Great Gift Ideas for Cyclists
Great Gift Ideas for Cyclists
Need a gift for the cyclist in your life? Our favorites have multi-season use, are great solo, or can be mixed and matched.
Layering Pieces For Cycling and More
In Colorado, we bike year-round. We can fat bike in 20-degree weather with snow flurries one day, and road bike four days later on a 50-degree bluebird day. The only solution is to layer up.
We love all the Pearl Izumi Bikestyle pieces for their versatility and performance both on the saddle and off while we were out socializing. Additionally, the Bikestyle pieces take the guesswork out of packing for a weekend mountain bike trip.
Ranging in price and available in a variety of colors, these Bikestyle pieces will get plenty of wear.
Our favorite three key pieces are the Graphic Raglan T-shirt, Rove Long Sleeve Shirt (this plaid performance flannel piece caught our eye at a preview last summer), and Versa Soft Shell Hoody. Worn alone or as a first layer, the Graphic Raglan (MSRP $45) is a baseball-style T-shirt constructed of lightweight material and a fun graphic. The Women’s and Men’s (MSRP $80) Rove Long Sleeve Shirt worked well over base layers and also alone. Although it kept us warm, the performance flannel prevented sweat from soaking through. Finally, the Versa Softshell Hoodie (MSRP $135 to $175) in both Women’s (MSRP $175) Men’s offer wind protection and warmth without the bulk. Recommended use as a top layer on colder days, or to wear as a soft, flexible layer for post-ride beers.
Pearl Izumi Versa Softshell Hoodie, Pearl Izumi Pro Gel Vent full finger gloves
Great Gift Ideas for Cyclists
Mix-and-Match Gifts
Your choice.
No matter how picky the cyclist on your gift list is, it will be difficult to go wrong with any item listed among the following accessories or apparel assortment. They are good as standalone items, but also fun to pair up with other small goods (e.g. Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoe and DZR socks). Shall we begin?
Adidas Five Ten | Mountain Bike - Five Ten
Lumbar packs are taking over the cycling. Popularized by mountain bikers, the comfort and convenience of lumbar packs have become so widespread in the cycling community that it is no longer unusual to see them used by road cyclists on endurance rides (one of our writers opted to wear one at the Copper Triangle last summer).
We like the Camelbak’s Repack LR 4 50 Oz Belt (MSRP $75) and Osprey Savu Mountain Biking Lumbar Pack (MSRP $55). These lumbar packs have been used hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and taken to outdoor festivals. Both packs stay comfortably in place and can hold a surprising amount of gear (folded up windbreaker, eye protection, nutrition, sunscreen, etc.). With a lumbar pack, everything is close at hand. Having to interrupt rides to stop and remove a back pack, is a thing of the past.
Osprey Savu is recommended for those who like to use water bottles. Prefer to use a hydration pack? The Camelbak Repack is for you.
Everyone likes T-shirts, and you can never have too many. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, Pearl Izumi’s Graphic T-shirt (MSRP $35) is a winner for its softness, unique graphics, and great to wear anywhere.
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 (MSRP $199) keeps your beverages cold, while the YETI Camino Carryall Tote 35 (MSRP $149.99) hauls bike accessories and gear galore with ease.
Five Ten Free Rider Mountain Bike Shoes
The Five Ten Free Rider Mountain Bike Shoe (MSRP $100) is our favorite mountain bike shoe that we take on late autumn and early winter trips to Fruita and Moab. The flexible suede and mesh upper keeps feet protected, while the lace closure and understated graphics make them stylish enough to wear around town. Available in both Women’s and Men’s sizes.
Bontrager Wave Cel series helmets (MSRP $149.99 to $299.99) are worth the steep asking price. Introduced in 2019, Bontrager’s patented wave cel technology offered an alternative to MIPS as a technology designed to reduce impacts.
In addition to the technology, Blendr mounts, and BOA system, the style and fit make the Wave Cel helmets worth the price. Note: for cyclists with smaller sized heads who have difficulty finding helmets (especially mountain bike) that fit snugly, the Blaze (MSRP $299.99) is the last helmet they’ll ever need.
Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet and Smith Optics PivLock Asana performance eyewear Great Gift Ideas for Cyclists
SILCA Maratona Minimo Gear bag (MSRP $175) Although it is designed for travel, we stored all our mountain bike gear in the spacious (and dead useful) Maratona Minimo Gear Bag and kept it in our SUV all season long. We loved it!
The construction maintains it shape and keeps everything in place. Key features: water-resistant TPU coated 600D construction with black reflective graphics, configurable/removable internal divider, roll-top shoe and vented garment bag, internal water bottle storage loops and mesh compartments, two-soft-lined external side pockets.
Gift Ideas for Bike Commuters
Chrome Industries Helix Handlebar Bag and Brooks Cambium bar tape and saddle.
Ortlieb Back-Roller City Rear Pannier (MSRP $175)
Constructed from extremely durable waterproof polyurethane-laminated materials and accentuated with a Scotchlite reflector, the Back-Roller City Rear Pannier is as basic as it is functional.
This easy-to-clean bag is designed to be used on either side of the bike, has a carrying handle, and can be removed quickly for other uses (eg. grocery shopping). Another feature is a roll-top closure for the ultimate ease in adjustment.
Chrome Industries Urban EX Rolltop 18L Backpack (MSRP $120)
This is a favorite among urban bike commuters who prefer to keep bikes as minimalist as possible. This urban dry bag is constructed from 100 percent welded waterproof materials, includes ergo straps, hidden zipper, and features daisy chains on the back to affix a U Lock.
Urban Ex Rolltop 18L Backpack - A Bag Built for the City - 16"h x 11"w x 6"d | Chrome Industries
Need a pump? The Bontrager Dual Charger (MSRP $69.99) standing bike pump can easily be adjusted to either a high pressure or high volume setting; making it ideal for cyclists who have multiple bikes.
Chrome Industries Helix Handlebar Bag ($60) features a tough tarp exterior and keeps all your essentials (keys, phone, wallet, bike tools) within reach. Utilitarian, cross-functional, and minimalist by design, the Helix is completely removable does double duty on, and off the bike as a mini sling bag. Great for minimalist urban riders.
Gift Ideas for Bike Riders
Still need ideas for stocking stuffers? Check these out:
- Pearl Izumi Pro Gel Vent Full Finger Glove (MSRP $25-$50)
- Hiplok Z Lock Combo (MSRP $26)
- Camelbak Podium Chill 24 oz. Insulated bike bottle (MSRP $16)
- DZR wool bike socks (MSRP $11.99 to $16.99)
- Slime Presta Valve Adaptor (MSRP $2.95)
- Finish Line Dry Lube (MSRP $9)
- Bontrager Ion 200 RT/Flare RT Light Set ($114.99)
- Skratch Sports Hydration Drink Mix Single Serving (MSRP $1.95)
- GU Energy Chews Single Serving (MSRP $2) Tip: Affix these delicious gel cubes to the bike’s top tube for easy access on the trail or road.
- Topeak Deluxe Accessory Kit (MSRP $49.45) includes mini pump, tire levers, multi-tool, and seat bag.
- Brooks Cambium saddle (MSRP $120 to $220) and bar tape (MSRP $40)
- Knog Oi bike bell (MSRP $19.95)