How to pack for a bike ride The five essentials you should always carry and the secret art of packing them correctly

How to pack for a bike ride The five essentials you should always carry and the secret art of packing them correctly

There’s nothing better than cutting loose on the open road, but there’s some essential gear you should take with you on every bike ride and there’s an art to packing it correctly. Watch the video to learn more about the five things you should bring on every ride and the best way to pack them.

The five things you should bring on every ride

1. Lights

Daytime running lights are essential on every ride. Using them is the single most impactful step you can take toward standing out to motorists. Bontrager DRLs are designed specifically for visibility in all hours of the day, even when the sun is shining, and they can be seen from up to 2km away.

See Bontrager Daytime Running Lights

2. Flat Kit

Flat tires are a reality of riding, but they don’t have to mean the end of your ride. With the right gear and little knowledge, you’ll never get stranded because of a puncture. Your flat kit should contain a spare tube, a way to inflate it (CO2 cartridges and inflator or mini-pump), a multi-tool, tire levers, and patches.

See Bontrager’s all-in-one flat pack

3. Water and food

It’s never fun to run out of energy on the road. It’s a good idea to bring a couple of gels, bars, and chews on your ride. And of course, don’t forget to bring water to keep hydrated. You should expect to drink at least one full water bottle for every hour of riding, and more depending on the weather, your effort, and what your body needs.

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4. Warmer clothes

Nothing turns a good ride bad like getting cold and wet. What you pack for extra clothing depends on the season and where you live, but if there’s a chance of cooler weather or rain on your ride, be sure to pack some extra gear like arm warmers, gloves, a vest, or a rain jacket. All of these items are light and packable, and you’ll be glad you have them if you need them.

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5. Cell phone, cash, credit card, and ID

Think of these items as your mini survival kit. In a worst-case scenario, this is what you’ll really need. Always carry a phone, a little cash, a credit card, and your ID.

The perfect ride wallet for your essentials

Ready to ride but missing something on the list above? No stress! Visit trekbikes.com and get everything shipped directly to your home.

Bike tools & maintenance

From portable Bontrager multi-tools to Park Tool work stands and tools for professional suspension and bearing maintenance, this is where you'll find all the bike tools you need to repair and maintain your ride.
See bike tools

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