How To Carry Your MTB Gear Like A Pro

Doddy and Anna show you some of the best Enduro carrying solutions you can use on your mountain bike. Straps to secure tubes, CO2 cartridges and inflator; bottle cages with integrated tool storage; and shorts with pockets all mean you can carry all you need for a mountain bike ride or race without a backpack.
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[@sevenninthsfabmachine]

My preferred gear system is to ride with Anna and Doddy so I don’t have to carry anything. Thanks guys! 🙃

[@jeffreywilliams3646]

Wouldn't work for me - I couldn't keep up with either of them.

[@brettjohnson9453]

Pack a collapsible silicon cup - often used by runners - they are very light and compact and give you a something to put bolts in so you don't lose them

[@TripHazzard96]

I like going full survivor. Just a loin cloth and my trusty tanto. I'll kill and harvest what I need if I'm in a bind. Thanks for the vid guys 👍

[@davegee124]

i put a bit of silicone tubing over the end of my tyre tool saves it puncturing a hole in the tool bag.

[@Antjan46]

Small tip for after cutting zip ties, use a lighter to burn the sharp edges, it makes them super smooth and safe

[@brendonnoble5227]

So you carry a lighter, but do you carry a first aid kit?

[@jameswilson2815]

Hey, good idea bra. Mahalo and. Aloha.

[@Antjan46]

@@brendonnoble5227 😂 I haven’t carried a first aid kit in a while to be honest, my supplies have become less and less over the years. Don’t carry a lighter either, I don’t smoke. But there is on in my tool box in the car

[@danielhlw]

Just twist them with some pliers till they come off, no pointy edges

[@JustOneWolf]

the hydration backpack might be the least trendy atm, but it surely is my favourite by far

[@stonewp]

They’re much more comfortable than the Fanny packs and can carry more gear too.

[@Gabe73C]

Another benefit of riding a hardtail, strapping a triangle bag to the frame. Plenty of room for necessary gear and your car keys. 👍 Plus I always wear cargo shorts for snacks and soft gear.

[@jordansimpson9519]

I'm around 30 years behind on bicycles. I sure do like this KZbin channel. Keeps me up to date.

[@RubenJFernandes]

Hello, I use a mixture of both, so on my bike I have a oneup edc in the steer tube with multi tool and plugs, on the frame I gave a co2 canisters with the co2 pompe, a innertube and tire levers, also I have a water bottle and a mini pompe. Then I used to use a hip pack, and there I have a tubolito, another water bottle, snack, house keys, money, battery for the gopro, a mini stand for the camera, hand cleaner, cable ties.

[@jimm244]

I’m a Camelback fan, largely because I lived in the Southwest deserts of the US when I started riding, and water was key. I carry a mini pump, a tube, Stan’s darts, a Blackburn multitool, levers, master link, zip ties, medical tape, a valve core tool, a pocket knife, a small tube of sun block, and sometimes a shock pump. I live in the northern Rocky Mountains now, and bear spray rides in my bottle cage. Over the last few years, the medical tape has been the most frequently used piece of kit (for both body and bike repairs). Sometimes for short out & back rides in cool weather I’ll ride without water & kit, risking the walk of shame. All I’ll take is bear spray.

[@foobar3557]

I love using the Knipex pliers in an even smaller size (8700100). They are also available as an adjustable wrench (8604100)

[@andrewwelbourn9577]

Been out of MTB for around 15 years, just getting back into it and amazed how things have progressed. Ive got a nukeproof tubeless tool which i keep some strips and patches in, a muc off frame bag and strap with a tube, tyre levers, zip ties and multitool and finally a cockpit bag with some gels, a few bars and my muc off CO2 kit, chain link and a presta to schraeder converter so i can do tyre pressures at a garage if required.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Wow, such a useful video with so much good information in it. Thanks. Blake and Doddy have steered me onto the hip pack path in the last years. I prefer a very simple multi tool and a separate chain tool because the allen keys on the bigger multitools are often only half length and you struggle to reach some bolts on the controls.

