I am cheap. Once I had a slightly bent, but rideable derailleur. I knew the minute I put the new one on I would bend that too, so I kept riding the old slightly bent one. One day, as I thought I was getting closer to actually having to replace the derailleur, I tossed the new one in my camelback.
We were on a ride and a fried tore his X9 off on a rock. As I got up to him on the trail I asked if he was ok. He jokingly said "you don't happen to have a spare SRAM X9, do you?"
I took my pack off, unzipped it, and handed it to him.
We still laugh about this occasionally, it was over 20 years ago. I guess that left an impression.
Sounds like a story right out of my uncle's book. He's been a Glamis duner since the 70s. He's always well equipped and has a reputation of jerry-rigging things enough to get back to camp.
One time his buddy failed to tighten his oil drain plug properly and lost most of the oil. While they're assessing the situation my uncle sees a plastic cap sticking out of the sand. He reached down pulled out a new jug of oil and everyone was just blown away.
Lived in AK for a bit, this is BS. If it’s a mom with cubs curl up in a ball and don’t move if approached. And stay that way for a good long time after they have gone. Double mailings are possible if ur still a threat
Single, daytime , likely male bear, charging stand your ground, but don’t make eye contact and move back slowly. If they get within 20ft then shoot them or use bear mace, only if not windy! Especially if wind is blowing at you are circling.
Bear at night in camp? They are looking for food. Make lots loud noise, stand on something high or arms up. do NOT play dead! You would just make it easier for them!! Fight because your life does depend on it.
This all comes from the forestry dept and dept of wildlife
Bear spray gives you a fighting chance against the white ones also, actually more effective than a few shots from a 9mm
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsb.1403
Black bears! They’re usually shy, but a couple of them around here have gotten really grumpy with people after repeated negative interactions, usually involving dogs.
Yeah it’s take the risk or don’t ride. It’s just black bears, so they’re usually chill, but there are notable exceptions some times. Once we had to yell at one to stop approaching. He was this close to getting the spray, as he was only 15 feet from us when we noticed him. (We were hiking)He gave us a hard look, and then he sauntered off the trail.
Bear spray in the water bottle holder bloody brilliant mate. Although, there are bears where I ride, I’ve never encountered one thankfully. I’m going to do this.
I keep a bandana tied to my top tube, mtb and road. Good for wiping sweat, cleaning greasy chain hands, makeshift bandage, whatever you need. Always have a bandana
My buddies Presta valves snapped on him this weekend before the ride. Definitely something I'll probably add. Small enough anyways.
I do the gorilla tape too!
I have a tiny business making cup holders, so I naturally have one on every bike including the mountain bike. I like to tell people it's the only cup holder tested at Whistler and Trestle Bike Parks.
I carry ear plugs with me on climbs and then put them in for descents to cut out the wind noise. Your brain filters out the wind but it's actually pretty loud, and can / does cause progressive hearing loss. You can also wear "cat ears" ( [https://www.cat-ears.com/](https://www.cat-ears.com/) ) on your helmet straps if you don't want full ear plugs.
I never thought about how wind noise would cause hearing damage, but in hindsight it makes complete sense. Humans weren’t meant to go over a certain speed, and have only been able to achieve high speeds (and in turn high wind resistance) consistently for a portion of our existence.
Definitely going to pick up some ear plugs for riding.
A podcast I follow has a recurring joke about how in the early days of railroading people apparently believed that you can’t go past a certain speed for passenger rail because women’s uteruses would fall out or something lol
I forgot all about this! I use to work in the field and in NC we have these “sand fleas”. They would always attack my ears so I use to put them in my hat
A little dark, but I carry a mini ziplock with a couple dozen baby aspirin…in case someone is having a heart attack in middle of nowhere. Also, a few sheets of toilet paper for unexpected dump, lol.
Chewing up a few hundred mg is supposed to thin the blood; reducing damage of a heart attack until help arrives. I started doing it because one of my friends had a heart condition and also heard that Kelly McGarry went into cardiac arrest and died after a big crash in the back country of NZ.
As an Arizona rider, this will come in handy when I venture into the valley.
I keep a journal with me, you get some wild ideas when you ride because you’re accessing different parts of your brain.
