OK gurus.....I need some gear suggestions.
It's springtime and I'm starting to get back on the trails. I'm out of practice, out of shape, and am somewhat going against doctors orders to go riding. I don't care, it's a good time a good workout, and I'm not going to give up that easy.
My gear question centers around carrying "stuff" with you on the trail. I got some tools for Christmas, and currently run a crappy seat bag from Walmart. It attaches acceptably and securely enough, but it rattles. A lot. That rattle takes away from the enjoyment on the trail. I've stuff some paper towels in there, and wrapped the "jingly bits" in some thin fabric I stole from my wifes craft room. It's still not great.
Contents of underseat storage:
(2) 38g CO2 cartridges
(1) multi-tool (forget the model)
(1) CO2 inflator nozzle (tiny little thing)
(1) set of three tire levers
(1) tube patch kit
Contents of jersey pockets:
Cell phone in center pocket
Car keys in left pocket
License/Insurance card/credit card/$20cash in right pocket
I also carry a hand pump, but it mounts to the bottom cage mounts on the frame and is generally quiet. I also carry (2) large size water bottles in cages mounted to the bike.
All my local buddies are telling me to just get a backpack. They're right, that would work and wouldn't be rattly or loud. In general though, I hate backpacks. They're sweaty, they mess with my balance, the don't feel great on my back. I've had a couple "decent" packs through the years, but never a cycling specific pack, so I might not understand what I'm missing, but $100 to try one is a gamble.
What I would really like to find is something that is a bit more rigid to mount under the seat, or to the frame at some level. I'm thinking something like a hard sided piece of luggage with a soft lining to keep it quiet. I can't really find much though. I've found racks for bikepacking, but those offer far more volume than I need. Backpacks are similar. There is a lot of volume in there, and I just need a small amount of volume for what I carry. Even on longer rides (10mi) my two water bottles are enough to keep my hydrated back to the car, so I don't really need the extra volume of water either.
Anyone have any ideas?
