>>1041837np, always happy to get another cyclist on the road
>repair on the gothe most common type of repair you'll need to do is fixing a flat tire. How often you get flats is going to depend a lot on the sort of roads you're riding on and on your tires, but expect to have to fix flats at least semi-regularly
if you get a very minor puncture, which is most common, then its fixible with just an adhesive patch, but if the tube is torn badly you'll need to replace it, but generally most flats can be handled with just a patch
see:
http://sheldonbrown.com/flats.html>toolsgeneral tools I'd recommend carrying on some trips are a patch kit ($10) or spare tube ($12), hand pump ($20-40), multi-tool/hex keys ($10), adjustable wrench ($5) (only needed if the bike doesn't have quick release wheels), chain break ($5) and quick links ($5). Also, duct tape, needle nose pliars and zip ties are useful.
If you're riding < 2 miles away from home, don't bother bringing any tools with you, easier to just walk it home if something happens. Riding between 2 and 10 miles away from home/anywhere with bike parts, I'd probably bring a patch kit and a pump, unless I know the road well and don't think anything will happen. If you're going out into the country or something I'd take every tool you had with you just in case, but in a city you don't need all that much. The list above is overkill in 95% of cases. Most of the time I only carry a patch kit and my pump.
Also, check if there are any bike repair stands nearby, sometimes colleges/libraries/public areas have stands, and know where your local bike shops are just in case.
For general maintance, find your local bike coop, every city has one, ride in, and ask if they'll teach you how to work on a bike. Most places are pretty chill and will be happy to help, and usually a membership fee will run you $5 per month or so. They'll have more sophisticated tools for more specialized work and monthly maitnance
