Building Your EDC - PART 1 of 3

In this series of articles/reviews we’ll be running you through a variety of ways to carry your gear on rides and our given choices depending upon routes, roads and weather. In part 1 we’ll discuss the how, what and why I assemble products in my cycling bags. Part 2 will review saddle bags. Part 3 will review jersey wallets/bags.

This has become a source of personal exploration the past few months. When I began laying down significant road miles (200+ weekly) in 2013 I utilized only jersey pockets for carrying gear. Then, within the next few years for whatever reasons I switched to a saddle bag. Now that I’m based out of the east coast primarily and fall has arrived, for the first time in years I’ve started to explore using my jersey pockets vs saddle bags again. In part because the risk of 100+ degree days are over but mostly out of trying to curate my rides for maximum speed, bike handling and efficiency.

A few parameters regarding my riding that are important to keep in mind. My road riding schedule is fairly consistent and as follows:

10-12 hours total per week
1-2 hour rides on weekdays
2.5-3.5 hour rides on weekends
Over 90% on decently paved roads
Over 90% on clincher tires and inner tubes

What’s in included in my ride kit and why? Below is a summary /checklist of my current choices with explanations to follow.

Always

1 spare tube - It’s rare to get more than 1 flat per ride
1 Park Tool GP-2 Super Patch Kit - Insurance for a 2nd flat/tire blow out
1 tire iron - Some people may want 2
1 16g CO2 cartridge - Easy/quick air
1 CO2 inflator valve - Don’t forget this if you pack a C02
1 $20 bill - Can also serve as a tire boot for severe issue

This is the baseline I pack for every ride but NOT the only things I carry. I like to have a second option for air besides just 1 C02 available. I’ve had a C02 inflation go sideways and wasted a cartridge, I’ve also gotten 2 flats on the same ride. I clean and inspect my tires after each ride BUT you never know what you might roll over on a ride causing punctures.

Additional Items per situation:

Solo 1-2 hour ride

1 Mini Pump - In case of second flat OR used if I have time vs using C02
Possible 2nd CO2 cartridge - In place or in addition to mimi pump to ensure air for a 2nd puncture

Solo 2.5-3 hour with questionable weather/roads

2nd Spare tube - rough roads = higher chance of flats
1 Mini Pump/Frame Pump

Fast 2.5+ hour Group Ride (unfamiliar riders)

2nd CO2 cartridge - on a group ride, a faster tube exchange increases the chances that you can continue or catch the group.

On group rides with friends I’ll bring just 1 cartridge and possibly a mini pump. Typically, there are not more flats than tires combined in the group and there’s no problem giving someone my C02 and vice versa if needed. I’d prefer to not ask a stranger in a group ride for a spare C02 in order to make the ride or make it home.

Options you may bundle into this category:

Cell Phone
ID card
Glasses Case/Microfiber bag
House Key/Car Key

Where do you carry all this stuff? Typically my cell phone slides into my back center jersey pocket OR right jersey pocket if I’m carrying a jersey bag. My back left pocket contains a microfiber bag for my glasses if they need a cleaning during my ride. Everything else I like bundled together in a saddle bag or jersey bag.

Now that you know what to carry bundled together, below is a list of bags to be reviewed in the next two parts.

Saddle Bags - Part 2