Does anyone know of any kits of any type that go under the seat (my apologies as I am somewhat of a newbie, but quite well-read on the subject of cycling, what it is called - seatpost bag?) for use in case of an emergency? Minor bicycle fixes, patch a flat etc. Also, is it best to learn how to learn how to do most bicycle repairs yourself, or go to a reputable repair shop?

Thanks!

I believe the term you looking for here would be 'flat kit'. There are a number of flat repair/tool kit combos on the market, though most of us tend to just put our own together. Some of the pre-stocked kits:

-Specialized
-Rav-x
-Serfas

There are others. As you look around at the pre-stock kits, you'll notice it will break down into two different kinds- patches and inflation or patches and multi-tool.

As far as learning how to do your own wrenching goes, the bare minimum that you should learn is how to inflate your tires, remove a wheel in order to change/patch a tube, remount the wheel, and clean/lube chain. Beyond that, it is up to you on whether or not you want to pay someone else to work on your bike.

Being a commuter I'd also recommend learning how to true your wheels yourself. Saves $15-20 a wheel depending on the shop. If you hit a nasty pothole on a new route or just wandering about you'll be glad you know.

I'd recommend putting your own together, patches, multi-tool, preferred inflation device (I keep a topeak road morph with me since I use a backpack), tire lever(s), spare tube.

Learn to do the basics yourself.
An emergency kit, etc. triggers much advice and many suggestions. I'm more of a minimalist and carry 2 tire levers, spare tube, tube patch kit, 2 CO2 cartridges and the head for them, a small allen wrench kit and 3 one dollar bills in a small under seat bag. Other than flat repair I've seldom used any of them but nice to know they are there.

Some bike shops offer basic bike repair classes during their slow/winter seasons. We always do and they are generally filled. We teach how to deal with a loose/broken spoke, change a tube/repair a tube, minor derailleur adjustments, cleaning and lube tips, tricks and methods we prefer. We have had a lot of positive feedback on how it helped either them or another during a ride, etc.
There are also some very good videos on You Tube.

I agree with a lot of people here, I carry in my bag:

- Spare Tube
- Patch Kit
- Small Multi Tool (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
- Small Pump, decided against CO2 as someone made a good point that CO2 you are limited but if you have arms you have air with pump (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
- Tire Lever
- Presta Adapter
- Also when i go out I always make sure to bring some cash, a credit card, my insurance card, and my public transit card as with this I figure I can get out of most trouble.

I know the basics about how to change a tire and some derailleur adjustments, though I do think I want to learn more so I can be more self-sufficient, especially when I am in trouble.

I echo the above advice. You can get a saddle bag and buy the essential tools for basic road repair or get one that had the tool in it like the Topeak bag kit. You will need to also add some extra tools like a pump, boot repair (or $1 bill will also work), chain breaker and extra chain link (the chain breaker and link is more of an option although the Topeak kit includes it). Along with those, I recommend also to have several latex disposable glove and one or two packet of handy wipe. Your finger will definately most likely get a little bit of greese and oil when putting back on the chain to the derailer. A tweezer came in handy for me several times when I got small tiny sliver from car tire which was very hard for me to remove from my bike tire.

You should learn just the basic needed for roadside repair like changing tube and tightening loose screw. so far I had loose saddle bolt, loose brake lever clamp and a loose derailer hanger. Other maitenance on the bike will be learn over time time like wheel trueing, brake pad replacement, etc can be learn later since those can be done at home. I saw you posted a thread on lights so I strongly suggest couple of flat repair practice run in the darkness. Changing a tube at home is one thing, but changing a tube out on the street while it's dark is another. So practice that in your house at night with the lights out and using a flashlight or whatever lights you are planning to have while out and riding. Oh yeah, also have a small pocket flashlight in your tool eseential list.