The rail/bike trail near us is frequented by lowlife coming and going. The baggy bike shorts I wear don't have pockets quite deep enough for me to carry, anyone got any good ideas or shorts suggestions ? I thought of a little pack that's kinda strapped suspended in the frame, but if I get separated from the bike, pushed over, what ever, I'd prefer the gun was attached to me.

Hill People make some good CC chest rigs.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

I guess this would be very dependent on what type of handgun you carry. If it is a smaller type revolver or semi-auto, you might consider a fanny pack type worn with the main compartment at about 2 o'clock (if you are right handed, 10 o'clock for a left handed person.

There are some very small and comfortable Fanny Packs on the market that can be found with an internet search. Just be sure to practice drawing an unloaded weapon from it before you actually wear it.

How about a small Sling-Bag?

NAA .22WMR oughta fit in that pocket . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Before I started carrying openly on the bike, I had a camel-bak fanny pack that was purpose built with a CC pocket. It tore open with Velcro and two snaps to reveal a holster. You might look for one of those (used; they don't make them anymore) if concealed is important. I can tell you from experience that the bad people stay away from you on a bicycle with open carry.

My bike dog attack story is here.

I have a bag that clips onto the handle bar. It's storm proof, and has an internal frame. Simple tab release to take it off. I leave it slightly unzipped for quick access. I know you said you don't like a bike bag, but its right there next to my hand, and the bag goes everywhere I go.

I put a strap on the side so it's just like a purse ("European carryall"). Jandd FTOR1, not cheap at $100, but the factory seconds run about $60. If you do any amount of cycling, it is a great accessory. The clear map pocket on top is perfect for the cell phone. Keys, wallet, waterbottle, tools, spare tube, snacks, maps... it all goes in there.

Touring Handle Bar Pack I - 2nds & Closeouts

There's plenty of manufacturers that make holster T-shirts.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Hey Muss, that's a darn good idea. Wish I would have thought about it. This should work on a bike. NAA .22 WMR in a kydex holster worn around the neck. Goes under any type of shirt really easily. What do you think.

PS: Not interested in debating the validity of a .22 WMR for self defense but I wouldn't want to be on the business end of one.

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Thank-you for the link!! I have been looking for something like this for at least a year. The snubbie version is small and is just the ticket (although kinda pricey) for what I need ...

Years ago, when I was riding a bike on a regular basis, I carried my handgun in a Blackhawk Sahara Strider.

Not sure if they are still made but I googled it and it came up under a police supply store, so may still be available.

It worked great and you could carry a full size handgun, ID, keys, etc... in there with no problem.

It was a little slow to get to when needed so planning ahead would be needed but worked well and held up well.

I gave it to a friend and not sure if he still uses it or not.

When I ride my bike I wear a blaze orange hunting shirt by Remington. The chest pockets are deep enough for an M&P Shield.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Stick a motor on it and drop your gun in your riding jacket pocket.

I use a Hawkepaks fanny pack when pedaling instead of being lazy.

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Lots of good ideas, thanks.

...just make your gun look like it's part of the bicycle...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Years ago I bought a fanny pack expressly for this purpose. I used it for biking and jogging. At one time I carried an NAA Mini-revolver in the pocket of my jogging shorts and besides bouncing around and annoying me it was really going to be hard to reach and use (ever try to cock one of those when you're out of breath? ).

What I bought at the time was an Uncle Mike's fanny pack that has a holster-type arrangement inside and opens by pulling a thick, knotted cord - it works like a charm. They make other kinds now that probably work equally well. You can run with it, bike with it, etc. I had a patch sewn on the front to give it added color (it's just grey) and make it look more casual. It's an oval patch and literally says "GAYHEAD CLIFFS - MARTHA'S VINEYARD" and looks like this picture:

Martha's Vineyard Beaches - Aquinnah and Cliffs of Gay Head
Martha's Vineyard Tour Guide © 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Better than mil-spec camouflage!!! Totally innocent looking and inside it ALWAYS has this Colt Cobra (lightweight, snubbie, easy to hide, easy to shoot - any J frame would work, also).