[@tettdan]

Neither of you have mentioned any form of First aid?! I always carry plasters, gauze neddle and thread, saline etc etc.. This is even more invaluable than any tool that you carry on your bike. When you need it you really need it.... Touch wood

[@jamesmincher3435]

Never thought of spare spoke mostly because I’ve never snapped one ☝️

[@andrewince8824]

Straps make great first aid tools. Big of bog roll and a strap is great for keeping injuries clean until you can get yourself somewhere you can really treat yourself or until you clear the muck.

[@willlange9978]

Great video with a few new tips I hadn’t thought of. Interesting to revisit on-bike vs.on-body solutions. Made me think about cold weather additions like a space blanket and lighter. FWIW, a spare inner tube can serve a lot of first aid purposes.

[@Antjan46]

Anna’s bike is RAD!!!

[@barrycorney3665]

I was advised by a guy I work with who used to race XC that you should replace a set of pads on the bike when there's a decent bit of life left in them, not almost to the metal, and use these in your spares as they are already bedded in rather than a fresh new set that require bedding in, but will still last a while. I carry mine elasticated together and inside a sealed bag. Dunno why Anna is using those nasty el cheapo bar plugs - BBB do decent ones that screw like a rawl bolt that won't come out.

[@jokermtb]

Doddys chain link pliers! Adding a Master Link Combo Pliers Multi-Tool, is something I always carry as it’s near impossible to free a master link by hand. Those tire lever /link pliers are a real space saver and work fantastic

[@johnmartin8347]

I've heard you can free a master link with a string or a shoelace, but I've never had to try it. The Topeak pliers/levers are super slick.

[@francoinvisser4058]

love the close-up of smashing a derailleur!

[@barrycorney3665]

Did I miss something or did you both not include any form of first aid kit? Even some plasters and surgical wipes? Worth carrying a few pairs of nitrile gloves- either for FAK or to stop you getting in a right old mess with a broken chain....

[@The_Real_JN]

Even pros don't carry first aid kits when racing

[@barrycorney3665]

@@The_Real_JN "mountain bike ride or race without a backpack"...and my guess is most of us don't actually race?? Suppose a FAK may be not a priority at a bike park or well marshalled, defined route in a race...but is here in the Cairngorms....!

[@jokermtb]

It’s what gaffer tape is also for!

[@johnstoddart9026]

What's a FAK?

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Just rely on that one friend that's always prepared ... Sadly I'm that one friend that carries tools, spares, and a medkit😅

[@toxicmale1744]

Doddy and Anna delivering on solid advice to keep us on our way. I especially like the Gaffa tape wrapped around the pump - that's just excellent. Also, the spare brake pads - that's not something I really considered because it isn't often needed. However, as described, they're easily carried so why not? I've had hydra-packs before, Camelbak being my favourite. Never had the waist option though. I think I must try one - probably better in specific circumstances rather than the conventional approach. The knife could be a problem though, just saying.

[@BrianRPaterson]

I used to use a "fanny pack," but over the last year or 18-months I started to get some pain in the outside upper thigh area. When I ditched the fanny pack for a back pack the pain went away. I think fanny packs might lock up some of your waist/upper leg muscles, especially if you cram a lot into them like I used to. A couple of litres of water is heavy. It might just be me. But, it might be worth keeping an eye on if you do try riding with a fanny pack that's also your hydration source. Cheers

[@ByronWWW]

fanny pack really threw me off balance, prefer a back pack

[@kisilvan]

Really helpful thanks

[@greengonzonz]

Great vid. I love a clean looking/feeling bike so I run a small backpack.

[@gmbntech]

Thanks! Yeah, a small backpack is what you need for the essentials! It keeps the bike looking good at the same time! 😂

[@Pesmog]

It's worth checking the size of the main central crank bolts on your bike. Some of these are now 10mm and even 12mm and very few multitools cover these sizes. I had a long walk home after mine came loose on a new bike and discovered my expensive multi-tool was way too small. I now carry a separate key for these as Doddy suggests. Good advice about being alert to being stabbed by you tools if you take a tumble. A friend had a screwdriver go through his backpack in a crash but it luckily missed his abdomen. You don't need a mini pump AND a shock pump on a ride. A shock pump will inflate tyres ok, but it's just a bit slow. Good advice as always guys.

