I met a cyclist who asked if I was on tour? No I said just out for a short ride to stretch the old legs! What confuse him and it does to many cyclists I meet, is my large saddlebag. I`ve always ridden with a saddlebag unless camping then it would be panniers. When I told this cyclist what I carry in my saddlebag he seemed a bit shocked! As all he carries is a mobile phone and a energy drink, and if he gets a puuncture or anything a phone call to the wife and out she comes with the car to collect him!
I`ve met a few cyclists in my time that never carry spares and I`ve always like a mug stop to help them out if I can, and normally it one of my spare inner tube I give away!
Anyway what`s in my saddlebag, well I always have a waterproof strapped on the top of the saddlebag even in the middle of a heatwave. In my tool pouch which fits nicely in a side pocket: puncture repair kit,3 tyre levers, assortment of spanners & allen keys, small screwdriver, small pilers, small penkife, spoke key, chain link extractor, small tube of oil and spare gear/brake cable.
In other side pocket my wallet, mobile phone, then in the main compartment 2 spare inner tubes, disposable gloves & rag, first aid kit, camera, notebook & pen, spare glasses, and lock. If I`m out all day then a packed lunch even though I may go into a cafe/pub for lunch. But on all my rides I always carry a couple of slices of Soreen Malt loaf, which I find will keep the bonk or hunger knock away.