Here's the theory. When you are riding a bicycle you are never as focused on threats as you might ordinarily be because the bike itself requires focus that walking does not require. Your hands are busy, too. If you are confronted, however, and assuming you can dismount, you don't want to have to go digging around for your gun. Pull that ripcord and VOILA!! GUN!! If you can't dismount it is even more important that you have easy access to your gun.

So whatever method you try, the key is ACCESS.

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...make sure you carry enough gun...especially if you're riding a girl's bike...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Side note--bicycle guns are a thing! Or, were a thing...












The idea was usually for a small, cheap revolver chambered in something like .22 Short that you could drop in your suit jacket. Then, when you were attacked by a feral dog while riding around city streets, you could casually shoot it without getting off the bike or risking killing a bystander with a ricochet.

It was really only meant to discourage the dog. It would also discourage two-legged threats, since at the time it was popular, any gunshot wound was a serious threat. Not like you could just go to a hospital and get free care!

I actually had the opportunity to shoot one of these, in .22 Short. It was not a good choice for recreational plinking, that's for sure. Recoil was tame, but the sights were crude, and point of aim was casual at best. Worse, it spat burning powder flecks all over my hand. Every shot stung!

I think the rule of stupids applies.

Don't
Go to stupid places
Associate with stupid people
Do stupid things.

If you know there's a bunch of low life's hanging out in this area why go?

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Retired Career Security Guard

I used a belly band for years with success. I switched to a PT One about a year ago, and haven't looked back. The PT Two is smaller, but I like the One as it will hold a G 19 if I feel the need. Look into it. Very comfortable, very concealable.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

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Mike

Here in Vegas when I ride my bicycle it is usually very hot. I just putt around the neighborhood. I carry a 3in k frame in my right pocket and a 2 in j frame in my left. I don't wear a shirt, I'm getting older and don't care as much. I also agree with the above poster---- don't go with stupid people to stupid places and do stupid things.

Friend has one of these or like this not sure if its the same one or not .. Wears it like you would a shoulder harness high on the chest under the arm .. more expensive then just a belly band .. he uses it when he is riding his motorcycle under a shirt with snaps that is easily opened to access the pistol ..

TRUSS(R) Holster. Comfortable advanced belly band undercover tactical concealed carry.

I've thought of getting one to wear when we are traveling and sitting in the Jeep for hours ..

I used to carry one in my seat pack along with my repair kit. Not exactly quick access, but at least I had it. I didn't really want a handgun on my person if I took a spill on my mountain bike. A friend of mine just kept one in a holster openly strapped to his handlebars. I never was much on open carry though.

Can you please provide a link to the band you are talking about here?

running /bike trails aren't stupid places many are along side and in public parks .. and yet many people are accosted on them .. you can read about it in the news that it happens in about any city ..

There is low life everywhere not just the ghetto !!

All I have to go by is what the OP posted:

Now that sounds to me like a place where you are likely to run into trouble and my personal rule is to avoid places where I'm likely to run into trouble.

There's a bike path that runs right down I-25 in Colorado Springs. It's a nice bike path but it runs right through two known homeless camps. I don't ride there.

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Retired Career Security Guard

I dug an old waist pack holster out of my big box of holsers and use that. I carry a gun, spare mag, license to carry, and a protein bar in it.

I usually ride with my loose fitting not to silly looking bike jersey partly covering it.

Of course I have a "Don't Tread on Me!" bike shirt, so that partially blows my cover.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

As Smoke mentioned, OP noted that it was home to lowlifes.

Furthermore, bike paths and the like, for me, occupy a particular "zone of danger". They're isolated, secluded, and frequently deserted. But they're not so isolated and remote that it's too far for predators to access easily.

