I have a fantastic Dakine hydration pack that holds everything I need for my regular rides that include regular stops/ rests, so I don’t mind having extra weight due to extra water, jacket/ shell, tools, food, and anything else I or a riding buddy might need when something happens.
I do the occasional race, team event(Gore) or sometimes sneak out for a very short ride and was wondering what the best option is for carrying nothing more than water(not a huge amount), an air cartridge, a tube and a set of tire levers???
I am not a water bottle and stick it in the back of my jersey/ tool pouch on seat kind of rider, so a minimalist hydration pack is what I am looking for…
I used to have a MEC Fountain until I upgraded to something bigger, and I really liked it. I think it held a 1.5L or 2L bladder and had a couple of pockets that would hold a couple of tools. Also, I think I have a bag in buried in my storage unit that just has room for a bladder and a couple of tools that I’d be willing to part with, I’ll be emptying the unit on April 1st and I can try to remember to keep an eye out for it if you’re interested.
Another option if you are riding tubeless is to go without the tube and bring along a few tire plugs and a CO2.
Ive always been able to get a tire to seal with a plug and fresh sealant in the tire.
I carry a water bottle on the frame, a 15g cartridge taped to the downtube, with inflator and tire plugs in my shorts pocket.
I keep it all in a little sleeve so I don’t stab myself with the plug install thing. I always find it easier and faster to plug the tire versus trying to get a tubeless tire off and getting sealant over everything. I also tend to run 800g+ tubeless ready tires that are a little more robust. Obviously if you aren’t riding tubeless or run light weight tires this solution wont work.
