You are on fire today. Weaving through corners, punching up pinches, looking back to see the suffering on your fellow riders' faces...it is a good day. Suddenly, as you look back, you hit a pot hole which is oh-so-common on our roads. The accompanying ...HISSSSS signals the dreaded but eventual puncture, and you begrudgingly shout out "MECHANICAL!".
The importance of a good tool kit should never be underestimated. In moments like the above, you are tested as a cyclist not only by your riding abilities, but also by your knowledge with how efficiently/fast you can get back on the road. A well thought out ERC (Every Ride Carry) provides you with the confidence to travel further and ride harder whilst minimising your reliance on other cyclists in the bunch.
CCACHE explores 4 different ways of kitting out your ERC below and the types of riders they likely to benefit.
Disclaimer - Always take into consideration your locality and your specific needs as a cyclist (eg: a fixie/ss rider would need slightly different tools to accompany their tool kit). Hopefully this article inspires you to go through your ERC and re-think what you actually need and do not need.
The "Weight Weenie" Rider
Lives life on the edge, taking only the absolute bare minimum to get out of a pickle. Sometimes leaves the multi-tool at home to reduce weight even further, because they already spent countless hours tuning/fiddling around with their bike, compulsively getting everything dialled in.
1. Sandwich zip-lock bag
2. Zipp Tangente SL Tube
3. Voxom WKL6 Multi Tool
4. Barbieri Piranha CO2 Inflator
5. CO2 Canister 16g
6. Lightweight Tyre Lever
7. Tyre Patches
The "Pockets-Ain't-Empty" Rider
Prefers to carry everything in their back pocket. Runs a saddle-mounted light so they can take two bottles for their 100km+ rides. Their kit-fit is immaculate, so back-pocket sag is kept to an absolute minimum, even when carrying all of the below.
1. Rapha Essentials Case
2. Michelin A1 AirStop Tube
3. Voxom WKL7 Multi Tool
4. Barbieri Piranha CO2 Inflator
5. CO2 Canister 16g
6. Lightweight Tyre Lever
7. Tyre Patches
The "Man's-Not-Thirsty" Rider
Hates having any weight on their back. Only does sub-50km rides so doesn't require two bidons. Memorises all water refuel spots along a route, so they can top-up and stay adequately hydrated on a longer rides.
1. CCACHE Stealth Tool Bottle
2. Continental Race 28 Light Tube
3. Voxom WKL6 Multi Tool
4. Barbieri Piranha CO2 Inflator
5. CO2 Canister 16g
6. Lightweight Tyre Lever
The "Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink" Rider
Never gets stuck. Ever. Would carry more spares if possible. Always ready to help if anyone else has a double puncture. Thinks "Weight-Weenie" Rider is very irresponsible.
1. Silca Seat Roll Premio
2. Continental Race 28 Tube x 2
3. Voxom WKL8 Multi Tool
4. Barbieri Piranha CO2 Inflator
5. CO2 Canister 16g x 2
6. Lightweight Tyre Lever x 2
7. $10 Dollar Note
8. Lightweight Valve Extender
BONUS - The "Euro Tubs Only" Rider
Tub riders never puncture anyways ;)