What do we actually need to enjoy a few precious hours on the trail?
As a mountain bike guide I often resemble something closer to a pack horse than a cyclist, and so I have come to treasure the opportunity to ‘ride light’ whenever possible.
But as with the pursuit of tyre pressure perfection, balancing ‘riding light’ with still being able to get out of trouble has taken time, consideration and innovation from some of the industry’s finest.
First to go was the 8-person survival shelter, swiftly followed by the emergency blanket and first aid kit – it’s not that crashes don’t happen but the odds are better with only one rider – touch wood etc etc.
So now the bag is empty, what do we (i) actually need?
Step 1: ONEUP 100cc EDC Pump + EDC V2 Tool – £134.98
It took me a while to take the plunge on OneUp’s Swiss army pump. Like many mountain bikers, I already had a multi-tool, and a mini-pump. I even had a clever KMC chain tool that stowed a quick link and doubled as a bottle opener.
But once the EDC Pump arrived it was that instant feeling of regret for not having got one sooner. The 100cc seemed like the obvious choice. I’ve never really got on with CO2 cartridges and if the tubeless sealant hasn’t worked well enough for a hand pump then I’ll be sticking a tube in, so might as well have a bigger pump and the extra storage capacity it offers.
The addition of the EDC V2 multi-tool has everything you’d need for trail side repairs, it’s well made and has always worked when called upon. I then tuck the following in the storage capsule:
- Tyre boot
- £20 note
- Bacon strips
- Cable ties
- Quick link
Before we get to Step 2, there needs to be a special mention for the adjustable bracket, purely for the fact that it make this whole system oh so tidy.
*OneUp also offers a smaller 70cc option.
Step 2: Innertube & Enduro/Frame Strap
Are you even riding a mountain bike if it doesn’t have an innertube strapped to it?
I love these frame straps, I’ve never used them for more than an innertube** (29” ones will squeeze into a 27.5” tyre if you ride a mullet setup) but they can easily accommodate a pump/multitool/banana as well.
Pro tip: wrap a pair of nitrile gloves in the innertube before you strap it to the frame and thank yourself when you have to install it in a sealant soaked tyre.
**More recently I have also been adding a Hiplok Z-Lok Combo for coffee stops.
Step 3: Fidlock Water Bottle
I used a Camelbak hydration pack for years and I love the convenience and capacity of them, but there’s no place for one in this No-carry EDC. Instead, I have the 590ml Fidlock bottle, which has been exceptional for many reasons. Apart from being easily accessible with either hand, it has never fallen off, has great water flow and a cap to keep the mud out. The Fidlock magnet system also makes it easy to reattach it to the frame on the roughest trails.
The Elephant in the Room
Yes, I’m talking about in-frame storage like Specialized’s SWAT, Trek’s BITS and the Santa Cruz Glovebox. If you can get all the above inside your frame then you’re onto a winner, you might also find room for that KMC bottle opener.
I’ve been dialling in this setup for a couple of years now and I can’t remember a time I was found wanting for something while out on the trail.
What does your ideal kit setup look like, let me know in the comments?