Seeing many groups out now riding without bags. No backpack or bum bag, or obvious frame bags. What do people do for tools and spares?
Or is it rides around my way (Surrey Hills and surrounds) are often just couple of hours sessioning so just gamble and head back to the car if something breaks?
I've always ridden with something. Used to be big backpack, then smaller, and trend moved to bum/hip bags and went with that which I like but now I see a lot go with nothing and I'm just wondering how they cope.
Or jackets and big pockets?
I used to ride with a backpack. But now for local rides I'll just take a multi tool in my pocket. Tubeless mostly mitigates punctures (jinxed now). If it goes wrong I can always phone home for someone to pick me up.
Obviously for rides away from home or further out in the Peak District where I need to be more self sufficient I'll take a backpack with the usual assortment of stuff in.
For local/short rides I've got a couple of base layers with rear pockets in which I carry a TPU tube, tubeless repair kit, CO2, multitool and sometimes a thin windproof jacket.
Rides where I need more water and some food I use a hip pack.
Pockets and in-frame storage I guess (not just downtube but I have in-handlebar multitools and I know some have in-headtube stuff), One-Up style pumps with tools in to? I like the ditching the hydration pack for shorter rides trend but compensated with a small saddle bag (electric mini pump, and 2 x TPU tubes)
On uplift days and dicking around in the woods I don't carry anything but a water bottle.
On my pedally bike my tools are in my steerer and bar ends.
Water bottle, tube and levers strapped to frame and a OneUp pump and EDC. On the odd occasion I’ll also strap a waterproof to the frame. I’m never that far from the car and hate riding with a pack. If I was on a long ride somewhere more isolated then I’d probably think different, but usually it’s either a 3 hour blast or a bike park.
I have ridden 100km epics in the Lakes & Dales without rucksacks. Rode for about 20 years without one. Stuff goes in jersey pockets. But as of last year I have ridden with a small Inov8 running vest. Just to put a couple of other bits in. Maybe its me getting older and just feel like I need a few bits with me, I dunno.
If I am local I ride without one as I am so close to stuff.
The only time I use a backpack is winter rides in remote places. for local rides I carry just a multitool ( bikes are tubeless, bottle on frame) I carry what is appropriate for the ride I am always astonished how much shite some folk carry
What do people do for tools and spares?Same as i've done for 3+ decades. Streamline and minimise. Can get everything i need for a "normal" ride after work for a couple of hours in the pockets of my jersey, if it's longer ride (over 3+ hours or something), the tool kit goes under the saddle (it's about the size of a coke can), and that frees up a jersey pocket. Only use a pack (a small one at that) if the weather is extreme (maybe over 30, under -5) or I'm going to be out for a whole day (6+ hours). Or, worst case, leading a group.
Don't understand these people who have *so* many failures on their bikes, service them properly, ride within your bikes limits, and more importantly, ride within your limits.
And TBH, almost all of my rides would count as moderately remote as even riding from home, a good chunk of any route would take half an hours walking to get to a reasonable bail out point accessible by a vehicle. Hell, even the nearest trail centre has loops that are ~15 minutes walk from the nearest access road and 30-40 ish minutes back to the hub.
Loads of options to stash things on bikes. CO2, tubeless repair, tube and small tool are often all that is needed and they in/on frame somewhere. Bottles are back in for drinks. Keys and phone in pockets?
Depends on what and where you are riding. If I'm doing a big loop I'll carry stuff. But many places I ride involve laps using the same hillside with different routes down it. You are never that far away from the car. Minor problems wouldn't stop you rolling back and anything else needs more than basic tools.
Its odd how these things go in cycles. When I first rode, no one would use a bottle off road, you had to have a hydration pack. Then bumbags came back (from the 80's) before people moved to bottles. Obviously there were loads of bags sat around needing to be used so we all started wearing them in gravel races!
Bag user here. Usually the smallest (10L?) EVOC with the built-in back protector.
I hate having shite strapped to the bike or in pockets. Pump, 1 x tube, tubeless repair plugs, bigger patches to repair a ripped tyre, multitool that includes a chain tool, chain quick links, spare gear cable, phone wallet, and a waterproof or windproof depending on the weather. Bigger rides I have a first aid kit and spare brake pads too. Often a 'proper' camera too - EOS M. Tweaked over the years based on the failures I've had.
