Everything You Need To Take On A Bike Ride (& How To Carry It)

[@gcn]

What else do you take on every ride? 🚴

[@robertcatuara5118]

In Majorca you carry nothing. How many vids can you create but not follow your own advice? It was shameful.

[@RG-vx3tb]

Chill bro@@robertcatuara5118

[@gravelmeri]

I'm taking a deodorant with me. Especially for longer rides it's very usefull for the odour but it also cools you very nicely!

[@chris1275cc]

Zip Ties

[@Frostbiker]

Some first aid essentials: antibiotic cream with lidocaine, gauze and tape for scratches; a cold relief complex with acetaminophen and non-drowsy antihistamins to deal with aches and allergies. It weighs nothing and is great to have when needed, particularly when riding with children as they can't tough it up like adults do.

[@simonwilliams30]

I always carry a Presta to Schrader valve converter. Useful if you don't have a pump with you and need air, can stop into most petrol stations and use the air filling station.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I wanted to add that too. Pushing a few meters is still better than using a minipump.

[@DarkpowderUK]

Usually for more trail or offroad rides with perhaps a backpack / hydration system, taking a spare 26" Schrader tube to rescue people you pass is very handy. Certainly I've bought more of these for that purpose than ever needing a tube myself on a tubeless setup

[@richardmulligan2540]

I do too

[@henrybikeman]

I store mine on one of my wheels. Never gets lost!

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@henrybikeman That is so obvious that I never thought about it. 😂

[@tonythomas8435]

After my chain broke on a ride once I and I had to walk home i always take a chain break tool and extra links!

[@kennethward9530]

I wrap my tubes in plastic sandwich baggies to keep them from being chafed by other objects in the saddle bag, and I once used the baggies as emergency toe booties when caught in a chilly rain. One of my riding buddies uses disposable gloves to wrap her inner tubes, again getting double use out of items in the saddle bag. Don't forget the saddle bag is a marginal aero gain....😜

[@gcn]

Great little hack! Saving space where possible is always great! Will we see Ollie riding with a saddle bag 247 now?

[@bjornlangoren3002]

The baggies serves another purpose as well. It means the tubes have been patched. While lose tubes not in a baggie need patching.

[@Itsbengriff]

Best thing I carry in winter is a set of 'petrol station' gloves. When it gets super cold, I put them on underneath my usual gloves, especially if i'm subject to a lot of rain. They are completely waterproof and wind proof and just provide that layer in keeping the wind and rain off. They are free and have saved me endless amount of times!! plus, they fold up to nothing!!

[@bikebrain]

Another vote for cable ties and don't forget the CO2 valve to go on the cartridge Manon

[@andysmallman7843]

Just a shame you didn't give this detail to Olly and Alex before they tried to ride around Mallorca!! Clearly Manon should be put in charge and the boys are clearly useless.

[@igorpiasecki7909]

#GCManon

[@gcn]

Manon for president... you heard it first! We'll make sure they catch this video!

[@huntos83]

Bit like how they tell you that you should use mudguards for winter riding - then none of them do!

[@robertcatuara5118]

Wales has a president?

[@Rebelscum985]

Thank god she came along to save us useless boys 😂

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Manon. I particularly like the "tape the spare quick link on". It seems obvious but when you carry tube patches, make sure they are the right ones (butyl and TPU use different patches/adhesive). I might also add the wisdom of making sure you can use your pump of choice before you set out with it the first time. I found that the sort you have to grip gainst the tyre to seal it (tht one of my bikes came with) was too difficult because my grip is too weak so I got another one (and a a flexi hose which screws on the valve) and that fine. Also if you have to grip it against the valve and you are unfortunate enough to be on the ham fisted/clumsy side then valve damage is a risk. Be aware. Ok Manon thats enough for about 90 minutes but how do you carry all the food and drink for a day out without the benefit of a team car or organised feed stops?

[@stevehambley55]

I always carry a small pair of nail clippers- they proved to be invaluable for grabbing these minuscule wires that become imbedded in a tire.

