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Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Gift Ideas for Road Cyclists

The holidays are here already, so you might be thinking about gift ideas for your favorite road cyclist — or perhaps gift ideas for yourself to suggest to friends and family this year. Here’s our collection of cool cycling gear that we think a roadie could appreciate. We rounded up gift choices to consider in the categories of apparel, tools, and general gear for road riders. Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us about them in the comments.

 

showers pass gloves

Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves and Socks

https://amzn.to/2DwE9M7
https://amzn.to/2BhkfTP

Don’t let cold wet hands or feet ruin your outdoor fun! We developed our Lightweight Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves to keep your hands dry while cycling, running, hiking or anytime where in you need warm, dexterous hands. Our gloves are fully waterproof thanks to 3 bonded layers: a wear resistant knit exterior that feels like a regular knit glove, a waterproof-breathable Artex membrane (Showers Pass’ own proprietary waterproof membrane), and a antibacterial, Merino wool knit lining. For increased gripping performance, we’ve added a silicone print on the palm so your grip is as good as it gets in dry or wet conditions. These also come as socks, with the same great features.

giro aether mips helmet

Giro Aether MIPS Bike Helmet

https://amzn.to/2qVmFRT

Three years in the making, the new Giro Aether MIPS is one giant leap in helmet design. Building on MIPS, the multidirectional impact protection system, Giro designers have developed the exclusive MIPS Spherical, the next generation in head protection. Essentially two helmets in one, MIPS Spherical combines two foam pieces with an in-between elastomer that allows the upper to rotate up to 15mm on impact while the lower stays intact. The Aether is the first and only road helmet to use MIPS Spherical, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. The vents are Giro’s biggest ever, reinforced by a new clear plastic skeleton called Aura. The vents lead to multiple channels inside, which keeps the air flowing and your head cooler than ever — a full 2 degrees cooler than Giro’s previous head chiller, the Synthe. A new RocLoc5+ retention system not only allows you to cinch down the helmet around your head but adds vertical adjustment, a first. There are new eyewear docking ports, with retention rubber pieces to keep your sunglasses in place.

gore shakedry cycling jacket

Gore Shakedry Cycling Jacket

https://amzn.to/2PFJBTY

This innovative super light jacket for men is ideal for expert level sports and can be used all year round. Thanks to the Gore-Tex Active technology and the new Shakedry material, the jacket is waterproof, extremely breathable, and windproof and also provides excellent moisture control. This revolutionary fabric ensures that the water drops do not penetrate and at the same time lets the skin breathe. In this way, the jacket keeps the body dry even during intense efforts and in all weather conditions.

tifosi davos sunglasses cycling gift

Tifosi Davos Cycling Sunglasses

https://www.tifosioptics.com/davos/

Made of Grilamid TR-90, a homopolyamide nylon characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density, and high resistance to chemical and UV damage. Hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces for a no-slip fit. Adjustable ear and nose pieces for a customizable, comfortable fit. Vented lenses improve air circulation, prevent fogging.

abus bike lock folding

Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus Folding Bike Lock

https://amzn.to/2qW5XSq

Looking for the security of a U-Lock but the flexibility of a chain for when you’re riding to your local coffee spot? Look no further than the Bordon Granit X-Plus 6500. With an ABUS security rating of 15 out of 15, this lock features temper hardened steel bars encased in an extra soft coating to protect your bike’s paint job. The ABUS Link Protection Shield offers high protection from sawing of the links. The lock body, links and supporting elements of the locking system use the same high quality steel you’ll find in the bars. The patented X-Plus Key cylinder offers extremely high protection from picking and it can be keyed alike with other ABUS locks featuring the same X-Plus cylinder – very convenient for multi-lock and multi-bike households. Like all locks in the Bordon family, the 6500 is simple to carry.

wahoo elemnt gps bike computer

Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer

https://amzn.to/2FvFWnl

The Wahoo ELEMNT uses the intuitive interface of your smartphone to pair, customize settings, configure workout pages, and link to popular cycling apps and wireless sensors. Post-ride, the app stores workout history and automatically syncs to your linked third party Apps. Wireless route downloads, turn-by-turn cues from popular apps (Strava, RideWithGPS, Komoot), cycling optimized routes with Wahoo’s “Take me Anywhere,” and free pre-loaded maps from around the world. ELEMNT makes it easy to follow any road. Wi-Fi, ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 make ELEMNT truly wireless. No need to tether up to sync ride data, download maps or update software. ELEMNT pairs with most sensors: power, heart rate, speed, cadence, SmO2, electric shifting systems, and KICKR / SNAP trainers.

