Bike riding is a commonly enjoyed hobby across age groups and cultures. After all, it’s a fun and entertaining way to soak up the great outdoors while getting some valuable exercise in! In fact, some studies show that riding a bicycle daily can actually help you to live longer. If you are someone who is interested in longer bike trips rather than short rides down the street, you’ll need to be prepared. The best way to ensure the greatest experience is to make sure you’re ready for the unexpected. Here are five essential items to stash in your bike’s saddlebag before leaving the house.
Wallet/ID
Firstly, it goes without saying that you’ll need to have some form of identification on you for your trip. You never know what can happen, especially if you’ll be sharing the road with other fast-moving vehicles. Although an accident would be the worse-case scenario, an ID is mandatory in these situations. Additionally, bring some extra cash in your wallet for emergencies, as there may be a moment where you need to stop at a supply store for spare bike tools. It’s best to leave credit cards and other important financial data at home since losing these is a much bigger deal than losing track of a couple of notes.
Spare Contact Lenses
For those that require eye assistance to see properly, there’s no doubt that an extra pair of contact lenses is needed for bike trips, no matter how far you plan on going. Bikers normally prefer contacts to eyeglasses when riding as they are less obtrusive but having a backup set is important because you never know when they may fall out due to a sudden gust of wind or other unforeseen circumstance. Fortunately, you can order contacts online without prescription that will arrive on your doorstep the next day, so you can be fully prepped for your cycling adventure, even at the last minute. After all, your vision is arguably the most important thing when riding!
Backup Lights
If you’re planning a bike trip that’s likely to last all day and well into the evening, having a spare bike light is very necessary. This is an item that should fit neatly into your bike’s saddlebag without taking up too much room, so don’t worry if you fear that you lack space. Bike lights are what allow other cars to see you at night, so they are truly a must. If you prefer reflective cycling clothing to extra bike lights, just be sure that your apparel has a high level of visibility for safety purposes.
Multi-Tool
Next up is the multi-tool, a classic all-in-one tool solution that all bike riders need to own. They normally incorporate several functions like screwdriver bits, scissors, magnifying glasses and more in one unit so that little jobs or quick fixes can be done without needing an entire toolbox of supplies. Although not every single problem you might run into can be solved with this helpful item, it should be able to hold you over until you reach the nearest bike shop. At the end of the day, riding without a multi-tool is like jet-setting off on a tropical vacation without your swimsuit – it just doesn’t make sense! If you need help choosing the right one for you, check out this guide to the best multi-tools for avid riders.
CO2 Inflator and Canister
It’s important to pack light when preparing for a bike trip, so we recommend bringing a CO2 inflator and canister rather than a bike pump. These are compact and extremely useful when you need to quickly inflate a tube. Just pay close attention when attaching the nozzle as missing the insertion hole could mean that air leaks everywhere but the place you need it most. This is why most people like to stay on the safe side and carry two, instead of just one.
