Lindsay:
What kinds of bags do people like best for on the bike? I have a seat bag but it’s full of tools and stuff. Maybe I just need a bigger one.[ ]…frame bag, but the ones that seem big enough to be worthwhile all seem so bulky. I usually don’t wear a jersey (just a tank) so I don’t have pockets.
I have a WSD road bike, no racks or baskets or anything.
As time has gone on I carry less and less. The first tour (Oklahoma Bicycle Society Tour of Arkansas in ’91) I did I had a Blackburn rear rack and pack and about half way through I took it off. It had all the stuff I thought I’d need, but didn’t.
I have a small, slightly worn out Pedro’s underseat pack made of recycled inner tubes. Now packed (stuffed!) with a crankbrothers multi tool 17, spare tube, one tire lever, a CO2 inflator and two cartridges. A jersey with pockets with an extra water bottle in the center pocket, cell, id, electrolite tablets and waterproof wallet in the others.
I suppose an LED tail light snapped to the pack wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
With the multi tool I was able to tear down my bike for shipment at the end of the ride last year. (Including pedal removal).
Lindsay:
I usually don’t wear a jersey (just a tank) so I don’t have pockets.
Lindsay, get a sleeveless jersey with back pockets. Terry womens, Trek or many others make them. It’s amazing how much more stuff you can carry in them without relying on an extra bag, (folding jacket, arm warmers or disposable camera, etc.).
Corey