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I use a camalbak...in hot weather I get dehydrated if I don't drink a crap load of water on long rides.
I want to enjoy my ride without suffering with a headache in the evening.
I wonder if people laugh at me as I cycle past with a camelbak? Who gives a ...?
Anyone who tells me I shouldn't use a camelbak is talking nonsense.
RE athletes...I expect they have much more involved hydration plan than the average weekend warrior, so not sure they are an appropriate comparison.
DrRS - crikey is well versed and expert in these matters and really reading his posts is the best way to decide if he is talking tosh or not.
I carry the same stuff regardless of if it's a short local loop, trail centre based, or killer loop. Just means I'm used to it being there.
I think if I were doing a short door to door loop for an hour or so I may just use the small camelbak with 1l of water, my phone and my multitool but I would feel 'naked' without the 'big' pack.
It's weird on uplift days as well (like CwmDown) when you've only got the armour on.
crikey is well versed and expert in these matters and really reading his posts is the best way to decide if he is talking tosh or not.
So a bloke I've never met, who knows sweet chuff-all about my personal physiological make-up, or how hard I'm going to ride, or what the weather is like on a particular day, can determine what level of rehydration I need to have.
God above - I've read some utter bollocks on forums, but for a continued level of complete 5hite-talking, TJ really rises above all other contestants.
MartinGT - Member
"A ****ing SAW? Gotta be a troll thats just too funny."
Some people cut fallen trees/branches out of the way. Others climb over them and wait for someone else to cut them out of the way. I know which one I'd rather be. Course you don't have to help maintain trails but if you choose not to, laughing at those who do is pretty poor.
I normally wear my Camelback, with up to 2l of water, my wallet, keys, phone, camera and multi-tool. Can't fit a bottle cage to my bike as the frame is too small, and I loathe having stuff in my pockets, both on and off the bike. My husband marvels at the fact I never keep anything in my pockets. Never. The coat that I'm wearing right now doesn't even have pockets, just pretend decorative ones.
With the water, in the winter I can put in less than the full 2 litre capacity and still have some left. In the summer I can do the same ride but run out way before the end, and end up suckling from my husband's Camelbak teat like a thirsty calf, which probably makes me look slightly odder than if I'd been wearing a bigger Camelback.
Northwind - Member
Scienceofficer:
Flamejob - Three spare mech hangers?I'll field this one I carry 3 mech hangers because each of my bikes uses a different one due to standards, and I'd feel a right knob if I broke one and checked my bag and only had the hanger for one of the other ones. And it's kind of inevitable that if I only carried one or even two (especially 2!) this is exactly what'd happen because lady luck is a right bastard.
Yeah, ta Northwind; that and the fact I am always riding with different groups that a bodged hanger is better than chainless. Oh there are actually [i]four[/i] there. The silver one is a Mondraker DH bike type thing.
[url= http://www.swissalpineadventure.com/mountain-biking/bike-tours ]These blokes[/url] seem to agree with me. It is iteration/common sense really.
As far as the water thing goes; I'm one of those people who sip water like a small bird, but I often carry my 3l bladder and a frozen 'large' waterbottle in *summer.
*This is the South of Spain I am talking about.
Why are people so concerned with what others do and don't do? I really don't quite get it. Isn't the point of riding to be able to get away from people/society/RandomLookatme telling you what you should and shouldn't do?
I don't really care what anyone else chooses to ride, wear or carry, why should I?
My final paper for my Degree was on fluid replacement, amature Joe Vs professional athletes. The basic conclusion was that Pro's can tolerate the fluid balance better as they are more efficient at producing the energy they need being pros so need less fluids. Your "[i]chubby IT manager type, insert stereotype of your choice,[/i]" isn't so burn up more energy therefore needs more water.
Whether popping down the shops or riding the Great Divide, I always insist on carrying nothing less than the following:
A copy of [i]The Times[/i] from the day I was born.
Postcards + stamps x 100.
Truckle of Cheddar x 1.
[i]Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable[/i] (invaluable for starting conversations).
