[Closed] I know it's illegal, but...what road seatpack?

Surely all that fits in your pocket?

To be more on topic, I use a medium size topeak one. Fits my crap in barring the pump leaving the jersey free for raincoat, pump, glasses and recently my maps.

Screw the rules. I've just finised David Millers autobiography, and he's using one, so if it's good enough for him...

Anyway, I've just bought one of these.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7361&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedKingdom

Micro one btw.

Carradice zipped tool roll.

[url= http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/accessories-extras-c190/seat-packs-c87/lezyne-m-caddy-seat-pack-p13595 ]Lezyne?[/url]

I've got the micro version which is tiny, doubt you'd get all that stuff in it but could be used as an overflow if/when you're running low on space etc.

I bought the next size up for off road as I could barely squeeze a spare mtb tube in the micro. It fell apart after one lap around Cannock's famous braking bumps, so beware if you intend to use it on multiple bikes 🙂

if you use a fizik saddle their clip-in saddle bags are good, small version fits tyre levers, tube, puncture repair kit/allen keys

I've just finised David Millers autobiography, and he's using one

Too many drugs to fit in his pockets?

Surely all that fits in your pocket?

Hate carrying all that sh-t in my pockets. Bad enough with the other crap.

I like a neat little seatpack that I can cinch tight to the saddle/seatpost.

I had thought of Lezyne, as much of their stuff is so well made. Not so sure now...

Allen keys to be pared back from selection to just a couple.

I've just finished David Millers autobiography

Doesn't that make it a biography?

Getting coat ...

Doesn't the support car carry everything?

Surely all that fits in your pocket?

It's a bloomin sight easier to just roll out if it's all in a seatpack.
Hence why I have also fitted a little mini pump 'holster'. Shoes on, bottle in cage and away you go.

Plus it saves things wearing holes in your nice tops, all my nice clothes are for road use 🙂

EDIT: forgot to add I use a little expandable Topeak thing, so I can squeeze an extra tube or two in for longer rides. Pockets are for food.

Surely all that fits in your pocket?

I'm with the OP on this one, huge bags look gash, but for stuff that comes out on every ride and for quick local loops the only stuff (1 spare tube, patches, CO2, levers and a multitool) I'd rather have them on the bike ready rather than searching for them. That and it's nicer having the soft stuff (clothing, maps, food etc) in pockets rather than the lumpy stuff.

Does anyone make a doubledecker one? One part for the above list of essential kit, second just big enough for mobile, keys and a money clip/debit card?

Another occasional Topeak wedge user here, great little pack and expandable so you can fit a gilet/waterproof.

Does anyone make a doubledecker one? One part for the above list of essential kit, second just big enough for mobile, keys and a money clip/debit card?

My phone, card, cash (note) and keys go in plastic bag in pocket. Might get a small case for this (Lezyne or *whisper it* Rapha).

EDIT: scrap the Rapha idea - it's 40 quid. Even I, a spendthrift by nature, can't face that.

Just clicked Trailofdestruction's link and it is a 'Topeak Aero Wedge Strap On"...
And bigddugsbaws confesses to also be an occasional user of a Topeak Strap On... 😯

EDIT: scrap the Rapha idea - it's 40 quid. Even I, a spendthrift by nature, can't face that.

LoL, I looked at the wallet this morning, and realised I wouldn't have anything left to put in it.

A Jimi is my preference for cash, card and id. Use it all the time now rather than a real wallet.

sputnik - like all well mannered people, I averted my gaze from their ghastly pronouncements.

I use a Lezyne one for commuting and occasional mtb. Bombproof so far, and I've had it for about 4 months with no issues. Fits tube, levers, gel and small rear light.

stick it in your back pocket - guarantee there will be once that you forget something important ! - youll be at your furthest point and puncture or snap a chain .....

whydot - got any idea what size? I want as small as poss.

My Lezyne after the 'notorious' Cannock braking bumps...

[img] [/img]

Wasn't even near to being full either, think I had a tube, levers and a small multi-tool in it. Everything else was in pockets.

