# Storing small stuff (caffeine pills etc.) while riding **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [August 29, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272 "2019-08-29T17:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![H22EG8](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/h22eg8/32/13636_2.png) [@H22EG8](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/H22EG8)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/1 "2019-08-29T17:51:40Z")
So I’m part of a relay team for a 70.3 and it’ll be my first long competitive ride (next week). I did a test ride today for storing caffeine pills and sure as heck lost the pills in my DSW top tube bag. Just curious what solutions some of you all have done to take pills or keep tiny items available during a long ride. I’d think that if I stored it in my jersey, the moisture wouldn’t be good. I also thought about a small baggie in my jersey but that seems rather complicated also. I’m leaning on having a seamstress stitch an elastic pouch on the side of the dsw bag. thoughts/ideas welcome. Thanks again to TR for an awesome product! ---
**Author:** ![SamMose](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/sammose/32/21159_2.png) [@SamMose](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/SamMose)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 5:58pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/2 "2019-08-29T17:58:43Z")
Rapha Cargo Core would solve this. ---
**Author:** ![H22EG8](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/h22eg8/32/13636_2.png) [@H22EG8](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/H22EG8)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 6:15pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/3 "2019-08-29T18:15:44Z")
> [@SamMose](#): > > Rapha Cargo Core Guess I should add that for the event,I intend to rock a Castelli Sanremo 3.2 Speed Suit ---
**Author:** ![JulianM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/julianm/32/2112_2.png) [@JulianM](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/JulianM)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 6:30pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/4 "2019-08-29T18:30:30Z")
> [@H22EG8](#): > > I’m leaning on having a seamstress stitch an elastic pouch on the side of the dsw bag. Sound like a good idea. I use an xlab 400xp top tube bag which has mesh pockets on the sides and that’s where I put a caffeine pill. If you could get yours adapted inexpensively that would work. ---
**Author:** ![bobmac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bobmac/32/14386_2.png) [@bobmac](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bobmac)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 7:30pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/5 "2019-08-29T19:30:20Z")
![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/e/e/ee017c8860417faba494a73e737c69db527856f4.png) This isn’t the exact one I use (just grabbed it from Google search). But I have been using these successfully for years. I purchase mine from CVS or Walgreens - the ones I use are clear and hold 4 to 6 tablets or capsules. I use them on solo, group rides, and races. Try them on a training ride first; any challenges loosing them you might have a spare. [ps. easy to use one handed] ---
**Author:** ![EnveousColnago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8e8cbc/32.png) [@EnveousColnago](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/EnveousColnago)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 7:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/6 "2019-08-29T19:33:22Z")
I use small ziplocks to store stuff. [Something like this](https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Mil-Clear-6-Mil-Ziplock-HEAVY-DUTY-Reclosable-Zip-Lock-Top-Plastic-Zipper-Bags/223329016731?var=522120110791&hash=item33ff725b9b:m:mSYfbS1tay6m4bLkmM8sn7Q). I have some that are the size of credit cards that I’ll use to carry credit card, cash, etc, and a smaller one for saltstick tabs. Super cheap, easy, etc ---
**Author:** ![amckenzie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@amckenzie](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/amckenzie)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 7:43pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/7 "2019-08-29T19:43:25Z")
What works for me in HIM and IM is taping the caffeine pills with electrical tape to the top tube so I can easily grab them when in aero. Put a couple extra on there just to be safe ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/8 "2019-08-29T19:44:34Z")
This is close to my heart. I want to design a dispenser along the lines of a PEZ dispenser that you load and access with one pill at a time. I have used this [small dispenser](https://www.hammernutrition.com/products/gear/all-gear/capsule-dispenser), but it makes me nervous that I will dump the entire contents if I handle it wrong. My PEZ idea or a squeezable tube or sorts would be great if it was effectively “closed” unless you were pushing on the right spot/trigger. ---
**Author:** ![Supermurph19](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/supermurph19/32/3304_2.png) [@Supermurph19](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Supermurph19)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 8:23pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/10 "2019-08-29T20:23:24Z")
Could you not use caffeine gels instead? ---
**Author:** ![H22EG8](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/h22eg8/32/13636_2.png) [@H22EG8](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/H22EG8)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 9:36pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/11 "2019-08-29T21:36:08Z")
I have the sis caffeine gel however, after testing I still need to have a significant source of electrolytes or my legs lock up. Also the sis stuff is a little bigger than I’d like for the amount I personally need. I’m rather fascinated with the creative solutions people have come up with. I knew this would be the place to ask! I think I’ll play with several of the ideas y’all have come up with and try them out. ---
