What To Carry In Your Road Bike Saddle Bag - Chris Horner's Corner

After 25 years of professional racing I've got packing my Saddle Bag down to a science: this is how I do it.
This video does not apply to mountain bikes.
Twitter: / hornerakg
Instagram: / hornerakg
Linton Horner Coaching: www.lintonhornercoaching.com
Filmed and Edited by Garrett Horner
Garrett's Instagram: / garrett.horner

[@martinskreslins1719]

*Grandson lives out from town on 18 acres and the **Latest.Bike** is great on trails through the woods, on gravel driveway, and through the yard. Keeps them active. Thanks Easter Bunny*

[@robertmuntz799]

I never heard anyone describe indepth as good as Chris has in this clip.

[@jacquesdemolay5171]

@4:21 "We're at 1.61 lbs" [The scale reads 1.63] @4:30 "We're at .730 kilos" [ The scale reads .740] That's a competitive pro, right there. ;-)

[@michaeldee697]

You're missing a critical item! A presta/schrader adapter can help if a gas station or car mechanic is close, you can use their compressed air. It weighs almost nothing.

[@john-christianflack4769]

Good one!!

[@velociraptor2544]

he has proper pump already

[@jensleerssen9603]

They have those all behind a paywall now. Need to add a couple $ in quarters along with that.

[@galehess6676]

and just a very (1 second) quick touch of air if using a compressor for the 1st time in your life, don't hold it on and blow up the tube ka-boom

[@joelchoquette5674]

I’ve been a serious roadie since the mid 80s and am a fan of the Butterfly Effect. This video has popped up in my suggested viewing a few times but I thought after all these years it wouldn’t teach me anything but was I ever wrong. Thanks for sharing your tips on this Chris! You taught an old dog some new tricks.

[@stevehambley55]

Agree with all the choices except I would add a multi tool with a chain breaker and a quick link. Saved me a couple of times.

[@rodolphoarruda]

Me too. I also carry a rim nipple tool because, you know, hitting a pothole hard would bend your wheel to the point it won't spin even with the break cable completely lose... so you'll need to twist those nipples (hey!) to make the bike rideable again and get yourself home.

[@john-christianflack4769]

In these days of quick links, the Wolftooth chaintool is super cool and carries extra links jic😉👍🏼

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

And a ten. Then if you are out of food you can top off at a convenience store.

[@robertwolstein8111]

I also carry the small sealed hand wipes. In case someone has a dropped chain you can wipe your hands so you don't put grease on your bar tape and shifter/brake leversm

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Yay, thought it was only me who can’t stand that velcro tag going flick flick flick on your leg.

[@guidospanoghe8896]

I cut it to the right size so it doesn't stick out.

[@rostuchicken]

I followed the tip about putting duct tape around my tire arm two years ago and believe it or not it absolutely saved me today. Two years later. Had a huge gash in my tire and would have been stranded without the tape. Awesome tip. Thanks.

[@concordesquadra5392]

Something else that i like to take along... a pair of Latex Gloves, to keep your hands clean while changing a flat, fixing a chain, etc. Paper towels also come in handy, and they keep stuff from rattling around in your saddle bag.

[@john-christianflack4769]

Yes!! Either that, or find some wet grass or a puddle to clean your hands in after😉

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I fold a piece of fabric, or wrap it over hard items like co2 and/or tools. This prevents rattling and gives you something to clean your hands with.

[@philc9305]

Maybe stuff the tube in the glove.

[@rkentwenger5095]

Nitrile gloves are way stronger than latex ones -- I find that latex gloves tear too easily.

[@tinmachine693]

I like to take a snorkel,just in case I fancy some fresh oysters.

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Chris, I'm all in on your vlogs! Great ideas, and explanation of the details and reasons.

[@cb750k1974]

Spare tube, pump, patch kit, tire tools......that's it for me.......very bare minimum. Great video Chris, enjoyed very much.

[@adopancia7445]

Love the old Silca pumps!

[@infinati]

I never expected to learn so much about what to put in my saddle bag, how much I'm missing, and how much I can actually fit in one bag! Great video 😊

[@filipgossele]

Great work @Chris. looking forward to stage 2 and the following weeks. The praise of Wout Van Aert is highly appreciated here in Flanders.

