How to ride a mountain bike without a backpack?

Do you go on short outings of less than 2 hours or after work sessions? Are you planning to take part in an enduro competition? Or do you simply want to ride light and with total freedom of movement?

There are solutions for integrating essential tools, nutrition and personal belongings on the bike or on you, to optimize your short outings. MOUNTAIN BIKES. Here's how.

Why ride without a backpack?

Visit rucksack is a useful, if not indispensable, accessory for long outings (over 2 hours), for roaming and for outings with changing weather conditions, and for transporting protective gear. Despite its many advantages, the backpack also has its drawbacks, such as weight, inertia, average thermal regulation and speed of use. At times, they can be seen as a hindrance to riding precision and comfort.

In all cases, it's important to adapt the equipment to the pilot's needs and the type of outing. For a short outing, the current trend is to go out well-equipped, with tools that can be integrated on the bike or carried around.

An inventory of essential products

Before each outing, it's essential to take stock of the equipment you'll need to cope with a variety of situations. Here's a list of essential tools and accessories:

• Inner tube
• Tubeless wicks
• Mini-pump or CO2 cartridge with firing pin
• Multi-tool with Allen and Torx keys
• Rilsan collars
• Set of tire levers
• Quick link
• Chain-drives
• A container for water or energy drink
• Energy bars, gels and/or sweets
• ID, credit card or change, car/house keys

Tips for riding without a backpack

Do-it-yourself tricks (such as adhesive tape) are certainly economical, but they have their limits over time and can damage equipment. What's more, there's no need to go on tinkering in haste, as today's brands are increasingly developing specific products to be attached to or integrated into the bike, or to be carried on your person, for maximum simplicity and comfort when riding.

Tools to fit on your bike

Numerous tools and accessories are available on the market today for quick and easy integration.

For installation on the saddle

Saddle rails can also be used to carry saddlebags or accessories.

• Visit saddle bag Micro Pack A at ZEFAL is minimalist but offers interesting integration for small accessories.

Frame-mounted

If you have bottle-holder attachments, you can install a bottle and a mini-pump.

• There are also Straps or Velcros for attaching the inner tube directly to the frame, such as the ONE UP Gear Strap B or ALL MOUNTAIN STYLE Ostrap C.
• Brackets for mounting CO2 cartridgescartridges, such as the ZEFAL Air Adaptator D will be useful for saving space and speed of use.
• At TOPEAKNinja Mountain bottle cage H bottle cage also incorporates a multi-tool to optimize space.
• Tool-holding cans are also available J such as the LEZYNE Flow Caddy.

For installation on the hanger

• And to cope with punctures, you can use the tubeless wicks in the kit SAHMURAI SWORD E.
• You can integrate a chain stay into your handlebars with the TOPEAK Ninja C F.

To be installed in the fork steerer tube

• At ONE UPyou'll find the multi-tool EDC multi-tool G to be installed in the fork steerer tube (or in the brand's EDC pump).

To be installed in the bottom bracket

• Brand name ALL IN brand offers a multi-tool I to be integrated into the crankset axle with a magnetic support.

Carry-on accessories

Waist bag

The latest trend is to ride with a fanny pack. More compact, lighter and more stable, this bag gives you total freedom of movement and optimal back ventilation. You can slip in all the accessories you need: mini-pump, tire iron, rilsan collars, energy bars... depending on the capacity of the product.

Ultra-practical clothing!

Shorts and undershorts

Most shorts have built-in pockets, but consider models with zipped pockets so you don't lose your belongings during practice.
Various undershort models feature pockets for carrying ID papers, phones, etc., like the C5 Trail model from GORE WEAR.

Cycling shorts

The EVO Sport at FOX also offers several pockets to keep your belongings safe and secure.

Protective vests

When you're on the move, the use of a protective vest with a back protector is essential for your safety. To protect you without sacrificing practicality, the brands RACER and ALPINESTARS have developed sleeveless vests incorporating a back protector, water pouch and pockets.