Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,160
Likes: 6,381
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
There was a thread a few months ago called something like "what's in your tool roll?" There were tons of inspiring answers.
My answer depends on how far I'm riding. I save weight and trouble on short rides. I equip myself for things that are more likely to be a problem on long rides.
Rather than telling you WHAT I bring, I'll tell you what I prepare for.
0-3 miles: possibly nothing. I can walk or take the subway back home.
3-6 miles: water, enough to fix two flats and to adjust the seat and handlebars.
6-25 miles: same as above but enough to fix three flats, plus food and tools to adjust brakes and gears.
25-100 miles: same as above, plus tools for truing wheels.
If I'm going over six miles and there are no convenient places to buy food, I carry food, because cycling can be vigorous, and running out of fuel on a bike is about as serious as running out of fuel with a motor vehicle.