The Most Complete & Ultimate Gift-Giving Guide for the Cyclist in Your Life
Seriously the best gift list for cycling on the internet.
Dear cycopath,
Happy Friday. We’re doing something a bit different today. Typically, this is the slot for the Weekly Cyco Gallery. But it’s the holiday shopping season. So I thought I’d take some time to curate a gift list for you all.
Gift giving isn’t my cuppa tea. I think I got my wife a spatula and a wine stopper last year. Oh, and some slippers. (Not my strong suit.)
So I guess you should take this list with a grain of salt.
Nevertheless, I’ve put together a series of lists for every type of cyclist I could conjure. There’s the Mountain Biker, the Roadie, the Urban Fixie/Commuter, the Gravel Grinder Adventure Junkie, the Vicarious Parent Cyclist, the Wannabe Rider (the person who spends more time thinking about the sport than actually doing it. Maybe these gifts will give them the nudge they need).
All of these gifts can be gifted to a cyclist, no matter which category. But check out the bonus/other category at the bottom if you don’t like putting your significant other in a box.
I’ve attempted to keep these lists short, and to include a good mix of practical, affordable and thoughtful.
A couple disclaimers: You might need to open this email in your browser. Substack told me it was too long. In other words, “too awesome.” Also, I don’t have affiliate links set up, so I see no profit if you buy any of these.
Enjoy!
The Mountain Biker
Crankbrothers M19 multi-tool $37
I’ve used this one (in gold) for a few years now and I love it. It’s sturdy. It looks good. Little heavy, but that doesn’t bother me.
Bontrager Air Rush Elite CO2 inflator $26
This is one of those gift ideas that can be applied to all cyclists. I use this exact model and it works well across all bikes/tire sizes. It’s a quick way to inflate a tire if needed while on the trail. Make sure to buy some extra CO2 cartridges while you’re at it.
Thrillium Long Sleeve bike jersey by Dakine $38
Dakine products are nice. Not too frilly and shiny. And not too crazy expensive. Sure to make a statement on the trails.
Dakine Hot Laps 2L Hip Pack $32
Mountain bikers love fanny packs. It’s the only time I’d wear one. And actually, I use this one quite a bit. It holds all the essentials without being bulky. It’s a good way to carry an extra water bottle too.
Bike Zero Cushion Crew Socks by Smartwool $22
I own a pair of these in the Deep Navy color and I love them. They look nice and feel nice.
The Roadie
Bontrager Ion 100 R/Flare R City Bike Light Set, on sale $60
You won’t be doing any night riding with this, but it’s a good solution for the rider who wants to be seen during the daylight hours. Believe me, you want to be seen if you’re a road rider.
Spurcycle “Catch Up” water bottle $12
Good gift to give the cyclist in your life that is OK with a bit of self deprecation every once in a while. And it’s always OK to have another water bottle.
Tour de France card game by Brainy Bikers
All roadies dream of being in the Tour de France. Here’s their chance to brush up on the world’s biggest race, and flex their knowledge to all their bike club members.
YardStash bicycle cover, XL $25
Your cycling significant other just bought a brand spanking new bike, with a carbon frame and high-end components. Keep it nice during the upcoming road trip with this cover.
Muc-Off 8-in-1 Bike Cleaning Kit $75
Speaking of keeping things nice… Here’s an idea for the cyclists who would probably never buy one of these kits for themselves.
The Urban Fixie/Commuter
Thousand helmet, on sale $69
This helmet screams commuter. But it also looks nice, and like something I’d wear if I had to.
Burley Travoy Bike Cargo Trailer $300
Dang, that’s expensive. But hey, if you have the dough … This actually looks pretty handy. It folds up nicely so it doesn’t take up a ton of space in storage. It’s rated for carrying up to 60 lbs, and looks like it can hold a suitcase.
Supacaz Fly Cage Ano $27
Make your Urban Fixie/Commuter cyclist stand out with this bottle cage.
Hiplok Spin Lock $50
Commuters like to look urban. But they also like functional pieces … This bike lock is perfect because it could double as a belt!
Bike Balls $15
OK, now we’re getting ridiculous. (Seriously though, what commuter wouldn’t love a set of lighted up gonads?)
The Gravel Grinder Adventure Junkie
Addtop’s Portable Solar Power Bank $40
Power all your gadgets and gizmos while on that epic ride across Montana. Unless it’s cloudy. But for real, this seems like a good gift to someone who’s taking the looooong route, over many days. The adventure junkie could hang this off the side of her panniers and, voila! Power for your watch or phone or portable TV.
