tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post283751147128860081..comments2024-03-29T04:01:31.445-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: How Much to Carry on a Ride?Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14821433355568449452011-12-05T17:57:46.244-05:002011-12-05T17:57:46.244-05:00MDI - When it comes to road cycling (as opposed to...MDI - When it comes to road cycling (as opposed to transportation), I guess I somewhat disagree with you, even though a cyclist such as myself is precisely who you have in mind. <br /><br />Case study: This morning I met up with another cyclist for a ride, and as I arrived I noticed that my front brake caliper had gotten misaligned. I was not able to fix it myself. However, I had a multitool in my saddle wedge, and the cyclist I met up with was able to fix it for me in 2 minutes using that tool. So having that tool made all the difference between doing the ride vs having to turn around and slowly cycle home. I am of the school of thought that cyclists should not be shamed for being unable to do their own repairs. But having that tiny saddle wedge permanently attached to the bike can at least make it possible for a more mechanically inclined cyclist to help you out.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61173251750971116022011-12-04T20:47:13.377-05:002011-12-04T20:47:13.377-05:00Maybe I've lived in/near major cities for too ...Maybe I've lived in/near major cities for too long, but I can't imagine not knowing when you are vs are not in cell/cab/friends range.<br /><br />I am actually not sure what you mean. I am certainly not saying that people should forget how to fix flats or avoid learning how.<br /><br />Again, perhaps I am living too near city centers, but when is the last time you've seen someone change their car tire on the side of the road as opposed to call AAA or limp into a gas station?MDIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10810401918223629618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78323142453799992822011-12-04T20:33:32.874-05:002011-12-04T20:33:32.874-05:00MDI - Your second sentence doesn't necessarily...MDI - Your second sentence doesn't necessarily follow your first. Which one is the minority?<br /><br />If you're saying that people shouldn't engage in activities without being prepared, then how do you propose folks test for cell or cab availability? Is there a Google Maps filter that allows one to overlay wireless tower ranges and cab coverage in a given area? <br /><br />That seems like a lot of work or a substantial curtailment on one's riding options when one could just learn how to fix a flat tire*<br /><br />* of course assuming that one has the physical capability to do so.crishttp://cris.livejournal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31603297309547841472011-12-04T19:18:13.620-05:002011-12-04T19:18:13.620-05:00I would guesstimate that only a single digit perce...I would guesstimate that only a single digit percentage of cyclists I see around can fix their own flats in the field. I guess they are all irresponsible risk takers at others' expense.<br /><br />I am not suggesting that when cycling outside cab/cell phone/civilization range one should not be prepared. It's best to not go there if not prepared.MDIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10810401918223629618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78237042637041026832011-12-04T10:16:01.039-05:002011-12-04T10:16:01.039-05:00MDI - I understand the purpose of encouraging peop...MDI - I understand the purpose of encouraging people to ride even if they don't know how to fix a flat -- yes, by all means, go and ride and have a great time. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they should continue to remain ignorant if they have the physical capability of changing a bike tire. <br /><br />It is still inconvenient to call friends for a pickup and asking them to re-arrange their plans to rescue you. Some cabs lack the cargo space to adequately transport a bicycle. Bike racks are not installed on all buses. <br /><br />In any case, in many of the scenarios that you describe, unless you're near a bike shop, getting a flat means the end of your ride. Being able to fix a flat means that your fun can continue with only this momentary interruption.crishttp://cris.livejournal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21964098851379600592011-12-04T09:06:42.682-05:002011-12-04T09:06:42.682-05:00road ride: tube, tire levers, mini pump, phone, c...road ride: tube, tire levers, mini pump, phone, ccard, dr lic, chapstick, house key, water.