The other thing is that they're home to prey, which is something a lot of people don't think about. Just like I wouldn't go to where I know predators are, I also don't go to where prey items can be had. Because an abundance of prey attracts predators, even to places where predators aren't known to be.

Let's not overlook the fact that (At least here in Colorado) you can run into REAL predators like mountain lions and bears.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Very good point.

Some people who know I carry sort of laugh because I carry everywhere I am able to. They ask me if I expect to run into trouble.

My answer is always the same. If there is a place where I expect there to be trouble, I do everything I can to avoid going there. If I have to go there, I bring a gun, or maybe two. I also bring a friend, or maybe two, and they bring guns.

The other type of place I go is where I don't expect trouble. Which is not the same as not being prepared if there is trouble.

While the first type of place is high risk, the second is unknown. Stuff happens, it's best to be prepared mentally and physically.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I've never carried while riding my bicycle but if I did I would slide my pistol in a pocket holster and tuck that into one of the three pockets across the back of my jersey.

This a pic of my grandsons...looks like one of them brought his phone.

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Bill Bates

Indeed, the selection of predator/prey terminology was deliberate!

You can just Google PT One or PT Two. Amazon sells the PT Two.

You can just Google PT One or PT Two. Amazon sells the PT Two.

There are several nice bike trails (locally called greenbelts) that I ride a lot when it's warm enough......and like a few others have already suggested I "carry" in a fanny/waist pack. Works great, unobtrusive, enough room for my cell phone and keys, etc...

I've been using a fanny/waist pack made by Bagmaster for years for concealed carry at all kinds of places when it's not feasible to use some other means.


Don

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Laus Deo! <><

I ride 20 miles almost every day weather permitting. That's nearly every day where I live. All on city trails.
Wear mountain bike shorts by areo design. There is always a Beretta 9mm nano comfortably in my pocket inside a desantis holster. There is pleanty of room.
Much more likely to need the weapon for an out of control dog than a lowlife person.

A fanny pack worn on the lower front is a good way to CC on a Bicycle. There are models that are specifically designed for CC that break open for quick drawing, but I've never had one of these. I was thinking of getting one.

Some guys have a complex with fanny packs or "Fag Bags" as they call them but I can't see why. It's a good way to keep your valuables (and your gun) secure and in front of you when doing outdoor activities where concealing a gun in a pair of light shorts would be undesirable.

Since I don't wear "bicycle gear" when pedaling my one-speed cruiser bike along the bike trails locally, I don't change my carry methods. I can't see myself in Spandex®, and no one else ever should either!

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Probably why OP is asking about carrying on a bike?

Anyway, fanny pack w/velcro straps for holding pistol is good option. Gives you a place to carry ID, keys, cell etc, too. And when you get off the bike, they're all still with you.

BTW on the two-shot derringer idea: a back road is more likely to result with a car or truckload of yahoos, who decide to "mess with the bike rider". In that situation, more range than a derringer, and a second mag, would be a comfort (and still fit fine in a fanny pack.

Re-read the thread. Smoke suggested that if the bike path was a known "trouble area" that you weren't required to visit, then the "Rule of Stupid" applied--don't do stupid things, don't go to stupid places, etc.

Whitwabit objected that a bike path didn't count as a "stupid place"--which is true, they don't fit the traditional definition--but admitted that they can be troublesome.

I opined that there were many areas that constituted a trouble spot that we don't ordinarily think of. Bike paths are one. The convenience store ATM at 4AM is another. More or less anywhere you're isolated, and especially if there's an abundance of prey and the "watering hole" effect applies.



Hence, I'm proposing that the best solution isn't to worry about armament, but rather avoid the crocodiles and the watering hole altogether.

I bet crocodile hunting would be fun... if properly outfitted.

Like anything, that can be taken too far. ANY place of isolation outside your front door is potentially a watering hole. To say that one should simply avoid any place of isolation is simplistic and unrealistic, and patronizing as well.