And several times I've bailed out riding buddies or randoms who've had a failure while riding without the necessary stuff. I'd rather be over-prepared than unprepared.
99% I wear a Camelbak (anyone got a spare HAWG 20?), even though rides are often local they can easily go wrong and the UK weather can change very quickly with reliance on a passing dog walker not always guaranteed!
I have a small first aid kit, survival bag (small or large depending on route), proper back up manual pump, tube, map, compass, velcro straps, spare layers, and most importantly - spare gloves. Always some snacks and if it’s a long route, sandwiches and flask!
Usually a monocular too to look at wildlife….
Tool kit - electric pump, patches (big Park boot), link, valve cores and removal tool, Park tubeless kit, Topeak Alien, small Swiss Army knife, tie wraps, hand wipes…
Anecdotally, when was the last time you had a trailside issue. I tend to have a multitoola with me but I do rarely have issues that I don't really feel the need to have anything except water. If it's a local ride then I know if have to walk back, bigger rides I will take some spares.
Anecdotally, when was the last time you had a trailside issue. I tend to have a multitoola with me but I do rarely have issues that I don't really feel the need to have anything except water. If it's a local ride then I know if have to walk back, bigger rides I will take some spares.
I had a puncture two years ago. I broke a chain 4 years ago
What do people do for tools and spares?
Or is it rides around my way (Surrey Hills and surrounds) are often just couple of hours sessioning so just gamble and head back to the car if something breaks?
Just don't overpack.
Multitool
Mini-pump
Puncture repair method of your choosing
A chain link.
Foil blanket
Beyond those you're getting into "this one time my mates nan's rescue dog's first owner once had a ......" type issues. When you start carrying a spare mech hanger, then it raises the question, what about axles, how about a spare mech, the shifter, the cables, what about a bleed kit incase a hose gets ripped off, spare hose and barbs? You could carry on forever saying what-if......
But in 99% of cases, if you can get the wheels to turn (i.e. repair even a bad puncture and straightening the wheel by jumping on it) then you can probably walk up hills and coast down them and get home before it goes dark.
I've got a lezyne tubeless flow bottle cage which has a multitool, quick links, puncture plugger and puncture worms, co2 canisters and an inflator. On longer rides I'll strap an innertube and tyre levers to the frame incase of worst case scenarios.
If I'm going on a long long ride 20+ miles I'll take a camelback with a few more bits in, more water and snacks. Rarely feel the need to pack extra jackets or layers or clothes, if it's bad weather I'll ride with a thin jacket on, if it's good weather I'll ride with just a top and if I get wet I get wet, I'm already sweaty and will be home in 2hrs time anyway, on the longer rides if I've got my camelback I'll stick my jacket in it if the forecast claims rain
The only time I use a backpack is winter rides in remote places. for local rides I carry just a multitool ( bikes are tubeless, bottle on frame) I carry what is appropriate for the ride I am always astonished how much shite some folk carry
Years ago I was looking at joining a club. I went on a website of a local one and it looked decent. Then I saw in one of the photos a guy had a rucksack bigger than I would do an overnight camp with. He had spare casette's and rear mechs with him! For a 25km loop! 🤣
freeload off of others - running joke in my group i take nothing but will always be the one to fix anyones bike, i carry the knowledge 🤣
Depends on the ride, if riding wharny or places with runs just take what im wearing, multitool on bike and no pack. if bike breaks will just have to push back, usually only 20 min walk back at most to cars. if someone is hurt we are still close to cars for stuff and always plenty of people about who will happily help.
Longer group rides / epics(which sadly is much less common these days) everyone take a pack with what is needed, then share the tools and spares about so we arnt carrying 5 pumps, can take a big variety of spares then as its surprising how many times someone will rip a derailleur off 15 miles in and 15 miles from finish.
that been said, im currently looking for a decent sized pack again, only had a tiny tiny one for last 3-4 years, got a hip pack but they are awful to ride with so barely use it.
As I said on the solitude and accidents thread - this thread will get very different replies despite having the same audience of STW members.
