Never see any bags in pictures?

Biomech

I'm a very visual person - aesthetics mean a lot to me. I don't like to have my bike dripping with bits of plastic and cable ties and bags etc etc so didn't really want to buy a saddle bag - but have done, because I need to put the spare bits somewhere.

But what I've noticed is that when you look at pictures of cyclists, stock or hobby groups etc, they almost never have a bag on the bike - where do they put everything? I've heard some people put it all in their jersey's, but carrying a tool box in your back just seems ridiculous.

How come you never see bike bags in photos? (touring/panniers aside)

napoleond

Tool box?!

I just carry spare tube, multitool, tyre lever (although I never need it), pump, phone, wallet and food if a ride over a couple of hrs. All fits easily in my jersey pockets.

Dippydog2

Put it in one of these.

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1377 ... tAodr0cAjg

diamonddog

NapoleonD wrote:

Tool box?!

I just carry spare tube, multitool, tyre lever (although I never need it), pump, phone, wallet and food if a ride over a couple of hrs. All fits easily in my jersey pockets.

^^This one.

ai_1

Saddlebags are the perfectly obvious solution for carrying spare tube, patch kit and a multi-tool. The pump or inflator can go in there too or on a separate frame mount. Stick it on the bike and never worry about it again. Stuffing jersey pockets with this stuff is, with all due respect, an exercise in vanity. Why use pocket space when there's no advantage. Pros don't have saddle bags because they have support cars. As far as I can see all the other riders who don't use them and often mock those who do are copying the pros and although this topic has been discussed more than once before, I've still never heard a good rational reason why jersey pockets are better than a saddle bag. There are plenty reasons to to support the contrary view!

diamonddog

Spare tubes, pump, levers etc all fit in middle jersey pocket and I wear very small jerseys.

apreading

Ai_1 wrote:

Saddlebags are the perfectly obvious solution for carrying spare tube, patch kit and a multi-tool. The pump or inflator can go in there too or on a separate frame mount. Stick it on the bike and never worry about it again. Stuffing jersey pockets with this stuff is, with all due respect, an exercise in vanity. Why use pocket space when there's no advantage. Pros don't have saddle bags because they have support cars. As far as I can see all the other riders who don't use them and often mock those who do are copying the pros and although this topic has been discussed more than once before, I've still never heard a good rational reason why jersey pockets are better than a saddle bag. There are plenty reasons to to support the contrary view!

^^^ This + 1000

Why ruin your jerseys by stuffing the pockets so full and make life uncomfotable with the weight moving around and block the ventilation to your back? When a simple and very functional saddle bag or otherwise is no inconvenience, is always on the bike so you dont have to think and find the bits beforehand? Why risk injury or damaging your tools should you have an accident? Just why? Sometimes I use a saddle bag, sometimes a spare bottle, sometimes a tribag and sometimes a pannier - never my jersey pockets. Worse still, if you use your jersey pockets and then put a jacket on it is even less convenient when you want something. Then to make matters worse people stuff the used gel wrappers in there to make all the other stuff all sticky... Do you all stuff your laptops and papers etc for work into your trouser pockets to avoid taking a bag? No, so why do it on a bike?

Schmy

Ai_1 wrote:

Stuffing jersey pockets with this stuff is, with all due respect, an exercise in vanity.

Yep. I bought an ISP bike, why would I want to ruin the clean lines with a bum bag?

I always make sure I look good on a ride. I even ride slower than everyone else so that pedestrians can get a better look. No point buying Rapha if you go too fast to read the logo.

ugo.santalucia

I hate bags... I have a roll of basic tools that I fold in my rear pocket... job done

team47b

We all take the bag off before we photograph our bikes.

jgsi

I might only use a small Toppeak saddlebag on winter reliabilities as 2 or 3 tubes might be in order (not all for personal use, I might add!). but in summer and in races stuff all goes in the pockets no problem.
Have you seen some pro riders rear pockets..? some of them have half a wardrobe in there plus nosh.
My race jerseys get freaked out by safety pins anyways to be that precious about bulging out the pockets.. and as yet not seen anyone getting stuff out of a saddle bag whilst still on the move... but could be considered a cool trick.. done by yourself riding alone of course.

markhewitt1978

I use a small saddle bag. Even then my pockets are always stuffed full of stuff. Phone, food, inhaler, bank card, keys. The list goes on.

gpgiant

I use a Deuter Road One backpack. Nice and slim, carries all the extras and hardly know its there :-)

Biomech

Yeah see I just can't imagine putting things like that in your back.
I'd exclude photos of pros as - like you say - they have support cars and what not. But I would have thought you'd see a lot more hobbiest photos with bags. I'm waiting for mine to arrive, but have been using a prototype shoulder rig thing I had left over from my parkour/freerunning days to put my phone, money and keys in. Being new, I've only just ordered the spare tubes, co2 etc, hence why I've bought a mini bag.

simon_masterson

Seatpost packs definitely make sense, as they leave your pockets free for food and clothes (etc), but you can get a lot in your pockets, and you can just keep your warmers and/or gilet on the whole time.

