Many people already are looking ahead to either one Sportive like the Etape or are possibly looking to compete in many events over the year. As these types of events are normally unsupported the question normally arises of what to carry with you. Here are some of my thoughts and experiences.
Tools and other stuff
First off would be a seatpack to carry the essentials with you. This leaves your pockets free to carry food and other stuff. Deciding on the size of the pack will determine what you can put in it. There are seatpacks ranging from tiny micro ones, which just hold a tube and tyre levers, to the larger ones that could hold a waterproof. This is my personal list that fits into my Specialized Mini Wedgie:
Park Tool IB-2, although I might change this to a Topeak Hexus or a Park IB-3. Basically I’m looking for a multitool with an integrated chain tool.
2 x Michelin Tyre levers, sadly no longer made. If not these try the Topeak levers or you can now buy the Campag tyre levers, which are supposed to be very good.
Park chain tool CT-5
Two tubes. One regular weight and the second an ultra light weight version. There are options from both Specialized and Continental. Over the two I prefer the Conti’s as they have two valve lengths that means I can choose the appropriate tube for my chosen wheel combo.
Park Super Patch GP-2
Park Tyre Boot TB-2
On the bike
A Topeak Pocket Rocket DX mini pump, about the only one I have found which can get the tyre up to decent pressure. I’m not a big fan of Co2 inflation systems.
Two bottle cages: I always stick with a metal option as they can happily take the 750ml or 1000ml bottles without breaking. I have never tried a seatpost mounting system but I have seen this cropping up more and more on sportives.
Food and miscellaneous items
I like to take a mixture of bars and gels with me, maybe a little to many but they are an insurance policy. Once a boy scout etc etc.
Torq Bars – four great flavours and due to their moist nature you are always able to chew them despite weather conditions. They taste the least like space food, which is welcome.
Power Bar – the only one I really like while riding is the Caffeinated Coconut Crisp. This is one of the few Powerbars that manages to stay soft, so no need to shove it up your shorts!
SIS – Go Gels, easy to get down and you don’t need additional water. With the recent Smart Gel introduction from SIS this has proved a welcome addition to resist the bonk, or as an added boost in the ride due to the caffeine. I have also recently tried both the Torq Gels and gels from Agisko, which have both proved to be pleasant in taste and effective in use.
Water Bottles are normally filled with some sort of Carbo loading powder. Depending on the time of year this can vary. Fond favourites are:
Torq energy powder, or sometimes the Electrolyte version depending on the conditions.
SIS Go or PSP22.
Allsports Winter training formula.
Maximuscle Viper.
The quantities vary upon the duration of the event and time of the year.
I tend to always have my mobile phone with me on these rides, useful in case of emergencies. Yet again depending on the time of year and weather conditions I may have either my trusty Gore Xenon Jacket or a Gillet stuffed into one of my pockets. Arm warmers can be useful as they take up very little space and are useful at the start while waiting around.
