Here at the Bicycle Chain we’re already looking forward to the summer months when the trails firm up and we can get out all day. If you read our ‘how to ride an off-road century’ blog, you may well have the bug too. Today we’re going to take a closer look at how and where to store all your stuff on a long ride.
Pocket fillers
Long rides mean stuffed back pockets and trying to fill every little space in your jersey with bars, gels, tools and tubes. Pockets provide easy access and are oh-so convenient as you don’t have to get off your bike to access them. However, there are some even easier ways to stash your items on a long ride.
On-the-go storage
When it comes to frame bags, the Bicycle Chain is your one stop shop for all your possible needs. The best adventures and big bike tours mean you’re going to need some serious kit, and we’ve got the big-ticket items to cater for exactly that, keeping the weight on the bike and off your back.
Then at the other end of the scale, we do of course stock a wide range of seat packs, ideal for your keys, wallet, spares and food.
Seat packs may well be the norm for minimal on-the-bike storage, but there are plenty of other options too, like head tube, top tube and frame packs. Where there’s space, there’s a bag for it.
Portable pumps
Pumps are one of the most important items for a long ride but can be quite unwieldy. The best pumps find the balance between performance and portability and can be stored easily enough in a bag or back pocket, or even on the frame. The SWATô Conceal from Specialized is ideal as it stores a multi-tool and chain breaker inside the steerer tube of a suspension fork – all the tools you need with as little clutter as possible. Flat pack cases with CO2 cannisters and patches are also incredibly portable and will help you out of most sticky situations.
Neat and tidy – Giant’s clutch tool system
Giant have introduced an ingenious new system designed to banish the need for a backpack or seat bag, instead packing all your things into the bike itself. They do this with four main storage spaces which include:
Come and see the clutch system for yourself and how it works on Giant’s mountain bike range. We have the Reign, Trance and Fathom in stock online and in store.
Staying hydrated
One of, if not the most important thing to stay on top of during an adventure is your hydration and nutrition. If you don’t mind riding with a backpack, the 20 litre Camelbak hydration pack should tick all the boxes as there is enough space for a large bladder with plenty of room left over for all the kit, tools and food you could possibly need. However, this could be a bit too cumbersome for riders who are looking to pack light. If that describes you, we have plenty of smaller hydration solutions which should suit.
There you have it, our guide on where to keep your tools, kit and food when you’re out on a long off-road adventure. To find out more about our on bike storage solutions, come in to one of our stores find the right kit for your journey. You can also chat to a member of staff who will be happy to assist you with all your cycling and adventure needs.