Blackburn Big Switch Wrap $38
A great set up for someone who wants to be able to fix anything that goes wrong during a ride that has them miles away from civilization, let alone a bike shop. Comes with T25 and T30 Torx bits, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm Allen bits and a flathead screwdriver, and room for other goodies, like an extra tube.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX Tool $40
This is similar to the Blackburn kit, but it keeps the tools concealed a bit more. And it looks like this would be an option for the rider who wants to pack this away, instead of attaching to the bike. It’s also lighter.
Custom Cycle Route Print, from Etsy $42-57
This looks cool. You can print your favorite adventure route to a framed picture. You just add in the route information and they print it up. It’s a minimalist design and it comes in different colors and sizes.
Camelbak Podium Dirt 21oz Bottle $14
A solid looking bottle that claims to keep the valve clean with the addition of a cap. This is one of those gifts that a cyclist probably wouldn’t buy for themselves but appreciate the gift for those long-haul adventures when things can get messy.
The Wannabe Rider
The Rider by Tim Krabbé $16
This is an awesome read. I couldn’t help getting inspired to go ride my bike while reading it. It’s also a book that makes the reader feel like they’re part of a secret club — and who doesn’t like that?
180D Plug Industries Bike Chain coffee mug $32
Little pricey for a mug. It’s likely to be your wannabe cyclist’s favorite mug, though. And if that’s what it takes to get your wannabe cyclist outside and in the saddle? Worth it.
Epic Bike Rides of the World $35
Let your On-the-Fence Rider flip through the pages of this book and plan her next adventure on two wheels. And then ask if you can tag along. I have this book and it’s a great read. Makes ya want to pack everything up and ride across Equador.
Go Ride Your Bike T-shirt $30
I have some gloves from this company and they lasted for a while. Until they ripped when I got hit by an SUV. But that’s not a knock on the quality. This shirt says it all. Go Ride.
Cycotherapy sticker $3
Shameless plug here. :) I’m excited about these stickers, but mostly I’m excited about this publication, where the intent to get people on their bikes. So get your wannabe cyclist a sticker and start a conversation!
The Vicarious Parent Cyclist
Burley Bee Bike Trailer $350-380
It’s the most expensive item on the list. But I really think this purchase is worth the price. It’s a quality item, that you will use over and over again, and that your kids are going to love. I use this product a lot. My kids love it. The only thing I might regret is not getting the more expensive one with a runner’s handle. (Glad I didn’t though because I’d look like a poser. I run probably four or five times a year.)
Mac Ride Child Seat $310
I’ve never tried this before, but I’m tempted. I think it’d be a great present for The Mountain Bike cyclist friend or significant other who is also a parent. I like the idea of putting a child up near the saddle to let them get the hang of it. Bit pricey though. Especially for something that will last a couple years, if that. To each their own, I guess.
Retrospec balance bike $70
The Retrospec is half of what a Strider costs. But you know what? They still work. Our oldest (she’s five) started on the Retrospec when she was 2 and 3. And it worked. She now rides a full pedal bike on pump tracks and on single track. Never broke or anything. And our youngest (who turns three in January) is just getting the hang of it now.
Lazer Pnut Kineticore Helmet $50
Get your kid a nice brain lid. They’ll love it.
Kids’ Hydro Flask with straw lid $30
And when you take your kids in the Burley Bee, they’ll need something to hold water. These are super versatile, though. Use them at the beach. In the living room. In the van. At the park. And they don’t break. We have two, one for each.
Other Ideas
Puffin Beverage Sweater $20
These are really cool, and sure to turn some heads at the trailhead. And they actually keep your beer cold. My wife’s store carries these. So get ‘em while they last because that woman knows how to sell stuff. :)
Untapped Maple Syrup Athletic Fuel $37
You can find this stuff in some local bike shops, and there are other flavors if you wanna get weird. Maple syrup is a great fuel during rides. I’ve discovered it doesn’t mess with my stomach like some of the other products out there.
Kate Aspen Bicycle Bottle Opener $4
Seems like a cool bottle opener to keep in the shop or in the saddle bag.
Hammer Nutrition CBD Tincture $42-71
I’m not one of those foolhardy CBD gospel preachers. But I tried the tincture CBD a little while back and noticed a calming effect after rigorous rides. I’ve also noticed it settles an upset stomach.
Cold Shower Cooling Field Towel $10
My friend brought these along during our 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail ride this summer. It was a nice addition during stops to wipe off the dirt and sweat from my face.
Wow, what a list, eh? I know. I outdid myself. I hope it was helpful. Feel free to share this with everyone who might need help finding gifts for their cycopath.
Oh and if you’re new here, welcome! Peruse! Subscribe! Read! And then get off the screen and go ride your bike, man.