Bag on bike?

Jonas McCluskey

Hello,

What is the recommended method for carrying necessary items (tube, tools, whatever the heck else we are supposed to have) on the bicycle? Is there a certain brand/configuration bag most EN'rs prefer?

Thank you,

Jonas McCluskey

harrast

Jonus, to a fellow Miichigander, I carry a bottle of Vittoria Pit Stop taped to my top tube during races. I've never had to use it, but in training I have used it twice and it has failed both times. Others have had different experiences. During training rides, I often carry a tube, tire irons and a CO2 "pump" in my bento box.

Jonas McCluskey

Thanks you for the info Steven.  How do you affix the bento box to your bike?  Anyway you could send me a photo?  If easier for you shoot w/ phone and text, my cell is 517-937-9927.  Is the way you do it (carry tube, tire irons, and CO2 in a bento box) pretty standard for what other folks do?

Jonas

John Withrow

I used to carry all my tire stuff (tube/CO2/nano inflator/tire levers) in a small bag under my seat and keep my bento for extra nutrition stuff (power bars and salt sticks). I really like the Dark Speedworks box (I used the 480) http://darkspeedworks.com/products.htm

Now I have removed the bag from the back and simply put the tire stuff in my bento box. I also keep a second tube shoved up under my seat rails for IM races.

harrast

Jonus, like John I use the Dark Speed bento box. Many EN folk use the dark speed, but it's certainly not universal. I have tried several, and I do like the Dark Speed. It probably doesn't carry as much as some others, but once you get it on your bike, it feels like it belongs there. Unless you ride a higher end Cervelo, all bentos attach via some velcro straps included in the kit.

As far as best practices go, it would be interesting to do an analysis on how people like to carry stuff. I usually tour T1 looking for new ideas on how to carry gear. Some people stuff items in their shirt pocket, others (like me) tend to stay away from that. When I train, I carry a full tire change kit because I tend to be a long way from help, and I don't want to spend the night with the mosquitoes of Central Michigan. When I race I carry only a can of Vittoria Pit Stop. I figure if the Pit Stop fails, I'm probably out of the awards anyway, so I just hope for someone to help as I have helped others in the past.

I agree with John that during a race the best use of the bento is nutrition. During a long-course event, you have to eat, and the bento is the place for nutrition. Anyway, here is a race-day packing list:

Race Day HIM:
Bento Box: *1 powerbar, 2 packs Clif Bloks, 1 gel, 1 bike tool (allen wrenches)
Aeorbars: Salt stick dispensers (2), Speedfil a2 24oz Ironman perform
Seat: 1 24oz bottle Ironman perform
Frame: 1 can Vittoria Pit Stop taped under the top tube

(* for an full IM I would carry the same nutrition and would replenish at bike special needs)

Dino Sarti

Just my two cents....

If you want to look "pro". There is no bag. You will never see a saddle bag in the pro peloton. Granted, they have a team car and a staff, but if plan right and take a minimalist approach you find all you need fits in your jersey. Let's leave tops for a separate conversation. Every jersey I have ever owned has three pockets. If it won't fit in there you don't need it.

I always pack the same way. I three 4x6" zip lock baggies. They fit perfect in my jersey pocket and they save me packing time. You can get 500 on Amazon for a couple bucks. When they get old or tear, just replace. I use them to hold extra mix powder. When it's time to go, I put a baggie in each pocket and am ready to roll. Right side is cell phone, money, ID, credit card and a key. Center pocket is tire change kit - tube, lever, two Co2 and small multi-tool. Left pocket is nutrition - couple gels, a waffle and maybe some chews.

No Saddle bag needed.

Racing I will add a bento to the top tub for a lever, a Co2 and a couple gels. The tube goes under my saddle. I also have a couple extra nutrition items in a ziplock. This is more for emergency stuff. I keep the baggie in my helmet in T1 so it goes in my pocket as my helmet goes on. Cell phone, money, etc. stay in transition.

I say go "pro" and leave the saddle bags behind....

Bob Irwin

Steven - I've thought about trying the Vittoria Pit Stop. Do you know if it will work on latex tubes?

harrast

Bob, yes. Pit Stop is designed for latex tubes. In fact, it's essentially a pressurized can of latex rubber. I have to buy one at each race because you can't put it on an airplane.