Saddle Bag - Tool Bottle - Handlebar Bag - Pros & Cons

by David Cornell

As cyclists, we should always carry small essentials with us when out riding. Depending on the length or duration of the ride, the things we carry with us will vary. At a minimum, it is strongly advised to have all of the parts and tools to change a flat tire. With that being said, these are the items you should never be without;

  • Spare Inner-Tube or Patch Kit
  • Mini Pump or Co2 Kit
  • Small Multi-Tool
  • Tire Lever

If the ride is considered to be long or you will be riding in areas known to have rough roads, it is advised to bring an additional tube and perhaps larger multi-tool with features such as a chain-breaker.

Now for how to carry these essentials.

There are multiple options and ways to carry your stuff with you when riding. From stuffing your jersey pockets with all of your essentials to placing them inside of a bag and strapping it somewhere on your bike, these are the most common methods being used; 

Stuffed in Jersey

Pros: No need to strap anything or technically carry the goods on your bike.

Cons: Extra weight on your back, possible bulging, and sometimes slight discomfort when riding

 

Saddle Bag

Pros: Depending on size, can sometimes fit a fair amount of goods.

Cons: Often considered very unsightly, may be difficult to access quickly depending on design, increases wind resistance / drag, and can sometimes alter handling of bike depending on weight

 

Bar Bag

Pros: Can fit a lot of stuff

Cons: Usually disrupts handlebar real estate / hands on the center of the bars. Significantly reduces aerodynamics / increases drag. Can cause wear on your frame and or other parts of your bike as a result of constant rubbing

 

Tool Bottle - Storage Bottle - Keg - Pod

Another common option is the use of what’s called a ‘tool bottle’, ‘storage bottle’, ‘keg’, and or ‘pod’.

These are most commonly used for those who can’t stand the idea of strapping a bag under their saddle for multiple reasons.

Pros: Clean and minimal design. Can fit more than enough goods.

Cons: Takes up one bottle cage and doesn’t provide any hydration

 

dib bottle

 

Now for dib bottle. We designed dib bottle taking into consideration all of the above;

  • We don’t like stuffing our jersey pockets full
  • We don’t like using saddle bags, bar bags, or any bags
  • We don’t like sacrificing an entire bottle cage for a tool / keg / pod

Our patented design combines both storage and hydration into one bottle. Compatible with all bike cages and made in the United States, the storage section of dib bottle fits a flat kit perfectly. Please note we strongly recommend Race-Light Tubes (That fold up nice and thin) and a small bike multi-tool, such as our MT8, to save space.

Featuring a modular design, dib bottle is available in two separate hydration capacities; 10.8fl.oz, 16.2fl.oz, or our best selling bundle, which includes both size hydration bottles and one storage bottle.

dib bottle is the ultimate solution for anyone looking to carry minimal essentials and not sacrifice aerodynamics, weight, or all of their hydration for when carrying their flat kit / tools on a ride.

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