Bike Essentials

Welcome to a new recurring feature here at SBS: Bike Essentials. The premise is simple: I ask triathletes, cyclists and mountain bikers what they carry on rides and why. First contestant: me. My main ride is Masi Vincere aluminium frame road bike with triple chainring and 11-26 rear cassette.

Seat Bag Contents: Clockwise from top:

Contents of my seat bag.

Latex gloves: Because every time I changed a flat on the rear tire my bar tape got dirty.

Topeak Hexus II Multi-tool: Because the tiny multi-tool I was carrying just wasn’t getting the job done and Timmy at Rocky Top Bicycles recommended it.

Tire levers: Because tires.

Planet Bike CO2 Bike Tire Inflator: Recently went with CO2 instead of my frame mounted pump. Still looking for a small pump. I’m a belt and suspenders kind of guy.

Spare tube & patch kit.

Money: Because chocolate milk ain’t free.

 Bento Box Contents: Clockwise from top:

Contents of my Bento Box.

Spare rechargeable batteries for my 1-Watt Planet Bike Blaze LED headlight. I set it on strobe for daytime safety. I set it on high for those rides that started too late in the day, and I’m pedaling back in the dusk.

Spare CO2 cartridge.

Honey Stinger Waffles: Because they are delicious. I also use Shot Bloks. Lately I’ve been trying to move to more real food options like pitted dates and mission figs.

Smuckers Uncrustable reduced sugar PB&J sandwich: Because convenient for longer rides.

Lens wipes: Because sooner or later those sunscreen fingerprints turn your sunglasses into a kaleidoscope.

Crystal Light green tea peach mango drink mix: really just to add some flavor to my water bottle. After reading Waterlogged by Timothy Noakes, I’ve gotten away from electrolyte supplements like Gatorade. It’s been a good move for me.

Don’t Leave Home Without

Always with me on my bike: my iPhone, my Road ID wristband and two water bottles.

Next Contestant?

3 thoughts on “Bike Essentials”

  1. I never even thought about latex gloves on the bike even though I keep them in my truck and gear bag. I usually have wet wipes on the bike.

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