Small one on the road bike has been fine, but then it gets a relatively easy life.

stick it in your back pocket - guarantee there will be once that you forget something important ! - youll be at your furthest point and puncture or snap a chain .....

I think the point was if it's all on the bike you can't forget it. Whereas I must waste hours of my life searching betweent he tourers panniers, various sized camelpacks and the kitchem worktops for the correct multitools, chain links, tubes etc for whatever bike I'm about to ride. I've now got seperate sets of most things in the Camelpack and panniers, just the road bike to sort out.

[img] [/img]

Use a cut off bottle.

3 allen keys, or multi-tool, 2 tubes, tyre levers (for other peoples tyres...) CO2 cartridge, wrappedd up in old bit of cloth to stop rattles and to wipe hands with.

It takes up one bottle cage, but unless you are on of these 'I need to drink three times my body weight whenever I'm in the vicinity of a bicycle' types, you can manage rides of 50-60-70 miles comfortably with one bottle.

I use a Brooks D Bag that matches my saddle

I've a spare little Fizik one that clips into any Fizik Saddle if you want it?

I like the wee Ortlieb [url= http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/Ortlieb-Saddle-Bag-Micro-Grey-200912140401/ ]micro[/url] I've got, prob not the lightest but well secured, neat and no straps to rub your post 😯

I do need to rearrange the contents though as they were driving me mad rattling at the weekend.

Should carry all you need, I've currently got; 2 tubes, multi tool, patch kit and 2 pedros levers and think I'll be able to squeeze CO2 head and 2 carts in their too when they arrive - will update tomorrow when I've checked.

Would there be any interest in a cheaper version of the Rapha? I've been thinking of busting out the old sewing machine when/if I've a bit of spare time in April.

EDIT

'I need to drink three times my body weight whenever I'm in the vicinity of a bicycle'

I have a Pedros one that is made from recycled inner tubes...

Got a cheap Bell one from ASDA. Cost £5. Does the job just fine.

I've used Arkel seatpacks for the last 5 years. Reliable, secure and waterproof.

my point was that if you stick it in your pocket you will forget something once

i have separate kits on most bikes

Teeto - don't use fizik saddles (yet), so will pass this time. Cheers.

I used to do a 60 mile chaingang onone bottle, but these days I'm conscious of dehydration and the effect on my health (tedious heart issues), so I tend to ensure I'm properly hydrated.

The Ortlieb one looks like rattling hell.

Lots of other choices (and models to avoid - Haze..). Cheers..!

Those arkel bags look too wide for my chunky thighs.

60 miles with one bottle [i]is[/i] properly hydrated; you don't need to drink for the first 10 miles if you set off hydrated, you don't need to drink for the last 10 miles because you're almost home, the middle 40 miles represents about 2.5 or 3 hours, and is perfectly doable with 750 mls of fluid.

For longer days out I either stop and fill up with water at garages, or tuck a tube and a multi-tool and a CO2 cartridge into a pocket, and use 2 bottles.

The majority of your riding will be 40-50 miles or less, so the bottle cage plan is a good 'un.

crikey - I know what works for me. I need to ensure that magnesium and potassium levels are kept up to avoid atrial fibrillation issues. I'm no longer as well conditioned as I used to be, so these days I like to be hydrated well to begin with, during and after.

The Lezyne one I had was bizarrely badly designed, the velcro strap was too long for a 27.2 seatpost, I've somehow managed to rub through the material on the TOP of the pack, and the big shiny zip jingles as you ride.

I've since used the Ortlieb Micro, really nice bit of kit (as seatpacks go) and any rattling can be cured by wrapping things in an old sock. However, I realised that the micro carries so little stuff that I might as well just carry it in my pockets...

Those fi'zik clip bags aren't worth the time of day. I've broken one within a month and the SO broke one leaving the house immediately after putting it on for the first time.

Fair enough, I give magnesium and potassium in smaller volumes at work for AF, but if you need the volume, you need it.

...although remember that as you sweat, the concentration of electrolytes in your body will rise, not fall, so water is better at maintaining blood volume than electrolyte solutions...

