Tom A. wrote:
Ai_1 wrote:
My thoughts exactly. I've had a small pump mounted permanently on each of my bikes since I got them, and a repair kit and multitool resides permanently in a small saddle bag on each. I really find the preference by many cyclists for filling pockets with unnecessary crap simply to look more "pro" by eschewing saddle bags and frame mounted pumps absurd. Not only is it uncomfortable but you risk forgetting essential kit as you've pointed out, it uses up space you may want for food/clothing/phone, and it may even increase risk of injury in a fall if you have large, hard metal objects in a pocket. Professional cyclists don't have saddle bags because they have support cars instead. Copying them in this respect is just stupid.
I consider CO2 optional but a pump essential.
The interesting thing is...it was observing the habits of some local pros' training setups (typically full-size frame pumps wedged into their carbon frames in various locations) that influenced my own setup. Even they don't have follow cars on long-slog training rides.
In other words, a frame pump and a decent saddle bag IS the way to "look pro" ;-)
....but you see they look pro, not "pro"! ;-)
I do find it weird how unashamedly interested in emulating the appearance of the pro peloton some cyclists are, regardless of their ability. I'm not surprised actual professionals who spend huge hours training keep things practical. I would, and do, even as a mediocre triathlete/enthusiast cyclist.