Quick Tip: When Did You Last Check Your Bike Bag?

Your saddlebag can become a junk drawer over time. When was the last time you opened yours and checked to see what’s actually in it? If you don’t get a lot of flats, it might have been quite a while.

Maybe you put a punctured tube back in the bag, meaning to replace it when you got home. Or you used your last CO₂ cartridge and forgot to add a new one. Your tubeless repair tool might be out of plugs or darts. And those tire levers? They could still be on the workbench.

Before your next ride, empty the bag and check each item. Is the spare tube ready to use and the right size for your tires? Does its valve fit your rims? Do you have the supplies needed to fix a flat and inflate the tire afterward?

Check your multitool against your bike, too. Several Allen keys will not help if the bolt you need to turn has a star-shaped Torx head. Make sure you have the correct types and sizes for the repairs you know how to make.

Remove trash and replace anything used, damaged, or missing. Pack everything so you can find it easily.

A bike bag is easy to forget about until you need it. A few minutes checking it at home can prevent a much longer stop beside the road, or having to borrow tire tools or a tube from your riding buddy who hopefully came more prepared.

When was the last time you got burned by not having the right thing in your bag?