[@jeffeversole291]

Sometimes, I’d rather walk out so I don’t have to unpack all of the neatly packed goodie’s 😀

[@martsmarts]

Interesting tape Doddy has. We call that Speed Tape. They're the type of tape used to temporarily patch sections of an aircraft and they're capable to resist extreme temperatures and weather. Guaranteed stronger than duck tape

[@Seppster58]

Great video Anna and Doddy. I have migrated to a hip pack with multi-tool, a Leatherman tool, spare tube, tire levers, zip ties and other bits and bobs for the ride. I carry a GoPro so some stuff for that as well.

[@gmbntech]

Welcome to the world of hip packs! They're really handy for the essentials. 👍

[@webster169]

As a disabled rider, I have to take everything I need to make sure I can mend or bodge the bike to get home, the long walk is not an option, I take the scouts approach “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”. I do end up looking like a Sherpa though.

[@jessicagray5873]

I usually carry a few extra bits like a plastic bag to put dirty parts/kit in. A small leather man type tool that's been a life saver multiple times. A multitool that has everything because other people will forget there's at time. I'm something of a rolling workshop at times on a group ride 😂

[@jamesdawson8603]

Really good video, I looked at so many options but went for a oneup pump with multitool in it, tyre lever, chain tool - chain link, plyers and then puncher repair, then i carry a light tube on the frame. Seems to work well so far but each tool is a little compromised.

[@galenkehler]

I really like my 10L roll-top saddle bag. Holds all I need for a day out, and no sweaty back.

[@NUTTER8291]

As a born again rider I love watching these videos on the tips and what you carry But I DO wish you would give us some brand names and what there called !! .... even if its in the link !! A few times I've seen something you use and think that's a good idea but have no clue what it is or what it's called !! Many thanks !!

[@jordansimpson9519]

Spare bar end plugs 👍 true, it can gouge.

[@stevecrump1375]

I always carry my pump in the front of my shorts.. Always 👍🙋

[@IanRamon]

Good information

[@willlange9978]

Two future solutions I look forward to seeing beyond bespoke bikes is in-frame water storage and pressurized air.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Another option to carry a multi-tool is to cut a sleeve for it from an old inner tube, slip the sleeve around your bottle cage so that it’s at the bottom of the cage, then put the tool into the sleeve under the cage. You don’t need a specially designed tool or bottle cage for this, just a cage that allows you to slide the sleeve down the the cage (standard, classic style cage works for this)..

[@NDemanuele1]

Awesome video! I been struggling with deciding what storage system to use. Currently I store everything in my pockets!..LOL.. or my backpack for longer rides. I'm reluctant to strap something to my bike because I'm concerned it will eventually cause a wear mark in my fancy frame! ( maybe that's not an issue now? ). Dakine seems to have a product I'm curious about that is a small bag that attaches to the frame. Looks like a tube and a few tools would fit. I'd appreciate GMBN's input on this if they have a moment to spare! 😀

[@cherowley]

Ha I've now added spare cores to my kit after losing one in the lakes the other week and having to put a tube in after spending an hour looking for the ejected core!

[@therealsavagepete]

Just in case take the whole garage in your backpack

[@shanew6114]

Forever waiting for Doddy to say "Boom! Cable ties!" whenever he grabs one.

[@madtownangler]

I had a front shock blow out one time. Twenty mile bike ride back to the apartment great fun.

[@theturquoisewarrior]

When I was a poor high school student my original Rock Shox blew both seals (surprising huh) and I rode the bike like that for over a year. Rocks would caught inside the steerer tube and as there was no room for them to easily fall back out. The head tube angle was also super steep due to the forks being fully compressed.

[@widkin]

@@theturquoisewarrior ah, the bikes of students can be quite something. I had as main commuter bike my old 26" hard tail from 3rd grade. Gears stuck in single speed, only front brake working, and one day on the way to class, I noticed a strange wobble of the front tire when hitting curbs. It was only on the way home that I noticed that one of the fork arms had sheared completely off... Still served me for all years at uni, after swapping to a cheap second hand fixed fork.

