ride where I want two water bottles will I move everything to a small saddlebag. Seems to work quite well for day to day. Also, I always have a minipump on the bike. It's stored just behind the seat tube bottle holder. Never without air that way.
I just carry a small rucksack on long rides. I was usin shorts and t shirts with flat pedals carrying a small rucksack and using flat pedals and I could drop almost everyone except people in full gear on very expensive bikes. I even took 1.5kg bike lock so that I could stop for water after I finished the 1.5l
I tend to use a transit van with a trailer to keep the bike on - obviously I then mount a set of rollers on the trailer so I can ride! Sometimes I need a jet box on the van roof if I can’t get all my kit in the van.
The evolved Skyline LR 10 features a new minimalist look with the same trusted lumbar water carry that downhill riders love. A total 10 liter capacity includes a 3-liter Crux lumbar reservoir with Quicklink. Plenty of strategic stow options for gear, phone, fuel, and more.
I often go exploring, and use a rack with a bag that has hidden panniers for camera gear, so it's a completely different type of riding. However, it also pays to be equipped with the basics, as I had TWO flats on my last ride, with my car parked in a different city. The downside of having expandable storage is people asking you to carry stuff for them on group rides.
I think it comes down to personal preference , I got a small saddle bag under the seat but for me it works just fine but I only keep stuff for the bike in it which are a tube, multitool a small plastic box with patches, tire boots, a small roll of tape, a Presta to Schrader tire valve adapter, spare valve cap, also chain pliers which also work as tire levers and has a space for a quick link. And I just added a small flashlight which runs off a single AAA battery. I got a pump which sits in a bracket by my water bottle cage and zips ties wrapped with tape stuffed into the end of my handlebars.
Odd that Conor never mentioned the object hung from pump straps on his top tube. I have a similar setup with pump straps holding a selfie stick to help snag mid-ride photos.
Instead of the handlebar bag, I go with a 6 litre saddle bag/bikepacking bag on rides where the weather forecast is iffy, or when I know it may last into or even through the night. Enough room for an additional warm layer, rain jacket, leg warmers, tools, spares, and a lot more. Never filled it more than half, really. Add a small aero toptube bag for my second phone (a cheap small one - doesn’t even have internet), credit card, a bit of cash, a few bars and gels, and emergency lights. Food pouch is optional.
I use my right pocket for food if I bring any, left pocket for pump and middle pocket for phone. The other stuff multi tool, a couple of tubilitos, tire levers, co2, and 20 bucks or so in my saddle bag.
I ride a Trek Domane SL5. The carbon Domane bikes offer a storage solution inside the downtube. A dedicated space for your multitool and a small rolltop bag where you can keep a spare tube, tire levers and gas canisters. It would also be prudent to mention the option of fitting a small frame pump which can be attached underneath your bottle holder.
You can have a bottle or bidon if you please, for the times when you do not need so much water for your ride, you can store various items there and everything is well protected from water and dirt. They make bags to fit in the bottle cage as well, but a standard bottle can take a jacket and some food as well or whatever you like. For winter rides, I have one bottle with water and one with extra clothes. On MTB the same with extra spare and tools.
I use a saddle bag with clickfix System. Everything I need fits in there. The rest goes into my jersey pockets. One or two bottles depending on the ride distance and I‘m good to go.
Two of my bibshorts have two back pockets and another one has deep thigh pockets. These are great for my phone and some money. That leaves the jersey pockets free for other items.
I run a small frame bag in the corner between the top tube and the seat tube for tools and spares (or backup lights for short commutes). Phone and wallet go in whatever pocket my clothes have that has a zipper, watching your wallet fly onto the road at 40km/h is no fun at all. Snacks are typically carried in a fanny-pack for longer rides and everything else goes on the pannier (proper touring bike)
Enjoyed the video Connor! Problem is, the sweatiest part of my body is the small of my back! Phone in a bag just traps sweat there. I use panniers instead but Si has a point that handle bar bag or big bags, you have to watch out and not fill it too much. Like the handle bar bag idea. I will continue to wear jerseys, but the pockets will be empty! I use a sadle bag for tools. Cheers and thanks gcn for the content!
Used to carry phone/wallet in middle pocket, great until your unfortunate enough to crash and all is easily lost/ forgotten in your dazed / shocked state. Now carry everything important secured to bike in handlebar bag or top tube bag !
