Cycling Christmas Presents

What to buy that bike nut in your life? Here’s a Cycling Christmas Presents list.

You know how it is, you have to buy your significant cycling other something for Christmas, but what? They already have everything they need don’t they? Fear not, as cyclist there’s always something we want. Want, not need! Don’t worry though, it’s not all £10,000 bikes, there’s plenty of smaller items out there that would still bring a smile to our lips. So peruse our list of Cycling Christmas Presents for a little inspiration

Tech

We all love a bit of technology on our bikes, GPS, Apps, lights. There’s so many items that can make us faster, safer or just bring a smile!

First up in the Cycling Christmas Presents list are Nank’s OE Mix open ear buds. I’ve been using these solidly for the last few months around the house and on the turbo. Perfect for drowning out the turbo, or the kids, but you can still monitor what’s going on around you; great.

Next are lights, it is winter after all and if you’re riding after dark, lights are a must. I’ve been using Magicshine lights for some time now and have always found them bright and reliable. They have a huge range of lights for all kinds of uses. There’s the Evo 1700SD, that works with your Di2 shifters, or how about the SEEMEE DV camera tail-light, that records what’s going on behind you? They also have the SEEMEE 100 rear light with radar to alert drivers.

Bike computers

What about bike computers? Or as us cyclist like to call them, head units. There is a massive choice out there when it comes to these. The old days of just showing how far and fast you went, have been surpassed. Modern head units now absorb and display a bewildering amount of information. This can be displayed live and then uploaded to an app and scrutinised in detail later. But which one to choose?

The main players in this field are Garmin and Wahoo, they tend to be the brands you’ll see most often. However there are plenty of other brands out there that offer products that are worth a look. I’ve been using Spanish brand TwoNav’s Roc GPS recently. You can also pick up basic units like the Coospo CS300. While the latter doesn’t have all the functions of the bigger brands, it is a lot cheaper and will get you started.

Pumps

Yes a favourite of every cyclist, but something we never hope to need out on a ride! The humble pump has evolved over the years. First the pump went through various size evolutions from frame to mini-pump, with varying bore sizes and connection methods. Then CO2 came in, inflating our tyres in seconds and sometimes freezing our fingers.

Now, we have the Cycplus E-Pump, this tiny electric pump will inflate your tyres without any effort and can be re-charged. No more pumping like a maniac, it’s also really useful to take to cyclo-cross races. It’s small size means you can adjust your tyre pressure while out on a siting lap.

Maintenance

If you are out and get a puncture you may need to remove your tyre. Which is where the Tyre Glider comes in handy. This handy little gadget has been designed to make removing or installing a tyre a little bit easier.

If you are worried about punctures you could switch to tubeless. Tubeless tyres can be run with sealant, which will seal 90% of the punctures you get on a ride. The Muc-Off Ultimate Tubeless Kit has everything you need to go tubeless for Christmas. And if you’re cycling nut loves polishing their two-wheeled beauty, take a look at Muc-Off’s Winter Protection range. There’s enough cleaning and polishing products here to keep their ride looking fresh and smelling sweet all winter!

Another handy little gift that every cyclist should own is the multi-tool. There are many varieties out there, but the question is where to keep them? You can pop then in a jersey pocket, but they can be heavy and uncomfortable. So how about a saddle pack? Sticking with Muc-Off, you could get them a Saddle Pack. Alternatively you could go with the milKit Hassle’Off. This handy-dandy little tool can be attached underneath your bottle cage, out of the way until it’s needed.

Clothing

While socks are always welcome, maybe aim for something that can deal with the cold and wet. Sticking with our lower extremities, take a look at any of the shoe-covers from GripGrab. This Scandinavian brand knows all about bad weather. From their knitted shoe-covers, to their deep winter covers, you have plenty of options. They also do a fine range of gloves and clothing for all conditions.

If the rider you’re buying for likes to ride out in all weathers, then how about a winter wardrobe? The K-Tour jacket and bib-tights I’m currently reviewing from Alé would make those chilly rides a lot more bearable. Also from Alé is the Klimatik Guscio Racing jacket. This tiny water-proof is always tucked away in my back pocket; just in case.

Other stuff!

There’s heaps of other ‘stuff’ out there that might be right for your cyclist. How about a 3D representation of their favourite ride? Take a look at Heroad. Or maybe they’d appreciate some novelty valve caps to finish off their wonder bike; try Brick Caps.

Whatever you choose and how ever much you spend, I’m sure it will be appreciated. However maybe the greatest gift you can give your cyclist is time? Time to go out and ride. Or maybe even better arrange to go out for a ride with them? Spend some time together and see what they’ve been missing.

Whatever you do, here’s hoping you have a wheely good Christmas! Sorry, couldn’t resist that!