<br /><br />city ride to a board meeting: bike tool (to take off my tires if I get a flat - I do not have quick release skewers on this bicycle), mini pump, front and rear lights, two bicycle locks, pen, phone, ccard, dr lic, chapstick, house key, water (or just water bottle to fill when I arrive), agenda, some sort of bag to put it all in (working on improving that system).my hyggelighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18419682239783674156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-92228520505107969732011-12-03T09:52:00.617-05:002011-12-03T09:52:00.617-05:00Our family lives car free, so carrying tools is a ...Our family lives car free, so carrying tools is a must. This idea of having a cell phone to call a taxi, friends or family just doesn't work for us. Many of our friends are car free as well!<br /><br />The other thing too is... I'd have a hard time inconveniencing a family member to come pick me and my bike up unless it was an emergency. Petrol is 12.00 US dollars a gallon. A bike tube is 5 euros and 10 minutes to switch out. Buses here will not carry bikes, but the trains will for 7 euros. A spare tube is just the common sense thing to do and cheaper!Ronahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096213034605839343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55643324741359644302011-12-03T08:30:10.371-05:002011-12-03T08:30:10.371-05:00@MDI - but with all things, it depends. If I *can...@MDI - but with all things, it depends. If I *can* repair my own bike, it seems silly for a dozens-of-pounds overweight guy on a 65-70lb cargo bike not to pack the tools for likely failures. That said, I work pretty hard to have a bike where that won't be necessary -- the tires have kevlar belts, the rims are enormous wide multiwalled things, disk brakes, durable hubs, that sort of thing.<br /><br />The size of a cargo bike also limits repair-portaging options somewhat; it's not like you can toss a longtail or a box bike in the trunk of a cab, unless it is a minivan with the seats down.dr2chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16320828055999939449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39348343872997479952011-12-03T06:36:49.169-05:002011-12-03T06:36:49.169-05:00One of the things I'd done with my fixed-gear ...One of the things I'd done with my fixed-gear bike was to find as many parts as I could that used 5mm allen-head bolts, that way, I could adjust or repair the entire bike (except for the crankset and seatpost so far) with a single small wrench. It was nice to go for the occasional ride with nothing but a tiny pack under the saddle and maybe an ID and a couple dollars in a pocket.Matt DeBlasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17666227904684289223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36267529943510443742011-12-03T02:19:12.565-05:002011-12-03T02:19:12.565-05:00MDI, I agree with most of what you say. While Port...MDI, I agree with most of what you say. While Portland is indeed beyond the Stone Age, there are some rural areas beyond town where I sometimes ride that may not be so advanced. Having appropriate tools (and the know-how to use them) is a good idea. These are areas with no transit service and where cabs don't go. That is if you can reach a cab on the phone, as there are areas with zero cell reception. At best you can hope that a driver who passes you may give you a ride, but some areas are so remote in the off season that you might not see anyone.adventure!https://www.blogger.com/profile/11840448827760637569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22827854084750788592011-12-03T00:38:19.816-05:002011-12-03T00:38:19.816-05:00I used to carry at least one kitchen sink, if not ...I used to carry at least one kitchen sink, if not two. As I've gotten stronger and faster, I've realized that I'm never really that far from home, so I don't feel the need to carry as much. I started to carry even less once I realized that most of my rides are along bus routes. I could - and sometimes do - get by with just a phone, ID, and bus fare. The one thing I can't quite get rid of in the summertime is a book. If the weather is nice, I will inevitably want to stop at some scenic area and read. This has influenced my choice of bags somewhat, although I now have a jersey that could easily fit a paperback.CJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00017769898837546593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58078244350076970202011-12-03T00:20:42.037-05:002011-12-03T00:20:42.037-05:00It is the duty of my soigneur to ensure that all m...It is the duty of my soigneur to ensure that all my personal items are ready to hand in the team car.<br /><br />My domestiques bring me that which is necessary as it is required.<br /><br />Riding without encumbrance is to be savored.