20 Terrific Holiday Gift Ideas for Cyclists
Monday, December 15, 2014
Looking for the perfect gift for a hard-to-shop-for cyclist? Here are a few ideas for ranging from low-budget to high-performance gear, apparel and parts for cyclists of any age, ability, or inclination. From the utilitarian bike storage options, tools and reference materials for the home mechanic, to clothing for both men and women, the fantastic items are sure to bring a smile to the Grinchiest gear grinder.
Velo Hinge from Feedback Sports
$25.99
For the cyclist with too many bikes and not enough places to store them neatly (it happens!), check out Velo Hinge from Feedback Sports. The Velo Hinge is an inexpensive, easy to install wall rack to allow you to conveniently store your bicycle and save space. Fits most standard road, mountain and kids bikes. Maybe after you make all that room and tidy up the basement Santa will bring you a new fat bike next time around. Order online from Feedback Sports or buy locally from Metropolis Cycles.
Blackburn Click Combo Blinkie Light Set
$24.99
This jewel-like red and white blinkie light set by Blackburn provides a little extra visibility with two super bright LED lamps in each. Stretchy silicone straps mount to just about any seat post or handlebar without tools. Lights offer 70 hr steady or 140 hr flashing run times. Grab several sets for extra party-ride flair during group rides or during the holidays. Batteries included. Available online or at Metropolis.
Mudhugger Fenders
$30-60
For the mountain biker who just can’t hang up the bike in winter, Mudhugger fenders are here to save the ride. Mudhugger fenders are designed to fit most full suspension or hardtail mountain bikes, and move with your bike, as suspension compresses, eliminating “buzzing” or rubbing against tires. The design also allows for smooth, unimpeded operation of dropper posts. Made in the UK, these ingenious fenders range from about $30 for one front fender to $69 for a set of front and rear, and come in sizes that accomodate 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels. Available online from Mudhugger or pick up in town from exclusive North American dealer, Cyclepath.
Brooks B17 Saddle
$120-160
The Brooks England B17 bike saddle will keep your butt on your bike for longer distances with comfort and style. The company makes both men's and women's models, crafted from high-quality, durable leather, with chrome-plated steel rivets, and steel rails for a classy, retro look. In fact, the B17 is Brooks' flagship model and has been supporting bike-loving bums for over 100 years, and the design has remained relatively unchanged. Ideal for long distance sports touring and trekking, the B17 will put a smile on any serious cyclists's face. Available online from Brooks or purchase locally at VeloCult.
Showers Pass Crosspoint Hardshell Gloves
$90
Warm, dry hands, warm heart? For the dedicated year-round commuter or recreational rider Showers Pass Crosspoint™ Hardshell Waterproof Gloves provide the ultimate in performance and comfort. A seamless waterproof membrane bonded to the outer shell material keeps your hands dry while a Merino wool lining wicks perspiration away from your hands. Perforated anti-slip palm and fingers enhance breathability without reducing waterproofing. Reflective logos and trim keep you visible when signaling, and the padded palms add to extended ride comfort. Order online from Showers Pass or buy locally at Crank.
NiteIze SpokeLit
$8.99
Add more visibility, improve safety and add a bit of flair to your night riding with the Nite Ize LED SpokeLit. Featuring a bright and efficient LED, the SpokeLit has two illumination modes—steady glow and flashing. Easy to install, the SpokeLit fits most 3 spoke cross patterns. Best of all, SpokeLit creates the attention-getting effect of a moving circle of light. Available in Red, Blue, Green, and Disc-O, which cycles through the color spectrum, pun intended. Order online or call your local bike shop for availability.
The Lumberyard Bike Park Gift Certificate
Any amount
Ride all winter long at The Lumberyard’s indoor bike park. Popular with the groms, but adults flock here too in wet weather. The unique indoor tracks offer jump lines, pump tracks, skills sections and technical trail riding areas for everyone from beginner to expert. BYOB (bring your own bike), rent or demo one of the shop’s fleet. Lessons are available, and “the ‘yard” has a complete bike shop and retail area. Memberships range from $269.95 for a Winter Youth Pass (under 12, good from Nov-April) to $699.95 (12 and over, annual membership). Purchase gift certificates or season passes online from The Lumberyard.
Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar Thermal Leggings
$100
Stay warm on cold winter rides with the Pearl Izumi Sugar Thermal bike tights made with Pearl Izumi's SELECT fabric featuring a soft fleece interior that transfers moisture, while locking in warmth. These winter riding tights are designed to hug your body's contours, with a 6-panel construction pattern, a 7" ankle zipper to keep out drafts. The flat waistband fits snugly, without binding like regular elastic waistbands. Featuring the Women's Tour 3D Chamois® for comfort and reflective details for low-light riding safety, these tights are rated for use betweem 55°F and 65°F. Order online from Pearl Izumi or purchase at the Pearl Izumi Outlet in Woodburn.
Urban Lace Jewelry
$24.99-$29.99
Urban cycling fashionistas love eco-friendly designer jewelry by Urban Lace. Bracelets, chokers and earrings are created from recycled bicycle inner tubes collected from local shops. Edgy but elegant, these high quality, high fashion, products not only look great, but also make the wearer feel great knowing their beautiful accessories keep thousands of inner tubes out of landfills. Made in NE Portland, order online from Urban Lace.
Velo Gioielli Bicycle Art
$20-$800
Portland-based cycling enthusiast Brian Echerer blends his passion for art and cycling with simple, but lovely one-of-a-kind creations made from and with bike parts. Echerer upcycles spokes, chain links, springs and sprockets into into bracelets, pendants, necklaces and other objets d’art. If jewelry isn’t your thing, Echerer also makes stunning stained glass “wheel sculptures” using bike parts for the frame. You can find Velo Gioielli at the Portland Saturday Market on the weekend, or order from the Etsy store.
Bike Mitts Handlebar Hand Coverings
$55-$85
Bike Mitts are the dry hand, warm hand solution for riders who want protection from the elements, but feel inhibited by bulky winter gloves. Made from upcycled scrap materials, Bike Mitts feature 100% waterproof exterior. The insulation and fuzzy inner layers are soft and warm and keep your fingers toasty. Bike Mitts are made to fit both road bikes and mountain bikes and are designed to stay on your bike, creating a warm pocket around your hand, so shifting and braking are the same as if you were wearing nothing at all. Hand crafted in Portland by Lauren Gross, founder of Bike Mitts. Order online at Bike Mitts.
Bike Thieves Suck Tee from Project 529
$25
You’ve seen them around town, on two-wheeling torsos everywhere, glancing at them covetously, but now… Now, you can get your own. Or get one for your sweetie, of course! Either way, your purchase of a “Bike Thieves Suck” or “Take a Bike Out of Crime” tee shirt from Project 529 is a doubly great gift. Not only do they fit well and send a message of unity against the growing population of bike theft, but with every purchase made Project 529 will donate $5.29 of every sale to National Interscholastic Cycling Association, supporting middle and high school mountain biking programs across the country. Order online from Project 529.
Ladies’ Bloomers by My Alibi Clothing
$70-125
Any comfort-conscious woman who enjoys the benefits of padded bike shorts but can’t stand the sight of them will love My Alibi Bloomers. These under-shorts bring the functionality of bike shorts to her wardrobe with a feminine fit that hides under your regular clothing. Designed by a woman to “fit and flatter”, My Alibi’s clothing uses no binding elastic for maximum comfort with zero pantie lines. The company offers two styles, both of which feature a high-performance Italian chamois, and premium fabrics that are breathable and moisture wicking in snazzy colors. Order online at My Alibi.
