Short rides or long rides: what to bring and where to put it

Figuring out what to bring, what's not needed, and what's truly essential has taken many years for me. I've gone on enough long rides, short rides, and day rides now where I have it down. Below is my list of essentials to cover you from commutes to multi-day adventures and everything in-between

Tools

Minimum tools and spares you need for any ride

Muli tool
Tire levers
Spare tube(s)
Pump
Dynaplugs (if you are tubeless)

What else to bring for a weekend club ride

Chain breaker
Quick link
Spare cleat bolt
Patch kit
Snack! (more on that in another post)

What to bring for the bigger adventures

Everything above +
Extra tubeless sealant
chain lube
Spare set of brake pads
Super glue
Zip ties
First aid
Even more snacks!

Here are a few links to the specific tools I bring: Multi tool, Pump, Sealant, Dynaplugs

I also like to bring some cash with me, while many places take card you will find some places have a minimum. When you get out into the countryside with 1.25€ pain au chocolat it can difficult to reach the card minimum. I generally leave 5€ in my tool kit so I always have some.

Clothing

Clothing is a big topic and varies greatly throughout the season but I wanted to share a few essentials that I have figured out over the years. First and foremost, never trust the weather forecast, especially in France. I cannot tell you how many times it has said it was going to be sunny all day and it ends up raining all day or visa versa. I like to always be prepared for rain when riding out here. That can mean 2 different things, either bring a rain jacket, or be ok with being wet for the entire ride. If its middle of the summer being wet is ok, but if its cold its not worth it.

The other clothing consideration aspect that was a change for me moving out here was the access to trains everywhere. Whether you plan to take the train to or have to unexpectedly take the train here are a few tips for clothing on the train. There doesn't have to be much to say for short trip and unexpected trips but one I do try to be considerate especially if I am coming back from a muddy ride. Pro tip here is to take your rain jacked off, turn it inside out, and sit on it to avoid getting the chairs dirty. For planned train trips, especially TGV, I like to bring a lightweight change of clothes such as a pair of running shorts and tee shirt as well as some foam flip flops. The stairs on a TGV would be particularly precarious with road shoes.

Where to put it all

There are countless bag options out there but I want to go over what I have found works best for me and my adventures.

Top tube

This is a staple, I keep it on my bike for every ride, I also got a version for Anna's bike as well. Top tube bags provide an very aerodynamic and easily accessible option for storing your stuff. Typically I keep my phone, wallet, and most importantly snacks. I have the luxury of having mounting points on my frame so it is rock solid, but there are a few strap only options out there that hold pretty secure as well.

Bolt-on option: Apidura Racing
Very affordable option: Hema bag

Handlebar

I actually don't often run a handlebar bag anymore, although I still have one because it is a great way to add quite a bit of storage. While not as aerodynamic as other options out there, if you are not racing in the tour its probably not a big deal. I will add this on for rides where I just want to quickly throw in a jacket or a lock with minimal effort.

Good size and easy mounting: Rapha ( I have an older version)

Seat pack

There are a million options and honestly I don't know that it matters which one you choose. For me its mainly about choosing one that is just big enough to carry the tools and spares you need. I like to keep my seat pack pretty small and then jump up to a full size saddle bag when I need some serious capacity.

What I use: Lizard Skins

Saddle bag (bike packing style)

A big saddle bag is the quickest and easiest way to add a lot of capacity to your bike. There is a wide variety of sizes available. I have opted for a 14L which allows for ample storage but can still be rolled up to a compact size when you bring less. The larger sizes are great for capacity but if you go too large and do not pack it correctly the bag can sway back and forth too much. The specific bag and how you pack it probably is the biggest factor in how much or how little it swings. Make sure you pack your heavy items in first but also make sure there are enough soft items to fill all the gaps and create a solid structure at the base of the bag where it touches your seat post and saddle.

A bit pricey but very high quality: Apidura expedition 14L

Frame bag

Frame bags are a great way to add storage capacity that doesn't weigh you down or swing around. The volume you can add greatly depends on your frame size. Since I am a giant and ride a 61cm frame I am able to run a 6.5L half frame bag which still allows me to still access both of my water bottle cages. If you run a smaller frame will still have a couple option depending on your preference. There are many smaller capacity half frame bags available that should work on almost any frame size. one note, I have heard of issues with some riders having issues with knee clearance and frame bags causing them to bow their knees out creating pain. I think this happens more with smaller frames because of the physical size of the person as well as the likeness to over stuff the smaller capacity bags. You could opt for a full frame bag but you then loose you water bottle capacity and have to find an alternative location for water as well as you can still have the same knee clearance issue. For me the frame bag is great option and doesn't cause any issues. I do recommend you test it out if possible before you purchase and another tip is to make sure you up some clear packing tape on your frame anywhere the straps go over your frame. Particularly matte paint will rub and can get damaged just within one trip if you are not careful.

6.5L Frame bag: Apidura expedition