Tool kit including Crank Brothers multi tool featuring chain tool,spoke key and common Allen Keys. A adjustable spanner and 10mm ring spanner, 30cm length of wire, small assortment of nuts and bolts. A couple of cable ties and an old toe clip strap (last used when my overloaded pannier rack came loose) Two inner tubes ( plus a 700 X 28 in case someone else needs it. Quick links x 3 to cover anything between 6 and 11 speed) A can of emergency tyre sealant, a pair of tyre pliers and 3 tyre levers, a length of cut inner tube for use as a tyre boot, a crank extractor (which is much more likely to be used to fit a crank that was not torqued tight enough on someone else's bicycle and has been used twice in the last few years for this very purpose). A small can of aerosol spray oil because squeaks are so annoying. First aid kit including microfleece towel, polythene bags to put small body parts in - or more likely, blackberries or other hedgerow pickings, a wad of cotton wool within the kit can also be used to run around the inside of a tyre following a deflation as it will snag on any sharp object that has penetrators the casing. A cafe lock +/- a D lock and cable, depending on destination and intended cake stops. A set of small battery lights in case of failure of the ones fitted on the bike or in case someone else has forgotten theirs, a hollowtech pre load tool (even though my trike and bicycle don't have a Hollowtech BB and a 20p is a usable alternative . Waterproofs - which I tend not to wear when it is raining due to my dislike of 'boil in the bag syndrome', 3 X cereal bars, anti-histamine tablets, Codeine tablets, Salbutamol inhaler, a packet of tissues, a couple of pairs of non latex gloves.
Then on the day, mobile phone and wallet.
All of the above are basic essentials and any item removed from the list will inevitably be required on the very next ride.