Here in the south, where most riding will be forest rather than exposed then generally yes I'll admit I'll be riding with just basic tools (one up headset tool, including tubeless worms and a spare valve core) and pump (formerly lexyne mini, now an electric inflator) which goes in a mini frame bag or could go in a pocket. Sometimes that bag I'll add an emergency tube (terrain and tyre dependent) and a mech hanger.
Only if I was going to be further from the start (or a known lunch spot) than 1 water bottle will take me would I start to consider a bag for water, clothes, food and maybe more comprehensive repair.
I've tried any number of bags, never found one that was anywhere near as good as riding without one. USWE the most comfy - can barely feel the bag itself - but can't get away from the sweaty back and pulling your shirt up.
The only time I use a backpack is winter rides in remote places. for local rides I carry just a multitool ( bikes are tubeless, bottle on frame) I carry what is appropriate for the ride I am always astonished how much shite some folk carry
Years ago I was looking at joining a club. I went on a website of a local one and it looked decent. Then I saw in one of the photos a guy had a rucksack bigger than I would do an overnight camp with. He had spare casette's and rear mechs with him! For a 25km loop! 🤣
I mean that says a lot doesn't it, did you join in the end?
We once stripped a ton of stuff out of a mate's bag before letting him continue. Bag was loaded with various unnecessary stuff including a GPS unit.
This was before a lap of the SITS 2004 24hr course at Trentham 😀
I'll go from minimum - tubeless ebike in summer - water bottle on bike, tube, levers and C02 strapped to saddle, SWAT multitool and chain link in steerer
Medium (any bike) - hip pack with bladder, phone, electric pump, tube, levers, Crank Bros multi tool
Max - (winter long ride) backpack with above plus extra tube, zip ties, spare gloves (suffer with Reynauds), room for layers/coat, hat for pub stop
Sometimes Bacho folding saw, sometimes shock pump if a new set-up
Mates take the piss at my pack sometimes - until I'm getting them a tube and electronic inflator out, or when they are cold at the end of a ride and I'm not....
Mates take the piss at my pack sometimes - until I'm getting them a tube and electronic inflator out, or when they are cold at the end of a ride and I'm not....
Got the same mocking during a multi day road circumnavigation of Corsica, I was tale end Charlie & had a rack bag full of all sorts of bits & pieces - in the end I threatened to charge them 10euros a pop each time they wanted anything from the bag of plenty 😀
OneUp in the steerer tube, Co2 on the underside of the seat. That’s it.
Mountain Biking to me is mostly from home, and climbing to drop trails - the last ride ending mechanicals I have had, wouldn’t have been fixable even if I was carrying a portable workshop (exploded a wheel & a rear mech).
More often than not, I’ll just put the bike in turbo and limp it home if I have a terminal puncture or similar. Sod fixing things out in the cold and mud.
Always hated riding with a pack, even when doing massive days out racing EWS’s, I’d wear bibs with storage & cope with that. Big fan of bike based storage cubby holes too.
If I'm riding my local trails then it's multi tool w/chain breaker in the crank axle, water bottle on the bike, snack in my pocket and hope I don't get a puncture.
A bit further afield then a Camelbak Podum hip pack with emergency tube, mini pump, tubeless plugs, zip ties, Swiss Army knife, Nitrile gloves, plasters, alcohol wipes, extra water bottle and a snack.
For a full day out I'll take a Drakine Drafter backpack with all the stuff in the hip pack plus a spare layer, more snacks and a hydration bladder instead of the extra water bottle.
I have a seat bag and bar bag on the gravel bike so usually carry all the fanny pack stuff between those and forgo carrying anything on my person.
I did admit to not being the best prepared for accidents in the Solitude & Accidents thread, so probably need to re-think all of the above... especially as I mostly ride solo.
Back in May '18, after exploring the east Hampshire hills and a few just over the West Sussex border the year previous on shorter outings, one day I randomly decided to do my first 100-miler. Way too much stuff in a rucksack, including an extra 2l of fluid, because I didn't want to do a cafe stop!