The simple fact of the matter is that you don't have to take much. One spare tube/tub (and if you're using tubs then you've probably already got one under your saddle anyway), a pump, tyre levers if you can't get your tyre off without, a spanner if you have any non-qr wheels, ideally a chain tool or multitool that includes one, a £20 or bank card in case everything goes horribly wrong, a lock if you intend to stop, a phone, and whatever sustenance you need. That lot won't take up much room, and jersey bins, tool rolls or good old sandwich bags can help to keep things compact.

And there's nearly always a way of carrying on the bike rather than using a backpack.

thegreatdivide

diamonddog wrote:

NapoleonD wrote:

Tool box?!

I just carry spare tube, multitool, tyre lever (although I never need it), pump, phone, wallet and food if a ride over a couple of hrs. All fits easily in my jersey pockets.

^^This one.

Another one from me.

If I'm going out on my own for a big 80/100 or whatever ride then a small saddle bag goes on the bike with an extra C02, and things like my inhaler get decanted into it too to allow for more food, but for your average ride (30 miles?) the gubbins goes into my pockets. That's why you have them.

craker

Saddlebag means I've also got a rear light attached to whichever bike I'm on, one less thing to worry about when the light or weather is uncertain.

Still, if it spoils the lines of your bike don't do it. You can always walk...

desweller

I always refer to this photo of Mark Cavendish's Scott Addict, circa 2009.



Saddlebag, check. Frame pump, check.

Now that's what I call a training bike.

simon_masterson

^ Great pic - was thinking of making reference to that. That and the improvised mounts for computer displays, extra grip tape... You can tell the people that ride bikes more than they look at them!

Mikey23

topeak saddle bag bunny here, dont like to clog the pockets up with hardware. light fits on the bag and it just stays on the bike until needed. easy solution and i wouldnt really want to be fall onto my pump

cattytown

The big advantage for me of using a bag rather than pockets is that I just leave it on the bike. No getting a puncture and realising the CO2 is at home, the chain going only to find I forgot the spare link...

Paul.

chrisaonabike

^^ this

I've never understood the "my bike looks completely minimalist providing I'm not on it" school of thought.

Bike looks good, then the hunchback of notre dame gets on it...

Anonymous

Tiny saddle bag for emergency stuff I hope not to need. Possibly one that actually adds to aesthetics ;-)
Other stuff in jersey pockets, but never so much, or in such a way that it feels at all uncomfortable.

Bottle cage storage is a possibility for rides that do not demand over 800ml (or even 1 litre) of fluid to be carried at any one time.
I have one but have rarely used it.

ai_1

See, like I've noticed in all these threads before, there's been a few responses from people who prefer to stuff their pockets but none have really offered a reason except to say it's possible. No one's debating that!

Anyway, you can do what you like, I just don't get the attraction.

norvernrob

Tiny saddlebag is the answer if you're worried about aesthetics. I have the scicon Carbonium, it's just big enough for a tube, levers, multitool, patches and 2.5mm Allen key for brakes/pedals. Mini pump goes in my jersey pocket.

When you open the packaging you'll think there's no way you'll fit anything in it as it's so small, but it's just right.

Not a great pic but I can't be bothered to go upstairs and take a better one, it's fastened under the cube saddle.



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/scicon-elan-210 ... addle-bag/

iPete

Ai_1 wrote:

See, like I've noticed in all these threads before, there's been a few responses from people who prefer to stuff their pockets but none have really offered a reason except to say it's possible. No one's debating that!

Anyway, you can do what you like, I just don't get the attraction.

I frequent between two bikes, on occasion use an ass saver, a Hope District rear light and one bike has a behind the saddle water bottle mounted. One bike requires slightly different tools. I prefer to select what I need and stick it in the back pocket or use a tool bottle holder.

As an aside, they look awful.