**Author:** ![bobmac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bobmac/32/14386_2.png) [@bobmac](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bobmac)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/12 "2019-08-29T22:16:04Z")
> [@mcneese.chad](#): > > I want to design a dispenser along the lines of a PEZ dispenser that you load and access with one pill at a time. If you get it right, I will buy them from you!!! . . . and can probably get you a lot more customers as well! I still can vividly recall how much time I spent (wasted) searching for one that I could use cycling. I love Hammer products, but find the large capsule useless (too large). Above, I have shown what I currently use (pill box), but its not ideal (loose a capsule here and there even after being experienced with them). The key requirements are: 1. Holds up to 2 (or 4 max) capsules (no larger) 2. Easy Accessible and useable one handed at full speed (e.g. for taking endurolytes on hard group rides or in races) 3. Clear (able to see what’s in it) ---
**Author:** ![H22EG8](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/h22eg8/32/13636_2.png) [@H22EG8](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/H22EG8)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:34pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/13 "2019-08-29T22:34:49Z")
Wow… a solution of this type that could be integrated? Mmmmmmm yes please ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:42pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/14 "2019-08-29T22:42:30Z")
Integrated in what way? I may have to get off my booty and get something going on this. I had the idea this season and wasn’t sure if anyone else would like it. ---
**Author:** ![Benjamin\_Sandoval](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/benjamin_sandoval/32/41953_2.png) [@Benjamin\_Sandoval](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Benjamin_Sandoval)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/15 "2019-08-29T22:43:40Z")
![20190829_154043](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/f/3/f3875f464bbbcc4025e6b276e9e193452e61878b.jpeg) ![20190829_154056](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/6/0/6039a380bd5db8a9762b3c0150e66f1e89a21446.jpeg) Small pill containers, buy at the local CVS, Walmart, Target ---
**Author:** ![bobmac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bobmac/32/14386_2.png) [@bobmac](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bobmac)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:45pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/16 "2019-08-29T22:45:47Z")
Ok @mcneese.chad, “you got me thinkin” about your Pez idea . . . The Pez dispenser works because all of the Pez’s are the same size. Obviously tablets and capsules are not. But “most” capsules are similar and ditto for tablets. Perhaps you could design two separate dispensers: 1 for each and small enough to hold up to 4 capsules OR up to 4 tablets. I’d waive the clear requirement (isn’t that nice of me 🙂 ) if the two separate dispensers were distinguishable, preferably by feel (i.e. I could reach and my rear pocket and know what I am taking out). ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 10:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/17 "2019-08-29T22:51:25Z")
Yeah, one trick is the variable shape of all these things (oval/bullet, short cylinder, etc.) and then size too. - I expect there could be a way to make 2 or three “versions” that would handle a range of shapes and sizes. - I’d love it if you could “stack” them as some people will have a mix of tablets with different shape/size and/or use. Effectively like the PEZ, but smaller and able to “click into” each other with a tab/slot connection. - Might have them set in opposing directions so you can easily orient to kick out the desired one and ignore the other. - I’d do clear or open slotted in a way to see how many and possibly which ones you have loaded. Might even be able to have different shell colors to identify different use/pills. I may have to start with some PEZ ones to see if they even work in concept and go from there. I have another concept that is different if that fails. ---
**Author:** ![bobmac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bobmac/32/14386_2.png) [@bobmac](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bobmac)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 11:03pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/18 "2019-08-29T23:03:10Z")
> [@mcneese.chad](#): > > Yeah, one trick is the variable shape of all these things (oval/bullet, short cylinder, etc.) and then size too. [Trained as an M.E.] I can appreciate the challenge . . . I have a friend who has been working on a pill sorter for the geriatric market (imagine dumping 10-20 different prescriptions into a bin and sorting them all by shape correctly). It’s been about 7-8 years in development and they are in the high 90s accuracy for 200 different medications (but not good enough as you would imagine). Not sure if there is anything useful for you to take away there, though, since size/cost isn’t the driver of sorting. ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2019, 11:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/19 "2019-08-29T23:33:36Z")
Sorting is interesting. I’ve seen some for fasteners that are impressive, but not likely in the realm of what’s needed for medication. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![tariqhali](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/tariqhali/32/23099_2.png) [@tariqhali](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/tariqhali)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 12:01am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/20 "2019-08-30T00:01:32Z")
Saltstick makes [Dispensers](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RS6QHW/?tag=trainerroad-20) that work well. Double sided tape also works well as long as it’s not raining. Put it on the handlebars and stick the caffeine and salt pills on it. Or go to your local drugstore and buy yourself Tictac. ---
**Author:** ![H22EG8](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/h22eg8/32/13636_2.png) [@H22EG8](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/H22EG8)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 12:56am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272/21 "2019-08-30T00:56:08Z")
Personal take would be cool for possible one handed operation or maybe stick/mount to a bike somehow would be great. Fumbling around in my bag felt clumsy and awkward (let alone slightly dangerous bc I looked down some). Some of the other dispenser ideas are good but one thump on the road at the wrong time and a ride could go from “yay replenishment” to “better embrace the suck that’s about to happen” [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/storing-small-stuff-caffeine-pills-etc-while-riding/20272.md?page=2)