Carry a spare tube, tire levers and pump or CO2 inflator, then you wont be looking for a lift when you get a flat. Tires with kevlar belts give better protection against punctures, although the rim strips seem to have fixed your immediate problem. Glad you have found a helpful bike shop. Handle bar baskets are handy for light objects that you might want while you are riding, but you need to make sure they dont mess the front brake operation. I leave my U-lock on the rack at work to reduce the weight I carry. I have a little cable lock on the bike for emergencies. Nice to read your blog - good luck.