tcrown

first time poster. start riding a month ago - thanks to all for your help thus far; the board has been invaluable.

I am aware from various posts that people carry stuff with them in their jerseys to fix flat tires and solve other problems that arise. Can someone please spell out for me what you all carry? as of now i'm going out for 20 mile rides just "hoping for the best", not knowing what i'd do if i get a flat.

note - i made a good faith effort to search for the answer before posting; apologies in advance if the answer is obvious and i've just missed it.

EffSizzle

Spare tube
Co2
Tire levers
Mini hex wrench kit
A dollar in quarters
Drivers license
Debit Card
All fits in my seat bag.

Retro Grouch 

I carry my wallet, car keys, and enough stuff to fix 1 flat tire.

I'm writing this from home so I've obviously always found a way to get back. That goes to prove it's everything that I need.

Nachoman

Surface to air missiles.

sirtigersalot

tube, patch kit, tire levers, co2 or pump, multi tool, key, credit card, clifshotblox, all in saddle bag

and a 12gauge, no not really

edit: argh you beat me too the joke while i was typing^^

dannyq

I.D. Cell, Keys.

tcrown

i'm shocked that the replies didn't include cell phone. i've been bringing mine as a matter of safety.

Szczuldo

i find i'd rather carry a state i.d. or another form of identification other than my license, in case i either lose the bag or i forget to take my license out after i ride.
So i carry,
Spare Tube
CO2
Tire Levers
Patch kit (just in case someone with me needs to fix a flat or i'm out of tubes)
Some slightly oversized false dollar bill in the case i need a tire boot
State I.D.
Debit Card
All fits in a plastic bag and into a pocket of my jersey, and of course a cell phone but not in the bag. With using a state I.D. i never have to worry about taking it out for other uses, and keep my debit card in there as well and keep my Paypal card in my wallet. Always have what i need, never have to worry about taking things out and putting them back in.

dannyq

I usually just take my cell. Anything happens, I just call the GF, who brings the car with the roof rack.

Szczuldo

yeah but then when you get home and post here, it doesn't sound nearly as good as saying how you managed to beat your last best time you've been trying to beat all year and managed to fit a change of tube in there.

dannyq

True.

michaelmc

Keys
Cell
ID
Insurance card
Debit card
Multi-tool
CO2 inflator/2 or 3 cartridges
Mini pump
Tube
Patch kit
Tire levers

No car for the girlfriend bailout, so I carry everything to get me home after multiple flats. Don't want to take any sort of risk.

EffSizzle

I usually put my cell phone in my jersey pocket.

Homebrew01

2 tubes
tire levers
a couple of dollar bills for spending or emergency tire sidewall patch
sandwich bag for emergency tube patch in case I use up the tubes
cell phone sometimes

tcrown

How did you learn how to fix a flat? if i ordered all of the tools necessary, i still wouldn't know what to do with them.

stevesurf

+1
+
$40
Espresso Love Gu
DuMond Tech Lube Small
Garmin GPS
Cell Phone
Fahgettaboutit
...in pack no bag

jkizzle

tire lever, spare tube, cell phone, keys, drivers liscense, health insurance card, hex wrench set, and 20 bucks in the worse case scenerio where id need a cab ride to someplace my gf knows or banages

jkizzle

go to your local bike shop, and ask them to show you how. i had a flat and didnt know how to fix it a little bit ago (im newer to riding too) so i went the LBS, bought a tube and a PLASTIC tirelever, and asked them to show me how. the stingy ****** owner made me pay for a service charge though.... but it was still only like 17 dollars

Bike enthusiast

I ride with a friend and make him/her carry everything....

shabbasuraj

Samurai sword and a quarter.

michaelmc

The Park Tool website is a great source of information. They'll tell you how to fix almost anything.

BikingGrad80

Practice, practice, practice, practice...

Szczuldo

maybe it's just me but it seems to be common sense how to fix a flat even when first starting out. Obviously at this point you have a hole in your tube, but to get to it you need to remove the tire. Then either replace the tube or patch it. and all the tools have names that make their job obvious. Of course you won't be a pro at it the first time, but thats why you keep practicing, but if you find yourself practicing too much it might be time to find a tire that can resist punctures better.

waterrockets 

Multitool
Patch kit
Tube
Water
Frame pump
12 oz. can of whoopass

jpbrew814

cell phone occasionaly, wallet, leatherman knife (best thing ever), tire patch kit, presta valve adapter, tire levers, tube, and a pump. i should really invest in some co2 cartridges instead of carrying around that bulky pump.