The Lightest Way To Pack Your Saddle Bag!

Inner tubes, multi-tools, tyre leavers... snacks! The list of must-have cycling accessories is endless. Worry not, Ollie is here to dispel all saddlebag myths and share some of his well-earned knowledge on how to pack the best Saddle bag.

00:00 Lets get going!
00:42 The Bag
01:46 Inner tubes
02:38 Tubeless plugs
03:36 Tyre leavers
04:02 Tyre boot
04:44 Multi tool
06:52 CO2 & pumps
09:14 Weight

Useful Links:

Do you keep anything extra in your saddlebag? Let us know in the comments 👇

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[sarahtoustra]

A chain breaker tool is still useful in case the rear derailleur itself breaks or detaches from the frame. You can cut the chain and go home in single-sprocket mode without the rear derailleur.

[ricmcgillgopro]

I reached out to TOPEAK re: the saddlebag with the tools shown at 1:45. The TOPEAK team told me that the product will be available in the US late March 2024, it will be called the Elementa Seatbag Pro with Essential Tools. Nick with TOPEAK went above and beyond to find out this information for me. I will be buying this as soon as its on the market.

[ytyehyeh]

Great tip to put the multi-tool inside disposable gloves! The only brand of multi-tool I've had develop rust on me is a Crank Brothers one. I think I'll add one of the countless desiccant packs I've got in the gloves with the tool.

[matthewvelo]

Nice set up. I'd add a quick link and a $20 note for a meal or emergency taxi into mine.

[captainbozo]

My saddlebag is a slightly bigger waterproof one by Ortlieb and I also pack a few more things that I find useful:
- a 20 € bill because here in Germany some places still only take cash
- my health insurance card and ID
- Puncture patches
- a tiny first aid kit with band aids, leukosilk, tick removal tweezers and a bandage as well as some antiseptic spray
- a chain quick link
- zip ties
- a tyre pressure checker instead of the CO2 cartridge
- disk brake pad spacers
Also I ride with clinchers so I don't need the tubeless specific supplies :P

[askmeaboutmattweiner]

Also a spare boa dial, cleat bolt, valve extender, and a tiny tube of sunscreen. All takes up no space and brings a ton of peace of mind

[gerbryf]

I carry a Tyre Glider instead of levers, it makes changing a tyre a breeze, just what you want on the roadside.
2x CO2 cartridges, tpu tube or two, mini tool thing and some patches. I also have a mini pump, packed in my gillet in my pocket. I should probably include a 'boot' of some type, some black insulating tape and a few zipties, thanks for the vid and comments for these additions.

[Gmac]

Thanks very useful. I can’t find the Topeak saddle bag & ratchet. Please share the link for this product.

[komoonkh]

You should always carry a few zipties in there. They weight nothing and they can help in so many cases.

[HighFell]

Chain tool and a quick link, absolutely! On gravel bike I have the bigger bag, because I use it all the time and I keep the lock in there. Another tip, something to get the valve retaining nut off with if you run tubeless or you are not getting a tube in there!

[kimwrinkle]

Ollie, What Topeak saddle bag model (with minitools included) is this? Thank you!

[mmaciek]

I have also adapter between Presta and Schrader valves. Spare TPU tube and patches for TPU tubes

[AlbaTech]

The chain tool isn't for the unlikely scenario of a snapped chain. It's there to help fellow cyclists convert their bike to single speed after they have mangled their rear deraileur in their back wheel on a LEJOG trip* and they weren't carrying a spare mech hanger (not mentioned here).
*Actually happened.

[zdm]

As a bike mechanic of 10 years I've seen almost zero chains broken from wear, or rust. It happens, but not often. THe vast majority come apart at the pins from shifting under load - most often on a mountain bike.

[lukaspopik]

throw in few alcohol wipes. theyll help clean innertube before patching, clean your disc rotor if needed, clean glasses and clean your wounds when you crash :)

[DavidMulligan]

I also carry a spare chain quick-link, pre-glued patches, tiny plastic valve core tool, zip ties, and a valve extender. For the valve extender I carry the type which works without removing the valve core which is the opposite of what I normally use. None of these extras add much weight but each and every one has saved my bacon or the bacon of a team mate.
A better place to carry spare electrical tape is around your seat tube. It doubles as a size indicator. The tape will experience less wear and tear than it would in your pocket or in your saddle bag.

[Featinwe]

4:44 - WolfTooth makes multitools that can be stored in any handlebar. They are easy to access and very very handy and even include plugs. You use the instead of a bar cap. Absolutely brilliant!

[stevereaburn]

Recently upgraded to a KOM cycling Bag with integrated rear Garmin Varia mount. The only one on the market that I could find. it holds : 2 x tubes, 2 x co2 & inflator, multi tool, maybe a mini power bank, 2 x tyre levers & tyre re-hook.

[bleckb]

My tire levers double as a chain quick link tool. Always carry that, a quick link or two, and chain breaker because the worst has happened, and it was no fun.

[Atis]

I always have a presta to schrader valve adapter with me. Either in my bag or on my wheel just in case I have to borrow a schrader pump or use a gas station pump. I had a hand pump fail on me during a roadside repair once.