Surgical trauma kit & O2 cylinders x 2 (useful to have a spare - can swap for pies etc).
Copy of Lionel Richie's classic album [i]Can't Slow Down[/i] (cassette) x 1.
Fortt's Original Bath Oliver Biscuits.
[s]Space blanket[/s] Tinfoil.
Letter of introduction and record of academic achievement (+ photocopies).
Spare biopace rings x 5.
Chocolate milk.
It all fits in here:
[img] 
[/img]
Hope this helps!
IMHO, there are only 2 considerations for off-roading.......
(1) carry what you need, and this doesn't matter is its on your back ( I prefer to have a litre of water and spare tubes & levers there, plus some energy food if over 2 hours out, because they're safe, clean, and don't rattle around the bike).
(2) don't carry what you don't need. all this talk of spare this and spare that and tools in case of this and that ... barmy !
Question the orthodoxy and people go apoplectic.
I think you mean: "Talk drivel, and people correct you".
The new TJ, same as the old TJ...
Talk of not needing to carry spares is all very well but if you have a mechanical and have to push your bke back to the car or wherever it can take hours, so best you can fix the thing if its fixable in my book.
The only time ive been caught out is when my freehub blew about 10 minutes into a ride recently, so no easy fix, it took an hour to walk back to the car (it was all uphill), glad I hadnt been going for an hour or two or it would have been a real pain in the arse.
I carry roughly the same as the blokes in the link flamejob posted above and have used everything at some point or other.
....... on the subject of carrying excess volumes of water, let us not forget, one litre of water carried round the whole trip is one kilo on the bike. Add two litres and you'd say that's a heavy bike (!)
What about pork pies? I usually carry 4 pork pies on every ride.
Plus I ride a tandem and it ways a ton.
A long time ago i had a small frame pack (still have some where) and when back packs came out I dismissed them. Some years ago had a surprise Xmas pressie and felt obliged to use it. So now a Mule here for most rides, always has: spare inner tubes 26" & 29", mini pump, park tool patches, Alien tool, spare chain links, emergency tenner - rarely has water, never seem to be out long enough these days.
At this time of year also has a small hat (getting old!) for stops and I can carry my coat some where should the sun come out. In summer some sun cream.
Means I can grab it ride out on any bike and know i can cover most probs (mine but usually other riders) and keeps mud off my back. Suppose I could get these into my pockets but I never notice it when so lightly packed until I need it.
- crikey is well versed and expert in these matters
There is no need for the average STWer, chubby IT manager type, insert stereotype of your choice, to be carrying 3 litres of water for what is realistically a hour or so of exercise and 40-60 minutes standing about chatting about coffee machines or which razor to buy.
You're right TJ. Now I re-read it he does sound professional 🙂
I regularly ride a loop in the Peaks that is about 5 hours and has no water stops / pubs / villages, all on a bike with no bottle mounts.
I've ridden for years and used to take just water bottles (on a different bike) and put up with feeling crap with dehydration. Now I'd rather feel good throughout the ride.
It's not a uniform - it's a necessity for me to have water, tools etc so I'm not reliant on others - because lets face it TJ - you can't be everywhere to save us......
mk1fan - Member
I carry the same stuff regardless of if it's a short local loop, trail centre based, or killer loop.
When doing a killer loop I presume a lot of time is spent in the attack position?
I'm always waiting in the underbrush.
You may see me however, due to my massive tandem made of pig iron laying nearby.
Plus I never drink water. Just the blood of mountain cyclists.
Right then everybody back to one half litre water bottle and iodine drops, local motion frame packs and ICMB sized zefal pumps - suffering is the new riding. No custom cycling cothing and back to toe-clips you lot.
Right then everybody back to one half litre water bottle and iodine drops, local motion frame packs and ICMB sized zefal pumps - suffering is the new riding. No custom cycling cothing and back to toe-clips you lot.
I've emailed the OED and asked them to use the above as the definition of the word Uniform 😉
Sometimes I use a pack, sometimes I don't.
