Being prepared is essential to any long-distance ride. Things happen to even the most careful of cyclists. You don’t want to be the person dropping things from an overfull pack like crumb trail for other cyclists or weighing yourself down. But it is important to have a few essential things tucked away just in case. Here’s a list of bare minimum needs for every ride.
1. Spare tire tube, tire levers, patch kit, pump or co2 cartridge
A flat is the most common and worse slow-up a cyclist can have. Therefore, a spare tire tube needs to be readily available. What’s great about the tubes is they don’t take up much space, so they’re a great fanny pack filler. A patch kit is worth taking space as well in the event of another flat. (Hey, cyclists have bad days!) Of course, having a tube will do you no good without the proper means to air it up and remove the old one. So you need to also have two tire levers stashed in your waist pack. Getting air into a new or patched tube can come in two forms. Either keep a CO2 cartridge in your fanny or keep a pump in a jersey pocket or strapped to your frame. CO2 cartridges are a little more expensive, but they are super quick to fill the tube and get you back on the road.
2. Multi-Tool
There are a myriad of screws and bolts on your bike, and bringing that many tools in your fanny pack isn’t realistic. A multi-tool is the best solution. There’s a slight chance it might not have what you need, but that slight is sliver thin. The other benefit is that you might just have what you need to help another cyclist out if you happen to see one in need of some assistance.
3. Sunscreen and Lip Balm
This one is especially important in summer months as cyclists gear up for major riding events. The health of your skin should be a priority. No one enjoys trying to pedal and feeling the skin of their thighs or knees painfully crinkle with the effort. Not only does the sun wreak havoc for your skin, but the hot air, wind, and your breathing as you ride will dry out your lips faster then anything else. Having sunscreen and some sort of lip balm will cause you a lot of discomfort both on and off the bike seat.
4. Cell Phone, I.D., and Money
These are strictly for emergency situations, but they don’t take up much space so slip them in there before each ride. You’re going to need some cash for a quick snack if you run low on energy (and didn’t bring something along. See #5) or if you get in a bad crash and need a cab home.
5. Energy Gel or Bar
It happens. You’re riding along and suddenly, your energy level dives. Having a quick energy gel shot to guzzle or a carb-stuffed bar to reenergize you for the rest of your ride is a lot more convenient than having to find a place to buy one.
6. Road Rash Treatment Kit
It happens to every cyclist at one point or another. You’re going to fast and start to wobble or swerve to avoid being nicked by an inconsiderate road ragist. The bruises can’t be helped, but if you end up in a crash that causes some serious road rash, you’re going to want a small first aid kit with the right kind stuff to get you back on your wheels. A small roll of gauze, some non-adhesive bandage material (that won’t rub the rash in the worst way), and antiseptic gel should be enough to sooth and cover up any major scrapes or skids on your skin.
A fanny pack with just these elements should be enough for any local rides, and provide anything you might need in dire circumstances.
Did we miss anything you consider a priority for your pack? Please tell us in the comments below!