7 Proudly Portland-Made Holiday Gifts for Cyclists

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Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Üma Kleppinger, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Looking for the perfect present for your favorite pedal pusher? These proudly Portland designers and manufacturers offer up great locally-made products that are sure to please to the fashion-conscious cyclists in your life.

Queen Bee Bags and Panniers $128

If you've been looking for panniers to tote your stuff around and want something with a little more personality than the usual big-name brands, look no further. Queen Bee Creations offers several pannier designs with whimsical, classy graphic applique stitched onto waterproof PVC-free faux-leather. The bags also feature reflective side panels, a water-resistant nylon interior lining, snaps at corners to expand or collapse bag size, and all the necessary rack mountain hardware, as well as side loops for lights and a handle for carrying with ease. Stop by the shop on N Williams Ave, where you can get a peek into the actual workshop where the bags are made by hand, or order online from the website.

Double Darn Custom Cycling Caps $37-$42

Double Darn is owned and operated by Portland native, and Pacific Northwest College of Art grad, Misia Pitkin. Since 2008 Pitkin has been hand-crafting caps for the cycling community. She offers three basic models on her website, and you can find the caps in shops around town, but for a truly charming chapeau, order up a custom designed cap for your loved one. Choose one of the three basic styles, in whatever colors you like. Shopping for a club or team? Custom screenprinting is available with a 20 cap minimum order. Prices range from $37 to $42, depending on style. To place an order, visit the website. 

Ahearne Cycles Engraved Flask

Not only does Joseph Ahearne hand build stunningly beatiful utility bikes, he also offers the perfect accessories for those chilly winter rides when you just wish you had a nip of whiskey to take the edge off. The brushed stainless flasks come in 6 and 8 oz sizes and are engraved with the beautiful Ahearne Cycles head badge image. To maximize your imbibing potential while riding, add a flask holster for seat tube mounting, or the under the seat holder. The unique design of the flask holster fits the curvature of the flask, so the flask fits in only one direction and stays secure while you’re pedaling. Got an idea for your own custom engraving? Ahearne will accommodate custom orders (priced from $40 up) and engraving takes about 10 days.  It should be noted Ahearne promotes “responsible drinking and safe cycling practices” on the website. Liberate your libations with an Ahearne flask by ordering online, here. 

Walnut Studio Leather U-Lock Holder $118

Never forget your U-lock when you leave for work in the morning, before the coffee has a chance to kick in. This frame-mounted leather U-lock holder by Walnut Studio is a stylish and practical way to get that heavy lock out of your shoulder bag or pocket. The durable, weather-proof vegetable-tanned leather holster attaches securely to parallel top-tube style bicycles with two sets of Chicago screws for rattle-free riding. This u-lock holster is designed to fit parallel top tube bicycles  and fits any U-lock measuring approximately 5.5" wide x 7.25" long. Hand crafted by a team of 5 in their SE Portland shop, the carrier can be personalized with a monogram for an additional $12. Order online directly from Walnut Studio.

Speedvagen Pit Boots $75

These perfectly Portlandia rubber rubber boots will help keep your feet cozy and dry off the bike. Perfect for working in the garden, attending sporting events or basically any time you're outside for an extended period of time during winter monsoon season. Created by Vanilla Bicycles for their cyclocross bike brand, Speedvagen, these made-in-the-USA, rubber rain boots feature a dual density sole, for maximum traction in both rugged terrain and on slippery smooth surfaced. A semi-insulated interior adds just a touch more warmth for cold feet. But perhaps best of all they are emblazoned with the Speedvagen crest, which features a prancing unicorn; urban legends claim the wearer of these boots may experience an overflowing amount of unicorn-fueled magical super powers. Order from the Speedvagen online store.

Rhythmic Metal Bicycle Chain Belt Buckle $40

Rhythmic Metal's Trent Stocking takes old bike chains and upcycles them into chic, unique belt buckles. After collecting them for years and testing different methods of fabrication, Working in his industrial North Portland shop, Stocking "breaks" the chain, sectioning it into varying lengths, then welds and powder coats for a smooth finish that will never rust. The buckles are designed to fit belts up to 1.5" in wide. Each belt buckle is unique, as bike chains vary from one to the next. Check out all of Rhythmic Metal's belt buckle designs on their website.

Chris King Espresso Tamper $85

For the coffee-loving connoisseur of quality bicycle components, nothing says Merry Christmas like the Chris King Espresso Tamper. In a collaboration with Portland- based America Barista & Coffee School, Chris King developed a professional grade tamper with precise dimensions, exceptional feel, and the iconic shape recognized throughout the cycling world. The tampers made in industrial NW Portland, in the same location where the company's renowned hubs, bottom brackets and headsets are machined utilizing the utmost in sustainable manufacturing processes. Available in numerous colors, sizes and with a flat or convex tamping surface option. Available online via the company's online store.

 

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Üma Kleppinger is a Portland-based copy writer, author and bike addict. A recovering sesquipedalian who writes about life in the saddle and outdoor adventure, she is also the author of Bike Yoga, a flexibility and recovery program for cyclists. When not writing, she can be found riding and racing her mountain bike throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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Related Slideshow: 2014 GoLocalPDX Guide to Holiday Events

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