I got a perfectly good one in Decathlon for about £5.Like others I`d rather have everything on the bike ready to go rather than faff around.Hate stuff on my back too.But I also often use a seatpack and a bottle rather than a Camelbak too.........

http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/Timbuk2-LB-Seat-Pack-2012022012/

these arrived this week - very nice indeed. Massive great big red bit that shines under light.

mind your STWTBC code...

Fair enough, I give magnesium and potassium in smaller volumes at work for AF, but if you need the volume, you need it.

...although remember that as you sweat, the concentration of electrolytes in your body will rise, not fall, so water is better at maintaining blood volume than electrolyte solutions...

OK, so this interests me, as I'm doing all this by guesswork (medical advice yesterday was "chill" - yes, cardiologist said that, as well as telling me to "be a free spirit").

So, you're saying that actually what I need to do is drink water and not worry about electrolyte uptake so much?

I have lone AF, so not yet a big issue...

Essentially, yes.

The idea/theory is that sweat is largely hypotonic; i.e. it's a very weak electrolyte solution, despite tasting salty. Therefore, as you sweat, you lose far more water than salt, effectively increasing the concentration of electrolytes in your body.

Adding an electrolyte solution in the form of a sports drink actually messes this concentration up even more, as does the advice to drink x amount of fluid every x minutes.

The theory that I like best is that the body is actually quite good at determining what it needs, and that drinking should be done to thirst, rather than any set schedule.

The science bit is here;

http://www.sportsscientists.com/search/label/muscle%20cramps

I work on ITU, and see this kind of manipulation of electrolytes, in particular with regard to AF as a regular thing. I would give 20 mmols of magnesium in 40 mls of fluid as a once a day thing, or potassium as 40 mmols in 40 mls over 2-4 hours.

In exercise, as a preventative, I wouldn't know what is best, but I think there is more to it than drinking 'lots'.

The Ortlieb one looks like rattling hell.

crikey - cheers for that 😀 . Might revert to water and eat the odd banana and a few nuts now and again.

Maybe the cardio was right - I need to chill.

It's only the contents that rattle a little if badly packed

That's what I meant. Can you cinch it up with a toestrap?

I come from an old and probably 'too macho for it's own good' generation of roadies, but I think the pendulum swung a bit too far the other way in terms of sports drink and supplementation. We used to go out with a single bottle, and always have some left, even after 80 -100 mile rides.

I think that is wrong.

But I do read on here about people who drink 3 litres in 3 hours while out on a 15 mile mountain bike ride and think they are taking in far more than they need.

The article and website I suggested is interesting in terms of the physiology of exercise, and documents the way that the sports drink industry have monopolised the conversation in the face of any reputable science.

Besides, it's hard to get dehydrated in bloody Manchester at the mo!

Ah, Manchester and its rain. Was home until last year, when the rain and WIND of West Lancs has become the playground.

I'll read that article later. Cheers.

Can you cinch it up with a toestrap?

I'm sure Crikey will be glad to hear I've finished my last couple of rides (one 70ish and one 90ish km) with one still full bottle (500ml) and a dribble in left in t'other. 🙂

LOL, I did 40 odd yesterday and finished with virtually all my drink left; it was so cold that I couldn't manage to hold the bottle to drink!

Ortlieb for me... Good fixing, reasonably big. There's a version with an integrated light, which is nifty. But mainly because they're so waterproof- I remember opening the tailpack on my old commuter to take out the multitool and discovering it had rusted solid.

Same as before. Smallest Spec works fine for me or the Topeak thats almost identical. 1 tube, 1 lever, 1 co2, 1 valve, 1 small allen ket set.
It lives on the bike. Well 3 actually . Its easier to have 3 sets than to forget to swap and the Cx bikes has 38mm tyres whereas the road bikes has 25's

I use the Lezyne caddy sack - little man bag (as the wife calls it) its like a small purse but I fit in a tiny one23 tool, 2 tubes, levers, 2 co2 and a co2 head. All in my middle jersey pocket.

Another alternative is a Rapha bag - rolled and placed under seat with a leather toe clip strap - google it.

I use a small Rapha bag to put my phone in and a set of spare boxers in to wear at work - fold it and that goes in another jersey pocket.