[@petergarner]

I'd watch you read the phone book, Manon, but this was also a really useful video! Love the spare link hack. Definitely going to use that one!

[@sdolman79]

Valve adapter so you can use petrol station air compressor to pump up your tyres.

[@oneofthelastmen5873]

That's a good one!

[@MrCyclist]

I always take 4 sheets of paper towels folded to fit a plastic sandwich bag in my jersey pocket. Good for runny nose, nosebleeds or finger wipes.

[@cuebj]

Tyre levers in winter: add cold shrinks the tyre a bit and hardens the material to make it harder to get off than in summer. Quite apart from wet, grit, cold hands. I'd always put patch on the punctured tube as well as using spare tube. In old days, fitting the spare gave time for the glue to get tacky and dry off ready for contact with patch

[@darius2640]

I'll take some of these if I'm going way out there, but for most rides nothing beats the feeling of going out with nothing, unencumbered, just some light clothes, free pockets and empty bike, I only ever needed to push my bike back home like 3 times in the last 5 years, once I made it less than 1km before puncture, other times I was 3 and 5km away from home respectively so not bad at all

[@gregrudzinski]

The mini pump can be strapped under the saddle bag using an old leather toe clip strap if you can find one in the attic bits bin. A velcro strap will do also.

[@David-jl6hr]

Again wonderful tips from GCN. Thank you, very much appreciated.

[@SioLazer]

The cleat bolt is an awesome suggestion! I've definitely ripped a bolt. Use a paint pen or some way of making sure you know where you installed it. You should always install cleat bolts with grease and this would not be easily done on the fly. So, when you get home, you will want to address this otherwise you might get a stuck bolt.

[@carl90210]

Spare derailleur hanger, but maybe just for very long rides or tours far from home.

[@DougSemisch]

You mentioned the co2 cartridge, but you forgot the valve head that lets you attach the cartridge to the tube stem.

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

Well, i ride a steel touring bike, so a decent amount lol. My bottles, my pump, a patch kit, a tool kit, a spare tube, some candy, my click stand, bike computer and phone are in my always on the bike kit. forgot to add: My sungods, and a pair of clear safety glasses for night riding and a hat to throw under my helmet are always in my bar bag.

[@johnlieto8906]

Love how my new Trek Domaine has a carrying compartment within the down tube, I see other models like Canyon doing this.

[@gcn]

More space for snacks the better! 🍌

[@bjornlangoren3002]

Remember to always close the seat bag after use. Once, after changing a tube, i forgot to close the zipper. My multitool fell out after a few hundred feet. I heard the clunk when it hit the ground, felt behind me to check if the bag was open. And started to circle back to look for the tool. The very next car coming down the road "found" it. He managed to get a flat on the hex key. I payed him some money, i think $40 for a patch but probably should have paid a lot more as tire plugs are supposed to only be temporary, and you normally gotta change at least 2 tires when you do.

[@TheCountrySteve]

Pretty sure I saw this on a GCN video some time ago, but I keep some tape wrapped around my mini pump. You can store quite a lot without it taking up any extra space

[@a1white]

Putting an inner tube inside a latex glove is a great tip. Thanks!

[@heathermclellan3266]

A couple of items I always carry. Some zip ties to keep Si happy! In addition have ID with your Emergency contact noted for EMS. A little cash for coffee and a credit card can get you out of a lot of trouble.

[@cuebj]

Only needed rivet tool for my chain once - it didn't work - decades ago, Specialized, kept slipping off the rivet. Fortunately close to a bike shop. When I compared it with my other rivet tools, I realised it wasn't me. The pin was badly designed. Replaced it in my bag. Lesson: test each tool before you need it. But, over many decades, my toolkit has let me help lots of other people. I have a pack for each bike on each bike.

[@Atis602]

I agree you should always have tape. A roll even partial takes up more room than just peeling off a couple of feet (usually enough for a quick fix) and wrap it around one or two flat tire leavers. Always ready and not in the way.