Sitting on one's safe couch might be appealing to some, however, others like to expand their horizons away from home. I've biked and hiked in and through countless areas of isolation. I've hiked solo up to 14 straight hours to get to summits and lakes where there weren't even trails to guide me. Danger? Of course. (The majority of those dangers were unsolvable with a gun, yet I carried one on most of them.) I once took a 50' tumble into a draw so far from any trail that had I been seriously injured, my carcass would still be there today. I've never regretting one second of any of it.

LIFE is a risk. You do a risk analysis before you go and take measures to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level. Carrying a handgun is one way of bringing a marginal risk into a more acceptable range. Or you can just stay home.

Edit to add:

This is another example of statements that were once made by someone considered “an authority” that were clearly meant to be hyperbole, that are reinterpreted literally, and parroted out of all context.

Here are some examples:

“My handgun is to fight my way to my rifle.” Whatevs. For most of us our handgun will be all we have.

“Unloaded guns shoot more people than ______.” Nope, never happened, not even once.

“All guns are always loaded.” Except when they’re not.

Likewise, “Don’t do stupid things or got to stupid places” isn’t apt here. The OP never said he was going to ride his bike through Harlem at 2am wearing his Rolex collection. ALL bike paths have isolated areas (risk) and he’s asking about how best to carry a sidearm (mitigation) while riding. “Just don’t go” isn’t helpful whatsoever.

Just ordered and received my PT-1 Concealment Holster from Pistol Wear (Pistol Wear - Holsters that fit your lifestyle.). I had some concerns with fit because I have a large frame with a 40in waist. Tried it on I had plenty of room and it fits very comfortably. I loaded up my Shield with extra mag and rode indoors, no issues whatsoever and very comfortable. Weather will be warm this weekend so I'll be heading out for a 20-30 mile ride, I really don't anticipate any issues. And I can see using my PT-1 when I'm wearing lighter summer clothing at the beach.

Valistar

"Watering hole" doesn't refer to isolation. It refers to a concentration of prey. So while a lot of people will smartly avoid "bad neighborhoods", it may also be wise to avoid places where there's prey.

In this instance, both come into play. Cyclists are common targets. Bike trails have a concentration of cyclists, and opportunity for attackers.

Carrying a handgun potentially reduces the consequences, not the risk.

Back on point, this is about necessary-vs-unnecessary risk. Some risks are necessary, others are not.

It's very much relevant:

"The rail/bike trail near us is frequented by lowlife coming and going."

If you know a particular area sucks, then it becomes a stupid place to be. If there are no alternatives for walking/riding, then it falls into "a stupid place you can't avoid going to".

But that's not what was said was it? The OP said that particular path was frequented by lowlifes

To which I replied

And I further amplified my comment with

And while we're here let's take note of the fact that the OP hasn't come back and refuted my assessment.

No but he did say that he was going to ride his bike in an area known to be frequented by troublemakers and I still think if it's a place where you're likely to run into trouble then you probably shouldn't go.

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Retired Career Security Guard

This is how I do it. Not perfect, but it works for me, but then, I don't bike ride in the hood.

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- Change it back -

I use a Tactical Tailor Concealed Carry Sling Bag. It doesn't look tactical, has a dedicated discreet compartment to stash my revolver and some speed loaders/strips, and two other compartments for other stuff. It is comfortable to wear and doesn't block peripheral vision when glancing over the shoulder. It has a stabilizing strap with a quick release so it is stable while riding but if you stop you can disconnect it and slide the pack around quickly to access the weapon. It is not meant to be a quick draw thing by any means. What I really like though is that should I have to dismount the bike for any reason whatsoever the revolver goes with me.

I use a leather fanny pack to carry when I ride.

I have a G19 in a Glock sport holster on a nylon gun belt that i wear under a loose fitting t-shirt.