Gift Ideas for the Indoor Cyclist
How could I forget?
Last week I endeavored to write the most complete and ultimate gift guide. Although tongue-in-cheek, the post forgot a particularly relevant category of riders: the Indoor Cyclist.
A reader pointed this out and I confessed to her that I completely forgot to include these people. It was in my notes, and it somehow escaped my exhaustive list.
And it’s too bad, because in many parts of the world this newsletter serves, it’s getting cold outside. We’re getting into the time of year where we eat lots of food and drink lots of beer and generally be merry and hope blindly all that merriment doesn’t weaken our bike legs. (Oh wait, that’s me.)
And then January comes and we start a training program, whether it’s a rigorous, detailed plan designed to whip your body into shape for the racing season in March, or whether it’s just a promise to get on the bike. Or perhaps it’s somewhere in between. Regardless, for many of us, this means riding inside on a trainer to work out all that merriment that’s kept us out of the saddle.
So, without further words — here’s five ideas.
The Indoor Cyclist
Wahoo Kickr Snap $400
I use this indoor trainer. It was a Christmas gift last year, from my wife. The trainer I used before this one was something I picked up from a rummage sale for $15. This one is better, because it connects to apps and other things like a heart rate monitor. Good for actual training. Wahoo has a lot of different options, depending on your budget.
Shokz OpenRun Headphones $100
I’ve read some different posts about these. I’ve never used them, but smart-sounding people say they are superior to in-ear buds because they still allow the user to hear their surroundings, like traffic. So these would be a good, all around headphone. You can use them inside or outside, and they’d work just as well. Theoretically. You’ll just have to believe the people trying to sell them. :)
These gym towels from Amazon $28
I do a lot of sweating. Especially inside. I found myself going through many towels last winter, so it would be nice to have some towels that are smaller, and within arm’s reach from the indoor trainer.
Flandriens Hero Cycling Figures $32
The indoor cyclist could put these guys on an eye-level shelf, for inspiration during a strenuous training session. This is also good idea for the Wannabe Rider.
This fan from Amazon $20
Wahoo makes a smart fan for $300. So if having 30 mph headwind during your indoor training sesh is your thing, it exists. I don’t think it’s for me. That said, it get’s quite hot during an indoor training session, so having a fan would be nice. Here’s a good option, because this thing looks like it can be attached to anything, including handlebars.
Thanks for obliging me. And thank you to one of our fellow cycopaths for pointing out that I had missed this important category.
Also, wanted to include a bit of an announcement/shameless plug/reminder.
When I made stickers a little while ago, I made an account with Sticker Mule. Well, now I get all sorts of promotional emails from the company. This generally doesn’t bother me. Especially when the emails have good deals on things I like.
I got one of these emails a couple weeks ago from them, promoting a deal on magnets. So I made some — and they’re in!
If you’re a loyal reader, you’ll understand the reference.
But if you’d like to catch up, here’s the original post.
Of course, it would have been smart of me to incorporate the Cycotherapy logo somewhere. Oh well. I like them. I hope you do, too.
They’re available to buy for $5 apiece.
Stickers are also available. They’re priced at $3 apiece.
Oh and if you really, really, really like Cycotherapy, there’s an option for you, too. You can donate any amount you’d like. Or you can give $4 a month.
This isn’t a scheme to get rich. I know I won’t make money with stickers and magnets. Just thought it’d be fun to have some merch. Everything I make will go back into developing Cycotherapy and possibly fund bike parts.
Thanks for reading, fellow cycopaths. I hope you’re having a great week.
See you all Friday. Don’t forget to send me pics of bikes! I love seeing them! You can send them to brazdill.25@gmail.com.