For city cycling where you don't want to have your stuff easily removable, I would use two bottle cages with two bottles, one filled with water and the other with all the mecanical stuff. When you lock your bike, you just take the two bottles away with you, it's much simpler
I put my tools, tube etc in a small frame bag above the bottom bracket. Everything else in a top box on a rack. I don't have a team car to carry the food and drink for a day out.
I've come to use handlebar bags for a practical reason: prevents thieves on motorcycles from picking jersey pockets. The cycling boom has unfortunately increased rates of on-saddle petty thefts in my country. Nothing sexy about riding home without a wallet or a phone.
Crazy! Ive never heard of being pickpocketed on a bike before! Do they do it at speed or when you're stuck in traffic? I guess it's not subtle and you do notice?
Although I haven't heard of it happening in my town I too take care with the stuff I put in my baskets when shopping and make sure the bags are securely attached to the bike. You just never know who might come up beside you at traffic lights and quickly grab a purse or wallet and drive away.
My phone is 6.8 inches and it doesn't fit in back jersey and bcs it's quite not safe to carry phone popping up the pocket in my country, I used the top tube bag to store phone and technical spare. It's quite compact to carry things without sacrifice the aerodynamic (i think) since my bike is aero bike and it can store many things, but i hate the looks of my bike with it 😂
I now use a handlebar bag as I hate carrying stuff in a jersey pocket. As for as aerodynamics go, the riders body is situated right behind the bag so I do t really see that as an issue.
ok so bike gloves. should i use them or not? they always seem more uncomfortable even on 20-30 mile rides. should people/I just get used to not using gloves or should they be used?
I have a saddlebag for spares. I used to have my spare tube in it until one day i needed it and a small hole had worn into it from the inside of the bag. I now carry the tube in my pocket.
Touchscreen phones are an issue. If you put them in a sweaty jersey pocket, they'll try to call 999. Or lock you out for minute or an hour due to too many failed access attempts. I've tried disabling that feature, but no joy so far. I accordingly, mine lives in a toptube bag.
If you have two mount points for bottle holders and you don't need a 2nd bottle, then cut off a PET bottle and stick it inside the 2nd bottle holder. Inside this PET bottle you may store stuff like your rain jacket.
Great if you have jersey pockets and a bike as big as Conor's. Spare a thought for the pint sized riders who can barely get a gel or two in their pockets!
If Im out for a leisure ride, I'll wear a bladder bag on my back , ice water keeps me cool and plenty of space to other things evenly distributed and strapped tight on my back, and use a quad lock for my phone
I use a rear rack with a trunk that has fold-out saddle bags. I carry a change of clothes, sandals, and my choir folder when I go to church where I sing in the choir.
I will be riding to rehearsal tonight (Oct 19, 2022). I will only bring my sandals, choir folder, and gym shorts (for modesty). I don't need long pants and a shirt for rehearsal.
I have my saddle bag on all the time, with an inner tube, tire lever, chain breaker and emergency gel, my mini pump lives next to my bottle. Gels/jelly babies, phone, card+cash and rain coat go in my back pockets For long rides, I use a triangle bag, to carry the extra food, named "snack bag" by my daughter.
I'm quite lucky. I tend to just do 20 miles or so and I'm hardly ever more than 10 miles away from home. Hence, I carry nothing beyond my phone. If the worst happens, I can either jog back with my bike, phone a friend or knock on someone's door and ask if they can mind my bike whilst I go home to get my car.
Strange how few of these 'what I pack for a ride' include a small first aid kit - I try to always carry one, especially on group rides with a responsibility for others. Am I the only one?
Something I would never carry on my back is a lock or anything solid against my spine just in case of coming off the bike, also don't always wear cycle specific clothing
![COLOMBIA vs. CHILE [4-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TDjN4W3yy1k/mqdefault.jpg)
I now tow a small trailer containing a completely stocked toolbox, a small air compressor, a workstand, and of course, a mini fridge that runs on solar. You can never be too prepared, in my opinion, and dragging that extra weight around has really gotten me in fantastic shape! 😂
May as well bring a turbo trainer too, you never know when you might want to do some exercise
@@gcn bad joke
How about a cot just in case you get tired 😴!😂
add a few spare bikes bikes on the trailer
Legit
Love the on-bike approach. Had an off (admittedly on a motorbike so at a higher speed) and got stabbed by my house keys in the thigh, lots of pain and an amount of blood that would belong in a hammer horror movie but thankfully aside from concussion it was the most major injury I had, and it was all caused by having my house keys in a trouser pocket.