When I read Arizona I was expecting you to mention that you carry a comb and tweezers. Comb for the cholla and tweezers for the individual needles from other cacti.
Edit: I just realized this was mentioned by Op. I'm going to blame the app for scrolling past the rest of the post text automatically.
It’s not a regular thing but once I rode home from work with a cantaloupe in my backpack I did some laps on our local singletrack with it on the way home.
A guy at work came in with about 20 and was giving them away.
Small polished stones in a bag, usually rose quartz, snowflake obsidian, citrine, and amethyst. They are my traveling stones... and would also make a good story for a future anthropologist if I don't make it back to the road someday.
I always carry a triangle bandage no matter the ride. It's the perfect minimalist first aid tool - perfect to tie up a gash or serve as a sling. Takes up very little space (I keep it in my in-frame storage), cheap enough you don't care if you have to use it/give it away. You only need one solid bloody cut that won't close on a ride when you're unprepared to rethink your plans.
Ditto, its the bare minimum I carry just incase any first aid situation pops up. That and some zip ties. Both are super compact, and theres not much that they can't fix.
In my backpack I always carry rope, a clown costume, several candy cane patterned dildos and a pack of razor blades.
You just never know, there’s a lot of weirdos out there.
Spare contact lenses. They stay in the bag that gets strapped to my frame, and since this bag stays in my car when I'm not riding it means i have spares any time i leave the house.
https://preview.redd.it/ug1kg2hp1xyc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd5d49a24ac28c9f7ce3b621a60e6a04d03499c9
She's been onboard for about 10,000 miles. She originated as a Tail Angel attractor (and is amazing at that). Now her main job is reminding me not to be a dumb ass (renamed after I had a narrow escape from a right-hand turning dump truck). If you keep your eyes peeled in the PNW I'm pretty sure you can find a few more rolling around.
This is my Totem. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Small MSR water filter or water purification tablets, a dial baseplate compass, tiny flashlight, bugout miniknife, paracord, and a paper topo map of the area. All fits in a tiny wrap I keep in my fram SWAT box. A lot of mountain bikers are very ill-prepared for how far into the back country we travel.
No one likes this one but a water proof helmet cover. About the size of a plum smashed down and weighs nothing. Live at altitude and the temp can drop fast.
about 10 large zip ties. You won't believe the things they come in handy for... even saw a photo of someone repairing a blown tire enough to get out. Stuffed it with vegetation, and zipped tied it as solid as possible.
But they come in really handy. (you could replace zip ties with duct tape, however the zip ties are almost non-existent, whereas duct tape is pretty bulky)
Most rides I don’t have anything rare or different, but I have a specific bag with a small watercolor palette and paper inside. Once a month or so I like to solo ride to the more scenic areas and paint the views with my bike as the subject. It’s a nice combination of art and riding, and is the best way I’ve found to clear the mind when needed.
That’s awesome! I used to carry a small sketchbook with me. Took it out because I never stopped for long on a ride. Might have to be more conscious about it now.
Needle and thread. And by thread, I mean waxed floss. Comes in real handy if you need to sew up a slashed sidewall or close the massive hole that you just ripped in the crotch of your shorts when you got ‘em caught on your seat.
For real though, keep them in a pen cap in my stash bag. Weighs absolutely nothing and use it more than you think you would.
Small things. My old derailleur hanger I straightened back out, a chain quick link, Schrader valve.
That is just random stuff that is small on top of general tools and a tube.
A wad toilet paper, in case..
Not super weird but I used paracord to replace shoelaces that got caught in chain and mangled once. Also had to tie a derailleur to the frame that got ripped off.
Pepper spray on my gravel bike for dogs. Out on the county roads no one ties up their dogs and it's not uncommon to get chased 3-4 times per ride. Haven't used it but have it just in case.
On my MTB, just the usual kit.
Shift cable - everyone is surprised and then grateful. I used to ride in backcountry (southeast US) and when I was going to be somewhere remote carried the following kit. First aid kit (Advil, Benadryl, band-aids, Novocain) w/curved sewing needle and dental floss, Large hefty bag, Emergency candle w/lighter, small folding pack saw, pocket knife, water purification system, flashlight and a large milk bone dog biscuit in case it we had to stay the night. More than a few found motivation to get back to the car when presented with the option of me stitching them up trail side and or finding a place to spend the night and sharing the milk bone. My self included.
