it sure is nice to have the tool you need when your 10 miles from your car eh?

as for what tools to buy, I would take the classes at your LBS and buy what they suggest.

most classes focus on a few things at a time such as brakes and derailers.
there are specific tools for those, so buy those tools at that time.


it depends on how indepth you want to get in your repair jobs. some things i let the LBS do because i don't have the tool. such as removing a cassette. I don't do it often enough to justifie the purchase.

the LBS will help you get your basic tool kit together. it may be cheaper to buy them elsewhere though

allen wrenches
open ended cone wrenches
tire iron
long nose plyers
etc...