What to Pack in Your Saddle Bag
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Essentials for Every Ride
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of two wheels, the wind at your back, and the road stretching out in front of you. But whether you're gunning for a local KOM or just out for a Sunday coffee spin, one thing's for sure — a mechanical mid-ride can turn your blissful breakaway into a long walk in cleats.
Enter the humble saddle bag: your under-the-seat sidekick. It’s not glamorous. It’s not flashy. But when your tyre gives up or your chain decides to throw a tantrum, that little pouch becomes your lifeline. So, what exactly should go in it?
Let’s unzip the mystery.
Why You’ll Love It … The Core Kit Checklist
1. SPARE TUBE – YOUR RIDE RESURRECTOR
Even if you're tubeless, pack a tube. A sidewall gash or dodgy valve stem could have you stranded if you’re caught unprepared.
2. TYRE LEVERS – SMALL BUT SAVAGE
These plastic warriors help you muscle your tyre off the rim without breaking your thumbs. Don’t ride without them unless you like suffering more than necessary.
3. MULTI-TOOL – THE POCKET-SIZED PROBLEM SOLVER
Loose bottle cage? Slipping seatpost? Chain dropout? A decent multi-tool with hex keys and a chain breaker can be the difference between pedaling home or phoning a friend.
4. CO₂ INFLATOR + CARTRIDGE (OR MINI PUMP) – AIR TO SPARE
CO₂ is fast and compact — perfect for race days. A mini pump never runs out. Choose your weapon, but whatever you do, don’t forget your inflator head. (Yes, that’s a thing.)
5. PATCH KIT – BEYOND THE TUBE
If you blow through your spare tube, a patch kit is your plan B. Modern self-adhesive ones are quick, easy, and take up no space. Just add elbow grease.
Bonus Bits for the Ride-Ready Cyclist
6. QUICK LINK – A SNAP DECISION SAVIOUR
A broken chain doesn’t mean game over if you’ve got a quick link and a multi-tool with a chain breaker. Just remember to get the one that matches your chain speed.
7. CASH / CARD – OLD SCHOOL STILL RULES
Some cafes still don’t do tap-and-go. Plus, cash can MacGyver a tyre boot in a pinch. Pro tip: tuck a folded note in your patch kit.
8. I.D. & EMERGENCY INFO – JUST IN CASE
Accidents happen. Ride smart: carry your ID and emergency contact number. A small card with your details can speak for you when you can’t.
9. ENERGY GEL OR SNACK – BONK-PROOF YOUR RIDE
One sneaky gel stashed in your bag might save your ride (and your pride) when you run out of steam halfway up Suikerbossie.
What You Want to Know …
At Ride Free®, we’re all about the ride — the gear, the grind, the glory. But even the best rides can hit a speed bump, and a well-packed saddle bag is your insurance policy for adventure. Whether you’re dodging potholes in the city or chasing horizons on gravel, knowing your kit is sorted lets you focus on the real goal: riding free.
So, take a few minutes to load up your saddle bag right. Then clip in, pedal on, and conquer the road with confidence — because when the unexpected hits, you’ll be the one who’s ready.
Ride prepared. Ride smart. Ride Free®.