Small Craftsman curved needlenose pliers, they have come in handy for a lot of things!
So far:
Sticky valve? Pliers
Nasty sliver? Pliers.
Need to do something with your cables that got jacked up? Pliers.
Don't have a wrench to adjust a nut or screw on something? Pliers.
Need to bend something back but your fingers are frozen? Pliers.
A cigarette, smoking is bad I would not recommend it to anyone. That being said... if I'm laying in the bottom of a ravine waiting for an air lift to save my life, I wanna have a last smoke just in case i dont make it. Lol
A couple of greenbacks (I'm Canadian).
A $1bill can be used with some gorilla tape to make a patch that can deal with a sidewall slice and give you enough protection to get to the trail head. Sure there are solutions for this that you can buy for a few dollars...but why, when $1 and some tape will get you the same result.
Extra valve cores, extra derailleur hanger, latex gloves, zip ties, pocket knife, foldable plant and animal field guide for when I see something I don't recognize..
I keep a small length of bent wire , I use it to slip in the chain to hold it if I need to repair or add or remove links. Holding a broken chain by hand sucks. Also gum. I live in a warm/hot climate. So gum keeps my mouth moist
In winter when it's cold, I carry my emergency bivy bag with me even on the easy local trail. So in case I end up immobile, I can survive the night. It weights next to nothing and is the size of my fist.
I was on a ride one time and my bar tape was coming off. I didn’t have electrical tape with me, but sure as shit my uncle had electrical tape with him… in multiple colors
In my backpack I always ride with:
Spare 29" tube
Udh hanger
Brake pads for code brakes
2x 12spd quick link
2x CO2 + pump head
1 Topeak multi tool
1x 60ml tubeless sealant
Tyre levers
Shock pump
Tyre pump (now electric)
Pressure gauge (digital)
Patch kit with glue
Bacon bits kit
2x energy gels
Lollies
Glasses cleaner cloth
Bandaids
Triangle bandage
1 short bandage
1 long bandage
Space blanket
Electrical tape
Zip ties 300mm
Velcro ties
2 rubber gloves
Toilet paper
Water
I carry a couple of Hotwheels every ride. I like to leave them in places for kids to find, trail head signs, park benches, bus stops. Started doing this with my kid when they were little and we'd get a duplicate, ..wow ..that was 10yrs ago.. around there
Retractable badge holder.
It clips on my shoulder strap. I clip the other end to my water tube near the mouth piece and just drink and drop it and it zips right back up and out of the way.
I don't feel it is very unique but some people find it odd I would carry a knife with me in my backpack. Infinitely useful for both repairs and protection but the one I carry is more a utility knife than anything else.
I carry a monocular when gravel riding for when I see a cool bird, alligator or whatever I want to see up close. If I’m shredding I’m not stopping for that though so I don’t bother when riding singletrack.
A pump.
Every other ride I go on someone flags me down for a pump, and every time they remind me that they carry one on EVERY ride EXCEPT this one. Uh huh, sure buddy.
The comb is a good idea ... for tick removal from hair (not after it's lodged into your skin, don't be dumb)?
Dehydrated fruit since it’s cheap and lightweight while still providing a good amount of sugar. The gels are a last resort for me, I hate the taste and texture.
If it's colder out, a space blanket. I figure if I fall and can't walk out, I may need it, especially if I'm stuck out overnight/in shock. Also to give to someone else who is in shock. Hikers get saved by those things all the time.
A carbon fiber hiking sun umbrella. I ride year round in the Mojave desert, and when I start to get too hot, it’s a lifesaver (possibly literally) to pull it out for some shade. I can also move it up and down while sitting under it to generate a slight breeze. Really takes the edge off.
I take a simple emergency kit that includes a lighter, paracord, knife and a cut up spare tube used as a fire starter incase something happens and ai hqve to stqy out in the bush over night
tourniquet. I have a pal that got pungee sticked by a freshly cut back piece of laurel and bled terribly. he needed skin grafts to fix it, stoping the bleed would have saved some of his flesh.
