Cyclists survival pack

[She-Ra81]

ve not cycled outside regularly for any distance since I was in school and that was, shall we say a fair few years ago. I got my mountain bike fixed up last year, new brakes, cables etc and would really like to take advantage of this lovely weather.

So I thought I'd ask my fellow nerds what they would include in their cycle survival pack to ensure they don't get stuck miles away having to push their bike home

[andygates]

Puncture kit, pump, tyre levers, a multitool, a spare tube.

The idea of the tube is that you swap it out on the road, then fix the flatted one in comfort later. Gets you going fast, and means no roadside swearing as *another* patch fails to stick in the rain.

If the multitool has a spoke nipple you can bodge straight a busted-spoke wheel. If it has a chain tool you can make a Magic Gear singlespeed if your gear mechs explode.

Oh, and a little cash for phones or chocolate.

[Swthrtsuzy]

Puncture kit, pump, tyre levers, a multitool, a spare tube.

This.

Also some sort of dense high-protein snack, gel, guu, whatever to avoid a bonk, water (duh?), possibly a pocket knife, and I usually have some zip ties with me (and yes, I've used them). I also keep some duct tape with me, but I'm weird like that.

[andygates]

Yeah, that's all good too. Zip ties are awesome - they don't care that you're working with wet oily dirty dusty stuff.

[Malnux]

I'm in the same situation. I haven't biked in like 12 years and I bought a used mountain bike a few days ago. I think I might replace the seat to something comfy (suggestions are welcome) and basically use it instead of my car. Maybe even go to work on it, even though it's about 10 miles. I was thinking of getting this: http://www.rei.com/product/695177/topeak-deluxe-kit and perhaps one or two tubes just in case. Hmm... Maybe pack some rain gear, depending on how bulky and heavy it is. A first aid kit would be cool too... again depending on how bulky and heavy it is.

[andygates]

I've refined my FAK for cycling. Wound cleaners and trip-savers take up very little space in a touring bag.

So that's antiseptic pads, a blister plaster, adhesive stitches, and then anti-histamines, imodium and and strong painkillers.

[ZenGwen]

This thread is relevant to my interests.

I haven't really packed anything, as I've just been commuting by bike, it's all within the city. Worst case scenario I'd have to drag it home about 3 miles. I don't even own a pump yet - a bike shop about 200 yards from my front door has one chained up outside for public use.

I probably should get it together though. Hm.

[Zorch]

All the items above definitely merit inclusion. I'd add to that list:

1. Allen wrenches - used to tighten/adjust things on many bikes

2. Some kind of old rag/washcloth - to wipe grease of your hands, if it comes to that.

[andygates]

There are many reasons why bike shorts are black. Wiping grease is one of them.

[BadWolf]

You know, I've been riding since I was 14 (did half of the MS 150) and I'm 25 now, and I still don't have a survival pack. My backpack always has food and water, but I really have to get a patch kit, etc. Small first aid kit would probably be useful too. In case you fall into a shrub.

[She-Ra81]

Fantastic everyone, thanks for the advice. I think I first need a bigger backpack to fit in said survival pack lol. I will be shopping for the essentials at the weekend and hopefully will get out and about on sunday. Its a shame to waste all this sun exercising indoors

[andygates]

The essentials should fit in a saddle pack. Fit and forget. Water in a water-bottle cage.

[shiggles]

Well to start don't forget about the cycling forum. Oops I just saw it's been changed to the Scout's field.

Essentials are basically to enable you to make running repairs to decrease the likelihood of having to walk all the way back. Depending on how far you are going and what type of bike you have you would go with a saddlepack (sits under the seat) or a camelback type backpack.

Essentials

- Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back (it seems a no-brainer but many people neglect this).

- Phone

- Money (other than the obvious can help fix tyres)

- Know-how. Know how to use your gear to fix stuff. No point in bringing it if you don't know how to use it

- Water

- ID

- Spare tube

- Patch kit

- Tyre levers

- Multi-tool (with allen keys and a few different things. Chain breaker is a bonus).

- Frame pump

Depending on how far you are going out and the conditions and what type of riding you are doing...

- Food

- First aid kit

- Lights

- Replacement chain link and tools to change one

- Zip ties

- Spare batteries

- Spare tyre

-