Want any more reasons?

ai_1

iPete wrote:

Ai_1 wrote:

See, like I've noticed in all these threads before, there's been a few responses from people who prefer to stuff their pockets but none have really offered a reason except to say it's possible. No one's debating that!

Anyway, you can do what you like, I just don't get the attraction.

I frequent between two bikes, on occasion use an ass saver, a Hope District rear light and one bike has a behind the saddle water bottle mounted. One bike requires slightly different tools. I prefer to select what I need and stick it in the back pocket or use a tool bottle holder. If people aren't willing to explain or defend their opinions then they're not worth much to me and I won't take em very seriously.

As an aside, they look awful.

Want any more reasons?

See that's a valid argument and I appreciate you sharing it!
I also have two bikes but need the same gear for both. If you need different gear it does negate the pack once and forget advantage. Still, if I needed different gear, I'd buy two saddlebags or failing that I'd still use a saddlebag but repack it each time in preference to filling my pockets.

I was actually shopping for a behind the saddle bottle cage mount this morning. Won't be easily able to use my existing clip on saddle bag with that so I expect I'll either velcro everything to it or more likely buy a second saddle bag.
I would point out however that most people use a behind the saddle mount for aerodynamics. If this is the case then it would be an odd choice to then go and fill your pockets. A smooth back should be aerodynamically superior.

I'd appreciate any reasons you can give me. I love a constructive discussion. If I'm missing something I'd like to know it. If people just have differing needs I'd like to know that too....is that a problem?

cookeeemonster

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

^^ this

I've never understood the "my bike looks completely minimalist providing I'm not on it" school of thought.

Bike looks good, then the hunchback of notre dame gets on it...

+1000

I've seen people do the exact same thing with motorbikes and scooters (60's mod type). The bikes are utterly perfect...then some fat scruff jumps on it and utterly ruins the effect...

bobmcstuff

I have a really small Evoc one with a tube, pump, multitool and those tiny LED lights just in case (obviously I have proper lights to put on if I know it's going to be dark). I just leave it on the bike so I never have to think about it. I think it looks fine.

I do have a much bigger one that I put on if I need to carry more stuff (eg leg warmers), but it looks absolutely terrible so I try not to use it unless I actually need it.

iPete

Ai_1 wrote:

See that's a valid argument and I appreciate you sharing it!
I also have two bikes but need the same gear for both. If you need different gear it does negate the pack once and forget advantage. Still, if I needed different gear, I'd buy two saddlebags or failing that I'd still use a saddlebag but repack it each time in preference to filling my pockets.

I was actually shopping for a behind the saddle bottle cage mount this morning. Won't be easily able to use my existing clip on saddle bag with that so I expect I'll either velcro everything to it or more likely buy a second saddle bag.
I would point out however that most people use a behind the saddle mount for aerodynamics. If this is the case then it would be an odd choice to then go and fill your pockets. A smooth back should be aerodynamically superior.

I'd appreciate any reasons you can give me. I love a constructive discussion. If I'm missing something I'd like to know it. If people just have differing needs I'd like to know that too....is that a problem?

I don't use mine for aero, one of my frames has no eyelets.

They are less than perfect in my experience [the behind the saddle bottle cages], a rough road can turn the bottle into a missile for anyone behind [Xlab Delta 100]. You need to strap them down or find the perfect cage/bottle combo.

You could consider the sks bottle cage adapter, this will let you use the saddle bag still.

I've no issue with saddle bags, just not for me anymore. I've have done large ones, small ones, panniers, you name it. I like my daily tool and kit check ritual and they'd get in the way on days where I use my District light/ass saver or bottle cage.

chrisaonabike

CookeeeMonster wrote:

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

I've never understood the "my bike looks completely minimalist providing I'm not on it" school of thought.

Bike looks good, then the hunchback of notre dame gets on it...

+1000

I've seen people do the exact same thing with motorbikes and scooters (60's mod type). The bikes are utterly perfect...then some fat scruff jumps on it and utterly ruins the effect...

Well I wasn't so much thinking that, was more that all the stuff people put in their pockets turns them into the hunchback of notre dame.

But each to their own. I have no wanna-look-pro aspirations, I have one bike; it takes enough time to get it and me ready to go when I decide to ride, without the faff of having to allocate tools etc to pockets. And I hate heavy stuff in pockets - phone, keys, and food is uncomfortable enough.

So I have a small bag for ordinary rides (tools, 1xtube,1xCO2, inflator) and a bigger one as well as a tri-bag for something like RL100, where I want 3 tubes, 4 CO2 bulbs, a pump, and a load of food as well