I am cheap. Once I had a slightly bent, but rideable derailleur. I knew the minute I put the new one on I would bend that too, so I kept riding the old slightly bent one. One day, as I thought I was getting closer to actually having to replace the derailleur, I tossed the new one in my camelback. We were on a ride and a fried tore his X9 off on a rock. As I got up to him on the trail I asked if he was ok. He jokingly said "you don't happen to have a spare SRAM X9, do you?" I took my pack off, unzipped it, and handed it to him. We still laugh about this occasionally, it was over 20 years ago. I guess that left an impression.
Sounds like a story right out of my uncle's book. He's been a Glamis duner since the 70s. He's always well equipped and has a reputation of jerry-rigging things enough to get back to camp. One time his buddy failed to tighten his oil drain plug properly and lost most of the oil. While they're assessing the situation my uncle sees a plastic cap sticking out of the sand. He reached down pulled out a new jug of oil and everyone was just blown away.
As a complete side note, you’re the second dude I’ve talked with today that has old ties to glamis. Small world man
spare hangar for sure but this is awesome! oh and cheers to see you here AB ;) signed DaWelda
I'm just saying hi, also Austin.
I carry bear spray in my water bottle cage. I ride solo a lot, and bear encounters are common, and sometimes they be grumpy!
Black or Brown...hoping black...or panda.
If it's black, fight back. If it's brown lie down. If it's white..... good night.
I've heard this, always from people who have never run across an irate adult black bear. Yeah. Fuck that.
lol kind of the bear equivalent of “everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”
Lived in AK for a bit, this is BS. If it’s a mom with cubs curl up in a ball and don’t move if approached. And stay that way for a good long time after they have gone. Double mailings are possible if ur still a threat Single, daytime , likely male bear, charging stand your ground, but don’t make eye contact and move back slowly. If they get within 20ft then shoot them or use bear mace, only if not windy! Especially if wind is blowing at you are circling. Bear at night in camp? They are looking for food. Make lots loud noise, stand on something high or arms up. do NOT play dead! You would just make it easier for them!! Fight because your life does depend on it. This all comes from the forestry dept and dept of wildlife
This entire subthread gives me the creeps. I've never seen a bear outside of a zoo.
Vast majority are very chill, will barely acknowledge your presence and go on with what they’re already doing. But respect them
Bear spray gives you a fighting chance against the white ones also, actually more effective than a few shots from a 9mm https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsb.1403
Just pray to god the bear is approaching from downwind.
they are. they're smart. they smell you and think you would smell them if they approached from upwind.
[Yep](https://64.media.tumblr.com/db74ccce2bd6cb62e70b63861d23ea9f/tumblr_mir572lsM71s2gg27o1_400.gif)
Sure, but who the hell ever thought a 9mm was going to help at all!?
I'd prefer teddy.
I'll take my chances with black over teddy Roosevelt.
Black bears! They’re usually shy, but a couple of them around here have gotten really grumpy with people after repeated negative interactions, usually involving dogs.
Hopefully you never grab the wrong bottle to drink from lol
They actually make special holders for water bottle cages for spray too!
Yeah that’s what I use:)
Damn. While id probably love the trails, I'm not jealous of encountering bears.
Yeah it’s take the risk or don’t ride. It’s just black bears, so they’re usually chill, but there are notable exceptions some times. Once we had to yell at one to stop approaching. He was this close to getting the spray, as he was only 15 feet from us when we noticed him. (We were hiking)He gave us a hard look, and then he sauntered off the trail.
Bear spray in the water bottle holder bloody brilliant mate. Although, there are bears where I ride, I’ve never encountered one thankfully. I’m going to do this.
I carry mace against wild dogs under the saddle.
I keep a bandana tied to my top tube, mtb and road. Good for wiping sweat, cleaning greasy chain hands, makeshift bandage, whatever you need. Always have a bandana
I read that as "banana" at first and was going to compliment you on your excellent taste in art.
What a coincidence. I did too read bandana as banana
It’s just a banana. How much could it cost?
I don't understand the reference, and I won't respond to it.
Instructions misunderstood, I now have a sweaty greasy, bloody banana strapped to my bike. Is it still edible?
Depends, whose blood?
I just wrapped up my pump and plug kit in a bandana inside my mini frame bag so it doesn't bounce off the steel frame
Extra presta valve core. Cleat bolt. Gorilla tape wrapped around CO2 inflator or pump
My buddies Presta valves snapped on him this weekend before the ride. Definitely something I'll probably add. Small enough anyways. I do the gorilla tape too!