[@intayonlakay8230]

Good info. Keep them coming. Thanks. Hi Chris, I just wanted let you know that I first met you briefly and got my picture taken with you at one of the starting stage of Amgen Tour in Seaside,California. That made my day. I remember what a nice guy you are. Also we’ll done commenting at the Tour de France this year. Looking forward for next year.

[@Orgakoyd]

I love this obviously battle tested saddle bag setup!

[@nigelduckworth406]

Hi, Chris. Many thanks for these really useful videos. Lots of interesting tips in this one which I hadn't though of. One thing I carry from personal experience is a very small penknife. This is to prize out embedded thorns and the like which can't be pulled out by hand. I do this first before inserting the new tube so I don't have a second puncture.

[@TheGodsquad1]

Hi Chris! Love your videos! Great tips on how to pack a bag! Thanks so much!

[@terjemyller6573]

Great tips, thanks! One last piece I’d like to add, a derailler hanger. Very small and light, but can be indispensable if the bike hits the floor.

[@howardleckey2089]

Thanks bro. You always come up with the important stuff. Also love your race break downs. Learned a lot from them. Thanks. Wind at your back man!

[@sjs1965442]

These videos are great - thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@roadglide]

In Training I’m not overly concerned with weight. Whatever it takes. Thanks for the post.

[@andrewlucero3553]

I initially expected a video about the saddle bag to be a waste of time. I am thankful I watched it and I learned a few new things. Thanks!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@burronorteno]

Great vid! Keep em comin.

[@johnbailey520]

Great video Chris! I like the Park Tool tire patches.

[@dominicbuscemi205]

Great information Chris, my set up is nearly identical but I do have two more extremely light weight small items I bring with me that you did not mention. I bring a master link for my chain. I never had to use it for the many years I've been bringing it but I did see a guy stranded once and when I went to help him, his chain popped. Luckily after a mad search we miraculously found the links to put the chain back together and get him going again, that had me thinking, bringing an extra one can save you big time if you were to loose the link of your chain popped. I also bring a 2032 coin battery that powers my bike computer. I hate not having my ride data when riding. You're the best!

[@timshig2226]

Excellent details - no stone unturned here. Thanks Chris.

[@meadows408]

Thx, good tips. I use a piece of old tube around the co2 to protect my hands from freezing. And I carry some cash in case I need to buy water on my trips. I absolutely hate the walk of shame to get home.

[@FrankLeeNacty]

Hi Chris Horner, I recently found our channel and recently learned about your amazing cycling career, much respect. I just got back from an 45 mile urban adventure ride with my wife, be both caught front flats on a nasty part of the road, I have clenchers that just rim pinched but the front tire on my wife's bike had a tare on the side of the tubeless tire. The tape around the tire levers to patch the inside of the tire worked 100%, my wife rode it 40 miles back home leading the way, she and myself say thank you for the pro tips.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Right on! Glad it worked out for you two and saved your ride. 👍

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Great Video - I also keep patches but the old/new valve extenders, extra CO2 valves and valve stems are 'next-level' :-) Another subtle thing I learnt about pumps is to periodically check that they are still working. Over time (years), the pump flange can dry out and prevent the pump from working at all -- this I learned on the side of the road after my buddy and I blew all our CO2 cartridges from a faulty CO2 valve - dooh!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Yes they can. 😱

[@b374mxg]

Excellent video. One other tip. On the C02 inflator, wrap it in a small zip lock bag and secure with a rubber band tight, so that the small o-ring seal in the inflator does not fall out. That has happened to me. I carry 2 inflators sealed up.

Woah that Merlin bike is a beauty...I have an old TI Litespeed, but that Merlin looks superb. I like to carry one or two cleat bolts with shims just in case I loose one and my cleat gets loose and wiggles all over the place, doesn't weigh a lot and can save you a lot of trouble. Also, valves extenders + valve core remover as you mentioned is a must !

[@miamatti]

It’s like a classic home video KZbin channel but the presenter and content quality is top notch

[@scottbradentx]

Great comment on not losing a training day. Had my long ride cut short last weekend b/c of a tire sidewall cut, that I could have fixed (maybe) out on the road. Speaking of getting stranded on the side of the road - as winter comes in, I throw in one of those emergency silver camping blankets that's packaged down to wallet size. Waiting in the cold wind for a ride can turn from unpleasant to life threatening in a hurry so I have it just in case.