I'm not so insecure that I feel the need to justify my choices or belittle others for theirs though 😉
TandemJeremy - MemberDrRS - crikey is well versed and expert in these matters and really reading his posts is the best way to decide if he is talking tosh or not.
You're beyond belief.
I've read your posts
You talk absolute sh*te
Again you're presuming to know what someone else needs, be it hydration or equipment carried on a ride. How would anyone know what someone else needs to carry on a ride unless they turn up beforehand to inspect the person in question, check their route and their physical condition etc, etc?
You're a try-hard, know it all, blow hard, bore the legs off an oil rig, repetitive, sanctimonious, holier than thou, preaching, pain in the rear.
Perhaps you should try to read what I actually posted instead of flying off on your high horse?
Crikey does know what he is talking about - I suggest you read his posts
A good few folk are in agreement with me on this thread.
All I was doing was pointing out the enormous fallacy that many folk on here subscribe to that it is [b]essential[/b] to have huge amounts of water and spares for a couple of hours playing on your bike in the local woods and fields.
However as usual on here question the orthodoxy and you get slated to high heaven. Its nothing new. Usual sanctimonious pricks with no ability to understand that difference exists and a sheep like mentality of following the herd.
How do mountaineers and rock climbers survive without all the water? Marathon runners? Fell runners? endurance athletes of all sorts. You don't see them with 3 l of water do you?
Really - before being so caustic and sanctimonious yourself you should read what crikey has to say
[b]Carry all that unneeded weight around if you want but don't try to claim it is essential as it clearly is not.
[/b]
It really amuses me folk stating Crikey is talking rubbish when they clearly have not read his posts.
I carry:
Muultitool, 3 sram links, 2 chain links, M5 and M6 nut and bolt, spare tube, pump. patches and glue, cable ties.
I have never in many decades of cycling needed more tools or spares - but then my bike is well maintained. I can fix anything trail side fixable with that
I carry one 3/4 litre bottle and refill as needed if I am out for more than 4 hours When its very hot or water will be hard to come by I will carry a second bottle.
I don't care what other people do. However It does annoy when I am told that the back-pack is essential when it clearly is not.
In fact you've lent me tools despite me always having a rucksack 😆
I am absolutely certain the answer to the original question is..
now I may be wrong, and smite me if I am wrong, because I have been in the past, but I am fairly certain that 60% of the time this is true all of the time:
To carry stuff.
In my pack:
Some water or a flask of hot coffee.
Sarnies.
Camera (SLR or compact depending)
Waterproof
Alien
Spokey
shock pump
Tyre pump
Spare pad for each end
Chunk of spare chain
a few spare bolts
I've needed all of them on several occasions, and since they weigh sod all and I don't even notice them there, why wouldn't I?
because you are a rebel and you defy convention on a bicycle or you cycle conventionally to defy rebels. I'm not sure. It has something to do with having fun tho, I'm sure.
how many times have you adjusted shock pressure out on the trails? i can understand it if it's your first time and you are setting it up, but every ride?
pump on frame, jersey pocket for cake and this is all you need
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5476644908_6fc47a35ff_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/rocketdog/5476644908/ ]knog 2[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/rocketdog/ ]rOcKeTdOgUk[/url], on Flickr
😉 😉
I don't get it either, I've never carried a shock pump and it hasn't affected me. My riding kit is pretty minimal - tube, puncture repair kit, multitool, pump, few bits of chain, water and soon to be a camera. I would carry it all on the bike (apart from the camera) but I drink a lot and don't like things rattling around on the bike.
I carry pretty minimal bike kit (multitool, spare tube, zip ties, pump, mars bar) but still use a small Deuter backpack.
Useful for carrying a spare layer or emergency waterproof and as I usually take a camera, map (or two) & a decent lunch on a ride I'd rather not stuff all that in a traditional roadie jersey pocket.
Add the obligatory mobile phone, bunch of keys and bit of cash and you're bulging at the seams. al sharp pointy things to
Call me strange, but I prefer not to eat a mashed up, body temperature lump of malt loaf and a melted snack bar washed down with a sip from a sheep shit encrusted drinks bottle.
