Being nosy is the reason TV shows like “Through the keyhole” became so popular. It’s why we can’t help but peek through the window of a house as we cycle past. It’s why we are so tempted to read over someone’s shoulder what message they are texting! Perhaps the last one is just me? One thing I’ve always wanted to be nosy about but haven’t been able to is what people carry around with them in their bag whilst cycling?
For me my usual setup is as follows:
I have a horrible big pump from BikeHut that I’ve been meaning to replace, tyre levers, spare inner tube, Allen key and spanner. The spanner is necessary as I don’t have quick release wheels (a pain but more effort for bike thieves so actually a good thing). Then of course my trusty iPhone, pen and pad for notes (often interviewing people for the blog) and wallet (usually empty – just in case one of you is thinking of robbing me!).
Naturally my two bike locks and keys are also usually in the bag.
Recently, I’ve been carrying around the puncture repair tools less and less because they feel so unnecessary as I’m always around central London. Though, I’m sure the day I have to pay the nearest bike shop an extortionate fee for a simple puncture repair I won’t be happy!
In the interest of my nosiness but also in case there are some good tips.. what do you carry around with you in your bag?
See also:
- Bike apps for the iPhone
- Cycling from Birmingham to London
- How to lock your bike
- Cycling to a night out.. what do you do?
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As seen on The Guardian, BBC and The Independent.
As I commute my son to his childminder and then myself to work, I have two panniers and child seat from the Hamax plus range http://hamax.com/default.aspx?CatID=1227. One has all the things a toddler could need for the day ahead (including a wet weather outfit, if he is not already wearing it http://www.togz.uk.com/index.php?category=15).
The other has: mini pump, inner tube, keys, wallet, iphone, glasses, work passes, belt, towel, book, rain jacket (if I’m not already wearing it).
Love these sorts of threads. Currently using a Bikehut laptop pannier, with the following in it:
Laptop + power brick
Some papers in a clear wallet (only about 10 sheets A4)
Standard puncture repair kit
Airtool Mini-MTB pump
“Proper” LED lights (not the crappy blinking kind)
Plasters
Pen
Multi-tool
Assorted hex keys
A couple of USB thumb drives
A mobile broadband stick
Earphones (for at work, never while riding!)
Cable lock
House keys
Office keys
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, anti-histamines
Travel toothbrush
Sandwiches
T-shirt to change into at work
About my person, while riding:
Wallet
Phone
Cycling jersey, which I only wear while riding
Casual shorts
At work, in my desk:
Deodorant
Toothpaste
D-Lock in case I go into town at lunch
Emergency beer
Oh yeah, waterproof cycling jacket too. Folds up to nothing if you do it right.
I have a pair of Carradice Super C rear panniers, but I normally use just one, I carry:
Pump, small toolkit; puncture kit; spare innertube; first aid kit; spare battery lights* + spare batteries; waterproof jacket when required; U-Lock; security cable; helmet rain cover; cycle glasses.
*I have a hub dynamo lights.
Yes I carry too much!
I often carry a spare tube for my Y-frame trailer which I use quite a lot.
Sometimes food; cycle clips; sunscreen; camera and other clothing.
GPS on my handle bars.
Water bottle in carrier.
Ortleib pannier:
beaten up netbook and charger.
random bits of paper, possibly for taking notes or just chucked in there.
spare inner tube
very nasty and cheap but lightweight pump from Halfords just for emergencies
some times a few allan keys if I think something may need adjusting
rather squashed sandwiches
large plastic bag for in case i strap something on the back and it’s wet.
iphone charging lead
couple of pens
jumper in case it’s colder coming home, Altura nightvision coat if it looks like it might rain
spare batteries for lights
my weighty cable lock is held to the bike with old inner tube on the opposite side
Small pouch I clip onto my handlebars (a “man bag” type thing)
phone if it’s too wet to mount on the handlebars
emergency battery for phone.
purse
keys
small change fallen out of purse
business cards
lights
old chocolate wrappers
Hello.
I use some black Ortlieb Panniers Classic, the 40L version. They’re totally waterproof and very resistant. Although bigger than what I need in most situations, it’s rather nice to fit all my everyday gear (pump, levers, spare inner tube, couple of lights) and also some shopping on the way home or a wind coat or something.
I use one at a time most days but for shopping I’ll use both for balance and space purposes.
I have a single rear pannier basket which folds flat when not in use – genius! In it, I put whatever stylish handbag I’m using that day (doesn’t everyone need a different bag for different outfits?) in a bin liner. That bag usually contains all the things a lady’s handbag usually contains (that’s too nosy). The phone is on a waterproof handlebar pouch. Water is in the bottle rack on the frame. Cable lock is twirled on the handlebars – is this wrong? No waterproof gear – usually don’t mind getting wet personally, as long as the stylish handbag stays dry. No repair kit as I pass no fewer than 4 bike shops on the way to work and, to be frank, could walk the 2.5 mi in either direction easily. Cheers.
Here goes…
Plastic box full of nuts for the squirrels..
2 slices of bread for the Ducks
Swiss army knife
Keys
Waterproof trousers
Camera
Sansa clip radio ( wouldn’t dream about cycling without music. I know some would disagree, but for me its essential)
Spare batteries for camera and phone
Wallet
Tee shirts for work
Polo mints…must be the oldest pack of polo mints on the planet..
Ventolin inhaler
Lip balm
Insect bite cream
Plasters
Hand sanitizer (i don’t know why i have this, but if i take it out my wife sneaks it back in. Maybe i could drink it….)
Puncture repair kit
Adustable spanner, Phillips screwdriver, Allen key, bike pump, spare AAA batteries for LED light, cable ties…..its the engineer in me, i can’t help it.
Spare kitchen sink