Since then whenever I'm doing something that is more involved than walking, and I have a choice, I keep nothing "harder than my own skin" in pockets and on me. Everything else is on the thing I'm using, be it bicycle or motorbike.
I can share 2 hacks:
1) I use a running waist pack under the jersey to carry my big phone. It’s comfortable, has ton of space and that way my jersey pockets are not sagging with heavy items.
2) This one I’d say try it under your own risk to see if it works for you. But I put my Garmin radar inside a plastic card case and put it in my left back pocket. The case helps to keep it in place and aligned.
It detects cars behind me just as if it was installed on the seatpost mount. (I just find it ugly).
Good video!
I tend to use my 70 litre backpack. It's great whenever you pass a thrift shop with a substantial book section, or maybe a countryside food market. 70 litres is usually enough for my fill of leeks and pears, unless I've stuffed my backpack with too many books, that is.
My thoughts exactly 🙂👍
Superb advice. Nothing worse than being stranded without the correct equipment as I discovered many years ago when riding solo in the Peak District and snapping a chain. Don't forget to pack quick links and a range of cable ties.
That doesn't sound like it was very fun! At least you've learnt from your mistakes (we hope!)
I don't know about anyone else but every now and then I feel the need to reassess both what I take on a ride and how I carry it! It's a sort of constant itch...
Probably what's required is not a better saddle bag but counselling :)
I'm with Si on this. Handle bar cargo should be avoided at all costs. It is not just the aero dynamics that are affected, but also the steering and lights that become compromised. There are other options such as the cargo on the top tube or inside the bike frame which are easily accessible when riding more aero, and keep the weight of the bike centered. Also think about what you carry in your body because when you fall (for some reason) everything is going to fall with you which means you can break some stuff like your mobile phone screen, and if you carry spiked stuff you can also puncture yourself. Beware.
Yes! No reason to have a handlebar bag slugging you down unless you're going bikepacking. I just keep a small frame bag on the bike 24/7 that contains my multitool, mini pump, small cafe stop code chain lock, and during the ride, my phone, keys, wallet and maybe some snacks. Also have a tiny saddle bag that holds a spare tube, tyre levers and patches.
Almost seems like the handle bar bag would just slightly break the wind for your body. Your body is right behind it and much wider than the bag. I’d be curious to see it in a wind tunnel.
I think in back of Si’s mind, aesthetic plays an important part in why he shied away from handlebar bag. You need a proper touring or retro bike to make it more aesthetically palatable. Yes, many of us are still channeling our inner bike snobbishness !
What is often overlooked is to pack more compact things. You can get quite small mini pumps, tpu-tubes, multi tools. I have my phone, 2 tubes, pump, tire leavers, patches and quick link in my "cyclist purse" only taking up the size of 1 pocket.
Another tip is get a pair of bibs with pockets for longer rides. You dont notice a few gels. And it's also nice to have a pocket for the phone when taking breaks.
I have one of those bike racks that hooks up to the seat post. I zip tied a milk crate to it. Bungeed on an old retroreflective safety vest I had lying around. It works great. I get groceries, carry my backpack, have a couple tools, etc.
... one of those bike racks that hook* up ("that" refers to "those racks", hence plural)
I like using a “tool bottle” for heavier things like tools emergency spares and a tube. Keeps the weight low down and easy to move between different bikes.
That’s a really clever idea
I’m going to do that!! Thanks for the idea!
That only works for me on cooler time of the year. I need 2 bottles, 1 w/water and other with electrolytes for hydration on my normal rides.
Does the pump fit inside the tool bottle? Which pump?
I really like the all metal lezyne pumps. And yes the pocket drive pump (Which is fine for the road bike.) fits in the bottle easily along with two tubes, tire levers and tool kit.
Stem insulated bottle bags. I have two, one keeps a small flask of coffee warm for hours on cold winter rides and the other holds a whole packet of chocolate digestive biscuits. Many have a pocket for a phone as well, stops you landing on it when you fall off.😊
I use a backpack for a lot of my stuff. Loved the vid and great to see a presenter wearing handshoes!
