10 Saddle Bag Essentials To Take On Every Bike Ride
When it comes to packing your saddle bag the question everyone asks is what do I actually need? So in this video, James shows you all the things he thinks you should have in your saddle bag.
GCN Winter Sale – Up To 50% Off: https://gcn.eu/1dA
Subscribe to GCN: http://gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN
Register your interest in the GCN Club: https://gcn.eu/1dz
Submit your content with our new uploader: http://gcn.eu/upload
Join our Facebook community: http://gcn.eu/FBCommunity
Spare Tube
Right, let’s get started with an obvious one the spare innertube. Now this we would say is a must, even if you use tubeless tyres, sometimes you’ll get punctures that just won’t seal no matter what you do, so having an inner tube handy will stop you having a long walk home. We would use a small plastic bag to wrap your spare tube in this way you can roll it tight to save space and it is also protected from getting snagged or damaged.
Tyre Levers
Some seasoned cyclists out there will say you shouldn’t need tyre levers as you should be able to remove a tyre with your bare hands. But why take the risk? If you’ve got cold fingers or tyres that are new they can be really tough to get off having, So having a pair of tyre levers will make life a lot easier. As to what ones to go for I would go for some plastic ones, this way you won’t damage your rim and as an added bonus they are also nice and light.
Multi-tool (with a chain breaker)
It’s worth taking a bit of time over this one because there are multitools and then there are multitools. Many multi-tools are nothing more than a selection of different size Allen keys, but we would say the main thing you want to make sure any multi-tool you’re using has, is a chain tool. This means that if you do ever snap your chain out on a ride, you can remove the broken link before fitting the next essential product on our list.
Quicklink
A quick link is a small but effective bit of kit, It’s fairly easy to apply you might need to put some pressure on the pedals to click it in securely, this is a lifesaver in the event of a broken chain. A quick link looks like this it looks like a normal chain link with a gap in it so you can apply nicely and easily. (Think of it as a quick release for your chain).
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
If you’d like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here’s the link – https://gcn.eu/1dy
Watch more on GCN…
How To Change A Tyre 📹 https://gcntech.co/changetyre
The Dark Side Of Cycling! 📹 https://gcn.eu/DarkSide
Music – licensed by Epidemic Sound:
Spring Gang – Say It Again (Instrumental Version)
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Assos of Switzerland: http://gcn.eu/Assos
fi’zi:k Shoes & Saddles: http://gcn.eu/fizikshoes and http://gcn.eu/fiziksaddles
Wiggle: http://gcn.eu/wiggle
Topeak Tools: http://gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: http://gcn.eu/-Canyon
Quarq: http://gcn.eu/Quarq
Orbea Bikes: http://gcn.eu/Orbea
Trek Bicycles: http://gcn.eu/-Trek
Vision Wheels: http://gcn.eu/Vision
Zipp Wheels: http://gcn.eu/Zipp
Wahoo Fitness: http://gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: http://gcn.eu/-parktool
Continental Tyres: http://gcn.eu/continental-
Camelbak: http://gcn.eu/camelbak-
Suscribirse a GCN en Español: http://gcn.eu/Suscribirse
The GCN Club – http://gcn.eu/club
YouTube Channel – http://gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook – http://gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram – http://gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Google+ – http://gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter – http://gcn.eu/gcnTW
GMBN Tech – http://gmbn.tech/subscribe
GCN Tech – http://gcntech.co/subscribe
EMBN – http://embn.me/subscribe
Leave us a comment below!
I love the color of that bike.
I also bring a copy of my drivers license, extra 2032 battery, allergy pills and an Advil.
i cannot find a frame bag that holds a 6,8" phone
I personally use a chain tool instead of a power link
A handpump is always essential!!!
always check your multi tool every few months after being in a saddlebag un-used they seem to attract grit and damp a quick loosen and spray
will make sure that its useable if you ever really need it
I put it all in one bidon
But how do I fit all of them in that small space?Anyone has any tips?
I’m kind of late but why a bike lock isn’t mentioned in any video? If your riding alone and have to visit a shop/café…
Mary Poppins’ saddle bag
Carrying a very small tweezer, this will grip out any stubborn sharp particles in your tire.
Have we missed anything that you put in your saddle bag? Let us know. 👇
Use tubeless tire 🙂
Thanks mister cool guy.
How’d that all fit in that small bag?
A hammer, always a hammer and duct tape!!
ID, always take ID.
i can’t justify using co2 tyre inflators when they are so wasteful. i would rather spend a few minutes pumping my tyre and leave no waste
Hi if switching over to tubeless does this reduce the amount of items needed in the saddle bag?
instead of the tire boot use a Cliff Bar wrapper.
0:17 Inner tube
0:34 Tyre Levers
0:51 Multi tool
1:13 Quick Link
1:28 Inner Tube Patches
1:43 Valve Extender
2:03 CO² Tyre Inflator
2:16 Tyre Boot
2:31 Spare Cash Etc. ( I recommend extra CO² Canister for mountain rides)
I always carry one of those individually-packed wet wipes, liberated from a fast food outlet. Handy for cleaning your hands after a puncture, dropped chain, etc. The packet makes an excellent tyre boot and, I guess, the wipe could save the day in a Tom Dumoulin situation
I’m not expecting any trolling-cyclist hahaha
Derailleur hanger
Great video. I was just thinking as to what am I missing as the saddle bags are either too small or too big. So having just the right number of tools is perfect. Things I didn’t think of carrying 1. Chain link 2. Inner tube patches 3. Valve extender 4. Tyre boot. Regarding cash, its a good idea as I always carry my credit card, but think of it, if I am stuck in a place where they don’t accept cash (which is now rare), then I could get stuck. So thumbs up and cheers for the tips. 😉
Condoms for sure…….
