If only it were actually as easy as just getting on your bike and rolling down the driveway. It's not just you and the bike — it's bottles, a spare tube, a pump/inflator, some food, a multi-tool, phone, keys, ID ... . It's a long list.
With the assistance of a seat pack, most of that stuff is easily handled and out of the way. Here's how the GamJams Ambassadors handle the cycling essentials:
- Karen gets things started by going straight for the ... umm ... well, you know ... junk. "So now, whenever I think of bike bags, that's the first thing that pops into my mind ... a set of brass ones, swinging wildly." It's a long story.
- Over at bikerackheads, there's an aversion to losing all of your stuff all over the road, which may or may not be in view of a schoolbus full of children near the zoo. The Pedro's Blowout Seatpack would never let that happen. "Take it from me, trying to gather a patch kit scattered over Connecticut Avenue during rush hour is not fun."
- The Flamenco Chuckwagon has a small Timbuk2 bag that has been raced, but also left behind. "What I've found is that any seat bag small enough to not annoy your legs is going to be too small to carry enough stuff without resorting to your pockets on longer rides."
- At Algomaha, I'm a firm believer in using the seat bag to its fullest potential. Jersey pockets should be for food and phones only. "Who wants to reach for some food and end up with a tire lever?"
- You know what's really pro? Not carrying anything at all, but relying upon your team car to bring the needed supplies. You know, just like it happens at District Velocity. "A team car or teammate is the only acceptable way to carry a spare tube, a multi-tool and an inflator."
- Sigberto uses a seat pack that's small and secure. Downsides? It's causing unnecessary wear on his kit. " ... if I don't hide the loose edge of the Velcro strap, it rubs my shorts."
Upcoming reviews: Recovery drinks (July 30), socks (August 6).
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About GamJams Reviews:
All
cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices.
We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product
after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective
expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles
designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what
pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of
fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement
that really counts.
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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske is a professional writer and Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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I don't use a saddle scrotum. If you can't fit it in your jersey, you don't need it.
Posted by: Brian | July 23, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I agree with that last point. It's so much easier to focus and concentrate when you don't have to worry about holding anything.
-jack
Posted by: consumer reviews | July 23, 2009 at 08:31 PM