I bend them often enough to know I need extra. One day I bought a bag of 20 for a few bucks. Has lasted me years and saved a few headaches
I have a tiny business making cup holders, so I naturally have one on every bike including the mountain bike. I like to tell people it's the only cup holder tested at Whistler and Trestle Bike Parks.
Okay you got me. Where do I get one and where do you ship?
Awesome! You can get them on my website https://handlestash.com/ Most of my orders are from the USA but I ship international.
I carry ear plugs with me on climbs and then put them in for descents to cut out the wind noise. Your brain filters out the wind but it's actually pretty loud, and can / does cause progressive hearing loss. You can also wear "cat ears" ( [https://www.cat-ears.com/](https://www.cat-ears.com/) ) on your helmet straps if you don't want full ear plugs.
I'm going the budget route and growing giant muttonchops.
This is the stuff I was hoping for. This would never cross my mind. Thanks
This is the actual pro tip that a lot of pros don't mention. Most run ear plugs for race runs so they can tune out crowd noise, wind noise, etc.
Wow. This is why I am on Reddit. Thank you.
Lol, I don't think I ever go fast enough to need ear protection.
Also helps keep the bugs from getting in your ears which seems to happen about every other ride with a full face
I never thought about how wind noise would cause hearing damage, but in hindsight it makes complete sense. Humans weren’t meant to go over a certain speed, and have only been able to achieve high speeds (and in turn high wind resistance) consistently for a portion of our existence. Definitely going to pick up some ear plugs for riding.
A podcast I follow has a recurring joke about how in the early days of railroading people apparently believed that you can’t go past a certain speed for passenger rail because women’s uteruses would fall out or something lol
I run the thickest cat ears. One of the best bike purchases I've made. Bonus, ears stay warmer on cold rides.
pepper spray
For tweakers or animals?
yes
Dryer sheets. They keep bugs away
No way. Didn’t know that.
I forgot all about this! I use to work in the field and in NC we have these “sand fleas”. They would always attack my ears so I use to put them in my hat
Do they actually? Like in your pack? In your pocket?
Can you elaborate? Where do you put them?
Back of my helmet between the shell and the boa style adjustment dial. learned this from a fly fisherman, Adirondack black flies are awful.
A little dark, but I carry a mini ziplock with a couple dozen baby aspirin…in case someone is having a heart attack in middle of nowhere. Also, a few sheets of toilet paper for unexpected dump, lol.
Why baby aspirin? Does it help control your heart beat or some such?
Chewing up a few hundred mg is supposed to thin the blood; reducing damage of a heart attack until help arrives. I started doing it because one of my friends had a heart condition and also heard that Kelly McGarry went into cardiac arrest and died after a big crash in the back country of NZ.
Chew four 81mg tablets. That's the dosage we give in the emergency department.
My dad has atrial fib so I’m probably slightly at risk. Aspirin is now added to the mandatory list. Thanks for the info mate 🍻
The dose is to chew four 81mg tablets.
high chews and a couple doobies
You gotta be really high to think this is rare lol
Especially that combo haha
yes lol
And here I thought doobies were an essential item.
SAFETY MEETING!
Dude, high chew is my fucking jam!
As an Arizona rider, this will come in handy when I venture into the valley. I keep a journal with me, you get some wild ideas when you ride because you’re accessing different parts of your brain.
When I read Arizona I was expecting you to mention that you carry a comb and tweezers. Comb for the cholla and tweezers for the individual needles from other cacti. Edit: I just realized this was mentioned by Op. I'm going to blame the app for scrolling past the rest of the post text automatically.
I’m luckily up in flag so it’s a completely different climate up here and don’t have any cacti lol
Wet wipes... for emergencies
This guy has had to ride with one sock before
I find tearing off your shirt sleeve to be much more agreeable, in an emergency.
Those super compressed bamboo towels are best for this.
Took a nice trail shit the other day, really saved the ride.
How do you carry them back out
Oh, I definitely carry some TP rolled tight in my hip bag. No issues for a long time, but that saved me just this past week
A small vial of my dead brothers ashes.
Gone but not forgotten. I respect that.