Generally, I used to take multi-tool; spare tube; mini pump; puncture repair kit. But I rarely got punctures on GP4000/5000s, so I ditched taking spare tubes. Rest easily fitted in rear jersey/jacket pocket, along with mobile and 250g pack of jelly babies.
When the ebike allowed me to do 2-3.5 hour rides again last year, in the mean time I'd discovered High 5 carb/caffeine electrolyte powder, so taking the jelly babies became much less frequent.
I'll take a few extras for rides away from Center Parcs campus on hire ebikes, but that's about it these days.
Another game changer I haven't seen mentioned above is a water filter. I'e tried a few, my favourite so far is the katadyn befree.
I used to find that the amount of water I could carry was the limiting factor - not with a water filter. Still need to choose an appropriate source, though, I wouldn't just fill up from anywhere.
Anyway, otherwise if I'm doing a short ride (<2.5hr) from the door locally in good ( mild) weather I'll go without any kind of bag. Just a big bottle on the bike, tools & spares attached to the bike. Oneup pump&tool, small saddle bag wrap thing with various bits and bobs like zip ties, gaffer tape, brake pads. Tube strapped to the bike. I just leave all that strapped to each bike. Plenty of scope for dealing with most mechanicals with those basics.
Same setup for enduro laps close to the car
For long days (like much much much longer - proper all day epics) I add a hip pack with water filter and food/fuel, a few other small tools/spares (penknife/axs battery) and thin jacket.
If I need an insulating layer then if it doesn't fit in the hip pack I strap it to my bars with elastic shock cord.
That gives enough gear for very long and remote rides, and isn't cumbersome at all.
Also by leaving the basics bits strapped to each bike there isn't any constant rethink or changeover of what you need to take. Just take the bike then add whatever other appriate bits in a hip pack depending on ride length/remoteness/weather
Anyone running a Specialized saddle - the Mountain Bandit is handy. There are two threaded inserts under the back of the saddle that it screws into. Holds a tube, levers and cannister
When I ride at Dunkeld I stick a top tube bag on....so I can take one of Livvi's sausage rolls with me.
Carry what you need in whatever means you have...I've never got the follow-the-trend with biking kit. Use what works and don't worry about the latest trends or fads...it all comes back around in about 10 years time!
(As I change into my plus-four style bibs and cycle off into the sunset on my boneshaker! 😉 )
Can I suggest the lightweight carriers have a read of “Solitude and accidents” thread?
Can I suggest the lightweight carriers have a read of “Solitude and accidents” thread?
I have - I carry what is appropriate for the ride I am doing from almost nothing to full on winter survival kit. I am still gobsmacked at what some folk carry
Anecdotally, when was the last time you had a trailside issue. I tend to have a multitoola with me but I do rarely have issues that I don't really feel the need to have anything except water. If it's a local ride then I know if have to walk back, bigger rides I will take some spares.
Broke two teeth and bent a chainring a fair way from civilisation a couple of weeks ago - a stick got sucked into the chain as I was climbing a hill. Luckily a mate had a tiny shifter and we were able to bend the chainring straight enough for me to get the 30km home without too many drops.
Fitted a tube to son's bike on the side of a mountain a few weeks before that as I couldn't get the plugs to stop leaks.
Had to re-tension a wheel on a hillside a few weeks before that.
Have definitely fixed a few broken chains in the past.
Tyre plugs/tool in a little bar bung thingy, mini pump, emergency tube and multi tool lashed to the frame, bottle in cage. That’s fine for a couple of hours spin round the local loops or a trailcentre.
If it’s a bigger ride more tools/spare go in a TT mount feedbag, and a second bottle can go in a second cage. All-dayers tend to be on a gravel bike now.
TBH I never really liked lugging a sack of water and useless tools on the MTB, but a sweaty back might appeal alongside the security of having all sorts of contingencies covered to others, both choices are perfectly valid.
Can I suggest the lightweight carriers have a read of “Solitude and accidents” thread?
I did, my main takeaway was tell someone where you’re going, not carry a ton of kit. The foil blanket in the bottom of my camelbak has been there for something like 15 years, I haven’t used the camelbak in about 4 years.
But I can definitely agree there’s utility in a multitool that includes a chainbreaker.