As for the 'cycling uniform' I agree with the point made earlier, it's the spd-ed up, multipocketed, saddlebagged types that are 'uniformites'. I can just grab the pack and ride in whatever clothing I feel like knowing all I need is on my back......
......ride free 😀
Two tubes, repair kit & multitool in seatpack.
Bladder.
Headtorch.
Jellybabies.
Compass, map & whistle if required.
Pump.
Buff.
Spare layer.
Phone.
Headtorch.
Mini lights.
Small first aid kit.
Suntan cream if required.
All the above fits into a 20 litre bag with room to spare.
Fully intend to carry a telescopic spinning rod, some lures and a disgorger on a couple of trips this year. 😀
Fully intend to carry a telescopic spinning rod, some lures and a disgorger on a couple of trips this year.
I wholeheartedly second that..
All I was doing was pointing out the enormous fallacy that many folk on here subscribe to that it is essential to have huge amounts of water and spares for a couple of hours playing on your bike in the local woods and fields.However as usual on here question the orthodoxy and you get slated to high heaven. Its nothing new. Usual sanctimonious pricks with no ability to understand that difference exists and a sheep like mentality of following the herd.
No, you're getting slated because when you first stated your point of view you didn't bother qualifying it at all - you stated it as pure fact, true at all times, and nothing about "a couple of hours" or "local woods and fields".
Marathon runners, incidentally, are recommended to drink 400-800ml per hour - in hot conditions that's 3 litres for a 4 hour race.
tj as above people are only responding to your condescending style
"Pure fashion. Its a part of the "uniform""
i'm sorry but you get what you deserve!
I use a 4yr old Mule. The 'backpack' is much more convenient that bottles and seat packs. I ride 3 different bikes and its easier to have my 'kit' in one location. I did a 5hr muddy off road ride last sunday and drank 2.5 litres. Also alot of the clothing I have now does not have large back pockets the roadie clothing has.
gamo - Member
tj as above people are only responding to your condescending style
In the peer reviewed world of the Teej this is known as "resorting to bitter personal attacks on someone who dares go against convention" 🙄
I went out for a 5 hour/40 mile sesh in the Chilterns accompanied by two veteran roadies with a would-like-to-have-a-go-at-MTB-so-we've-just-dropped-a-grand-each-on-a-XC-hardtail type approach.
The weather was not particularly pleasant, to wit, we all wore some kind of lightweight waterproof top. I, however, was the only one wearing a backpack (A Mule). This didn't go unnoticed, and both roadies expressed the common sense of carrying all you need in a saddle bag and pump on frame.
My first opportunity to dish out humble pie came when the sun came out, somewhere high and deep in the muddy backwoods of Ibstone (quite hilly and not the most populous place). A couple of hours of up and downhill through leaves and mud had caused a bit of a sweat on. I took my jacket off and strapped it to the cargo net of my mule. Quite sheepishly, they asked if they could do the same and share carrying the pack. Ho Ho.
The second opportunity, 4 pinch flats across the roadie's two bikes. All unrepairable.
That used their two spare inner tubes, my spare inner tube - but luckily, I still had an old "repairable" flat lounging around in the bottom of my pack.
3rd opportunity - multiple refills of waterbottles from my 3L bag.
Camelbak saves the day.
'Ave It!!
"Id rather have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it".
As Christian Slater said in True Romance when asked by Patricia Arquette why he was putting a gun in his bag.
You dont need 90% of the stuff 90% of the time, its the other 10%.
Not sure if it's been mentioned already, but the problem with a water bottle on a mountain bike is that it gets covered in crap, some of which can be pretty nasty. I've also found that (sometimes) the folk who carry almost nothing are also the first to want to borrow kit when something goes wrong.
Water in bottle, pump on frame, tube, PRK, chainbreaker, link, levers, park multitool, phone, notes, card all in seat pack. Only ridding for 50K so don't need food. What am I going to need to borrow?
A tandem?
[i]What am I going to need to borrow?
[/i]
A first-aid kit.