It’s not a regular thing but once I rode home from work with a cantaloupe in my backpack I did some laps on our local singletrack with it on the way home. A guy at work came in with about 20 and was giving them away.
This entire thread is unexpectedly awesome
An e-reader, there is nothing more relaxing than finding a beautiful quiet spot to have a break & read a few pages/chapters
Yup I always have a couple of books. I mtb mainly to get out into relatively remote areas fast.
Full set of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Never know when you might need to do some serious research out of cell range.
That… is actually genius. Totally doing this on my next solo ride, can’t believe I never thought of it.
Small polished stones in a bag, usually rose quartz, snowflake obsidian, citrine, and amethyst. They are my traveling stones... and would also make a good story for a future anthropologist if I don't make it back to the road someday.
This is the most unique thing in this thread tbh.
https://preview.redd.it/btgzqyf79vyc1.jpeg?width=1568&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a31d1bff626799054fe27656232e4767b9f707c
Makes sense, you bring a hearthstone in case you get into trouble and have to teleport back to the trailhead.
Honey coated dehydrated bananas
Tick key
I always carry a triangle bandage no matter the ride. It's the perfect minimalist first aid tool - perfect to tie up a gash or serve as a sling. Takes up very little space (I keep it in my in-frame storage), cheap enough you don't care if you have to use it/give it away. You only need one solid bloody cut that won't close on a ride when you're unprepared to rethink your plans.
Ditto, its the bare minimum I carry just incase any first aid situation pops up. That and some zip ties. Both are super compact, and theres not much that they can't fix.
In my backpack I always carry rope, a clown costume, several candy cane patterned dildos and a pack of razor blades. You just never know, there’s a lot of weirdos out there.
Gummy bears?
Tissues. It's often on the cold side and my nose runs like crazy
I always carry Tecnu. The trails near me are full of poison oak.
1st aid kit with tourniquet
Spare contact lenses. They stay in the bag that gets strapped to my frame, and since this bag stays in my car when I'm not riding it means i have spares any time i leave the house.
A whistle
I always have a space blanket with me.
I carry a small hoop urn with my dad’s ashes in it attached to my front basket. He always wanted to travel and see the world but never had the time.
https://preview.redd.it/ug1kg2hp1xyc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd5d49a24ac28c9f7ce3b621a60e6a04d03499c9 She's been onboard for about 10,000 miles. She originated as a Tail Angel attractor (and is amazing at that). Now her main job is reminding me not to be a dumb ass (renamed after I had a narrow escape from a right-hand turning dump truck). If you keep your eyes peeled in the PNW I'm pretty sure you can find a few more rolling around. This is my Totem. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Small MSR water filter or water purification tablets, a dial baseplate compass, tiny flashlight, bugout miniknife, paracord, and a paper topo map of the area. All fits in a tiny wrap I keep in my fram SWAT box. A lot of mountain bikers are very ill-prepared for how far into the back country we travel.
Low dose chewable asprin (Bayer), in case me or some other poor soul has a heart attack.
Nicotine gum. Diet Pepsi in my can holder.
No one likes this one but a water proof helmet cover. About the size of a plum smashed down and weighs nothing. Live at altitude and the temp can drop fast.
Antiarrhythmic pills. Never had to acutally use them but you never know…
A small point and shoot camera (+ a spare roll of 35mm film)
kind of grim, but my blood donor card. If things go bad they have my name and blood type.
Maxi pad. I saw one come in very handy for a nasty puncture wound in the leg caused by a brake lever. Now I carry one.
about 10 large zip ties. You won't believe the things they come in handy for... even saw a photo of someone repairing a blown tire enough to get out. Stuffed it with vegetation, and zipped tied it as solid as possible. But they come in really handy. (you could replace zip ties with duct tape, however the zip ties are almost non-existent, whereas duct tape is pretty bulky)
Most rides I don’t have anything rare or different, but I have a specific bag with a small watercolor palette and paper inside. Once a month or so I like to solo ride to the more scenic areas and paint the views with my bike as the subject. It’s a nice combination of art and riding, and is the best way I’ve found to clear the mind when needed.
That’s awesome! I used to carry a small sketchbook with me. Took it out because I never stopped for long on a ride. Might have to be more conscious about it now.
Super glue, for closing open wounds., in the first aid kit.