Most of my issues when riding have been mechanical, if my leg is broken I need a medical professional, spare brake pads or innertubes will not help and that foil blanket will be of very minimal benefit…
With mountain biking's constant Orwellian revisionism, water bottles are cool. They were always cool (say it quietly - they weren't for about 20 years but now they are are, we'll forget they weren't even when they should have been and if you say anything you'll be unpersoned). Might there be a time when the cool kids will have back pockets on their jerseys? Or are we there already and I'm so uncool I hadn't appreciated that the history books have been rewritten on that one as well already?
As always with these things a lot depends on what you're riding and your kit. I might put something in a back pocket if I'm out for a gravel ride but not if I'm riding at the Golfie. I've tried a bum bag, it's ok in the summer for a few bits and pieces but once it starts to get full then my Osprey pack is more comfortable and stable. I can't say I notice it, even when riding steep trails. My son would happily ride with nothing more than a bottle of water but then up to now he has had me to look out for him. One thing I hate is being the person who has to ask to borrow a pump, multi tool etc.
With mountain biking's constant Orwellian revisionism, water bottles are cool. They were always cool (say it quietly - they weren't for about 20 years but now they are are, we'll forget they weren't even when they should have been and if you say anything you'll be unpersoned). Might there be a time when the cool kids will have back pockets on their jerseys? Or are we there already and I'm so uncool I hadn't appreciated that the history books have been rewritten on that one as well already?
I don't get the bottles in hip packs (cos enduro innit). I've tried it and hate it, much prefer a bladder - not that I really like hip packs that much anyway
Can I suggest the lightweight carriers have a read of “Solitude and accidents” thread?
As per @tjagain and @cookeaa - I have.
And yep sharing route is a key thing, as is enough correct clothing / insulation for the situation you might find yourself in.
In the right* situations you really don't need very much at all to be as safe as practically possible
* Close to home / within phone signal / easy quick rescue / riding with others / busy places with a lot of footfall / mild conditions where you aren't going to get hypothermic etc.
With mountain biking's constant Orwellian revisionism, water bottles are cool. They were always cool (say it quietly - they weren't for about 20 years but now they are are, we'll forget they weren't even when they should have been and if you say anything you'll be unpersoned). Might there be a time when the cool kids will have back pockets on their jerseys? Or are we there already and I'm so uncool I hadn't appreciated that the history books have been rewritten on that one as well already?
I've always used bottles, like many I also adopted a Camelbak in the 2000s, but ultimately found them sweaty, annoying and that they become more so if you try to use them to carry more fluids than a couple of bottles would typically hold. If fashion has caught up with me then I congratulate it 😉
Before camelbaks became a thing I used bottles and carried minimal tools/spares lashed to the frame so nothing much has really changed other than someone marketed Camelbaks well for a bit in the middle and some people seem to have gotten hung up on that particular trend as part of their MTBing "uniform"...
Of course the temptation kicks in once you have that bloody great backpack to fill it to the brim and cover all eventualities rather than critically evaluate your planned activity and the conditions outside. I'm sure We've all been for a ride with an "Altura man" carrying a mountain of superfluous kit, stopping every ten minutes to put on/remove a jacket, chugging fluids to cover the extra sweat losses and they then go and take an awkward tumble due to the extra 5kg swinging about on their back, bit of a liability (IMO/IME).
I guess what those of us labelled as "lightweight carriers" back up the thread are really doing is just considering the trade-offs between volume of crap carried and probability/frequency of issues we can't tackle with our "lightweight" choices. You can view such things as fashion choices if you like, to me it's more of a balance of risks/efficiency thing, if I take a thing out for 100 rides and never use it, did I ever really need it?
Hip-packs are really a middle ground I suppose now, and if we're critiquing "MTB fashions" those seems to be the most fashionable way of carrying fluids/spares/tools/stuff at the moment. I've not tried one yet TBH, I can see the benefits and downsides, oddly enough the thing that would maybe nudge me towards one now is wanting to carry camera kit, but again not an essential need, so I'm not going to spunk £80+ odd on an EVOC bumbag or whatever.
