Carrying tube, CO2, etc. on Bike

stuff it into a water bottle and carry it on your frame or behind the seat cages.

Assuming that you also have one or two bottles on the frame, I'd do what another poster suggested and put the tubes etc. in a water bottle on the back. Otherwise, I'd devise a way to mount a small bag to the rear hydration unit.

Are you looking for a pretty solution or a utilitarian (cheap) solution?  Two tubes and two CO2's. 
a. Line them up under the top tube and wrap each with two rounds of black electrical tape.
b. Put them 2 x 2 in the crotch, atop the crank, between the seat tube and down tube, wrap with two rounds of black electrical tape.
c. Put them in your small seat bag and attach it under the downtube, forward of the crank, like the place where long distance touring cyclists put a third water bottle cage. And wrap it with two rounds of black electrical tape.

This is how I do it.  I pushed the bottle rack way down on the seat post.  I can still reach the bottles pretty easily and there is plenty of room for the seat pack.  I keep everything in there - tube, inflator, 2 cartridges, multi tool, levers, patch kit.  There's even a mini pump in there.

The angle of the picture makes it look like the bottles would touch the brake, but they don't.

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HOLY CRAP THAT'S A LOTTA CRAP!!

Take your tube, two CO2s, inflator, and tire lever, electrical tape them together, and then make your own little Seat Egg, and wrap it round the hydration unit. I don't have any pictures right now, but it's pretty easy to do.

I don't do this, because the last three tubes I used were actually just tossed to a teammate who'd flatted.

That would be cool, except I have the version that clamps to the seat rails.  Darn!

The electrical tape idea is sounding good.

I think I need all four bottles with liquid for IM unless I missed something in figuring out my hydration and fuel needs.  3 one hour Infinit bottles, one water bottle swapping that one for fresh water at aid stations for first half.  Refill Infinit at special needs.

Lot's of good ideas though.  Thanks.  Anyone got a XLab Super Wing Basic for sale?

Get a different under saddle bag.  I have a few and found one that has long enough straps that go around part of my Xlab not the rails of my saddle and it works. It took a little bit of fumbling around to get it to work but it does.

I just had the same problem and I got a smaller bag and hung it upside down. Instead if it hanging parallel to the seat it hangs perpindicular to the seat.

Out of curiosity why do you have a hydration system off the back of your seat on a road bike?  Aren't the down tube and seat post enough?  I've just never heard of that setup on a road bike.  Would think 2 bottles on the bike frame and a saddle bag off the saddle is enough.

Having a 43cm frame, this has been the end of no frustration for me:  fitting enough hydration for a HIM and all the tools I need on my teeny frame.  What I have is one cage on the frame (no room for a second), a two-bottle hydration holder in the back, and all my tools cartridges, and tube in a bento box up front.  It's a tight squeeze, but it works.

You could try a Simple Strap, http://byekyle.blogspot.com/

I have a couple of them and use them mountain biking.  I have never lost my tube/inflater/tool while riding the trails so I would assume they'd be good on the road.  The Simple Strap can be used on the seat, seatpost, stem, top tube, etc.  where ever you need to stow your stuff.

Plus you can color coordinate. 

I like this idea.  I will look into it.  Thanks.

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I used a similar strap to carry an extra tube this weekend.  Strapped it right to the seatpost and there were no issues! You could easily put 2 co2's (one on each side of the tube), tire levers on the back side and I don't think they would budge.  Attach the nano inflator directly to one of the CO2's and you are set.  You could really attach this setup anywhere on the bike frame.

Re: the multi-tool, I'm considering not carrying mine with me during my races.  I normally only use them on rides if I am tweaking my fit.  You don't need one to change a flat and anything more drastic you're probably SOL anyway. However, with that said, the 1st day I don't carry mine will be the day I need it! 

I have a road bike and have the rear mounted hydration rack, an aero bottle, and the tube cages. On a long ride, it's invaluable in that I don't have to stop anywhere to refill my bottles. Sure, it's a lot, but I ride on country/rural roads where there are no stores or places to refill.

As  for the OP, just stuff the items inside a bottle and put in a rack, unless you plan on riding with 4 full bottles during your IM. Otherwise, look at extending the straps on  your bag.

I went with the Xlab Mini Wing. It works great with the mini bag and the straps. I have a tube, levers, patch kit, 2 CO2 and the inflater in the bag. I added a second tube on the outside of the wing attached with a rubberband. I think the wing with cages was $45, the mini bag was $16 and the straps were $11. Theses were from Tri-Zone.com. This might be outside of your budget, but it isn't too bad and is well worth it for me.

I would say this...

Also, there are bento boxes and triangle frame bags that could work.

Like this:  http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_167563_-1___

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but it is an option if you are depserate.

1 3-hour bottle of Infinit (new one at S/N), 1 bottle of water.  Small seat bag under seat.

Johnny, I'll try that during training.  It would be nice to carry less weight on the bike.  I get additional water from aid stations, right?  I figure I need about 1 bottle of water every hour plus the Infinit.  Thanks.

I did order a couple of those Simple straps though.  They look like they might work good and it fits with my minimalist life!

Yeah, me too.  I wonder how many people carry a multi-tool for IM?? 

I could also save a lot of space by getting rid of my current Co2 inflator and getting something more like the nano.  Mine has the housing to hold the cartridge and a large head that allows you to regulate the flow.  I probably don't need that.  I'm a more or less former group rider that was always johnny on the spot with the right tool, zip ties, etc to fix riders bike while on the road.  I actually can't remember doing anything other than changing a flat on my own bike.  I am rather fanatical about my bike and I keep it in top notch condition.  My wife gave me a hard time the other day because she caught me...waxing the frame...

Edited by Gregkl 2010-04-06 1:50 PM