[@lazzaboyman8003]

Maybe a bit pedantic but the gas canister is only useful if you have an adaptor to allow you to use it?

[@888jhs]

You might also need the trigger attachment for the CO2 canister!

[@Kommentierer]

I like carrying two pad spacers for disc brakes with me. In case the problem is not fixable on the road and I need someone to pick me up, I don't have to worry when removing the wheels.

[@Rabarebane]

Extra small (back)light if there is a chance of riding in a dark, emergency snack (yes, can be rather old at some point), small amount of cash in separate place from your usual. Used to carry small power pack when mobile phone was also a bike computer (kept running very low on battery).

[@jwolfluss]

I hate how bike bags don't have reflectors on them. It would be so obvious - red reflectors on saddle bags, white reflectors on steering bar bags. As it is, I have to go on ridiculous engineering adventures to mount reflectors. Reflectors - perhaps the most underengineered piece of bike tech in current existence.

[@alex_cyclist]

No bags - no problems) Secondary - simply bike to be equipped with front and rear light, just use them even during the day time. It's the safest way.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Store on your phone the Taxi companies in the area you are going. Check where the railway stations are. When you phone the cab, tell the control guy you have a bicycle to carry. There are mini pumps that are 7" long and get the tyre up to 80 psi. These fit, with your PRK, in a pencil case that fits in your back pocket. Have spare inners in seperate plastic bags so yopu can select the correct size for the bike you are riding. I carry my PRK in back pocket cus I have 27 bikes.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Manon and crew...cash , money , moolah !! Just in case ?

[@danovee9580]

Also, First-Aid: Liquid Bandage, clean-up pads, wound antiseptic, bandages, stick on sutures, etc.; Rechargeable-Regulated Tire Pump...

[@Lacking_something]

I hate stuff in my jersey pocket, so use an XL saddle bag. But they always seem to be one large compartment, so keys/pump/phone jiggle around. Any recommend brands (or bar bags) that have inner compartments/dividers?

[@cruachan1191]

Topeak have some bags that have loops and pockets for tool storage like the sidekick or the mondopack. They (and Lezyne, Rhinowalk and others) also sell tool rolls/wallets that can either keep the tools seperate in a bag or have a strap to attach them to the bike in various places. Topeak's is called the Burrito, Lezyne's the Roll Caddy.

[@drews4466]

Bike lock, especially for cafe rides when your bike is going to be out of sight. Mine's in my bar bag

[@deslee6493]

Great video the only thing extra I take is a First Aid kit just incase

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

What you definitely not need is a saddle bag as big as this. Everything you need on a one-day ride - money, phone, mini tool, mini pump/CO2 cartridge, spare tubes, energy bars/gels, wind breaker - should fit in your jersey pockets.

[@user-gs7nd9ok3z]

You missed the rain jacket, maybe a lock, first aid, derailleur hanger, obviously wallet, keys and phone. I carry my stuff in a Carradice Barley or Audax saddlebag.

[@obikedog]

You need to sit Ollie and Alex down for this one. (A 312km ride and no patch repair??? Lol - only GCN can make this stuff up!)

[@cardsfan2397]

You mention about the CO2 canisters which I always carry because it's quick and easy. However, it's useless if you don't have the regulator. So if you're using CO2 (carry two of them), don't forget the regulator.

[@AirSpace]

Conor's Canyon top-tube tool sausage FTW! 🤯

[@davidglosser6301]

Always take a few first aid supplies... bandages and antibiotic cream. Has gotten me out of a jam on several occasions over the years. If you've got blood; then you may someday need a bandaid.

[@DonBrandt]

Hi GCN, Thanks for the great videos and advice. Will you do a video showing some of the presenters doing 100k ride and show all the fueling, watts, climbs, rests and speed so we can get a sense of what an ex pro can do? Did you do this video already? link please?