[@madtownangler]

I used to have a fanny pack that had shoulder straps on it. The fanny pack was a little larger and I kept things like a jacket and lunch inside of it. Also my concealed carry which has expired and I don't need it where I ride anymore.

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

I noticed on the new 2022 Reign E's there seems to be some space between the battery and the battery cover that one might be able to use unless it restricts necessary airflow around the battery? The in frame storage they're putting on some of the new bikes is the 💣. If only my Crankbros multi with chain Braker had a system to put it in the steerer tube. Just make it as wide as the braker it self and you could install it threw the bottom and make a cover for it (hint hint) 💡!

[@barrycorney3665]

And a spare spoke magnet, and the key for changing to your second battery....! 😂😂😂

[@tonyk0756]

I,m probably not the most aerodynamic shaped biker, but i went to Canazei to watch the EWS a couple of years ago, pre Covid. get a nice new Evoc hip pack. Getting into a technical section, (at least for me LOL) Dam thing slips down from my non existent hips, goes under the saddle, and I,m stuck on it.

[@stonewp]

I can’t see the Fanny pack trend lasting long. They’re so impractical for all the bouncing around that happens on a bike.

[@gedward4335]

Next video- the trailer to pull behind your bike to carry all this crap

[@jordansimpson9519]

Knipex 👍👍

[@BrandonBaecker]

I have Specialized SWAT storage in my Stumpjumper Evo, but I'm having a problem getting my OneUp EDC pump to not bang around and make a ton of noise inside the frame. It's really distracting and messes with my riding. It's inside the little bag that comes with the bike and I've even tried wrapping it in a rag, but it still makes a ton of noise. I put it outside in its bottle cage mount (old school style) until I can figure out how to keep it quiet. 😆

[@AnnaOnTheBike]

Oh dear! The Rallon has a neoprene sock, which works well to muffle sounds. It might be that you have too little stuff, so it rattles too easily. Try wedging a folded up inner tube in near the entrance so you can get it back out easily. 🤷‍♀️

[@jbunting2ob]

What size inner tube should you take if you are running a mullet setup? Can you use a 27.5 on a 29er wheel or vice versa? Should you take both szes?

[@AnnaOnTheBike]

I would take 27.5” because it will stretch into a 29”, but a bigger tube might fold in a smaller tyre and get pinch punctured. I know guides who used to carry 26” downhill tubes as they were thick enough to stretch to any size. ☺️👍

[@widkin]

@@AnnaOnTheBike interesting, I remember a video some while ago where Doddy recommended a 29" tube was all you ever needed, you could cram it in even a 26" if needed. But I would think a slightly smaller would be better, if it is stretchable butul rubber. Not sure about the tubolito and similar that I think are less stretchy (?). Perhaps it could be a test for the future, to see how well different size tubes can work, and if any combination is more prone to pinch punctures or other issues. Thank for a good video all round!

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Anna, what would you change from your EWS style setup for a XCM one day race which happens mostly on fire roads and easy trails? I guess the spare brake pads are not necessary in that case.

[@AnnaOnTheBike]

I used to race XCM and XC stage races, and my set-up was largely the same - as much on the bike as possible - although the big difference is I’d carry way more gels in my pockets and sometimes an extra water bottle behind the saddle or in my middle back pocket if it was a really big or hot day. Enduro racing tends to be shorter days believe it or not! And I eat real food on enduro stage transfers, whereas xc I ate bars and gels because I never stopped racing until the end. 🤷‍♀️

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@AnnaOnTheBike In this case, I‘ve done it right. I will pick up a Cannondale (super nice of course) Scalpel SE on the way to Saalbach. This has an integrated tool storage and can fit two bottle cages. Maybe I can also fit a little spare part storage.

[@AnnaOnTheBike]

@@chrisridesbicycles the Scalpel has a tubeless plug too I think! You can always use a top tube bag or Velcro some stuff to the frame. Have fun!

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@AnnaOnTheBike Yes it has. I‘m just watching the video again. So much information, also useful for my mobile toolkit.

