Having the right stuff in your bike saddle bag can help you out of all kinds of problems. From fixing a small comfort issue to preventing getting stuck in the back of beyond, we have complied a top 10 list of items we recommend you carry at all times.
1) Emergency tyre patch kit
No matter how much you ride your bike, an emergency tyre patch kit is a must. You can pick them up for only a few pounds and they take up such a small amount of space that we really can’t recommend them more.
Most will come with rubber patches, a rasp or sandpaper, and rubber cement. There are kits available that will also come with various other tools so there is something for every budget.
2) Multi-tool
A multitool is the easiest and best way of having a wide variety of tools available to you whilst also taking up a small amount of space.
There are various multi-tools available, so make sure you get one that is made for bikes. Otherwise you will end up with a whole bunch of useless tools that don’t fit!
3) Spare inner tube/s
Sometimes even the best patch up is just not going to work, and so having at least one spare inner tube on you at all times is always a good idea. Depending on the brand, they can be a little expensive, but if you get a multipack the price is a lot more economical.
Although they may seem a little bulky, if you roll them up you can significantly reduce the size.
4) Tyre levers
Although not necessarily a must-have item, for the cost and space they take up in your bike saddle bag, tyre levers are very handy to have in your kit, allowing you to get back up and on your way quicker and easier.
They are available in both metal and plastic and the plastic ones will usually set you back less than £5. Some emergency tyre patch kits actually come with tyre levers, so this might be a more economical way for you to get your hands on some.
5) Link pliers & quick links
Link pliers are designed to remove and replace broken chain links. This can be a fiddly job without the right tool so we recommend carrying one with you should the worst happen.
Having spare quick links to swap over means you will be ready to get back up and going in no time.
6) Cable ties & Oil
These two things are very handy to have in your bag. Use cable ties for the things that move and aren’t supposed to and oil for things that don’t move and are supposed to!
One of the best oils out there is Transyl. Owatrol Transyl oil is a lubricating, highly-saturating, self-spreading liquid with exceptional ‘wetting’, spreading and climbing properties. It’s perfect for the maintenance of metal assemblies and for lubricating hard to reach metal parts.
7) A pair or 2 of nitrile gloves
Having a pair or 2 of nitrile gloves on you makes for a quick and easy clean up. They take up very little space and depending on the pack size can be very affordable.
We recommend nitrile gloves over other types because this material is resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals.
8) Energy gel
Perhaps a little more niche, but if you are planning on going a long bike ride in the back and beyond, having some emergency energy gel could be a good idea. They have a long expiration date, take up little space and can keep you going for a long time should the worse ever happen.
If you tend to only cycle around well-populated areas then perhaps this one could be skipped off your list!
9) Spare derailleur hanger
Another item that may seem a little niche to some, but very handy should you ever need it! A derailleur hanger is a small metal plate type part of a bike that is designed to bend or even break to limit or stop damage to a bike’s frame when under stress.
These small components can save your bike and are fairly cheap to acquire. Be sure to keep yours checked, maintained and more importantly, replaced when needed.
10) A small hand pump
Our final recommendation is to pack a small hand pump. You will be able to find these in most home or DIY stores, as well as bike stores and online – some for very little cost.
It’s all well and good having everything on you to patch up your tyre, but without a way to pump it back up, all your hard work could be in vain.
So there you have it. Our top 10 list of things you should carry in your bike saddle bag.
If you have any other handy tips or advice, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
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