Everything I Carry on Every Ride

There's a version of every ride where nothing goes wrong. Smooth tarmac, tailwind, golden hour light. And then there's the other version, the one where you're standing on the side of the Albispass with a flat tire, no pump, and the realization that the only tool in your jersey pocket is a house key.

I've been that person. More than once. What follows is the result of years of figuring out what actually matters when something goes sideways on a ride. No filler, no novelty gadgets. Just the gear that stays.

The saddle bag

Everything starts with how you carry it. I've gone through clip-ons, jersey pockets, and one deeply regrettable bento box. Now it's the SILCA Mattone. Waterproof, strap-secured, fits everything without rattling. On rough gravel, that last part matters more than you'd think. A bouncing saddle bag is the kind of noise that slowly drives you insane over 100 km.

Inside: a compact stainless steel multi-tool with every hex and screwdriver size you'd need roadside. It comes with a neoprene sleeve, which is a small detail that makes a real difference. No rattling, no scratching.

For inflation, I carry two things. The CYCPLUS electric mini pump is genuinely tiny, has a pressure gauge, and shuts off automatically at whatever PSI you set. No more arm workouts at the roadside. Set the target pressure, press go, done. Alongside it, two 16g CO2 cartridges as backup. They're fast, they're light, and when the electric pump's battery is dead from a double-flat day, you'll be glad they're there.

Tubes: I carry TPU tubes with Presta valves. Half the weight, half the volume of standard butyl. I run tubeless, so these are emergency backup. They pack down so small you almost forget they're there.

A set of Alphatrail Oscar tyre levers. Three-pack, light, strong, and they actually work without pinching the tube. Sounds obvious. If you've ever mangled a fresh tube with a cheap lever, you know it's not.

Last in the bag: an Ass Saver fender. Foldable, clips under the saddle, weighs almost nothing. Keeps your back dry when the Swiss weather does what Swiss weather does. Which is often.

On the bike

The Rhinowalk top tube bag has become one of those things I forget isn't part of the bike. Magnetic closure, waterproof, quick access. Phone, gels, a small card holder. On gravel rides it stays put, even on washboard sections that shake everything else loose.

For anyone who combines cycling and Swiss public transport, the TranZbag is non-negotiable. It's a foldable bike transport bag that turns into a shoulder bag when not in use. SBB technically requires your bike to be covered or have a ticket. This solves both problems. I've used it on trains from Chur, Brig, and half the S-Bahn network. It lives in my frame bag on any ride that might end at a train station.

The home workshop

You don't need a full bike shop at home. But two things changed how I take care of my bikes.

A proper repair stand. This adjustable aluminium stand folds flat for storage and makes cleaning, adjustments, and repairs dramatically easier. Working on a bike that's propped against a wall with the front wheel turned sideways is a misery you don't need to accept.

And a good chain lube. Muc-Off's all-weather lube is what I'd recommend if you haven't gone down the waxing rabbit hole yet. Easy to apply, holds up in Swiss rain, keeps things quiet.

Chain wax and tubeless

I switched to chain waxing a while ago and haven't looked back. No dirty hands. No grease marks on your calves. No black grime building up on the drivetrain. A waxed chain runs quieter, lasts longer, and stays cleaner. The initial setup takes some effort, but once you're in a rhythm, it's actually less maintenance than regular lubing.

My drip wax for between full treatments is SILCA Super Secret. Clean application, long-lasting. For the full hot wax dip, RideFlare Premium. A 500g bag lasts forever. Melt it in a slow cooker, dip the chain, let it set. Clean drivetrain for 300+ km.

Tubeless: I run it on everything. Fewer flats, lower rolling resistance, and the ability to run lower pressure on gravel for better grip. Small punctures seal before you even notice them. The TPU tube in my saddle bag is the backup I rarely need.

That said, tubeless isn't for everyone. Sealant dries out. Some tyre and rim combos fight you. It's a personal choice, and running good tubes is perfectly fine. If you do go tubeless, the best sealant I've tested is SILCA Ultimate. Seals fast, lasts long, doesn't clump up inside the tyre.

The point

Gear lists are boring until you need them. Every item here exists because of a ride where I didn't have it, or because it replaced something worse. There's nothing on this list I don't actually use. If you're building out your own setup, start with the saddle bag. Everything else follows from there.

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