Like barnacles on an ocean liner, a few practical little items are now stowing away on my road bike. I guess it was inevitable that riding for daily errands would affect my “sport” riding beyond riding to the start of a group ride. These little guys give me many of the conveniences on a proper city bike, like not having to rush home before twilight or being able to stop on the way home for a bite to eat or to pick up something at the store.
Fortunately, they’re small enough to fit in one hand. Or and more importantly, to fit in my small seat bag.
These little guys came in particularly handy last Saturday after our long 60+ mile training ride for the Solvang Century. The route was relatively flat, so we made the mistake of not really eating much. By the end we were ravenous. We shared a belated lunch at Cafe Vitale, which has a bike rack out front. I pulled out my micro-lock and enjoyed my well-earned meal without worrying about leaving Black Beauty hitched out front.
On the way home, I stopped to get a few items for dinner at the New Mountain View Market downtown and locked her up again. The market’s new owners are converting it from a strictly Chinese market to a broader American market without losing the Chinese products they’re known for. I grabbed a few items, stuffed them in my nylon musette bag and pedaled home before sunset. No need for my little bike lights this time.
Here are the details on my micro-sized gear:
Locked The lock is a Terrier Roller Mini from OnGuard. To urban dwellers, it’s laughably insecure. But in the ‘burbs it provides the coffee shop level of security that works for short stops.
Loaded My musette bag is one of many freebies I got from cycling events. It’s just two pieces of nylon stitched together with a cotton twill strap and a velcro closure, but it works great. The closest ones I’ve seen for sale are from Jandd, Realcyclist and Banjo Brothers.
Lit Aren’t these the cutest little lights? They’re Amuse lights from Infini. I like the way they blend into Black Beauty’s frame when they’re turned off, but flash or glow brilliantly when they’re turned on. Sweet and safe.
What are the practical little items you have tucked away in your road bike’s seat bag? Is there a story behind how they ended up there?
One woman. Many bicycles. 
Rachel Unger
February 7, 2012 at 4:56 pm
I probably carry more than I need to – if I’m out and about with the chance of stopping, I have a full u-lock and cable. I’ve got kleenex and hand sanitizer (oh, camping, the things you learn…) and twist ties left over from attaching all of those bells for my bike for Christmas. I had forgotten about a velcro strap from… something?… and it became a great place to add a clip with paper directions for group rides.
ladyfleur
February 7, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I rarely plan these things, which is why I keep the basics on the bike. If know I’ll be out after dark, I’ll take a real lock. If I know I’ll be carrying stuff, I take a real messenger bag. Ditto for taking a real lock for a real stop. I keep these little guys on board cause I hate not being able to do things on a whim.