Looking for help stuffing the stockings of your favorite bike lovers? Here are 11 gift ideas that will directly and indirectly make your ride better. Happy shopping!
1. A good set of bike lights
Blinky lights are like socks. They seem to disappear without reason into some domestic black hole of things sold in pairs. We’re always losing ours. Unlike socks, it can be dangerous to go without lights at this time of year, when the average rider’s commute home is in the dark. These Bontrager Glo/Ember lights recharge through your computer’s USB port, so you don’t have to worry about wasting batteries. Help your friends and family ride safe with this gift.
2. Skratch Apple Cinnamon mix
You can still get dehydrated riding in the cold. This special winter sports drink from Skratch Labs is designed to be mixed with hot water, making staying hydrated on a cold ride a bit more appealing. We’ve heard it’s even more effective when mixed with a splash of bourbon. 😉
3. Endurance Conspiracy Le Tour Poster
Commemorating the 100th edition of the Tour de France, this poster from Endurance Conspiracy also raises funds for PeopleForBikes. Follow the 2013 Tour’s route from the Pyrenees to Paris from the comfort of your living room or office. Bonus points if your gift recipient actually went to France to watch this year’s race in person.
4. Six pack bike carrier (filled with beer)
Show up to holiday parties in style with a hip six-pack holder from Cascadia Trading. Better yet, stock it with a six-pack of New Belgium Brewing’s Accumulation While IPA. The brewery is pro-bike, and the lighter bodied beer is a pleasant change to the typical heavy winter ale.
5. A bike tune-up or wash
Whether your friend is a newbie or a dedicated home mechanic, once in a while it can be nice to have someone else take care of your bike. Roll on down to your favorite local shop and ask them if they sell gift certificates for services like tune-ups or bike washes. While your friend’s bike is getting a little extra TLC, they’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the holidays (or bake you cookies).
6. Tall, dark, and handsome…socks
Not only are these buggers constantly disappearing (see item #1), a taller pair of socks (such as these PeopleForBikes ones from SockGuy) works great on chilly bike rides and under winter boots. Leave the frilly ankle socks for hot summer days.
7. Bike wipes from White Lightning
Our friends at White Lightning dropped off a pack of their Bamboo Cycle Wipes at our office last month. They are extremely effective at cleaning your bike on the go, or if it’s simply too cold to break out the hose and bucket. Just unwrap a wipe and touch up your frame or drivechain. Keep a spare in your commuter bag or seatpack for cleaning up dirty hands after a dropped chain or roadside repair.
8. This adorable IMBA onesie
Our neighbors over at IMBA have lots of cool goodies for sale, but this baby onesie takes the cake. Start ’em young!
9. A premium water bottle
You know that riding buddy who is always drinking his fancy sports drink out of a leaking, moldy, hard plastic bottle he got from the 2008 Turkey Century? Show him how much better life can be with a nice new water bottle. Specialized’s Purist bottle resists stains and odors and is also easy to drink from. Be generous and get him a matching set of two?one for each cage.
10. A YogaGlo membership
This online library of thousands of yoga classes is a great gift for busy bicyclists?or anyone who could use some help staying balanced and flexible. YogaGlo offers a number of cyclist-specific yoga classes that target everything from recovery to improved lung capacity and aerodynamics. With classes as brief as 5 minutes, YogaGlo is an efficient and easy way to do yoga.
11. A holiday donation to PeopleForBikes!
Last but not least, a holiday donation to PeopleForBikes is a perfect way to give a gift that keeps on giving. If you donate $25 or more, we’ll send you a cool wallet-sized bottle opener card that you can wrap and send to a friend. Give back to bicycling today!
If you have any other cool ideas for bike-related holiday gifts (we’re just getting started with our holiday shopping), share them below!
