What's in Your Seat Bag?

In a prior post, I talked about how to be prepared for a flat tire out on the road and suggested getting a seat bag to carry the necessary items.  Here we will look at what else we carry in our bags.

I carry all of the tools in my seat bags.  The road bike bag contents are below.

Contents of Steve's Seat Bag.

From the upper left:

Two spare tubes in disposable vinyl gloves.  (The gloves help to protect the tubes and can be worn for messy repairs on the road.  Take them off inside-out to deal with the mess.)

Tire Levers.  (Good ones are available from Pedro's, Park tool, Lezyne and others.)

Multi-tool.  (See discussion below.)

Presta-to-Schrader valve converter.  (Because I have it. :))
Park Tool "Super" self-adhesive patches.
Rema Tip Top vulcanizing patch kit.
A KMC "Quick Link" to fit the chain on this bike.
Band-Aids, Antiseptic wipes, and tape.
Couple of zip ties.  (Not in picture.)

The seat bag for my fitness bike is outfitted much the same, with at least one tube to fit that bike as well as tire levers and a patch kit.  The only thing I have to swap between bikes is the multi-tool which fits in a pouch in the cover of the bags.

Since Zelma rarely rides alone, her bag contents lean more toward first aid supplies.  Her road bike bag contents are below.

Contents of Zelma's Seat Bag.

Two tubes (again in disposable gloves).

Band-Aids and bandages.

Neosporin.

Benadryl (for bee stings, etc.)

Another Quick Link.

Hand cleaners.

Moleskin.

I also have the First Aid for Cyclists app on my Android phone, and I'm sure there is something comparable for the iPhone.

It's a tight fit with two narrow road tubes, but each of these loads fits in a Small Topeak Aero Wedge Pack.  (We use medium size bags on the fitness bikes.)  Topeak bags come in sizes from "Micro" to "XL", so there are a lot of options; not to mention other brands which also have a wide range of sizes available.  Check out a few different bags to see what size and features will work for you.

Loaded Topeak Aero Wedge Pack with new Selle Italia Flite 1990 saddle.

I always carry a compact multi-tool when out for a ride.  They can come in handy if you want to make an adjustment to your saddle or handlebars, or need to do something more serious.  (For example, I was able to replace a crank arm when it fell off of someone else's bike.)  You will also need a hex key (Allen wrench) to install a bottle cage, or a rack or fenders.

I have been using an earlier version of the Crank Brothers M17 for many years and like it.

Earlier Crank Brothers M17

This model includes a chain tool (on the left) and spoke wrenches (which I would only use in an emergency).  The list price is $28, but it is widely available for around $20.  The next lower model from Crank Brothers has 10 tools and lists for $20, but is only discounted to about $17.

Eventually you will need to replace your chain, and that will require a chain tool or taking the bike to a bike shop.  If you bring the bike in, they will charge about $10 to do this each time; so I would recommend spending a little more and buying a multi-tool that includes a chain tool.  This won't be as good as a dedicated chain tool, but will be fine for infrequent chain replacements.

A comparable tool from Topeak is the Hexus II, which also includes two tire levers and a chain hook.  For about $25, the Park Tool IB-3  includes a chain tool and one tire lever, but no Philips screwdriver.  Another option for around $25 is the Lezyne RAP-14, which doesn't have tire levers or a flat-head driver.  Though I have been happy with the M17, if I were buying today, I would probably choose the Topeak.

While there are cheap multi-tools available on Amazon and eBay, this is one area where I would recommend spending a little more for a quality name brand tool with all the features you may need in the future.  As I learned from Chris Allingham at The Virtual Weber Bullet site, "Buy the best, and only cry once."

Keep Moving