Trying to find that special something for your cycling mad significant other, family members or riding mates this festive season? Whilst it may seem they have every two-wheeled accessory possible, fear not, there are plenty of ride essentials that are sure to win their happiness.
With that in mind, we’ve scoured BikeExchange and hand-picked the following gift ideas that are sure to be well received by any discerning cycling enthusiast. After all, a gift that appeals to ones two-wheeled passion is hard to get wrong!
Cycling Computer
Does a ride exist if it is not recorded? Most cyclists nowadays get giddy over their ride statistics. So be it speed and distance, GPS route or average heart rate - the current crop of affordable cycling computers on the market will have all their ride tracking needs covered.
Multi-device compatibility is a non-negotiable in the current age of cycling computers. With leading brands such as Garmin offering up Wifi, ANT+ and Bluetooth connections, as well as the ability to immediately upload ride data to third-party apps such as TrainingPeaks and Strava, the cyclist in your life will surely appreciate the convenience.
So regardless of whether you know a rider living in blissful ignorance of the time they spend on the bike or someone in serious need of an upgrade, they’re guaranteed to appreciate the simple layout and complex metrics tracked on a modern cycling computer.
Ride Wallet
A case or ride wallet that keeps your smartphone, cash and personal details safe and dry is one of the most versatile accessories a rider can own.
Available to fit most modern smartphones, a good phone wallet such as the Zilfer Active Wallet will be incredibly secure, stylish, weather resistant and practical. Look for options with adequate space inside to hold ride essentials such as house keys, I.D, phone, credit cards and any cash needed for the essential mid-ride caffeine hit.
A New Kit
There might be no better feeling than sliding into a brand new cycling kit (perhaps pre-Christmas pudding), especially if it is courtesy of Italian boutique cycling brand Capo. Available in both men's and women's sizing, the Corsa Jersey combines a stylish and minimalistic design with moisture wicking materials for a jersey sure to withstand the summer.
The matching bib shorts deliver a great fit by having a functional and comfortable multi-panel anatomical cut. The antibacterial, medium density liner located within is one of the best value chamois on the market. It’s thick enough to feel reactive and absorbent to road bumps yet thin enough to give the rider a barely there sensation when walking off the bike, exactly what's wanted when clocking up the k’s this summer.
Cycling Cap
Cycling caps are an aesthetic that often expands beyond cycling function, as their unique designs and quirky looks have a place in any cyclist's wardrobe!
If you’re after something that diverges from the run of the mill, Cinelli offers a wide selection of stylish caps sure to appease the most discerning style needs. Made in Italy, Cinelli caps are a unique gift that will feel right at home on the accessories wall or on the head while sipping a pre, post or mid-ride espresso.
Drivetrain Cleaning Kit
A dirty, dry or dusty drivetrain causes poor shifting and unnecessary wear to expensive parts. Cut their bike some slack and give the gift of a slick shifting drivetrain this festive season with a cleaning kit.
Specifically designed for ease of use and precision on a bicycle, a drivetrain cleaning kit such as those offered by Park Tool targets the chain and keeps hands and surrounds relatively grease free. The included scrubbing brushes get to the hard to reach parts of the cassette, cogs, and derailleur and is best aided by a bicycle-specific degreaser.
Saddle Bag
Carrying spares is a no-brainer, but finding a neat, low key way to store them can prove to be a challenge. Get those ride spares out of the pockets and into a stylish saddle bag.
Available in sizes ranging from sleek and minimalistic, to voluminous and bikepacking friendly, you’re sure to find a saddlebag to suit your giftee’s needs. After all, equipping a saddlebag full of spares can be the difference between getting back on the bike and completing a ride or an expensive Uber home so this is one gift that is sure to be used to great effect.
For bonus gift-giving points, pack your gifted saddle bag with the appropriate tubes and tools so the lucky recipient can fit it straight to their bike and hit the road!
A Bike Lock
Theft can occur in the blink of an eye having a competent lock to secure your bicycle will make it much more difficult for opportunistic thieves to snatch your ride while you stir the sugar in your latte. A cable bike lock that easily fits in a jersey or a back pocket will come in handy when the need arises to take eyes off the bike for a brief moment. However, a more secure frame lock such as those available from OnGuard may be a better solution for leaving the bike unattended for long periods.
For more on keeping your ride safe from thieving hands, check out our top tips on theft proofing your bike.
Gilet
There is nothing quite as useful and versatile as a light and minimal gilet to add an extra layer between a rider and the elements. If a fair-weather day suddenly takes a turn it is handy to have a good gilet in the back pocket to keep the wind from biting or from getting drenched to the bone.
A good gilet will be lightweight, weather resistant, breathable and ideally come in an athletic fit, making it easy to pack down and store in a jersey pocket. Furthermore, a relatively understated gilet can be paired with any kit and is no doubt a necessity for the cyclist who doesn’t let the weather get the better of them!
Carbon Bottle Cages
If it is made from carbon, you almost guarantee a cyclist will want it fitted to their bike. Shave grams and add some class to your hydration station with some carbon bottle cages. A good bottle cage is both light and securely holds a bidon and adds a sense of increased value to one's bicycle. Practically speaking, the carbon bottle cage is more than just form, reducing weight while increasing bottle security over plastic and aluminium options.
Chamois Cream
It may be taboo to talk about outside of cycling circles, but chamois cream is a vital toiletry item for anyone that indulges in significant saddle time.
When it comes to care down there, there are a number of choice Chamois Cream options available on the market from leading brands. Chamois cream works by providing an anti-friction layer that prevents saddle sores when applied in the right places. Whilst it's always a laugh when discussing exactly where it goes and how to apply, beneath the jokes cyclists' of all persuasions will be thanking you for the derriere care!
For more gift inspiration check out our road bike accessory buyer’s guide
