If you have a cycling-mad friend or loved one on your shopping list this Christmas then we’ve got some great ideas for gifts. From practical Secret Santa presents to more decorative and luxury items.
Nothing beats a sip of ice-cold water on a long ride, and this CamelBak insulated bottle will be appreciated by any cyclist.
Hex Keys
Hex keys, also called Allen wrenches in some parts of the world, are basic hand tools used for tightening and loosening fasteners with hexagonal sockets. Most professional or hobbyist DIY enthusiasts will have a handful of different sizes of these handy little tools in their toolbox somewhere.
Hex key sets come in a variety of shapes and styles. From L-style, T-handle and even folding hex keys to suit specific job applications.
Like many tools, you get what you pay for with hex keys; higher-quality, durable hex wrenches will likely last longer and prove far more useful than lower-grade hex keys. This makes them a great investment for any cyclist.
Colombian Cyclists
From TDA’s experience bringing groups of cyclists to Colombia, and also in-country sources, we know that drivers in the country are very used to seeing cyclists on their roads. This makes cycling in the country very safe.
In fact, if you’re lucky enough to make it to the Tour de France this year you will be seeing riders like Nairo Quintana representing Colombia. He is a towering figure, but he’s not alone – he’ll be joined by riders such as Darwin Atampuma, Rigoberto Uran, and many others. They’ve all become cycling stars thanks to their Colombian uphill skills. They’re a great example of the cycling culture here.
Merino Arm Warmers
Arm warmers are a key piece of gear that allows you to ride comfortably in changing weather conditions. These are made from a superfine merino wool fabric that is soft on the skin, highly breathable, insulating and naturally odour resistant. They are lightweight and easily packable in a jersey pocket.
The cuffs are wider than other arm warmers to help prevent them from curling down on the upper arm and feature silicon jersey grip dots to keep them in place. They are also machine washable for easy care. These are great for cold autumn rides or spring mornings that might start out chilly.
Climbing Socks
Cyclists are always looking for new gear to improve their performance, safety and comfort. While most of these gadgets aren’t necessary, they can be fun and add a little something extra to cycling.
These socks are made of ecological PROLEN(r)YARN fibres and designed for mountain bikers who love to trudge up long climbs. They offer medium cushioning and a streamlined fit that keeps your feet from getting too hot during intense rides.
Cyclists are known for their love of coffee and this pack makes it easy to bring their favourite brew on the go. It also has an integrated rain cover and LidLock helmet carry to help make the ride safer and more comfortable.
Knog Oi Classic Bell
Australian brand Knog has created a sleek bike bell that looks inconspicuous and has a good ring tone. It fits on a flat bar where it can be easily rung with your thumb without removing your hand from the grip. It can also be mounted closer to the stem on drop bars of a road bike.
Where other bells protrude up or out, Oi appears to hover around the handlebar and in one sense is discreet but in another it stands out as unrecognisable. It suits almost any style of bike and comes in two different sizes for small or large diameter handlebars. It also has an integrated cable guide for managing and organising cables on the handlebar.
Rough Stuff Fellowship Photobook
Whether they’re a bivvying bikepacker or a masochistic mountain climber, the cyclist in your life will appreciate this packable Aeropress kit for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. They’ll be able to enjoy their favourite brew while admiring the view or getting that energy boost for the next leg of the ride.
The Rough Stuff Fellowship is the world’s oldest off-road cycling club, and members have been exploring the outdoors on their bikes since 1955. A few months ago they started sharing their scanned archive photos and hand-drawn maps on Instagram, and now they’re crowdfunding for a book to showcase them. The campaign offers various rewards including a hardback copy of the book, postcards and Carradice Camper top tube panniers in their signature Cotton Duck waxed fabric.gifts for cyclists