[@willmo1725]

Cant agree more mannon. I hate things in my jersey pockets. Especially hard sharp objects like keys or pumps or cartridge. They make possible injuries should you crash and land on them. Only thing I dont like is a co2 cartridge instead of a good old fashioned air pump. Pump works with woman or man power. Never run out of air. Great episode.

[@bruceyung70]

I carry a gun when I ride through Houston bike trails. Could you do a video on carrying a gun?

[@giodc8599]

Spare derailleur and a velcro strap in mine too.

[@lomicwind]

zip ties ! derailleur hanger, and a life blanket :)

[@gcn]

Life blanket, even on short rides?

[@cyclingSausage]

And a torch, a whistle and an inflatable dingy 😀

[@lomicwind]

@@gcn you never know when a buddy will fall and we'll have to wait for an ambulance, it will be easier to keep him warm if he cannot move until the ambulance is here. Doing mainly gravel with friends and we can be on gravel or VTT trails very shortly from the heart of our little town. And you can also have an accident in the city with a car or else, no need to do a 100 mile ride.

[@lomicwind]

@@cyclingSausagethe whistle is not a bad idea, if you fall into a big ditch or a ravine and you are unable to get out (injury or else), you could draw attention of potential people passing by with a whistle. The torc is already part of the equipment if I start early or finish late. The dingy not so much 😁

[@cyclingSausage]

@@lomicwind I fully agree. When I'm mountain biking I carry a life blanket in my backpack. They weigh next to nothing and don't take up any space. I also have a whistle built into my backpack straps.

[@thedoctor1325]

What about when your commuting and have to leave your bike outside? I've came back to my bike with my bags open and things missing before.

[@richjacques]

After watching the lap of Majorca vid, I think there needs to be a recut of the start of this video. "these first list of items are the bare minimum that you are going to want to take" turn to camera - "Alex..." "without a pump you are not going very far" turn to camera - "Ollie..." "you might want 1, 2 maybe even 3 inner tubes" turn to camera - "but at least 1, Alex"

[@shellymossey2057]

What brand bike pump is being used? I love that it is small and i may prefer that over the CO2 cartridges.

[@alainbellemare2168]

Right valve type match you pump

[@alainbellemare2168]

You can tape your pump on your frame

[@philclint]

I dont see any spanners, if you don't have QR how are you going to take the wheels off for a puncture?

[@wspmjw]

Nice Rock Mannon. Congrats on what appears to be the fruits of a marriage!

[@shanold7681]

the top tube storage is the coolest thing and I'm sad that I lack the skill's to hack it into my own bike :(

[@BrianRussell]

I once broke a chain in deepest Wales & my multitool had a chain splitter which saved me so I won't carry one that doesn't have a splitter.

[@2rsbullock]

I've found the most important item for when all else fails is a phone to make that call for help!

[@Arthur-ns4yh]

Quicklink on my keyring

[@PRH123]

Spoke wrench of appropriate size.

[@dpgrenfree]

SRAM AXS chain quick links might not be ideal on your Shimano Dura-Ace Pinarello :D

[@wazzup105]

But will it get you home? I gave my 7-speed quicklinks to some stranger on the road who was stranded with a "broken" 9-speed chain (his quicklinks came undone and fell off not to be found again) he got his chain back together but we rode off in different directions and I wondered how his ride went :-)

[@im-jesus]

good

[@alainbellemare2168]

Buy a bike with extra bottle cage space that you can use to carry stuff in

[@willjones7132]

GCN riders and many riders in general (especially roadies) get a hilarious number of punctures. I rarely get punctures, especially ones that need fixing while riding, I don't use puncture resistant tires or tubes. Thousands of miles puncture free; how you might ask, I pay attention to where I put my tires, plain and simple; instead of aiming for puddles and gravel avoid them (your not a child anymore and should have that out of your system by now), don't ride over thorn bushes, don't hit curbs or potholes, clean and check your tires when your done with a ride, it's not rocket science, learn to maneuver your bike, pick your bike up and walk to the side of the trail when the mud is deep and your going walking pace anyway, it's common sense, paying more attention to your riding and not your thinking about if your level of virtue signaling is impressing your riding group (is there a group ride that doesn't go on about the pop problems of the week, or social agendas, I haven't seen one) should be your first step though, you might also avoid getting in so many crashes going straight with no obstacles too.

