aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
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
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
I would advise against a very loud horn or other noise maker. If you really really need it, it's because you allowed yourself to get into an urgent situation. That's a matter of choice. If a bell isn't enough noise for you, you are riding faster than is safe for your conditions.
A good headlight is a good thing.
I like a mirror mounted on my glasses, but many get by without mirrors.
As for repair stuff, bring whatever you are reasonably likely to need. I like bringing wrenches for adjustments, even though I rarely use them. I definitely bring stuff to fix flats, because those surely happen.
The rest are optional. A way to log your miles or route is nice but not essential. Same with camera.