Top tube bags are great. Aero position, easy to get to snacks while riding, and just the right size for longer rides! I just don't understand bar bags on bikes that people have spent $$$ to shave a few aero watts.
Just don't understand why one would put any bags on a road bike at all. If you need to take along more than what fits inside your jersey pockets, get a support car.
I got an 11L saddle bag, that easily carries a days worth of gear. And I've aero tested it and it's a few watts faster than having nothing, since it fills in the space behind the rider.
There is no such thing as "Watts faster".
Awesome advice, I've found its easy to slip half of your used gel and bar wrappers in the seam of your sock.
I always have a saddle bag on, and it has the usual, plus a quick link, zip ties, and a valve converter (could use a garage/gas station air hose instead of mini pump if I am near one or mini pump it until I get to one, and top up if need be). For food I have it all in a zip lock bag (the same one for 18 months now, it fits in one pocket and dirty empty wrappers I put them all back in the bag fold it in half to, most of the time, keep gel goo off the other food. Frees my other pocket up for arm warmers, pocket knife or other stuff. Pump is fixed to the bike frame under the bottle cage it's always on the bike, so i never forget to take it. Drew.
Baskets
Exact same setup I use. Also love a saddlebag for tools and pump as keeps both my bottle cages for their specific purpose as only taking 1 bottle on length of rides I go on would be too little.
Some great tips! I'm mostly on the same page as you guys. My couple changes though are attaching a mini pump to the bike via a mount that goes under my bottle cage - I do this because I don't want anything that plasticy and solid on my back, for that same reason I might get a bigger saddle bag to fit the pump. Also my favourite bib shorts have some good pockets, so my phone can be a bit less noticable and a bit more convenient
I am with you! Also, low point of gravity is good for handling, and not put things on moving parts, like the handlebars. I would actully put a rack on before handlebar bag.
Could be interesting to see the measured effect of handlebar bag on aero WITH the rider on a bike.
Just go same downhill with and without handlebar bag, about 5 times for each set. And thanks for the long time ago video (Emma's times) comparing drag effects of backpacks, paneers and bikepack saddle bag.
Paneer=cheese, pannier=side bags 😁
@@galenkehler Thanks! Will ask for Paneer this weekend :)
A pannier full of paneer would make me a happy man
@@MarcoTurcios I ditched (gave away a brand new, bought right before that video) pannier for dragging properties, will fill saddlebag with paneer. And in the future, if GCN aero testing approves, may be a handlebar bag too.
Good point on measuring with the rider. A front bag is wider than the bicycle frame, but not wider than the rider! A curved front on the bag may even reduce drag because it's more aerodynamic than the rider's body.
My Ortlieb framebag keeps the center of gravity low and central, and has everything I would need on a rad; spare tube, mini-tool, mini pump, bike lock, visibility sash, and store my heart monitor in there as well. Two revelate design feedbags hold my gels, trash, keys, glasses, and whatever other random things I will have. I don't always ride with a cycling jersey (Merino wool base layer is sometimes just the trick), so it's nice to have the space right up front. For touring/bikepacking, pop on the saddle bag and handle bar bag, and two fork mounted bags if I need em, which usually in the winter I do for extra layers. Overall good modular system that works well for me!
Great point about the ride wallet, bag for phone. Last phone failed because of sweat failure.
Conner - how do you pull your rain jacket out of the middle pocket without pulling out the other stuff? Like you have your wallet, phone & mini-pump in that same pocket?
I use the 2nd bottle mount with a wide opening bottle to stash tools, tube etc. bottle matches my drinking bottle unlike the bottle tool bags. Easy to move between bikes too. Also have a mini pump as co2 can run out leaving you stranded
+1 for handlebar bags! I use it to carry extra snacks so nothing melts on my hot back, and sunscreen in the summer. Most importantly, I use it to keep a power pack since my Garmin doesn't like to keep charge for more than 4-5 hours depending on the temp. And being right underneath the head unit, I can charge continuously on the go!