[@Neomalthusiano]

This works for European people only... Anywhere there's a decent amount of trucks (lorries) going through, there will be small metal lines over the sides of the roads. They are too small to be visible when riding the bicycle. However, they are able to puncture any non-puncture resistant tire for good. Also, without brushing a rag inside the tire, you may find yourself with another flat just a few meter away

[@АлександрИваноа-ъ2с]

paper napkins or toilet paper. just to avoid using a leaves 🍁🍃

[@mitch_smith]

always carry 2 CO2 cartridges, they are quirky. On the electric tape, rip the cardboard out of the middle, flatten it on itself and you've a huge space saving.

[@Oldmaite]

Surprised manon didn't take the kitchen sink shes got everything else

[@DavesSmartHome]

Tape… I carry about a foot of duct tape wrapped around the co2 canister. Duct tape will even repair your spandex.

[@zauliuz]

Any tips how to protect phone? or only tube bag is "best way" to protect it in case of crash.

[@bengtwahlstedt1021]

DON'T CRASH !!!!

[@gcn]

Tune in this weekend and you might find something you like 😉

[@blahblah5750]

This has been done many times before.

[@nathanmarineau3993]

Sometimes I pack snacks in my second water bottle.

[@my_way930]

I dont take anything because i'll be knackerd before the bike. My bike is 15.3kg

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Instalment # 726 of GCN's "Stating the Bleeding Obvious for Clicks" series.

[@haroldbergdoll5169]

House keys!

[@johngarethwilliams524]

I would take a small power bank if I go on an all day epic. To charge earphones, wahoo, radar and phone

[@Didyoureallythinkaboutit]

Noooooooo. Tape on the handlebars. Please. Maybe some streamers for the ends? And a bulb horn?

[@grahammartin1902]

It always puzzles me with this type of video that all the discussion is about carrying stuff to repair the bike, what about repairing the rider? There is never any mention of even the most basic first aid kit. I guess you could use tube patches and the insulating tape but they're not very absorbent.

[@thomasb.4219]

don't forget to take some cash with you 😉

[@capio78]

forgot to include a cornish pastie

[@simonlockwood72]

some cable ties

[@helion741]

Put a rubber in a rubber. Now THAT is a protection 😅

[@James-J-J-J]

Can I bring Manon on a ride with me? 😊

[@acegard7801]

I put a zip tie in my bag

[@thevinayjap]

Wet wipes. You forgot the wet wipes.

[@GamjaField]

Saddle bag is not aero

[@coolkel1971]

Assorted cable tie clips !

[@stevemawer848]

Three essentials you didn't mention: your keys, cash and/or credit/debit card, and your phone.

[@webmenacee]

What bike pump was that it looked nice 👍🏻

[@kaidean]

What about a first aid kit? I take one on longer rides, just the essentials, plasters, anti-bac wipes etc.

[@AndyWJP]

Yeah, if you are bleeding you need a plaster and something to wipe the wound clean apart from your water bottle.

[@davidianwalsh]

What about a rear derailleur hanger? Individual to every bike and not stocked in bike shops - I always carry one though luckily never needed it yet!

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Yes, roadside derailleur hanger replacements are a mere bagatelle. Including dropping the M3 screws in the roadside gravel.

[@bengtwahlstedt1021]

DON'T CRASH !!!!

[@ecopennylife]

Great tip and it doesn't weigh much 🤟

[@gcn]

Having a spare hanger is really good to have, perhaps only needed on those really big rides but certainly worth picking one up. You never know when you'll need it!

[@cruachan1191]

I'd carry one on a bikepacking trip, for a single day ride I've got a chain tool and quick links so can shorten the chain and choose a "get me home" gear in case of emergencies.