North St. Bags Beer Cozy
$18
Last we checked there was no actual city law that said beer and bikes go together, but it does seem to be the case for most cyclists. North St Bags—renowned for their commuter bags, panniers, and accessories—has crafted a Beer Cozy that lets you take a cold one on the go with ease. This “retro” refreshment holster snaps to either handlebars or belt, and fits a tallboy or a small water bottle. And not only are all of North Street Bags’ products sewn at the company’s SE Portland factory, but if you like to think global, act local, you’ll appreciate knowing all the fabrics, and most of the trim and hardware are sourced from US manufacturers. Order online from North Street Bags.
Mavic Trail Thermo Shoe Cover Black
$64.96
Keep your toes toasty warm and dry when you’re out playing in the mud with Mavic’s Trail Thermo Shoe Cover. Crafted from windproof, waterproof Warm Shell ST fabric which stretches to fit snugly around your riding shoes, you’ll enjoy your ride without the distraction of cold, wet feet. A grippy outsole provides walkability with cutouts in the sole for cleats, and rear zip entry permits easy on/off. The fabric is treated to provide additional protection from scuffing, and has reflective highlights for night riding visibility. Order online from Mavic or buy local from Western Bikeworks.
PDW Whiskey™ Grips
$65
You’re bike’s been good to you, right? So, why not lavish a little of that Christmas spirit on your urban steed? Portland Design Works’ Whiskey™ Grips blend ergonomic comfort and sleek, classic styling. Made with durable Italian leather which is vegetable tanned and conditioned with all natural oils and waxes, the grips will actually and gain character over time, much like a fine whiskey. Polished aluminum lock rings prevent rotation while you ride. Available in Honey, Racing Green and Steel Blue. Buy online from Portland Design Works or stop in at 21st Avenue Cycles.
Castelli Espresso 3 Jacket
$299
Don’t be surprised if the recipient of this jacket immediately puts it on and wears it around the rest of Christmas day. The Castelli Espresso jacket is high performance cycling apparel with Italian flair. Made with Windstopper® fabric to protect from wind and water while allowing for excellent breathability, while a soft mesh lining insulates and adds comfort. Two vertical zippers provide additional venting when needed, and wrist zips keep the jacket snug around gloves for draft-free riding. Buy locally from River City Bicycles, Western Bikeworks, or Universal Cycles.
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Legacy Wall Brick
$250-1000
Got a mountain biker who's also a history buff at home? Buy 'em a brick! Not just any brick—an inscribed brick that will be used to build the Legacy Wall at the Marin Mountain Bike Hall of Fame museum in Fairfax, CA. There are three brick sizes to choose from, ranging from 4x8" to 12x12". The Legacy Wall is over 33 feet long and 4 feet high, and designed to create the profile of area landmarks the Sleeping Maiden, Mt Tamalpais, and Bolinas Ridge. Order online at Mt. Tam Legacy Wall.
Road ID
$19.99-$29.99
Road ID offers peace of mind in the form of one of the most important pieces of gear a cyclist can carry—specialized, wearable identification. Like military dogtags, the Road ID features personal identification as well as life-saving medical information; in the event of an accident of health emergency, the Road ID may just save your life. Choose from standard tags or the interactive option which lists a phone number to call, along with a code which tells first responders of medical conditions or known allergies. Order online from Road ID.
Kinderbike Laufrad
$129
It's never too soon to get the little ones going and Kinderbike offers clearly superior balance bikes to get them going on the right—and left—foot. Winning top bike design awards for the fourth consecutive year, the Laufrad is strong and durable, featuring an aluminum frame and alloy components, linear-pull hand brake and a limited lifetime warranty. The Laufrad is available in standard (13" inseam) and mini (11" inseam) options. Order online from Kinderbike or purchase locally at Cat Six Cycles.
Wrapped gifts photo credit: queenbeeofbeverlyhills via Compfight cc
Related Slideshow: Holiday Gift Guide for Beer Lovers
It’s the holiday season and if you’ve been wondering what to get the beer lover in your life, the wait is over.
Rogue Dead Guy Wallet
Phone Case Bottle Opener
Homebrew Kit
Growler
Kegerator
Brewvana Beer Tour
Bräuler
Cascade Hops
Guild Membership
Beer Bike Carrier
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