As I’m moving into longer distance bike training (4-6 hours+), assistance (my wife in my truck!) may not be readily available. Other than an extra tube, tire tools, c02, etc. is there anything else that I need to carry? Anything for those “I’ll never need that” situations. Perhaps a multi-tool? Also, what might work best to carry these things? I’ve read of carrying in an extra h20 bottle. A bag at the rear of the saddle. Any experience with the X-lab stuff. If so, how did you set it up?
Thanks
I was in one of my LBS the other day and there is a company that makes a container that fits in your water bottle rack to hold all that stuff - if you dont want to go the bag route.
For what it is worth, i have been riding solo for years on long course training and IM training rides. I usually carry 1-2 spare tubes, 2 co2 carts, repair kit for flats, tire levers, cell phone, ID, debit card, and a some cash (can be doubled as a boot or to get some extra nutrition when needed). I have one of the containers the last guy spoke of regarding the container to store your stuff in a bottle cage setup. It looks similar to a bottle that slides in the bottle cage, but opens up and you can put all kinds of stuff in there. My problem is it doesn’t fit very smooth into my carbon bottle cages and was more bulky than i was used to. I just have one of the little zip pouches that Innovations put out http://www.trisports.com/intireinwa.html, wrap that and my spare tubes with some velcro straps and strap it into a spare bottle cage. I also use the never reach for hydration with a seperate bottle for just water in the other bottle cage. This is usually what i run out of and have to stop to get more of is the water since i only start with 20 oz of H2O. With the NeverReach, I don’t really have a good location for a saddle bag so this has been my solution for the past 4 years and it works great *and yes i have flatted in a few races!
Hope that helps…happy Trails!
I always carry a small multi-tool. It saved me on a 1/2 when my front derailleur cable came loose (Which the bike check guys had “readjusted” for me). Without the correct hex wrench to re-tighten the cable I would have been hosed.
I just started to ride and race with an X-lab super wing. I like it, although the one drawback when racing is the water bottles make it more difficult to do the flying mount and dismount. If I don’t swing my leg high enough, it knocks into the water bottle and it drops. I have a tubular tire with valve extender taped underneath the super wing, two bottle holders (X-lab gorrila cages-no problems yet with ejections), two CO2 and an inflator on the X-nut. I also have room for an additional small bag for tools, keys, credit card, cash…whatever, but I don’t currently use the bag. I dig the system, although all in all it was pricey.
Just buy a P4…it comes with a built in fairing, I mean crap holder.
gotta love pink
Buy an extra wedge bag. Fill with extra crap. Toss in jersey pocket. 
Had to use a dollar to boot a tire today. First time.
Also add a small hand pump to the jersey pocket. CO2 isn’t infallible.
-Jot
A gift for the triathlete that has everything…P4, the $10K crap holder!
If you are ok on those long rides with only 1 water bottle, then a holder in your spare cage is good. If not, get a large seatback bag.
Here’s what I’d plan to bring:
At least 1 tube. For extra risk control you can bring a 2nd or a patch kit. co2 inflator and 2 co2 cartridges…and KNOW how to use them on your bike by practicing first. $5 in cash Tire irons Small multi-tool Some form of ID (consider an ID bracelet) Cell Phone
Thanks for the input. I found the “Cage Rocket”, plastic storage container that fits in the bottle holder. I’ll try that. Between that and the jersey pockets I should be able to pack for the weekend. The multi-tool I’ll have to get, as well as learn to do the things that would require the tool 
I had the tubes, the levers, c02…I bought a small Blackburn hand pump, good suggestion,thanks. I used Vittoria Pit stop twice. The first time was a learning experience, I looked like I had been covered with silly string.
Mike
I have the following on both my Tri and Road bikes:
2 tubes
2 16g Co2s
1 tire lever (never needed 2)
Air Putter In Thingy - I think they are Planet Bike ones
A mostly used roll of electrial tape squished flat
3 Allen Wrenchs (Aero Bars, Stem, Seat Post, Bottle Cages, etc.)
$2 in change
$10 cash
spoke wrench
2 Large Rubber Bands around outside of seat bag
All this goes in a seat bag attached under my profile design behind the seat bottle holder.
I use a Road ID on my ankle so they can identify the body.
That has gotten me through.
I have a xlab carbon seat thingy. I have 2 co2 bottles with co2 head on it. Every once in a while co2 gets loose and one falls off. I put the tube inside of it tightly and velcro. I have a bento box up front for foor couple allen wrenches, multi tool. and tire lever . Most I have done is 54miles up 54 miles back. I do like xlab only because it works and I have a carbon fetish.
A tip for carrying electrical tape…if you are a stickler for traveling light…wrap electrical tape around your water bottle or a frame tube or seat post. It’s pretty much like it’s not there and you can unwrap and use as necessary.