Looks like a good carry-kit for your bicycle commuting.

Regarding extra spokes, spoke wrench or knowing how to tighten spokes/true wheels: you might find it worthwhile to carry one (or two) FiberFix replacement spokes because it can be a handy way to do a quick on-the-road repair that will get you home or to a bike shop.

You can see how it works at:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fiberfix.htm

You can find them online or at many local bike shops.

Also, I agree a dollar bill can work well as a temporary tire "boot" if you get a gash in a tire. (You put the bill in-between the inner tube and the hole in the tire.)

But you might find that an old Tyvek mailing envelope works very well, weights little, folds small, and is free if you look around or re-use an old one.

I find a cloth cycling cap folds small but comes in handy not only in sunny conditions but especially in mist or rain because it helps keep my glasses a little clearer of water drops.

Lastly, it's cheap and easy to add a few strips of reflective tape to your bike's crank arms, fenders, chain stays, etc. (Every thing that makes you more visible if you get caught in darkening conditions is a good thing, I think.)

Going to be taking a week long bike tour in the country, so paying attention to this thread

Thanks Henry. That's an amazing product that I never would have known about otherwise...it's like the pantyhose fan belt of bicycles

Hacksaw:

Go to your local MEC and get Tuffy tire liners. I have them on my mountain / commuter bike and after 3 years and over 7,000 km (4400 miles) of riding in all types of terrain...city and off-road, I have not had a flat tire once.

The liners are well worth the money. In fact after fenders and panniers, the liners are one of the best and worthwhile improvements you can make to your bike. If you have smaller tires/rims, the liners can be cut to fit.

See here about 1/2 way down the page

These things are not really needed. I myself have rode my bike for 2 weeks at a time with a broken spoke(s) and no ill effects. There is a guy at work, his bike has been missing a back rim spoke for 2-3 years now.

Most bike rims can still ridden on if there is one or even 2 spoke failures. The secret is to easily adjust the other spokes enough if the rim is a bit wobbly. Practice on a junker rim and you should be able to adjust the spokes in no time on your bike if ever needed in the future.

What folding bike did you buy? All Dahon's have a pump in the seat post. How far is your commute, one way? If you don't want to walk with a irreparable bike problem, take your cell phone too. I've been doing the bike commute (3 miles one way) for about 3 years and like it!

Currently it's not far. Not sure the exact distance but I can walk it in 40 minutes. If I had to walk during a commute it wouldn't be the end of the world but I would be late. The nice thing about the folding design is that I can hop on a bus without hassle (only a few routes here have rack equipped buses).

I passed on the Dahon (they're really expensive here for some reason...like 80% more than in the US it seems) and went with the lesser known Norco Origami. I've been pretty impressed so far considering it was almost half the price of the cheapest Dahon I could find locally. I was originally concerned about how tough it is but I weigh 230 and it feels very solid.

If you are looking at bicycle trailers, have a look at the range of BoB traliers. www.bobgear.com
Cheers

And a helmet

First...would like to say this is my first post to ETS after lurking on the forum for years and scouring the ETS website.

As a cyclist and a 'prepared person', I would hesitate to over think the joy of cycling in urban/suburban areas with the concepts of being prepared for the worst of it when in the back country.

My work commute when I do so, is 15 miles each way and on weekends can ride up to 100 miles for fun. Aside from my EDC and essentials for work (clothes, etc)there is not that much that needs to be addressed over the basics for work commutes.

-Hydration
-powerbar (et al)
-Helmet
-Ability to change a tire
-eye protection
-lighting for your ride, front and back
-work related items, clothing, keys, etc
-proper clothing for cycling comfort, including a brightly colored top.
-cell phone
-I suggest an id tag from Roadid dot com.

Baring an accident, the worst to happen enroute is most likely a flat. If you have prepared your trip by giving route information to a co-worker, buddy or significant other, a phone call can get you where you need to be in due time, especially if your within a few miles of the start or ending destination.

The worst I ever had was a three flatter ride and stuck along the freeway. My wife was called and she arrived two hours later. Meanwhile several motorists stopped to see if I needed assistance and kept me well supplied in water.