Thanks - broken chain New Kent Road Monday 7th June

well i guess if your carrying your chain breaker a few spare links a magic link you might as well add a spare crank a spare brake caliper a new saddle just in case it rains and you get the other one wet spare pedals just in case you decide to change shoes half way through your ride ( which you will also be carrying a spare pair of ) why go the whole hog and carry a whole spare bike
just saying there is only so far you can go carrying spare parts bits etc before it starts getting ridiculous.

Utter bollocks.
You can fit a bit of chain, a chain tool and a link into the tiniest of spaces. Most bike-tools have a breaker incorporated into them, and three inches chain isn't the same as packing a fucking crank.
Essential spares means enough to fix a chain, tighten any loose bits and a spare tube.

What you are saying is the equivalent response to bringing a bottle of water on a ride - 'You may as well pack four glasses, a table to drink them off, and three other cunts to scoff at a sensible suggestion.'