Triangle Tactical Podcast and Blog on Guns, Gear, and Competition Shooting
Cycling was my primary hobby for a long time before I got into shooting. I reluctantly gave it up about 7 years ago when I was having some issues with numbness in my hands that I couldn’t deal with.
I’ve decided to pick it back up since I’ve lost about 65lbs, figuring I might not experience the hand numbness issues now that there’s less of me.
Way back on the podcast we answered a question from a listener about carrying a gun while cycling, and I think I may have given him some bad advice. I mentioned just dropping a micro 9mm pistol with a pocket holster into one of the rear pockets of a jersey and calling it good. Well, I tried that this week, and frankly, it sucks. The pistol is heavy enough that it wants to pull the back of my lightweight jersey around my side.
A sort of solution is that I’ve taken to wearing a Camelback with my pistol on one of the pockets inside it. It rides well, and fits no problem, but a pistol in a backpack is essentially impossible to get to should there be some sort of encounter that requires it.
Poking around on the internet I’m seeing some folks recommending belly bands. I’ve never used one, but it seems like a reasonable solution.
So, cyclists, how do you carry? I should also add that I’m one of those goons in a tight jersey, and lycra shorts when I ride.
Well, I’d have to say a .380 in a fanny pack. Oh, and please stay off Ten-Ten and Kildaire during between 6am-8pm. Y’all mess up traffic for the rest of us.
In the same vein as carrying a gun for self preservation, I also stay the hell away from busy roads and intersections. Getting hit by a soccer mom texting while driving isn’t my idea of a good time.
What is with these women and minivans? It’s a status symbol. Then with the Kia’s are at the bottom of the pecking order. 🙂
I’d go the A10 (Warthog) route and build the bike around the gun. You know, incorporate the barrel into the top tube, feed ammo up the seat tube and eject the empties out the seatpost. Sure, aiming is an issue, but you’ll suddenly enjoy the ability to strafe the mopes who door you.
Been rocking an M&P 9c in a Desantis Belly Band Holster in runs and rides for 2 years now. On top of bare skin in runs. On the bike, I have it on top of a compression shirt. But still, start feeling its weight after 15mi. After the ride, gun is disgustingly covered with sweat.
Will I recommend it? I think it’s a personal thing. The 9c could be heavy. For me, I think the Belly Bad thing would be more comfortable with a smaller firearm / single stack. Almost got that Ruger with the nice trigger. Just ending up using those funds on some other gun stuff. Ha!
Good luck in the quest!…. Car back!!!!
I’ve thought about getting into cycling and considered this question. I haven’t tried it, but what do you guys think about getting something like this (link below)? Thought I might even be able to put velcro tap in there and use a velcro holster.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00865O2ZA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=Z5UKHDLVH3VJ&coliid=I3BSZMVWOOE6UT&psc=1
It might work, but I really don’t want something strapped around my torso if I can avoid it.
It actually straps arounds your upper leg/thigh. That was the appeal to me, because I didn’t want something arounds my torso either.
I think that’s even worse for me. Then it would be jostling around and stuff.
Here’s a “gender neutral” version of the cancan concealment hip hugger holster I’ve been using and really like: http://www.cancanconcealment.com/products/classic-sport-belt-holster?variant=1331718248.
It’s more sturdy than a belly band. It just doesn’t move once you put in on. When I carry appendix and sit, my Ruger LC9 doesn’t dig into lower body parts. You also have the option to carry on your back. And it holds extra mags.
If you want to see the quality of the version I have, let me know and I’ll meet you for coffee.
You might be interested in the discussion on this subject on TriangleMTB http://trianglemtb.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=38253.0
For bicycle (and backpacking) concealed carry, you might want to look into the Hill People Gear Kit Bags:
https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktQTXZ71lE4
They aren’t cheap and they might look too tactical for some. However, in terms of safety, accessibility, comfort, and the ability to carry other small items like a power bar, GPS, small binoculars, etc. in addition to a handgun, they seem like a viable option.
I am in no way affiliated with this company, and I haven’t actually used the product. It is something I came across while researching ways to carry concealed while backpacking in the “front” country. I do, however, own one of Hill People’s backpacks and I can attest that the materials and workmanship are top notch (and made in the USA).