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48213041516740311792011-12-03T00:12:45.210-05:002011-12-03T00:12:45.210-05:00I'm a bicycle tourist at heart, ever since my ...I'm a bicycle tourist at heart, ever since my first 6,000 mile tour 27 years ago. These days I just leave the touring panniers on the bike - they weigh very little anyway. Somehow, the only bag I pack for everyday use is the handlebar bag, and all it usually gets is a couple of local maps, a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube, a pair of gloves and a high visibility vest if it gets dark. I don't usually even carry tools or a rain cape anymore, because i rarely go farther from home than a couple of miles, water won't kill me, and I always have my trusty 'Handyman' Swiss Army Knife in my pocket to help change an inner tube. The front and rear panniers stay empty in case I decide to do a grocery run or in case the kid brings home an art project that needs a pannier.Ian Brett Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11144195897514392433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81772209065662148472011-12-02T23:31:52.541-05:002011-12-02T23:31:52.541-05:00Here is my under-the-saddle wedge on the Moser. On...<a href="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/669805641d2911e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is my under-the-saddle wedge on the Moser. Once it's on, I consider it part of the bike really.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5953666464306306442011-12-02T23:21:28.456-05:002011-12-02T23:21:28.456-05:00When riding a road bike, I have a small saddlebag ...When riding a road bike, I have a small saddlebag with multi-tool, tire lever, co2 cartridge, and a spare tube. I then use my jersey to carry a packable jacket, wallet, keys, phone, and food. I have 2 bidon cages, but usually only use the downtube one.Duyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01613299526397793617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47888714364332149132011-12-02T22:24:56.739-05:002011-12-02T22:24:56.739-05:00I prefer to keep tools and tube wrapped up in a ra...I prefer to keep tools and tube wrapped up in a rag, and then just transfer those to whichever bike is going out, but this doesn't work as well with the variety of bike ages (need different tools) and wheel sizes (need different tubes) I have. Nor do all my bikes have bags, so sometimes I stay closer to home and pay more attention to what I'm rolling over.<br /><br />Other than that, wallet/phone/keys tend to go in cargo shorts or bag, and water bottle in a cage, and that's it for most of the year. In cooler weather I keep a windbreaker in one bag (but I've never actually used it). Sometimes I take a Larabar or trailmix snack.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85345652266506522952011-12-02T21:53:38.380-05:002011-12-02T21:53:38.380-05:00You know, some people can't fix a flat. Or use...You know, some people can't fix a flat. Or use bikey tools to any effect.<br /><br />This bike has a tiny wedge with all necessary stuff to fix a flat, and perform minor adjustments, but it's more of a club requirement than a realistic expectation.<br /><br />We are not in stone age. There are cell phones, cabs, friends, etc. This notion of "you must carry/wear/do X or else" keeps a lot of folks from riding bikes.MDIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10810401918223629618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80429091263626680722011-12-02T21:44:47.876-05:002011-12-02T21:44:47.876-05:00What are you to do with a flat? Or two? If all you...What are you to do with a flat? Or two? If all you have is a banana or apple?<br /><br />That said,I carry......too much,LOL! I'm an old boy scout-type of rider,I could almost disassemble\reassemble my complete bike with what I carry tools-wise,camera,extra H20,first aid kit,toiletries,etc. I'd rather carry too much a hundred times than not enough once...of course,I'm thinking of mtn biking with the above,and I almost always (7 out of 10 times) ride alone,and sometimes pretty far for walking out. For the road,a multi-tool,H20,pump\patch kit and spare tube,sometimes a camera (when my son's riding with me) :)<br /><br />Disabled CyclistAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43114062453559508422011-12-02T20:49:13.701-05:002011-12-02T20:49:13.701-05:00Funny ... and glad to know I'm not the only on...Funny ... and glad to know I'm not the only one with the ongoing self-debate over what to carry and what to carry it in. <br /><br />To solve my own dilemma, I just put one of Rivendell's medium saddlesacks on my Hunqapillar. I got tired of trying to figure out where to put stuff, especially when taking my DSLR and lenses. Backpacks just aren't comfortable for me, and I prefer to keep smaller stuff up front (just a personal thing).<br /><br />When the Rivendell bag first arrived, I was shocked and thought it was enormous, possibly a big mistake and a lot more bag than I could ever need. But after using it for a bit, it's actually the perfect solution. It just stays on the bike, secured to the rack and saddle loops for a very stable mounting. My spare tube, larger pump, and tool kit are always in it, and I can put in whatever else I might need for the ride at hand ... camera, extra clothing, lunch, books, etc. The bag itself is pretty light, as far as bags go, so the only weight is whatever might be inside. It doesn't really matter if I have a big bag that's mostly empty sometimes.