[@nick_john]

can you really use a zip tie for a derailleur hanger? How would that work?

[@thim8009]

Dang Doddy, when did you start leaving your kitchen sink at home? Just joking, both your kits are smart.

[@galenkehler]

If you store things on your frame make sure that they don't interfere or come into contact with the suspension through the whole range of travel.

[@parkinkevin]

I had those Topeak tyre leavers. They are super fragile. Broke imideatly and left me stranded 😖

[@chrisridesbicycles]

As a tire lever or as quick link pliers? I‘m still wondering why Topeak claims they are not compatible with Shimano quick links.

[@daz_the_cyclist8961]

Easiest and only thing you need to carry is a phone. And I can call my wife when I need to get home 😂

[@jordansimpson9519]

Camera👍 good for capturing a pic. of possible Bigfoot sighting. Weird creatures out there on the trail.

[@DemonicVelocity]

When I'm around water, I only carry my water bottle. The rest, including everything and a first aid kit, I store in my downtube. For big amounts of food and water, I bring my hip bag.

[@paulwiltshire3101]

I use a hydration back pack, but the most annoying thing is the water feed pipe, it keeps getting in the way and sometimes smacks me in the face,. Any tips on how to keep it out of the way

[@theturquoisewarrior]

If you use it when doing enduro racing (or even just a downhill track) wrap the tube around the shoulder strap near the bottom of the strap. You can’t use it to drink when there but it will stop it flailing about.

[@ByronWWW]

osprey bags have a magnet on the pipe and chest strap which keeps it from swinging about

[@iRunningHunter]

This is all such over kill. In my 10+ years of consistent mountain biking, i’ve never needed even a third of all those tools and spares

[@roha2317]

I use a hip pack and it still amazes me with what I can carry. It holds: - Topeak tyre levers with a quick link/3rd hand tool; - Crankbrothers M20 multi tool, it has a chain tool, tire plugs, valve core removal and all the wrenches I will ever need; - A few zip ties; - A bit of tape; - My car/house keys; - My phone (trust me, don't store it in your pocket); - And a small energy bar for when I need it. The only thing I can't fit in there is a small mini pump which is attached to the bike.

[@tech0214]

I go with hip pack and never looked back

[@bobothericefarmer1878]

Cooolio

[@rey11able]

With the right tools (I used a simple bike tool kit kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L that you can strap to the bike) it's simple to assemble. As a 270lb guy looking for a way to get more exercise that's easy on my feet I have been impressed by this bike. The tires ship with air in the tires, but before you ride you need to pump them up som more, but once you do you can ride with confidence. You'll definitely want to replace the seat if you're going to ride for any real distance, but that's the case with most bikes. I'm loving it and it has given me a hobby from my youth back.

[@rrusselljr67]

it's HVAC tape Doddy.

[@Shopsmith10er]

Just ride with someone who carries all this stuff plus the kitchen sink.

[@hotf00t13]

I usually forget my plugs let alone the rest of it 😅

[@davehumpleby3440]

No First Aid?

[@hoff482]

For a long time I used my Hip Pack. with a Tube repair kit, Co2, Multi-Tool, Air pump, Derailer hanger, and a few other odds n ends. Recently I have been just riding with my phone and single car key. I am sure I will be burned eventually, and not have what I need with me.

[@juz70]

Yeeewww. First!

[@mtbmadman187]

Be like the pros don't be like the pros I'm confused, just wanna enjoy riding me bike. Water and tools in my huge ass rucksack

[@Justkeepshredding]

Spare brake pads? Weird

[@smuy3782]

Why has hardly anyone made anything cool for the 2nd set of cage bosses under the downtube of most bikes now?

[@twilightsparkle865]

second?

[@mtb717]

Huecond

[@shawnsee2688]

I like my camelbak. tools, spares, water and a snack.

[@SteveSUX2BU]

Velcro is a brand name. It's really called a "hook and loop" strap.

[@freedomstar3814]

I'm not a pro so I could care less looking or acting like a pro !

[@Trek-om3dg]

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

[@nigelperrin6012]

Toilet paper.

[@tobiasbockdh3007]

U fortgot cleats