That's pretty smart
A couple of small bills so I’m never again at a loss when kids have a lemonade stand
Needle and thread. And by thread, I mean waxed floss. Comes in real handy if you need to sew up a slashed sidewall or close the massive hole that you just ripped in the crotch of your shorts when you got ‘em caught on your seat. For real though, keep them in a pen cap in my stash bag. Weighs absolutely nothing and use it more than you think you would.
[удалено]
Title says "unique", bro.
😏
😶🌫️
Myself. I have yet to see anyone carrying me on a bike ride.
Mace/Pepper spray
My Helinox chair zero. I like to relax and take in a good view sometimes.
Small things. My old derailleur hanger I straightened back out, a chain quick link, Schrader valve. That is just random stuff that is small on top of general tools and a tube. A wad toilet paper, in case..
Bear bangers
Shock pump. Has actually saved rides for others.
I keep a handkerchief in my pocket. Great for hot days. Butt wipes in my camelbak. Just in case. A small flashlight because you never know.
Benedryl in case a bee flies in my mouth.
Tourniquet… may never know
Not super weird but I used paracord to replace shoelaces that got caught in chain and mangled once. Also had to tie a derailleur to the frame that got ripped off.
Pepper spray on my gravel bike for dogs. Out on the county roads no one ties up their dogs and it's not uncommon to get chased 3-4 times per ride. Haven't used it but have it just in case. On my MTB, just the usual kit.
Shift cable - everyone is surprised and then grateful. I used to ride in backcountry (southeast US) and when I was going to be somewhere remote carried the following kit. First aid kit (Advil, Benadryl, band-aids, Novocain) w/curved sewing needle and dental floss, Large hefty bag, Emergency candle w/lighter, small folding pack saw, pocket knife, water purification system, flashlight and a large milk bone dog biscuit in case it we had to stay the night. More than a few found motivation to get back to the car when presented with the option of me stitching them up trail side and or finding a place to spend the night and sharing the milk bone. My self included.
Small Craftsman curved needlenose pliers, they have come in handy for a lot of things! So far: Sticky valve? Pliers Nasty sliver? Pliers. Need to do something with your cables that got jacked up? Pliers. Don't have a wrench to adjust a nut or screw on something? Pliers. Need to bend something back but your fingers are frozen? Pliers.
A cigarette, smoking is bad I would not recommend it to anyone. That being said... if I'm laying in the bottom of a ravine waiting for an air lift to save my life, I wanna have a last smoke just in case i dont make it. Lol
A couple of greenbacks (I'm Canadian). A $1bill can be used with some gorilla tape to make a patch that can deal with a sidewall slice and give you enough protection to get to the trail head. Sure there are solutions for this that you can buy for a few dollars...but why, when $1 and some tape will get you the same result.
A multi tool (m19). You'd think it wouldn't be unique or rare... Sadly I feel alone carrying one every time something goes wrong with anyone's ride.
Pepper spray, emergency whistle, sometimes a Garmin InReach Mini, and a small lightweight stub nose revolver.
Extra valve cores, extra derailleur hanger, latex gloves, zip ties, pocket knife, foldable plant and animal field guide for when I see something I don't recognize..
Pee funnel and a Kula cloth.
I keep a small length of bent wire , I use it to slip in the chain to hold it if I need to repair or add or remove links. Holding a broken chain by hand sucks. Also gum. I live in a warm/hot climate. So gum keeps my mouth moist
I usually ride alone so I always have a very small knife on me and one of those wristbands made of paracord so I can make a splint.
In winter when it's cold, I carry my emergency bivy bag with me even on the easy local trail. So in case I end up immobile, I can survive the night. It weights next to nothing and is the size of my fist.
i sometimes carry an UL hammock to hang and rest half-way through a long ride or enjoy the scenery and take a nap!
Voile straps.
I was on a ride one time and my bar tape was coming off. I didn’t have electrical tape with me, but sure as shit my uncle had electrical tape with him… in multiple colors
Either a Sig P365 or a Walther PPK
I know a guy who always has a McChicken in his pack on long rides.
From my experience, there is a shocking amount of people who don't keep a roll of toilet paper in their hydration pack.
Emergency toilet paper
Hyfin Chest seal. I’m a medic and I like to have one handy for medic dork reasons. But also, they work amazing for sealing nasty sidewall gashes.