<br /><br />It's nice to have options. <br /><br />My road bike, on the other hand, is lightly equipped, with no racks or large bags, just a tool roll and pump. Although I do enjoy riding it, I don't ride it as much, because it limits where I can go and what I can do. Faster, yes ... versatile, no. The Hunqapillar goes anywhere and can do anything, so it's the one I ride almost always. I guess I've gotten over the "go fast" thing in my old age.<br /><br />On another note, I hope Peppy is a little more choosy than the Forest Cat I used to have. He brought home field mice, chipmunks, and birds. It was cute for a while, but then he brought a live snake into the house as a toy, and couldn't understand why I wouldn't let him keep it. Such a beautiful cat ... and our dogs feared him greatly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37870803229050106292011-12-02T20:41:30.546-05:002011-12-02T20:41:30.546-05:00Well, right now all I have is the 21 speed Electra...Well, right now all I have is the 21 speed Electra Townie, which I've been using as an exercise bike around our little hilly neighborhood. (Bike rule: You never realize how hilly an area is until you bike it.) So I carry ID w/ emergency contact info, house keys, garage door opener, and phone. This goes in the little camera bag I velcro strapped to the handlebars or one of my smallish dog walking purses. Haven't been on a major ride w/ the Townie yet, but I have all of the equipment (patch kit, pump, multitool, etc.) Depending upon the situation, I will use a larger purse (in lieu of messenger bag) to carry stuff for medium range rides. Also have a convertible backpack/gym bag that I plan to use for longer distances. <br /><br />Side note: The Shibas are too big to go in a basket up front or in the back, so if I ever decide on dog transport, it would have to be in an attached trailer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73217125988005741912011-12-02T19:50:53.579-05:002011-12-02T19:50:53.579-05:00It depends on the bike. My full-size commuter has ...It depends on the bike. My full-size commuter has a Carradice College bag on the back with various tools, bungee cords and extra baggage options, since that's for long-distance and heavy hauling. My Raleigh Twenty is for short hops to and from trains, so it doesn't have anything on it other than whatever I carry in my briefcase or messenger bag, and my fixie (when it's in working order, don't ask) only has a spare tube and tire levers tucked under the seat with a toe-clip strap, and a minipump clipped to the frame.Matt DeBlasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17666227904684289223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33870018668582738892011-12-02T19:34:16.950-05:002011-12-02T19:34:16.950-05:00Mostly I only carry what goes in the jersey pocket...Mostly I only carry what goes in the jersey pockets. Sometimes a tiny pouch under the seat on a very long ride for the tire levers etc., and so I don't have pointy stuff in my pockets. I have tiniest little hand pump you ever saw. I make sure I can fix a flat and broken chain, that's it. I prefer the feeling of being light. It feels good. And I like the simplicity.Bifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05543158648103470697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81085756718774651082011-12-02T18:47:18.964-05:002011-12-02T18:47:18.964-05:00For commuting: PDW 15mm wrench/tire levers (about ...For commuting: PDW 15mm wrench/tire levers (about aize of index finger) and 1 tube (I cant patch to save my life) in a Brooks Challenge saddle bag. Also a frame pump on the frame. Wallet, keys, cell phone, and u lock.<br /><br />For rides with friends: map, bannana, pb&j, camera all stuffed in y jersey pockets.<br /><br />I used to think I had to bring a lot more but Ive learned to tone it down. On large group rides I tend to be the official mechanic and bring a pannier with tools. Last group ride I had to put a crank arm back on, good thing I brought my 9mm allen wrench!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1501476743366285702011-12-02T18:10:20.892-05:002011-12-02T18:10:20.892-05:00Forest cats have several layers of fur, with diffe...Forest cats have several layers of fur, with different properties. Sometimes I go for a swim.Peppy (the aqua team hunger cat)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2058824998784373712011-12-02T17:52:43.116-05:002011-12-02T17:52:43.116-05:00dotted lines - I found shopping for jerseys to be ...dotted lines - I found shopping for jerseys to be a torturous and degrading process. The ones made for women seem to be designed to pinch, itch and accentuate rolls of belly fat. The wool ones tend to be more flattering though, particularly Ibex and Swobo. Among the non-wool options, I like the fit of Campagnolo and Capo, though both are expensive.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com