What to bring on a road bike ride

The short checklist for every ride, what to add for long days, and where each item goes so nothing rattles or gets wet.

On every road ride, bring a spare inner tube, two tyre levers, a multi-tool, a pump or CO2 inflator, your phone, a bank card or some cash, your keys and enough to eat and drink. That is all you need for a few hours, and it fits in your jersey pockets and one small bag.

Below is the checklist, followed by where we carry each item ourselves. We started The Pack because all of this used to rattle loose in a jersey pocket.

This guide is written by Maikel, founder of The Pack and a rider himself. Last updated on 11 November 2026.

The checklist for every ride

A spare inner tube that fits your tyres
Two tyre levers
A multi-tool
A pump or CO2 inflator
Your phone
A bank card or cash, and an ID
Your keys
One or two bottles, and something to eat

For long days, add:

A second tube or a patch kit
A spare chain link
A light jacket or gilet
More food than you think you need
A power bank, if you navigate with your phone

Repair kit: under the saddle

Tube, levers and multi-tool are the things you hope not to use, so they can live under the saddle. A Saddle Bag Tool Roll, from €19.99, has three compartments of 11 by 13 cm for tools and patches. If you ride in the rain, the waterproof AWG Saddle Bag keeps everything dry.

Not sure which size you need? Our saddle bag guide compares them.

Phone, cards and keys: in one case

These are the items that scratch each other and suffer from sweat. Put them together in one case in your middle jersey pocket.

The Essentials Case, from €20.99, is 19 by 8 cm, water-resistant, and has a phone pocket, a card slot, a pocket for coins and keys and a main pouch that also takes a tube and tyre levers. With it you can leave the saddle bag at home on short rides. If you only carry a phone, cards and keys, the padded, waterproof Phone Case is enough.

More options are in our guide on carrying your phone while cycling.

Food and drink: within reach

You only eat on time if the food is easy to reach. The side jersey pockets work for a ride of two hours. For longer rides, a top tube bag puts bars and gels right behind the stem, and a handlebar bag holds enough for a whole day.

A common rule of thumb is to eat something every hour and to start before you are hungry.

Long days and bad weather

When the ride gets longer or the forecast is doubtful, you need room for a jacket and extra food. A 2-litre handlebar bag or a 4-litre saddle bag covers that. For wet rides, choose bags from the AWG collection: waterproof material, taped seams and waterproof closures.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a puncture?

A spare inner tube that fits your tyres, two tyre levers and a pump or CO2 inflator. A patch kit is a useful backup for a second puncture.

Do I need a saddle bag on a road bike?

Not on short rides: an Essentials Case in your jersey pocket holds a tube, levers and your phone. A saddle bag is handy if you want your pockets free or carry more tools.

Where do I put my phone while cycling?

In a padded, water-repellent case in your middle jersey pocket, away from keys and tools. On long rides it can go in a top tube bag or handlebar bag.

How much food should I bring?

Enough to eat something every hour, plus a spare bar. On rides over three hours, plan where you can refill your bottles.