If I were racing, I would definitely forego the handlebar bag, though. There's a time and place for everything, and the handlebar bag is best for long days
Love using my handlebar bag to protect snacks from melting or temps heating up my SIS gels. I also keep my iPhone in the bag along with cash/cards/ID/extra master link. I also run a castellli small saddle bag on the seat for tube/CO2/patches/Multi tool/leavers/latex gloves. Admit that I have phoned the wife vs changing tubes on the road as i ride solo 100% of the time but someday she might not be available to answer, so I will be forced to use it. Glad I had the phone in the handlebar bag the day I hit the pavement by misjudging how fast I could take a turn through the sand/debris on a road/parking lot transition. I ride my son's hand me down Roubaix so I am not concerned with any aero impact as speed isn't my current goal, simple endurance is for now.. or at least until I can average 20 mph for 80 miles. :)
You can also tuck empty gel and bar wrappers into the leg of your shorts.
Same pocket set up/system as myself. Great tips there.
For most rides, I just wear a very small rucksack and put all of my very few things in there. (rain gear, lock, repair kit.) If I'm doing a very long ride, I put my mechanical supplies (multi-tool, tubes, levers) in a second water bottle to spare my backside.
I agree with Si on handlebar bags. I do use them for touring/bikepacking, but they're almost as bad as panniers at mucking up the ride characteristics of a bike. I'm a huge fan of Tailfin's Aeropack; if you want to carry a decent amount of stuff on a multi-day ride and still enjoy the actual ride, this is a good option.
Do you have any tips on carrying cycling stuff on rides? Let us know in the comments below!👇
Jersey pockets are a necessity for me. How else would I fuel my body during my bike rides?
I always go with a pack of some sort. Way easier than stressing over storage
I have a small Topeak Aero Wedge saddle bag from almost 20 years ago for essentials, and also a Camelbak H.O.S.S. from 2008 if I need to a bit more stuff & up to 3L of water on longer rides. Also a couple of detachable rear pannier bags, and a Topeak MTX DXP trunk bag that slides into the rail on one of their Super Tourist DX rear racks if I really need to carry a ton of stuff.
If you have more pockets than you have stuff to fill them, don't spread things out between them. I usually carry my ride wallet jammed behind my waterproof, but when faced with 5 pockets on a Winter jacket I had distributed things evenly. Of course I lost my wallet, containing bank card, £15 and two microSD cards, one of which was unused.
I'm with Si on the handlebar bag. They have their place but not every day.
I tend to be a minimalist. Tube, CO2, Tire levers, spoke wrench and a 5mm allen. To stay warm, I'll use arm warmers, knee warmers, sleeveless base layer, and an old piece of Tyvek to put under my jersey. I tend to use my jersey pockets to store all of this.
Great advice.
I was wondering if you could do an episode of how to carry stuff specifically for small frame bikes? I am unusually short so ride a junior bike and many women are also on smaller frame bikes. Plus it would benefit children who are very keen cyclists. Carrying stuff is a huge challenge. Saddle bags either don’t have enough space at all or have just enough space but no space for a light. Top tube bags only fit if there is no bottle cage and the bottle cage with a bottle in it, can fill most or the entire space. The shorter seat tube means a second bottle cage isn’t an option. The narrower handlebars get filled up quick with essentials such as a light and bell. And if like me, you fit a child size cycling jersey, a lot only have two pockets.
I find myself carrying a rucksack but I’d love for advice on a better solution.
My bike is absolutely the correct size for me and I love being on it. But it definitely brings a unique set of challenges.
@Reuben-Bryant:
Is it okay if you say what bicycle-brand, bicycle-model, and particular--frame-size of that bike you're utilizing?
(In the case that the brand gives their "size" in both Letters *AND* Numbers, please provide both).
It would help give me (and the rest of the readers) a better-idea of what we are dealing-with (in terms of the dimensions of YOUR bike's-frame).
P.S. i would say the "Topeak Roadie Da G" mini-pump on the left-side of the "down tube", underneath the bottle-holder. A small saddlebag (like the Topeak Dry Wedge) for a tyre patch-kit, 2 or 3 tyre-levers, Topeak "Mini Pro 20" multitool, 2 spare inner-tubes, Presta-to-Schrader valve adapter, and a small air-pressure-gauge (like the Topeak Shuttlle Gauge Digital, for example).
@@reoencarcelado5904 Yeah, absolutely happy to share what I’m riding. My road bike is a Giant T-mobile team junior 24” wheel. Frame size is 42cm. Effective height to the clamp that holds the saddle onto the seat post 47cm (filled by the rear light). Top tube actual length 41cm (no easy method to measure the reach and junior bikes aren’t sized that way). If stood over the top tube, I have less than a inch clearance.
