The trifecta of holidays are coming up – Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a seasoned cyclist, or a beginner, there’s no better time to find the perfect gift to enhance the riding experience. Here are a few thoughtful and practical ideas to add to your holiday shopping list.
Trek BellBeats Digital Bike Bell and Speaker
Price: $99.99
Bar Sizes: Compatible with bars 25 – 31.8mm
Rechargeable: Yes, via USB-C
Wireless: Yes, via Bluetooth
Music Playtime: Approx. 6 hours; LED bars indicate battery life
Waterproof rating: IP67
BellBeats is an excellent gift for cyclists and hikers. It’s a digital rechargeable bell and a Bluetooth speaker, all in one compact design. Simply pair your smartphone with the BellBeats for audio navigation, music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
Using it as a bell, BellBeats has eight pre-loaded ring tones, from a traditional bell to bugles that sound like the start of a horse race. The digital bell tones are engineered to be localized, helping alert other riders or walkers to know your location more easily. As a result, people are less surprised as you pass. For mountain bikers, use the multiple looping ambient tones to alert other riders, hikers, and wildlife that you’re approaching.
In the music mode, the BellBeats uses a Harman speaker with a playtime of up to six hours. Since BellBeats is separate from the bar mount, simply use the clip to attach it to a belt or backpack strap for tunes on a hike.
BellBeats is a great gift for riders and hikers of all ages. On one ride, I gave it to a friend’s three-year-old son, who was riding in the Burley. Whenever we approached a walker or rider, he sounded the bell to alert them we were passing. It wasn’t a startling sound, and we got lots of smiles.
Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator
https://us.muc-off.com/products/airmach-electric-mini-inflator
Price: $115
Valve Compatibility: Big Bore, Presta, and Schrader valves; Optional adapter available for plastic valves/TPU tubes
Weight: 114 grams
Size: 64 x 56 x 28mm
Inflation Capacity: Inflates up to 2 tires on one charge (Based on 700Cx25: 0–80psi: ≈ 80-90 seconds)
Max PSI: 100psi
Recharging Time: 25 minutes via USB-C
Don’t get stuck out on a ride with a flat again. The new Muc-Off AirMach electric mini inflator is small enough to fit easily in a jersey pocket or bike bag. Presta and Schrader valve compatible, inflate up to two tires on one charge. With a maximum of 100 psi, you’ll be on your way quickly.
There’s an AirHose for the AirMach Electric Mini Inflator (sold separately for $8). This flexible hose enables compatibility with plastic valves and TPU inner tubes. It improves ease of use with children’s bikes, where very small wheels may restrict direct access to the valve head.
Included in the box:
- AirMach Electric Inflator
- Silicone Case
- USB-C Cable
- Shrader adapter (Rubber seal and pin)
During testing, the protective silicone case provided some protection from the heat produced by the inflator. I protected my hand with a cycling glove since the pump got hot.
KOM Cycling Magsafe Phone Mount
https://komcycling.com/products/magsafe-phone-mount?_pos=1&_sid=429ea11f4&_ss=r
Price: $29.99
Mount Compatibility: Garmin and Wahoo
Have you ever been on your indoor trainer, grabbed the phone, and watched it fall to the floor? Or have you tried to juggle the phone while using the controls on the Zwift Companion app? Well, KOM Cycling has a MagSafe phone mount that will keep your smartphone securely in place while on the indoor trainer. (Note this is not designed for outdoor use.) It magnetically connects a MagSafe phone to your existing Garmin or Wahoo mount using a simple quarter-turn.
Topeak Elementa Gearbag
https://www.topeak.com/us/en/product/1625-ELEMENTA-GEARBAG
Price: $64.95
Weight: 163 g
Tools Included: Hex bits: 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 mm, Torx® bits: T10 / T15 / T25, #2 Phillips screwdriver,
Ratchet tool / Magnetic holder
Capacity: 0.3 L
Compatibility: Up to 700 x 50c inner tube / 2 tire levers
Size: 11.4 x 7 x 5 cm
While at Sea Otter Classic in April, Topeak launched a great little seat bag with a hidden compartment separating tools and personal items. The Elementa Gearbag attaches to the saddle rails with a hook and loop strap and has one compartment for a flat kit (tube and tire levers), while the other “hidden” compartment houses a handy tool set. It includes a ratchet tool and 10 bits, ensuring you should have what you need for any emergency roadside adjustments.
The storage compartment has the capacity for an inner tube (up to 700 x 50c) and two tire levers. Attach two CO2 canisters on the exterior to round out your flat kit.
OnGuard RockSolid 8590 U-Lock
https://www.onguardlock.com/product/rocksolid-8590/
Price: $249.95
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Size (W x H Diam): 3.55” x 6.9” x 0.55”
Security Rating: 99
# of Keys Included: 5 keys
If you’re getting a shiny new bicycle for the holidays, you’ll want to keep it safe. The OnGuard RockSolid U-lock is rated 99/100 and is engineered to be a fortress against angle grinders, one of the most effective tools thieves use. Some of the key features include:
- X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism: The shackle is secured at four points, making it incredibly difficult to pry open. This multi-point locking system adds an extra layer of security that most U-locks don’t have.
- Z-Cylinder: This new and improved cylinder is bump-proof and resistant to picking, pulling, and drilling.
- 15mm Hardened Steel Shackle with RockSolid Patented Coating: The shackle is designed to resist angle grinder cutting, prying, and jacking. The patented coating enhances its durability and protects it from corrosion and wear.
- Centered Keyway: This design feature enhances security by making it harder for thieves to access the lock’s internals.
- Co-Moulded Crossbar Cover and Double Rubber Coated Shackle: These features protect your bike’s finish from scratches and damage.
- All-Metal End Caps: The new and improved end caps provide additional protection against hits and drops, ensuring the lock remains intact and functional even if you accidentally bump it.
- Automatic Keyway Cover: This feature seals the lock’s internals from the elements, extending its lifespan and eliminating rust or dirt buildup.
Pair this lock with one of OnGuard’s cables to secure wheels. At almost $250 and 3 pounds, the RockSolid U-lock is designed for commuters, running errands, or for a coffee stop, not a long group ride.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.