[@mikeainsworth4504]

Zip ties are useful in some circumstances for a ‘get you home’ fix. I store a few in my bars, just pop out the bar end plug.

[@gcn]

We love zip ties... just don't tell Si 🤫

[@EumelHugo]

Yeah, zip ties! Plastic is fantastic.

[@litespud]

Brilliant

[@yules_3000]

Wish I could carry a spare set of legs in my saddle bag. Just in case

[@leannevandekew1996]

A CO2 cartridge is worthless without an inflator valve.

[@willemrm4033]

Sure, but getting to use another cyclist's 'inflator valve will be for free, getting a cartridge might not be. So if i can't find that tool in time before leaving , i would still take a cartridge with me.

[@AnonUser7887]

Always test inflating your spare tube before you shove it in your saddle bag. Nothing worse than being stuck roadside and you realise your spare tube has a manufacturing defect.

[@trevorhawk2000]

Had that very issue 2 weeks ago, luckily had another tube in the rucksack

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

For "manufacturing defect" read "the one I forgot already had a hole in but packed it anyway"

[@stevemawer848]

Always use a used (but sound) tube as a spare - then you know it works.

[@martinoffenhauer9667]

This is a really good primer for what and how to carry necessary things. But one thing was left out - a small first aid kit. We've all crashed and ended up with some road rash. Since we don't have a medical car to ride up to for treatment we need to have be prepared to deal with minor injuries on the road. I crashed and ended up with a 6 x3 " road road rash on my lower leg that was full of gravel. I used my water bottle to wash it off and had some antibiotic, a few 3x3's, and a bandage roll to patch things up while I limped home. The Dr at the emergency room said that doing so probably saved me from significant infection and scarring. And if you don't have to use it on yourself, you may be able to help a friend on a ride. There are may good small kits available or make your own as I do. Keep up the good work !

[@kovie9162]

Absolutely. I've always carried a micro-sized first aid kit consisting of a few band aids, sterilizing packet and painkillers, but now that I have a larger saddle bag I'll be sure to expand it to include a few more items like more sterilizer and bandages, gauze and anti-bacterial lotion. If anything this is more important than a tool kit.

[@larisonjohnson]

Manon, you taught me, a while ago, how to change tires without a lever. 😂 Don’t forget the wipes or the little dried cloth tabs to clean off your hands. You can dust the butyl tube in corn starch and place in a bag, makes install easy. I usually place a few wraps of duct tape around the single tire lever I still carry. And always throw in a few small cable ties.

[@richardharris8538]

Manon's take on "a good old-fashioned saddle bag" wasn't what I expected. It was just a modern bag. Back in the 60s, we had saddle bags that must've been about 12" wide, and big enough to put one's change of clothes in to leave at the roadside near the start area while riding an early morning TT. Along with the clothes were sandwiches, a set of darts, a bottle of "horse liniment", a puncture repair kit, and a waterproof cape. Oh yeah, and beer money.

[@user-gs7nd9ok3z]

Carradice saddlebags are still popular with audax and touring cyclists. I've ridden across the USA, Iceland, and done a LEJOG with tent, sleeping bar etc in a large Carradice saddlebag and an Ortlieb Classic front bag.

[@lucborot2219]

OK, now, I'm a touring bloke, and weight isn't sooo important, but to the necessaries mentioned by Manon, I'd add 1 rear derailleur cable and the same for brakes if you're not on disk brakes. Having learned to race in the days when u-16s and u-18s in France had no assistance, I used to take one tubular and pump with me on the bike when racing, 2 when training. 1970s-Paris surroundings weren't always a smooth terrain to ride on. I'm now on tyres and 2 inner tubes are less cumbersome than 2 tubs used to be. And hurray for mini-pumps!

[@bjm2762]

A couple of zip ties are always useful. I used one to replace jockey wheel bolt. 👍

[@kovie9162]

Great idea and I'll make sure to pack a few on my next ride, along with tape.