I also have a hardtail mountain bike (which is more relevant to GMBN) but since the issue of carrying stuff applies to both, I’ll share that as well. That’s a Ammaco Black Mamba junior 24” wheel. Frame size is 13”. Effective height to the clamp that holds the saddle is exactly the same as my road bike. Top tube length is 18” but because it’s a mountain bike, it’s got an angle to it. Had to buy a side loading bottle cage because nothing else was useable and when the bottle is mounted, that’s the entire space filled. Little bit more length on the seat post but a light and mudguard fills most of it. Could theoretically fit a small saddle bag but I think the light would get obscured. For both bikes, handlebars are set to the lowest.
I realise that’s not as detailed as you get for adult bikes. But generally the only variable is wheel size.
I’ll take a look at that pump. I’ve got a Topeak Racerocket. Which thankfully does fit under the bottle cage on my road bike. But not on my mountain bike as it pushes the bottle too high and it then hits the top tube.
Very useful video! Learnt a few new tips👍
Surprised using a tool bottle wasn't mentioned as it's a pretty clean storage solution. I use one for shorter rides and keep it on the seat tube bottle holder. I can keep a tube (TPU tubes take up less room), CO2 cartridge, multitool, tire boot, and two tire levers in it. Only when I'm going on a longer ride where I want two water bottles will I move everything to a small saddlebag. Seems to work quite well for day to day. Also, I always have a minipump on the bike. It's stored just behind the seat tube bottle holder. Never without air that way.
Same here. Tool bottle is perfect for commuting in all weathers. Keeps all the gear dry
I just carry a small rucksack on long rides. I was usin shorts and t shirts with flat pedals carrying a small rucksack and using flat pedals and I could drop almost everyone except people in full gear on very expensive bikes.
I even took 1.5kg bike lock so that I could stop for water after I finished the 1.5l
I tend to use a transit van with a trailer to keep the bike on - obviously I then mount a set of rollers on the trailer so I can ride! Sometimes I need a jet box on the van roof if I can’t get all my kit in the van.
The evolved Skyline LR 10 features a new minimalist look with the same trusted lumbar water carry that downhill riders love. A total 10 liter capacity includes a 3-liter Crux lumbar reservoir with Quicklink. Plenty of strategic stow options for gear, phone, fuel, and more.
I often go exploring, and use a rack with a bag that has hidden panniers for camera gear, so it's a completely different type of riding. However, it also pays to be equipped with the basics, as I had TWO flats on my last ride, with my car parked in a different city. The downside of having expandable storage is people asking you to carry stuff for them on group rides.
Saddle bag and pockets is what I use.
I think it comes down to personal preference , I got a small saddle bag under the seat but for me it works just fine but I only keep stuff for the bike in it which are a tube, multitool a small plastic box with patches, tire boots, a small roll of tape, a Presta to Schrader tire valve adapter, spare valve cap, also chain pliers which also work as tire levers and has a space for a quick link.
And I just added a small flashlight which runs off a single AAA battery.
I got a pump which sits in a bracket by my water bottle cage and zips ties wrapped with tape stuffed into the end of my handlebars.
Man I need to get back in the bike.
... on*
Odd that Conor never mentioned the object hung from pump straps on his top tube. I have a similar setup with pump straps holding a selfie stick to help snag mid-ride photos.
A pannier bag works just great for me , far better than trying to store stuff in your alpha romeo sierra echo...
Instead of the handlebar bag, I go with a 6 litre saddle bag/bikepacking bag on rides where the weather forecast is iffy, or when I know it may last into or even through the night. Enough room for an additional warm layer, rain jacket, leg warmers, tools, spares, and a lot more. Never filled it more than half, really.
Add a small aero toptube bag for my second phone (a cheap small one - doesn’t even have internet), credit card, a bit of cash, a few bars and gels, and emergency lights.
Food pouch is optional.
I use my right pocket for food if I bring any, left pocket for pump and middle pocket for phone. The other stuff multi tool, a couple of tubilitos, tire levers, co2, and 20 bucks or so in my saddle bag.
Nice setup, keeping the weight off your back!
I replaced one of my water bottles with a purpose designed container that fits nicely in the cage. It holds quite a bit.
I ride a Trek Domane SL5. The carbon Domane bikes offer a storage solution inside the downtube. A dedicated space for your multitool and a small rolltop bag where you can keep a spare tube, tire levers and gas canisters.