 

topeak mini 20 pro

Topeak Mini 20 Pro Mini Tool

https://amzn.to/2FvB3dI

The Mini 20 Pro is a 20 function mini tool designed to handle any road or trail repair. The lightweight, high-strength forged alloy body resists torque during hard use and its pro-quality hardened steel tools will provide years of service. An integrated, cast CrMo chain tool nestles and locks between tool body forming a low profile, snag-proof shape. The perfect tool for endurance racing and training.

garmin edge 1030 bike computer

Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Bike Computer

https://amzn.to/2qV1orN

You’re sure to start an argument about which GPS computer is best if you mention Wahoo and Garmin, so we decided to include them both. Ride longer and stronger while staying connected with the Edge 1030 GPS cycling computer. It features Trendline popularity routing, which uses billions of miles of rider data to show you the best on- and off-road routes. Whether you’re a competitor, commuter or an adventure-seeker, we’ve found a better ride for you. When you’re planning long rides, you can count on your Edge 1030. It gets up to 20 hours of power, and with the new Garmin Charge integrated battery pack, you can keep your Edge running as long as you do.

garmin varia

Garmin Varia RTL510 Radar Tail Light

https://amzn.to/2S2SSlM

Makes a terrific companion with a Garmin bike computer, as it works with most of the newer models. Ride safer and more aware with Varia RTL510 rearview radar. Mounted neatly on the seatpost, it provides visible and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards away. Plus, the bright tail light is visible in daylight from up to a mile away, so you can ride with confidence and peace of mind.Provides visual and audible alerts to warn of vehicles approaching from behind up to 153 yards away. Tail light offers daylight visibility up to a mile away and is visible within a 220-degree range, so drivers can see you well before the radar sees the vehicle.

nite rider 1100 bike light

NiteRider Lumina 1100 Boost Headlight

https://amzn.to/2FyetkN

The NiteRider Lumina 1100 Headlight is capable of operating in almost any ride condition, from low-light road conditions to mountain bike trails. The 1100 features an all new Boost Mode light setting that allows you to operate the light at its maximum output by simply double clicking the power button and produces a beam pattern with a generous long-distance spot and wide flood beam pattern of 1100 lumens.

blackburn air stik

Blackburn Airstik SL Mini Bike Pump

https://amzn.to/2S3bylw

If it was any lighter, you’d be walking home. This is the smallest pump you’ll ever use that will still get your flat fixed and you on your way again. There are no extra features here. Just the bare minimum to get your tire back up and you riding again. Because you can’t ride with a flat tire. Easy to pump? No, but it gets the job done and it’s under 100 grams. Makes a great back up to CO2 in case you get a second flat.

castelli alpha ros jacket

Castelli Alpha ROS Cycling Jacket

https://amzn.to/2QWtmP5

Cold-weather cycling creates a conundrum. Naturally, we want to stay as warm as we can but if the jacket doesn’t breathe well and we get too hot, we’ll begin to sweat. This isn’t a good thing especially if we start descending and the wind chill cools our damp jacket. To truly stay comfortable, it is imperative to have something that keeps the elements out yet regulates body temps. Leave it to the wizards at Castelli to produce a jacket that defies expectations of what we know of winter jackets. The Alpha ROS Jacket is ready for Rain Or Shine and is there to help make all of your winter rides more enjoyable.

pearl izumi cycling shorts

Pearl iZUMi Men’s Elite Escape Shorts

https://amzn.to/2TuKfCn

Exceptionally engineered, this short provides a luxurious ride and supportive comfort that will make it your top choice for all-day adventures. Select Transfer fabric in selected panels sets the benchmark for moisture transfer.
Raw edge P.R.O. Transfer fabric at leg opening for soft stretch comfort with silicone for added grip.
ELITE Escape 1:1 Chamois with floating top sheet design reduces friction for all-day comfort. Reflective elements for low-light visibility.