Hand sanitizer and a mask 😉
That’s a nice bike
In addition to James fine list, here are some more essentials:
1 – thin rubber gloves (to keep hands clean when working on a chain — this is in case I need to help another cyclist — my chain is waxed so it’s fairly clean to work on)
2 – small cotton rag for cleanup
3 – spare presta valve core (during cold weather it’s easy to unscrew the valve core instead of the valve and the core goes flying and cannot be found)
4 – valve wrench (Park Tool VC-1)
5 – band-aids (in case you cut yourself)
6 – toilet paper (enough for one "serious" emergency)
7 – identification and insurance information (in the U.S. I carry photocopies of my driver’s license and insurance card — I do not carry originals so they cannot be stolen)
8 – emergency contact info (my wife’s name and cell phone number printed on a small piece of paper — I carry two copies, one in my pocket, one in my saddle bag)
Regarding multi-tools, I carried a *Park Tool MTB-3* for many years. It was great having so many tools in one and I used it many, many times. But it was heavy and it’s chain tool wasn’t designed for 11-speed chains. Last year I upgraded to a *Lezyne STL-20.* It’s much lighter and includes a chain tool that is compatible with 11-speed chains. I had to use the STL-20 for a couple of emergencies last year and it worked great! _Note: I think it is always best to carry a multi-tool that has a built-in chain tool._
Regarding the CO2 inflator, I prefer a small pump because it can be reused. CO2 cartridges are single-use, heavy and can malfunction. My training routes are long enough that I usually want to be prepared to fix two or more flats on one trip. So I carry a pump even though it requires upper body strength. The tough question is "which pump?" I chose a *Lezyne Digital Road Drive* mini hand pump because it can pump up to 160 psi (11 bar) and it has a digital pressure gauge built-in. It has a short rubber hose to connect to the valve so you can operate the pump without stressing the tyre valve. And it is small enough to fit inside my aerodynamic *Ibera SB9* saddle bag so I don’t have to carry it in my pocket or elsewhere on my frame. I’ve had to use it twice last year to pump a tyre up to 120 psi (8.3 bar) and it was a lot of work _but it did work._ The tyre only needed 110 psi (7.6 bar) but, when you use a mini pump, you generate a lot of heat and this temporarily raises the temperature inside the tyre. Once it cools, the pressure will go down a little. So, when using a small mini pump, pumping to 120 psi will usually result in a final pressure near 110 psi after the tyre cools to the ambient temperature. _Note: When choosing a pump, I select one that is rated for a minimum of 120% of the highest pressure I need._
Regarding money, I only carry it in my pocket (along with the aforementioned photocopies of my identification and insurance information). If money is needed, you don’t want to forget that you left it in your saddle bag. It’s much better to carry it in your pocket so it’s always with you. I use a small zip-lock bag for this (to keep it dry). When carrying paper money, I never carry a single denomination. Rather, I carry several small denominations so I can "make change" if necessary — in an emergency, the person you need to pay may not be able to make change. For similar reasons, I carry a few coins. Plus the coins are helpful if I need to open a battery compartment (some power meter battery compartments are designed for this).
There have been several comments, but I didn’t see anyone mention a spare derailleur hanger. they are light, small and it seems every bike has a different size or type. It’s not a common issue, so just having a spare in the garage may be good enough. Every rider should have a back up though in my opinion.
Duct tape can fix anything. Ask McGiver.
This was great, I have been researching "how often should you service your road bike?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of – Viyackson Yenacob Review – (should be on google have a look )?
Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my co-worker got excellent success with it.
Ibuprofen, for when stupidity or ego reward me with a long limp home.
bloody hell sure you dont have a back pack for that lot
A small pocket sized bottle of hard liquor (you never know when you need to lift your spirits), caffeine tablets or just instant coffee packets, painkillers (plain NSAIDs, ibuprofen), aspirin, hand sanitizer (when eating food on the go).
That’s one big magical saddle bag
Those 9 bike essentials are good
Small needle nosed pliers to pull a sliver of metal, glass or wire from tire.
Have a link for the actual bag?
What saddle bag is that?
I also carry a couple of CR2032 coin sized batteries (for my cadence sensor and HR strap) as well as a small power bank and cable to extend the life of my phone and put a little charge in my bike tailight, if needed. I also put a folded up bandana and a empty ziplock bag in there to protect my phone in case it rains.
very informative..thanks..😷
Essential: put all your stuff into your gcn bag an then into your trikot.
If you’re over 50, a compact pair of reading glasses might come in handy. All those gadgets are useless if I can’t see what I’m doing with them.
It’s funny that the title is the 10 saddle bag essentials and yet he only mentioned 9 items.
I enjoyed the video, brief and to the point. Many videos on here contain too much BULLS**T and this was very refreshing and informative.
I would add some toilet paper/wet wipes and a single edge razor blade for trimming tube seams down and cutting tire boots to size. Also possibly a tubeless tire plug kit.
Nice! 5k beautiful looking road bike. Bad! Crap looking topeak saddle bag. There are some great on bike storage solutions which don’t negatively affect the handling of your bike on the market and don’t impact the look of that nice looking aero bike.
A quick link is handy, but only if you have the tool to drive out the chain bolts.
What about the good old pump? I prefer it especially in winter to stay warm while pumping up the tire again 😉
My God! Such a small bag. The bike bag I recently bought on Amazon can hold a water cup and have space for other things. It is much more convenient. What can I put in such a small bag? http://amzla.com/r1cvya6m3n8h