It would also be prudent to mention the option of fitting a small frame pump which can be attached underneath your bottle holder.
Yes I have sl6 and rarely have a settlebag.
You can have a bottle or bidon if you please, for the times when you do not need so much water for your ride, you can store various items there and everything is well protected from water and dirt. They make bags to fit in the bottle cage as well, but a standard bottle can take a jacket and some food as well or whatever you like.
For winter rides, I have one bottle with water and one with extra clothes. On MTB the same with extra spare and tools.
This is a great hack - a true classic!
No mention of a top tube bag... It's aero, has plenty of space and easy to access while riding. Definitely my go-to as the first bag to put on a bike.
I use a saddle bag with clickfix System. Everything I need fits in there. The rest goes into my jersey pockets. One or two bottles depending on the ride distance and I‘m good to go.
Two of my bibshorts have two back pockets and another one has deep thigh pockets. These are great for my phone and some money. That leaves the jersey pockets free for other items.
I run a small frame bag in the corner between the top tube and the seat tube for tools and spares (or backup lights for short commutes). Phone and wallet go in whatever pocket my clothes have that has a zipper, watching your wallet fly onto the road at 40km/h is no fun at all. Snacks are typically carried in a fanny-pack for longer rides and everything else goes on the pannier (proper touring bike)
I found that a frame bag carries a lot and can still keep you somewhat areo! ... but not in cross winds!
What is the name of the saddle bag. Never seen that one. I really like that one.
Frame bag. Love it, don't care what Si thinks 😉
Enjoyed the video Connor! Problem is, the sweatiest part of my body is the small of my back! Phone in a bag just traps sweat there. I use panniers instead but Si has a point that handle bar bag or big bags, you have to watch out and not fill it too much. Like the handle bar bag idea. I will continue to wear jerseys, but the pockets will be empty! I use a sadle bag for tools. Cheers and thanks gcn for the content!
"If I had a bar bag I'd just fill it with crap I don't need" Haha Si is not wrong.
That saddlebag/roll Connor used in the video appears to be by Topeak but I can't find it on their website; does anyone know what make it is?
Arm warmers rolled down are handy for the sudden runny nose 😉
Jersey pockets are big enough to carry a subcompact handgun if anyone was curious.
Loved that, thanks Connor 🙏🙏💪💪👍👍👍
You're welcome, David!
Used to carry phone/wallet in middle pocket, great until your unfortunate enough to crash and all is easily lost/ forgotten in your dazed / shocked state. Now carry everything important secured to bike in handlebar bag or top tube bag !
any suggestions for carrying an extra sunglasses lens for night riding by chance?!
For city cycling where you don't want to have your stuff easily removable, I would use two bottle cages with two bottles, one filled with water and the other with all the mecanical stuff. When you lock your bike, you just take the two bottles away with you, it's much simpler
Same here!
Bubble wrap works brilliantly to stop any rattles if you use a water bottle - I just stick a bit around the pump and multi tool.
Could just replace the water bottles with a camelpak backpack.
Si's definitely right, no reason to use a handlebar bag, but on the contrary, I think the framebag is definitely preferable over the saddle bag.
I wear one of those Micheal Jackson coats from the 80’s with 50 zipper pockets on them
I put my tools, tube etc in a small frame bag above the bottom bracket. Everything else in a top box on a rack. I don't have a team car to carry the food and drink for a day out.
Always good to be self sufficient 🙌
I've come to use handlebar bags for a practical reason: prevents thieves on motorcycles from picking jersey pockets. The cycling boom has unfortunately increased rates of on-saddle petty thefts in my country. Nothing sexy about riding home without a wallet or a phone.
Crazy! Ive never heard of being pickpocketed on a bike before! Do they do it at speed or when you're stuck in traffic? I guess it's not subtle and you do notice?
Although I haven't heard of it happening in my town I too take care with the stuff I put in my baskets when shopping and make sure the bags are securely attached to the bike. You just never know who might come up beside you at traffic lights and quickly grab a purse or wallet and drive away.
My phone is 6.8 inches and it doesn't fit in back jersey and bcs it's quite not safe to carry phone popping up the pocket in my country, I used the top tube bag to store phone and technical spare. It's quite compact to carry things without sacrifice the aerodynamic (i think) since my bike is aero bike and it can store many things, but i hate the looks of my bike with it 😂
Sy 's main reason for not using a handlebar bag is that it puts too much pressure on his ankles. Good video.
