Originally Posted by
AngryScientist
c'mon who really carries a spare tire?? maybe some material to boot a tire, but not a whole tire unless you are doing some serious long distance touring...
i completely agree that you should be proficient at and carry the stuff required to change out or patch a tube. its really simple and i would consider it a "must have" skill for any cyclist.
As it happens, I do carry a spare tire when I do my really long rides, especially if I'm going to be in the middle of nowhere, but I didn't suggest carrying a spare tire in my post. I'm not sure what you're reading.
I suggested carrying a minimum of a tube, tire levers, and pump ... and whatever else you might need to get out of trouble. It could be a matter of carrying a boot, and/or some spare change for the phone booth or a cell phone, and/or a small multi-tool, and/or whatever, depending on the situation.