swiftwick cycling socks

Swiftwick Aspire 4 Cycling Socks

https://amzn.to/2OSRobU

These socks are engineered with firm compression and a thin profile for a responsive feel. When you’re riding, the firm compression supports every contour of the foot to reduce fatigue. Lightweight Olefin fiber in a minimum cushion design is cool, wicks moisture and dries quickly to keep you performing at your best. A thin-channeled upper and mesh footbed design provides ventilation to increase breath-ability. Purchase includes 1 pair of Swiftwick Aspire Four socks.

continental 4000s grand prix tires

Continental Grand Prix 4000s II Cycling Tires

https://amzn.to/2QTRphx

Black Chili tread compound with carbon nano particles delivers 26% lower rolling resistance, 30% more grip and 5% longer mileage, plus it’s self-cleaning. 3-ply casing and 330 TPI provide additional reinforcement. Vectran Breaker belt is lighter and tougher than aramid belts, 5x stronger than steel and resists water, punctures and cuts. If your bike has room, try it in 28 mm for a plush but still screaming fast tire. Do you ride road tubeless? Keep an eye out next year for the new 5000 version.

park bicycle stand repairs

Park Tool Home Mechanic Repair Stand – PCS-10

https://amzn.to/2OUGhPM

Why not make life easy, stand erect like nature intended, and get that cable replaced like a seasoned Pro mechanic? The Park Tool PCS-10 Home Mechanic Repair Stand is exactly what you need to secure your bike at a proper working height so your maintenance will be that much easier and quicker.The PCS-10 Repair Stand has a cam-actuated clamp that has adjustable jaws that can safely accommodate frame tubes from 7/8″ to 3″. They open along the plane of the bike, so they work great for deep, aero-shaped frame tubes. The clamp head can be rotated to work on your bike at any angle. And to accommodate different sized bikes and different sized mechanics, the Home Mechanic Repair Stand is height adjustable from 39″ to 57″ at the clamp. Stable on any surface with its three-point leg system. And it folds into a tidy 41″ package for easy storage when not in use.

garmin power meter pedals

Garmin Vector 3S Pedal-Based Power Meter

https://amzn.to/2TpBucx

Accurately measuring your power while cycling has never been simpler than with the new Garmin Vector 3S pedal-based power meter. Unlike previous versions of the Garmin Vector, the Vector 3S features a sleek, pod-less design for improved cornering clearance as well as simpler installation. No technical expertise is required for installation – all you need to know how to do is install pedals on your crankset. And since the power sensor is embedded in the pedal, bike-to-bike transfer is also incredibly easy as you just need to remove the pedals and install them on another bike. Other new features include the addition of Bluetooth connectivity to go along with the ANT+ connectivity so you’ll have more options than ever regarding a compatible cycling computer of fitness device for data transmission and viewing.

silca floor pump pista red

SILCA Pista Floor Pump Red

https://amzn.to/2TstnvS

The modern Pista preserves the beautiful aesthetics of the original but improves on the design in some significant ways. The gauge has been updated to a much higher precision +/-3% accuracy (compared to the original +/-5%) while adding reinforcement to the base which protects the gauge from damage and impact. The modern Pista handle is a near reincarnation of the original 1962 Bakelite handle with the two hose grooves that allowed the pump to lay as flat as possible in the trunk of a car or drawer. For this handle, the team at SILCA has specified Ash for its incredible strength and stability, which allows the wood to be CNC machined to even tighter tolerances. Full metal construction ensures a lifetime of flawless performance and reliability. The steel barrel and piston shaft are upgrades in quality and durability from the previous Pista designs adding linear glide bushings for ultimate smoothness; while the slightly enlarged foot guarantees improved stability without sacrificing portability.

Did we miss anything that’s on your holiday gift list? Leave a comment and tell us about it!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tom in MN says

    November 22, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Amazon has a few of the regular GP 5000’s available now with the tubeless being pre-ordered for 12/15.

    Reply
    • Jim ODonnell says

      November 22, 2018 at 2:53 pm

      I bought the Gore Shakedry jacket. It’s expensive but it’s a great jacket. Keeps you warm and dry when it’s reaining, and takes up less than a full jersey pocket when it’s not.

      Reply
  2. Doug Ford says

    November 22, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    An even better deal, Amazon has Continental Grand Prix 4000s II’s for around $30, depending on size:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8QGUU4/

    Reply

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