Originally Posted by Sirrobinofcoxly
Don't count on going through too many brake pads. I still have the same set as when I started, and they look really good still. Bring a spare set to be safe I guess, but I didn't. Then again, I guess your bike will need heavier stopping power if you are carrying some stuff.
I meant I don't really want to carry a spare bike with me, just the 'consumable' parts. Carrying a couple extra pads is minimal weight and bulk and will always come in handy (someone else might need them), but carrying an extra cassette and the tools required to install it just opens up the gates for carrying extra BB's and chainrings and stuff.
As far as bike parts I plan to carry with me at all times: extra chain, brake pads, 1 folding tire, 2 tubes, and around 4 spokes (more of a just in case; I've never broken a spoke, but we are riding loaded so...)
I'm also bringing a set of downtube shifters for an emergency fix in case my brifters die during the trip.