Trying to find that special something for your cycling mad significant other, family members or riding mates this festive season? While it may seem they have every two-wheeled accessory possible, fear not, there are plenty of ride essentials that are sure to win their happiness.
With that in mind, we've scoured BikeExchange and hand-picked the following gift ideas that are sure to be well received by any discerning cycling enthusiast. After all, a gift that appeals to ones two-wheeled passion is hard to get wrong!
Cycling Computer
Does a ride exist if it is not recorded? Most cyclists nowadays get giddy over their ride statistics. So be it speed and distance, GPS route or average heart rate - the current crop of affordable cycling computers on the market will have all their ride tracking needs covered.
Multi-device compatibility is a non-negotiable in the current age of cycling computers. With leading brands such as Garmin and Wahoo offering up Wifi, ANT+ and Bluetooth connections, as well as the ability to immediately upload ride data to third-party apps such as TrainingPeaks and Strava, the cyclist in your life will surely appreciate the convenience.
So regardless of whether you know a rider living in blissful ignorance of the time they spend on the bike or someone in serious need of an upgrade, they're sure to appreciate a modern cycling computer. For bonus points, pair it with a suite of sensors; this is sure to be well received and will give your giftee more than enough data sources to play with on their fancy new device!
New Helmet
Whether they're just getting into riding or have been running the same lid for years and years, cyclists of all abilities are sure to appreciate a new helmet this festive season. Continually getting lighter, safer and more efficient at keeping the head cool while being as aerodynamic as possible is one gift that's sure to be well received. Unsure on where to start? Helmets by the likes of Lazer, Giro, Kask and POC are all worth looking into for their performance and their safety claims. As for colours, you can find helmets in just about every colour combination you can think of, or if you'd prefer to play it safe, plain old black or white will pair with just about any kit in a rider's wardrobe.
Some New Kit
There is be no better feeling than sliding into a brand new cycling kit. Especially if it's an offering from our sister site The Cycling Emporium. Cycling Emporium has an extensive range of apparel, tools, and accessories ready for you to browse, research, and purchase. Put simply, when you explore the Cycling Emporium, you are shopping for the best, curated cycling brands and products from around the world.
Boasting clothing and accessories from leading independent brands such as Pedla, MAAP, Attaquer, Black Sheep and more, you're sure to find a sleek kit to spoil even the most discerning road cyclist this festive season. Hit the link below to check out what's on offer and make your giftee the envy of their local bunch ride this summer.
Cycling Cap
Cycling caps are a versatile piece of kit that deserves a place in any cyclist's wardrobe!
If you're after something that little bit special, Apis has been producing cycling caps for cycling teams around the world for over 60 years! As well as modern pro teams, the Italian outfit provides retro options for those looking for something a little left of centre. Made in Italy, Apis caps are a unique gift that will feel right at home on the accessories wall or on the head while sipping a pre, post or mid-ride espresso.
Wax Based Chain Lube
A dirty, dry or dusty drivetrain causes poor shifting and unnecessary wear to expensive parts. Cut their bike some slack and give the gift of a slick-shifting drivetrain this festive season with some swanky new lube.
Proven to last longer than standard lubricants, all while reducing drivetrain friction, wax-based lubricants are the perfect stocking stuffer or extra little something special for the dedicated cyclist in your life. Brands to look out for include Muc-Off Squirt and Smoove, or if you're after the latest and greatest graphene wax lubes like that offered by absoluteBLACK are sure to hit the spot this festive season.
Saddle Bag
Carrying spares is a no-brainer, but finding a neat, low fundamental way to store them can prove to be a challenge. Get those ride spares out of the pockets and into a stylish saddle bag.
Available in sizes ranging from sleek and minimalistic to voluminous and bikepacking friendly, you're sure to find a saddlebag to suit your giftee's needs. Equipping a saddlebag full of spares can be the difference between getting back on the bike and completing a ride or an expensive Uber home, so this is one gift that is sure to be used to significant effect.
For bonus gift-giving points, pack your gifted saddle bag with the appropriate tubes and tools so the lucky recipient can fit it straight to their bike and hit the road!
Sunglasses
There are arguably few things that complete or compliment a riders kit, quite like a set of shades. Designed to shield the eyes from the sun, wind, and rain, as well as offer impact protection from pesky insects, stone and other road debris, we'd go as far as to say that there isn't a road cyclist rolling around that wouldn't appreciate a new set of shades.
Road specific sunglasses are generally lightweight, with a mix of interchangeable lenses and a large field of vision to not obstruct your view whether you are riding aggressively in the drops or sitting up climbing a mountain. It's always a good idea to check for a comfortable fit on your head and ensure the sunglasses fit with your helmet too.
Airflow (or lack of it) will depend on the choice of eyewear, with some models limiting airflow to be better suited to cold conditions and sensitive eyes. In contrast, others will increase airflow to keep you cool in hot conditions. When assessing sunglasses for airflow, be sure that there is a sufficient amount to prevent the lens from fogging up when you are stationary.
When assessing the lens, be sure there is 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays. Some high-end sunglasses will have polarised lenses that reflect light reducing glare and eye irritation as a result. Photochromic lenses (aka transition lenses) adjust to changing contrast better than non-photochromic lenses, making the transition from light to dark (and vice-versa) better.
Be sure to pay particular attention to the field of vision a pair of sunglasses provides. Ideally, you won't see any of the frames when riding your bike, regardless of the position you adopt. Oakley and 100% are two such brands that have expanded the lens and the frame at the top third of their sunglasses. This increases the field of vision when sprinting, tucked in an aero position, or simply when looking up the road.
Socks
There are several factors that contribute to your overall comfort on the bike, such as your position, kit and contact points. Often overlooked, the socks on your feet can play just as important a role in your comfort as the chamois in your bibs.
With advances in sports apparel technology trickling down, socks have evolved dramatically from the humble item we once used to cover our feet simply. Different from your business socks, cycling socks are loaded with tech. If the comfort and performance benefits weren't enough, they're a great way to add a touch of style to any rider's cycling kit.
The right cycling sock should breathable, moisture-wicking and be thin enough to fit in snug fitting cycling shoes. Available in a range of different heights, colours, designs and styles, there's sure to be a sock to suit every style. Whether it be understated, matchy-matchy, or the focal point of a cycling kit.
Bottle Cages
Add some class to your hydration station with a new set of bottle cages. A good bottle cage is both light and securely holds a bidon and adds a sense of increased value to one's bicycle.
Bottle cages can be made from a variety of materials. However, a carbon bottle cage is more than just form, reducing weight while increasing bottle security over plastic and aluminium options.
Chamois Cream
It may be taboo to talk about outside of cycling circles. Still, chamois cream is an essential toiletry item for anyone that indulges in significant saddle time.
When it comes to care down there, there are a number of choice Chamois Cream options available on the market from leading brands such as Assos, Aussie But Cream, and Muc-Off. Chamois cream works by providing an anti-friction layer that prevents saddle sores when applied in the right places. While it's always a laugh when discussing exactly where it goes and how to apply, beneath the jokes cyclists' of all persuasions will be thanking you for the derriere care!
We hope this guide has helped you find some stocking stuffers for the road cyclist in your life. For more gift inspiration check out our road bike accessory buyer's guide