Saddle bags are ugly - end of.

Another fan of the [url= http://www.thebikechain.co.uk/Ortlieb-Saddle-Bag-Micro-Red-Orange-200912140403/ ]wee Ortlieb one[/url] here. I also have one of the 3 Litre Ortlieb bags for longer trips and it uses the same seat-clamp,so it's easy to swap around. I like having (a) everything I might need already on the bike so I'm not hunting for it/forgetting it and (b) nothing in my pockets.

Ourmaninthenorth - It's a grey medium bag. Fits under a saddle ok. Been dragged around a lot of places without any falling apart issues... All still together and intact!

I have an ortleib tailpack - good bit of kit and spare brackets can be bought so its easy to have it on more than one bike Hard wearing and waterproof

carbon337 - I wasn't ware of the Rapha tool roll. I like that.

I always stop short of ~buying Rapha kit, feeling I ought to be more of a rider to justify it.

If I had time, I'd probably make something similar.

"Saddle bags are ugly - end of. "

you talk like scott mills on radio 1 ..... i still marvel that he is allowed on radio talking like a spazz

I use a BBB tool bottle.

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6668722213_256d7146dc.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6668722213_256d7146dc.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/73773087@N07/6668722213/ ]WP_000053[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/73773087@N07/ ]h4muf[/url], on Flickr

It has 2 cx tubes,multitool,Puncture repair kit,emergency lights,cableties and gaffertape.

I use the Lezyne caddy sack - little man bag (as the wife calls it) its like a small purse

I bought one of the smart wallets [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-elite-smart-wallet/ ](think it was this one)[/url], but haven't used it yet.

"Sized to fit traditional jersey pockets", unfortunately it seems both my Shutt and Rapha jersey's don't fall into this catergory.

Just got the samllest Topeak "strap on" and it seems pretty good for road use - two tubes, levers, Park patches, mini-tool, keys and few pound coins and still room for a bit more if I needed.
Wouldn't bother with the QR version - heavier and the "other side" of the QR mount intrudes into the pouch interior, also the "strap on" gives more variety of mounting positions and the straps let you cinch the pouch up when it's not full - all for under a tenner 🙂

cheers hilldodger.

I ought to have guessed that STW would give me such a wide range of choices..!

(And zero agreement, even on those silly Rules)

One other thing about those Topeak packs - The strap-ons are great but the QR, clip-on versions aren't quite as resilient for off-road use, especially the larger sizes that are heavier with more stuff inside. The clip part can break under the strain of off-road bumpiness. So, for MTB use the Topeak packs are excellent but avoid the quick-clip version and go for the Strap-On.
I also like being able to say Strap-On several times on a public forum with impunity.

I also like being able to say Strap-On several times on a public forum with impunity.

😀

and is it just me that sees those Topeak aero packs as potentially "Blackadder style codpieces" 😳

potentially "Blackadder style codpieces"

Depends what size you're looking at. So to speak.

Pics as promised.
[img] [/img]
2 tubes, 2 CO2+head, 2 Pedros levers, multi tool and a wee patch kit in a Park quick patch box.
[img] [/img]
I don't think there'll be any rattling with the CO2 filling it up but i'm pretty sure a toe strap could be used to take up any slack.

http://www.sks-germany.com/?l=en&a=product&r=mountainbike&i=10368&CAGE%20BOX

Did i miss the fashion memo? when did seat packs become a faux pas?

I take it all back - it is a rattly hell; it must be from the bracket as, with the way I've packed it, there is no way it was the contents 👿

Ah well, I'll need something bigger to fit a spare tub in soon anyway 🙂

when did seat packs become a faux pas?

Mustard - cheers. Good of you to do that. It evidently takes a lot of kit.

I think I'm going to stick to the specialized or topeak "strap on" packs (ooh matron) and wind them up tight.

Feeling like opting out of the pro peloton look and taking an early departure into steel touring bikes, leather saddle packs and a beard... 😉

Waaaayyy ahead of you on the beard front, worryingly though I've just been got on the start list for my first road race *bricking it* - may need a trim for next weekend!