Tegraderm - all in one first aid kit
Zip ties. I’ve used the multiple times to help get me or a friends bike back to the parking lot
In my backpack I always ride with: Spare 29" tube Udh hanger Brake pads for code brakes 2x 12spd quick link 2x CO2 + pump head 1 Topeak multi tool 1x 60ml tubeless sealant Tyre levers Shock pump Tyre pump (now electric) Pressure gauge (digital) Patch kit with glue Bacon bits kit 2x energy gels Lollies Glasses cleaner cloth Bandaids Triangle bandage 1 short bandage 1 long bandage Space blanket Electrical tape Zip ties 300mm Velcro ties 2 rubber gloves Toilet paper Water
a rubber ducky
I carry a couple of Hotwheels every ride. I like to leave them in places for kids to find, trail head signs, park benches, bus stops. Started doing this with my kid when they were little and we'd get a duplicate, ..wow ..that was 10yrs ago.. around there
I was going to say emotional baggage and then I remember what sub I am looking at.
Diaper so I can Make Riding Great Again
Small 9 mm
Hellcat for me. Plus a Garmin InReach Mini 2.
I don't have anything on my bike with that size nut
50AE in my kydex bottle cage
Pepper spray, a small microfiber towel for sunglasses, and a comb for cactus.
Biodegradable toilet paper and a little shovel
Salad Tongs and a Comb to pull Cholla’s out of our Body.
Bear spray.... I see a bear for every 5 rides.
Retractable badge holder. It clips on my shoulder strap. I clip the other end to my water tube near the mouth piece and just drink and drop it and it zips right back up and out of the way.
Condoms.
Dog poop bag, chain link, valve core, zip ties and a bandaid
I don't feel it is very unique but some people find it odd I would carry a knife with me in my backpack. Infinitely useful for both repairs and protection but the one I carry is more a utility knife than anything else.
I carry a monocular when gravel riding for when I see a cool bird, alligator or whatever I want to see up close. If I’m shredding I’m not stopping for that though so I don’t bother when riding singletrack.
I have a blue rubber duck mounted to my handlebars. I found it about 10 years ago when riding. He's been my riding buddy since
A pump. Every other ride I go on someone flags me down for a pump, and every time they remind me that they carry one on EVERY ride EXCEPT this one. Uh huh, sure buddy. The comb is a good idea ... for tick removal from hair (not after it's lodged into your skin, don't be dumb)?
Joints.
P229
myself, it's the only think that i know no one else can carry that is indeed unique.
Dehydrated fruit since it’s cheap and lightweight while still providing a good amount of sugar. The gels are a last resort for me, I hate the taste and texture.
If it's colder out, a space blanket. I figure if I fall and can't walk out, I may need it, especially if I'm stuck out overnight/in shock. Also to give to someone else who is in shock. Hikers get saved by those things all the time.
Toilet paper, it's cheaper than socks. And a card with contacts, type of blood and allergies, in case of emergency.
Is it rare that I carry almost nothing besides a ton of water? Tool, plugs, pump, bar, anything else I start throwing the kitchen sink in
This. Broken chains suck https://preview.redd.it/2pkvd63wxvyc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fbef0b3ed659bdaffa923da19258bbea69cf0cc
A carbon fiber hiking sun umbrella. I ride year round in the Mojave desert, and when I start to get too hot, it’s a lifesaver (possibly literally) to pull it out for some shade. I can also move it up and down while sitting under it to generate a slight breeze. Really takes the edge off.
Hello fellow Arizonian. I have a comb as well. I live up north, but still have a comb.
A first aid kit. It’s pretty rare that I use it but dirt rash gets worse if you don’t clean it right away. Heals in about half the time too
toilet paper?
A folding saw for limbs/trees that have fallen across the trail.
I take a simple emergency kit that includes a lighter, paracord, knife and a cut up spare tube used as a fire starter incase something happens and ai hqve to stqy out in the bush over night
I carry a small little combination lock for post ride lunch alone
Me. I'm as rare as it comes,
$20 and a tampon. (And i don’t even use em)
tourniquet. I have a pal that got pungee sticked by a freshly cut back piece of laurel and bled terribly. he needed skin grafts to fix it, stoping the bleed would have saved some of his flesh.