Kinda surprised they never brought up a triangle bag wouldn't that give you handlebar storage with out the Aero penalty?
Can't forget the classic musette bag for snacks, spare bottles and gloves!
thank you 👍
I now use a handlebar bag as I hate carrying stuff in a jersey pocket. As for as aerodynamics go, the riders body is situated right behind the bag so I do t really see that as an issue.
One of those things for picking bits of glass out of tyres. Press the button on the handle and the sharp bit springs out with a snap.
ok so bike gloves. should i use them or not? they always seem more uncomfortable even on 20-30 mile rides. should people/I just get used to not using gloves or should they be used?
I have a saddlebag for spares. I used to have my spare tube in it until one day i needed it and a small hole had worn into it from the inside of the bag. I now carry the tube in my pocket.
Old school wool cycling jerseys had 2 pockets in the front at chest level
Any advice for carrying cable/locks for securing a bike during stops along a ride (cafe/pub/etc) Or is that just a USA concern?
Water bladder back pack
Touchscreen phones are an issue.
If you put them in a sweaty jersey pocket, they'll try to call 999. Or lock you out for minute or an hour due to too many failed access attempts.
I've tried disabling that feature, but no joy so far.
I accordingly, mine lives in a toptube bag.
Put your phone inside a small ziplock bag which can also hold a credit card, bank notes and some form of ID. No trouble with sweat this way.
If you have two mount points for bottle holders and you don't need a 2nd bottle, then cut off a PET bottle and stick it inside the 2nd bottle holder. Inside this PET bottle you may store stuff like your rain jacket.
Great if you have jersey pockets and a bike as big as Conor's. Spare a thought for the pint sized riders who can barely get a gel or two in their pockets!
Jersey pockets have the same size independent from the size of the jersey. Some manufacturers just put on smaller ones than others.
If Im out for a leisure ride, I'll wear a bladder bag on my back , ice water keeps me cool and plenty of space to other things evenly distributed and strapped tight on my back, and use a quad lock for my phone
I use a rear rack with a trunk that has fold-out saddle bags. I carry a change of clothes, sandals, and my choir folder when I go to church where I sing in the choir.
The trunk and rack I use are from Topeak. The trunk easily slides on and off, and locks into the rack.
I will be riding to rehearsal tonight (Oct 19, 2022). I will only bring my sandals, choir folder, and gym shorts (for modesty). I don't need long pants and a shirt for rehearsal.
Where do you usually put a lock 🔐?
I have my saddle bag on all the time, with an inner tube, tire lever, chain breaker and emergency gel, my mini pump lives next to my bottle. Gels/jelly babies, phone, card+cash and rain coat go in my back pockets
For long rides, I use a triangle bag, to carry the extra food, named "snack bag" by my daughter.
I saw something and I can't unsee it anymore....
Please, where can i get the same bike wallet for phone? It looks so neat
Conor what was the name tool bag under saddle call and where could I get it.
Cab you please tell us the name of the zipped wallet under the water bottle cage?
He said the name: Topeak Ninja Pouch
Thanks so much!
You're welcome :)
At 3:00, don't use an envelope. Use a cheap mylar space blanket, cut to fit your front. Super light and reusable for other purposes.
Surely the best option is to give everything to the camera crew who are always following you? And the bike pumps fit nicely behind the bottle cages ..
I put an extra bottle cage on the frame and use a cheap water bottle to store my emergency repair items in.
Bikes that have built in storage inside the frame like Specialized Diverge. Its something I will look at before buy my next bike.
Or trek domane downtube storage
I'm quite lucky. I tend to just do 20 miles or so and I'm hardly ever more than 10 miles away from home. Hence, I carry nothing beyond my phone. If the worst happens, I can either jog back with my bike, phone a friend or knock on someone's door and ask if they can mind my bike whilst I go home to get my car.
Strange how few of these 'what I pack for a ride' include a small first aid kit - I try to always carry one, especially on group rides with a responsibility for others. Am I the only one?
Interesting. I never thought about it. From now on I will at least pack some plasters and wipes to deal with cuts and grazes.
I got 2 bottles on my frame and use 1 of them to store my mechanical equipment in.
Something I would never carry on my back is a lock or anything solid against my spine just in case of coming off the bike, also don't always wear cycle specific clothing