Lazyass

It depends on where I ride. When I lived in cities with crap on the roads and got flats on a regular basis I wouldn't take the risk. If I was already miles into a ride I'd just keep going, though. Here in the rural area I live I haven't had a flat in over 10,000 miles so it wouldn't bother me.

Fly2High

I saw a GCN tire repair video on Youtube where they tied a knot in the tube and filled it with air. You always can do that if the flat isn't too bad in a pinch.

wallrat

He didn't have a pump or CO2.

In this situation, I'm only willing to ride as far as I'm willing to walk. Ya, I have a cell phone but I'm not a big fan of bothering someone due to my own irresponsibility.

Phloom

I always carry a tire repair kit with me. Never had to use it on the road but twice, my commuter developed a flat in my office. 15 minutes to fix it and I can wash my hands afterwards. If I did not bring a kit, it would be a minimum 30 minutes by bus to go home and again to come back. Or I could drive my car back. The closer I park my car to where I work, the more expensive the parking. Whatever I do, it is more than an hour.

topslop1

As an idiot who does 20 ish mile rides with no spare kit at all and is totally spitting into the wind... what should I get for a kit and what should I have for backup? I just recently got a small under seat bag to use so now I can actually fill it with tools + things.

Amazon links are probably best / easiest for me. Also, I have an older hybrid trek that I ride right now. I'll pick up a nice road bike next year when funds allow.

Vinnems

I've never carried a spare. I believed in All Condition Armadillos, and they never failed me, no matter how much broken glass, syringes, staples, razors, forks and other silverware, fallen fixie kids who screwed up a skid and fell (they having piercings coming out of everywhere, you know), engine parts, pine cones, and whatever else I've run over in Los Angeles streets.
Not carrying one is kind of pointless, though, as I carry changes of clothes, towels, maps, bike locks, etc. in my back pack that a tube and small pump wouldn't even be noticeable in weight addition.

spdracr39

Chances are you won't need your helmet either but it sure is nice to have it on when that one time comes. In response to the OP's question, I would go back because that will be the time I have a flat. Murphy hates me.

10 Wheels

Spare tire on the seat post, Three tubes and Co 2, and a helper.

Igualmente

I've had one flat in the last year, and it was not on a longer ride but in my neighbourhood while seeing if I was happy with a change in saddle height/setback. So, my flat rate is less than 1% of actual rides into the countryside (really, 0%, but it has to happen some time so I will say 1%). Prior to that flat, it had been many years, but I rode less.

Also, I carry a cell phone which has a good chance of reception (though I might have to walk up a hill).

Seems like there is a less than 1 in 100 risk of inconvenience, and that there is a back up plan. Violent crime rates are the lowest they've been since the 60's, and most people who might stop are likely to be helpful.

I might just ride.

kbarch

Who here leaves the house with a spare sew-up around his shoulders?