I rarely ride without a bag because nearly all my rides are long enough to need more than 1 water bottle to drink. Once I’ve got that far then a multitool, tube and first aid kit are added along with some snacks. It all fits in a bumbag unless it’s partially remote or cold and I want extra layers with me
For short rides under 2 hours I don't bother with a bag.
Longer rides means more water and find it easier to just carry it than have to keep going back to the car or find somewhere to stop with the bike in sight while i get more water.
Seeing many groups out now riding without bags. No backpack or bum bag, or obvious frame bags. What do people do for tools and spares?
Or is it rides around my way (Surrey Hills and surrounds) are often just couple of hours sessioning so just gamble and head back to the car if something breaks?
I've always ridden with something. Used to be big backpack, then smaller, and trend moved to bum/hip bags and went with that which I like but now I see a lot go with nothing and I'm just wondering how they cope.
Or jackets and big pockets?
I just carry a one up EDC pump, a wallet with patches etc and maybe a tube and that's it
For short rides under 2 hours I don't bother with a bag.
Longer rides means more water and find it easier to just carry it than have to keep going back to the car or find somewhere to stop with the bike in sight while i get more water.
Given the average ambulance response time is about 30 minutes for a cat 2 response like broken legs and that at peak times and in rural locations response times may be a lot worse.
I would always consider extra clothing even if you are not far from home or near your car.
laying on the ground or doing first aid and looking after casualties you can get quite cold quite quickly.
I think its also important to acknowledge that as much as we say 'bag use for MTB riding' has changed over time, so has 'MTB riding'.
When I was going out on a MTB ride as a kid with my Dad, we will indeed have taken a big day sack full of clothes, bits, tools, equipment, spares etc. But the actualy act of MTB riding was different - it was effectively hiking, just with a bike. Over some moors somewhere, using a map, the bikes would undoubtedly break, multiple puntures was the norm, we ate jam sandwiches and coffee from a flask.
A 'MTB' ride now can (Yes I know not always, not even for me, but *CAN*) be very different - ebike laps of a trail centre, never more than 2 miles from the car, bikes that dont break, I (I'm gonna kick myself) havent had a puncture or broken bike in years, etc etc...
Thus the requirements of what you need with you also change.
I will regularly take my biggest camelbak on a ride with me, with First Aid Kit, extra layers, 2 litres of water, snacks, tools, spares etc. But only If im going up into the Dales on my onw miles from anywhere.
I'f I'm going out the front door and blasting round the local for an hour after work, or doing laps of sherwood pines, i'll take pretty much nothing.
For shortish rides I tend to just take a Dakine Hotlaps 1L bumbag (I only got a small one as I’m happy to use a hydration pack if I need more) with a tube, levers, sticky patches, zip ties, multitool, Lezyne mini pump, tiny Leatherman and a water bottle on the frame. With a quick link taped to the brake hose. if I’m with the kids (7 years old) I have a little first aid kit pouch that can clip to the belt. Although I often just divvy up all the bits into their backpacks as they love carrying gear in their bags (like a real MTBer).
Bigger adventures I have an old Dakine hydration pack with a 2-3L bladder and chuck it all in that. If it’s a big day with the kids I just take a big 25L hiking backpack (or a Decathlon coolbag) full of spare clothes and packed lunches, snacks, sweets, extra drink, etc.
Oddly, I ride with even a small backpack on the road bike - its just has a pump, two tubes, patch kit, tyre levers, multi tool, waterproof and my phone/keys (actually sounds alot). Why, I broke my spine T12/L1 10 years ago, and I can't stand wearing anything in my pockets around the break - it's also to protect my back a little in an off. You don't want to be landing on a mini pump in your back pocket.
I have a small Decathlon pack for the road bike/CX rides, then a Camelbak for MTB (with foil blanket and survival bag) - in goes the bladder as well. What it does mean, I've got the right tubes/tools in each pack and don't need to pick any up.
That said, a bumbag might be the option for road biking !
Answering the OP, I ride in the Surrey Hills with friends. Can easily be five of us in a group without a single pack. What you can't see is that with frame storage, steerer tools & One up pumps we've got enough tools and spares to get our bikes through almost any mechanical issue.
Not had a ride ending mechanical in the group for a very long time.