[@cbennii7]

Great video Chris. Glad I found you on here. Your bike wash video motivated me to break out the Simple Green earlier this week 👊

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Thanks Chris! Well done, very informative. Never thought to use duct tape, I've always used the old school Tip Top patch kits. Road with you a few times during the Nutra-Fig days...Cheers!

[@BBQSKI]

This video was awesome. Looked like the bag you were using is the Blackburn Grid medium. I got one, and it works awesome!

[@robbylong2748]

What a great idea Chris, the duct tape, I never thought of that 👍🏻

[@AndrewSmith-cd5zf]

In Australia we have plastic money which works ok as a gater to get you home. Also chip packets work as well.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

A US dollar bill works fine, too.

[@ProjectsinLessTime]

Dude. You a like a cook, showing us which knives we need and where to keep them. And the duck tape tip. Something I wish i had known MANY times.

[@Otmani007]

Great video and learned few tricks. Please keep these videos coming.

[@mikeystanzione6467]

Great video! Very informative with some terrific ideas. Believe it or not, I also bring along a spare cleat because, if God forbid, one should break, it could be a very, very long and cumbersome ride home.

[@pano360]

Silica silver frame pumps were classic - not having any luck finding a replacement since the company was sold. Love that you have rim brakes and QR's!

[@allenotis4622]

Topeak Road Morph is my current frame pump; comes with a bracket that works on steel or Ti frame

[@krutharthramegowdayd5291]

The duct tape trick really works, I had done it before and it's gold

[@jakefr5150]

Gotta love this guy. It’s like your neighbor is dropping sage wisdom on you. Adding the duct tape to my tire levers as I watch this.

[@jpoodle]

Love this Chris! Nice video, your bag is very similar to mine, only difference is I wrap my tape around an old expired library plastic card, and I don't use co2 anymore due to my new frame pump. Love your set-up though!

[@alexlin5696]

Hi Chris, I'm really glad you're doing these videos. I've been a huge fan of yours for a long time and was very happy you won the Vuelta. One additional item I would suggest for the saddle bag would be tweezers. I commute in an industrial area where I get punctures from glass, staples, nails or random sharp small objects. The tweezers help me pull these items from the tire which can sometimes be difficult to remove.

[@jacquesdemolay5171]

I carry a small nail clipper for just that reason, and it's even more versatile.

[@galehess6676]

dang, sounds real. get some schwalbe marathon plus tires if you want, i road them cross usa and met a guy with a bald set who also never had a flat with them, riding cross country after already wearing them out as a messenger, and met a 3rd guy, same deal... that's like 12k miles no flats

[@AndrewSmith-cd5zf]

I just use the tyre leavers to get them out. It works for me.

[@clempalevich8397]

Chris, Thanks for the videos. Enjoyed them all and your TdF commentary. I redid my bag as you demonstrated. Two items I added that I think are important. One, cash. I keep a $20 bill in my bag for emergencies. Two, a disposable mask. If I have to stop for help. It's good to have a mask to put on. All the best!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

I should have added the mask or talked about it. I keep mine with my wallet in a ziplock bag.

[@KLeBoutillier]

Duct tape! It is going in my bag on my levers.

[@plakor6133]

Was that actually gorilla tape? Much stronger than regular duct tape.

[@Geebus77]

No quick-link and chainbreak on the multi-tool for a broken chain? Long time fan, ur a legend Chris!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

I never broke a chain on my road bike. But I can see why one would bring one with them.

[@sandyh5873]

Thanks for the video, the duct tape was so obvious and yet I never carry it on my bike, I spend 20 plus years in the Army and never left it out of my pack.

[@gerrybalos1272]

Great advice on the duct tape and the inner tubes in baggies w talc! Will make those additions a priority. Loving your channel, Thank you. I also stash a $10 or $20 in there just for emergencies.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Good plan 👊

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Excellent review! Thanks Chris.

[@jasboehlke]

Great tips. Running tubeless but pack Aerothane tubes 1 each for road and gravel packs, along with multi-toll with chain breaker and valve core tool. The bag idea brilliant for tubes as well as the duct tape. I wrapped my one Pedros fatty lever with Gorilla tape in each saddle bag along with a $1 bill just in case. The tape a great one I had not heard of! And a GP-2 Park patch kit as those scabs work for Aerothane's just in case worse leads to worse.

