Optimizing Cycling Gear: My Experience with the Rapha Rainproof Essentials Case During a 500km Journey

On our recent 2-Day 500km cycling adventure from Potsdam to the Baltic Sea and back, I aimed to streamline what I typically carry in two jersey pockets (phone and wallet) into a single pocket. This adjustment would create more space for snacks and cycling essentials in my jersey. To achieve this, I purchased the Rapha Rainproof Essentials Case – Large pouch, intending to combine my phone and wallet into this one compact solution.

Initially, the plan worked well; however, I soon realized that keeping my phone in the pouch wasn’t practical. I wanted easy access to my phone to take pictures during the ride.

Switching Bikes and Reevaluating Storage Solutions

Then, I recently switched bikes and encountered a new challenge: I couldn’t mount my saddle bag under the seat. Therefore, I decided to see if I could carry EVERYTHING (including tools and a tube) I needed in my jersey pockets with the help of the Rapha Rainproof Essentials bag. For several years, I had used a small saddle bag from Ortlieb to store essential tools while road cycling. Specifically, I’ve been using the Ortlieb Micro-Bag. While it’s small, lightweight, and functional, the attachment has become somewhat loose over time. Additionally, the contents tend to rattle, and the saddle bag doesn’t sit snugly under the seat. Although it’s quick to remove and functional, it lacks a bit of style.

Overstuffed Jersey Pocket

After loading my jersey pocket bag, I managed to fit a Continental Race tube, a multi-tool from Crank Brothers, three tire levers from Park Tool, and a tube patch kit (also from Park). While everything fit, the bag was overfilled, appeared disorganized, and didn’t look great in my jersey pocket. I also needed a pump, which could fit separately in the jersey pocket, but stuck out and felt insecure. This raised the question: could I fit EVERYTHING (including a pump) into the Rapha jersey bag?

Finding the Right Pump and Tube

One major issue was the length of the pump and the bulkiness of the Continental Race tube. I have been generally happy with the Lezyne Road Drive, and I also own a larger Lezyne pump. My only complaint is that the pump head screws onto the valve, which is secure, but if the valve isn’t tight, you risk unscrewing it when you try to remove the pump.  Which happens.

To solve this, I searched for a more compact option and found the Lezyne Pocket Drive Pro. Upon arrival, I discovered it fits perfectly in the Rapha pouch! Though it may be slightly annoying to use, it should suffice for the occasional flat tire.

Ultralight Inner Tubes

Next up was the tube dilemma. The Race tube from Continental is not compact enough. I decided to explore ultralight options recently released on the market: the Tubolito S-Tubo-Road, Tubolito-Road, ContiTPU, and Aeorothan from Schwalbe.

• First Impressions: All options are notably smaller and lighter than the standard Continental tube. The S-Tubo is significantly more compact and lightweight.

In terms of size, the Tubolito S-Tubo has a box dimension of 90x50x23mm, which fits well in my Rapha Essentials Case. In contrast, the ContiTPU is the thinnest but still too thick for a jersey pocket.

Custom Solutions for a Better Fit

Despite rolling the ContiTPU and trying various packing methods, I found it challenging to keep it secure. It might be worthwhile to consider 3D printing a custom box for the Tubolito and the contents of the patch kit, allowing everything to fit neatly and stay organized.

Addressing Remaining Challenges

We have made notable progress on optimizing pack size. However, to enhance the configuration, I will need narrower tire levers that can sit snugly between the S-Tubo and Lezyne Pump. I might have some more suitable options from Continental that will work better.

Conclusion and Updates

I’m excited about the progress made so far and look forward to addressing the final details. Stay tuned for Part II!

Update: New Developments

Since writing this post, I’ve 3D printed an organizer box for the Tubolito and successfully fit the patch kit with the tube. Everything fits well in the Rapha Essentials Bag, but unfortunately, it still proved too bulky for my jersey pocket. During a leisurely 25km ride one morning, my bag fell out of the front pocket of my sweater (shouldn’t have put it there) and was lost, costing about 250 Euros in total!

I’ve decided to return to a saddle bag. I prefer having everything I need readily on my bike instead of having to remember to bring the jersey pack with me.  But, I am planning to explore options to hide what I need in the bike itself!  Stay tuned!