[@perk966]

I second the multi tool with a chain breaker and a quick link. I have used these several times on my friends bikes. I am going to put some duct tape on my tire lever right now.

[@stevenking9357]

Agree on the chain breaker and quick link. I tape the quick link to cable on my handlebars. That way it doesn't get lost when you're dumping your bag out.

[@henseleric]

Amazing -in many decades on the road I've never broken a chain, or been on a group-ride where someone else broke one. I leave that stuff home.

[@earnosethroatallergyspecia5525]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Keep them coming.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👍

[@orrinkelso9295]

Nice video. looks like the inside of my bag, except for the co2 stuff. I always just use my pump. I also run the tuffy tire liners, they add rotational weight to the wheel but I rarely get flats. Carrying a piece of old tire works great as a boot but you forgot to mention to cut off the bead on each side. I ride a Holland Ti bike and woudn't ride anything else. It is 13 years old, probably has 80,000 miles and when I clean it up, it looks like new. Anyway, hope you continue making videos, love your style.

[@Jacobsdad0306]

Great video! Thank you, Chris.

[@LongStep]

Nice with the Duct Tape. I've used the tube patch kit to repair a gash in the tire, but it takes a lot longer and you have to put talc on the back of the patch (if you've got extra in your tire) or leave the plastic on the back of the patch so your tube doesn't stick to it on inflation.

[@stanwhite9148]

Useful video, thanks Chris. One thing I carry is some cash, usually 12 to 18 bucks. Dont need it often but when you do it's there.

[@jesselobo3213]

Good practical tips, thank you Chris!

[@falllinemaniac]

One-up has a great pump you can hook a co2 with and a cool multitool for the steerer tube.

[@philc9305]

Good stuff. Only thing I plan on doing different is rapping my Co2 in ductape instead of my lever. I also carry a quick link.

[@hmwelch99]

Got some good tips, thanks! Love the well thought out detail.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👍

[@jackknack4263]

You're awesome Chris!

[@larisonjohnson]

Chris, great content, awesome tip on baby powder. I use some old lengths of inner tube to cover the co2, keeps them from rattling and protects bare fingers from the cold cartridges when you use them. I also throw in an emergency $20 and a few small cable ties. But dude....doubling up on everything....that is being prepared! 😂

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

😂. I like the tube with the CO2 trick 👍

[@philwyeth]

Great video. I also keep 5 x 6inch cable ties, and chain oil (in one of the those little sushi soya sauce fish bottles) just in case of a downpour and the chain runs dry. I'll be cutting off that velcro tab before my next ride.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👍

[@sylpascale7673]

Chris, good video, one thing I carry that has helped me is a small pair of tweezers. Many times you get a piece of wire or a thorn or small chard of rock in the tire and it is very hard to get out...the tweezers help in this instance.

[@lastfm4477]

I carry a safety pin (thru my valve tool's hole) to pick out things like that. [Also helps keep from loosing that tiny valve tool.]

[@biedawo]

Funny how much thought goes into the nuances of saddle bag. Ditching the seatpost wrap is a good idea for the reason described. I do recommend bringing patch kit with unused glue tube (I've had the preglued patches not work after sitting too long in saddle bag). Looking forward to the full-sized frame pump returning.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Ahhh. The full size frame pump I do miss often. I’m sure more for nostalgia reasons though and a bit for just how well it works. 😂👍

[@carravagio16]

always a huge fan of you, bought a the team scott 06 Saunier Duval-Prodir model when you were on the team with Ricco Rodriguez

[@soldersucker1]

Thanks Chris great video!

[@zaahierstanley955]

Awesome content Chris ... thanx for going the extra mile for the cyclist

[@tonyperotti9212]

Great tips!! I need to add tape for sure and repack my tube!

[@josephobenauer3093]

Chris looks like he could ride in the Giro. Great information, thank you.

[@andrewh1345]

A good video would be what to pack clothing /gear/tools/etc. for an amateur race -- Keep up the great content!

[@jralicea6299]

I also avoid saddle bags with Velcro straps for seat post for the exact same reason, not sure why suppliers keep making them this way. Same goes for a bag too wide as it approaches the seat post which feel as well. I use a clip on Fizik bag which extends away from my saddle. Thanks for the tips, I’ll start carrying two tubes and the duct tape idea great! I’ve used a dollar bill couple of times, but sometimes I don’t have paper money with me.

[@russellscott1151]

Nice vid. I wrap the canisters in an old sock. Mainly so when I use the canister I can wrap in in the sock so it doesn’t freeze my hand. Also helps keep knocking noise down.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

🤔 Good idea

[@ElliotFlowers]

"Double flats"...that is so true, even commuting - it's always one puncture real quick after the last one...

[@gregflowers83]

I could listen to you talk about bikes bits for hours

[@yendoradon7836]

The saddle bag is part of your training! Got it, redoing my training bag.

[@kevinsmith2349]

Excellent video !!...shared with my friends at bill's bike shop.

[@RobertLinthicum]

Good stuff. Careful with jury-rig fixes on fronts -- a sudden front failure means "bad day".

[@dvs70]

Great info Sir. I love the channel. I was distracted by the MB Quart, Pheonix Gold, & Dynamat decals.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

I have always had a car stereo problem.

[@stianpollestad754]

Gee, I've seen guys cross the South Pole with less equipment :D Jokes aside, some pretty good tips right there. Good point about storing your tubes in bags.

[@SSorgears]

Good road bag Chris, but one thing I might add for those who ride in urban areas (or if you have tweakers and addicts in your rural areas) is an old sock. It can be used to carry your tubes in, and then has two other uses: Use it to rub the inside of your tire for that "sharpie" that gave you the flat - it could be a piece of hypodemic nerdle. Let the sock snag it before it goes into your finger(s). After you are done working on your bike it can also be something that you use to wipe off your hands. I also, like others have noted, carry a smaller multi-tool that has a chain breaker, a kwik-link for my chain, a spare derailleur cable and a couple of zip-ties.. Then again, I'm a pro mechanic and kinda OCD on some of this stuff. I'm also carrying too much around the mid-section and a couple extra ounces in my saddle bag isn't a big deal. Zefal frame pumps rule! Not as pretty as a Silca with a Campy head, but super-efficient!

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks. And yikes

[@chrissmoot7038]

Thanks for this video... really helpful.

[@dpmccutcheon]

Your channel is a gem.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

Thanks

[@leehyson9831]

Superb tips. The duct tape around the levers is really cool. Thank you Chris.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊

[@ltu42]

What a thought out and methodical approach! I'm surprised that you don't have quick links or a small chain removal tool, has that never been a problem? I know that some people carry them in their saddle bags. Also, I always have a spare CR2032 battery for the various sensors. Still in its blister, but trimmed.

[@kevinsiner]

Good tip about cutting the strap off... I’ve ruined a couple pairs of bibs that way, no more seat post straps for me

[@phacharawut]

Great video, Chris! Go Saturn!

[@Ultegra10SPD]

Chain breaker? My tool has 1 and i bury a pin and a spare connex (always run 1 to begin with) in the bag. Nice Touch in removing that Velcro loop I always beat my head against the wall trying to find bags it didn’t have it to begin with after I killed a set of brand new bib shorts on the first ride. Got here after randomly watching you drop nibali on the angliru again. -U10

[@cyclepowered8799]

Almost exactly like my carry pack. Only difference is my duct tape is wrapped around my seat post which also marks my seat height in case I take my seat off for any reason. thanks for the video.

[@jeromeridge5566]

Funny how those of us who have been riding for many years often have these details worked out just like Chris!

[@greglazaro4179]

Wonderful!! Thanks for sharing that important infos👍

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👍

[@phill2383]

I was with you on almost everything but Baby Powder, Duly Noted I'm be on that asap

[@openwheelracing88]

Knight wheels...my dream setup

[@LordAus123]

So practical; all go, no bull.

[@yoshibender]

I've always carried a small bit of cable just in case a derailleur cable breaks. With just about four inches of cable you can rig the derailleur to stay in one gear and get you home. Honestly I've only needed it a couple times but the friends who I've bailed out with it were happy not to be stuck in their hardest gear all the way home.

[@ChrisHornerCycling]

👊😂

[@patrickrenschler5972]

thanks for sharing!