Field Tested Cycling Gifts-Part 2

When it comes to cycling gear and accessories I'm always looking for something new that is functional and improves my ride.  I have field tested a lot of products over the years and found items that worked great and others that didn't.  This part-two post will highlight some products that met or exceeded my expectations and would make great gifts for the cyclist (or yourself) on your holiday shopping list.

Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap

I've been using the 18 oz. Yeti Rambler as my go-to winter water bottle for a couple of seasons now.  Its double-wall vacuum insulated design keeps my water from freezing up in subzero temperatures and ice cold for hours during the heat of the summer.  Yeti introduced the Chug Cap accessory for the Rambler which makes it even easier to take a swig out on the trail.

The 18 oz. Rambler fits perfectly in any standard water bottle cage making it a great choice for cyclists.  The 18 oz. Rambler sells for $29.99 and Chug Cap for $9.99 and both are available from Yeti, outdoor and sporting goods retailers.

Ass Savers

Ass Savers are lightweight portable fenders that attach to saddle rails without the use of any tools.  The Flip-Tip attachment system keeps it locked on securely and fits just about any standard rail saddle and even works with a saddle bag in place.  Its simple design is meant to do one thing, and that is to keep your butt dry for comfort on cold wet rides.

I purchased the Ass Saver Regular to use on my road bike for the wet fall riding season and it got its first real world test at this year's wet and snowy Filthy 50 gravel race.  While it wasn't long enough to keep some of the water and gravel slop off my back, it did its job well keeping my butt dry.  It's compact enough where if there's a chance of rain during a ride, I will store it in my frame bag and install it in seconds if needed.  The Ass Saver Regular fits tire widths between 25-35mm and is available from Zeitbike and Amazon for $11.95.

Bontrager Storage Bottle

The Bontrager Storage Bottle is a great way to carry tools and a flat kit stored in any standard water bottle cage.  It's always on my bike so I have everything I need in the event of a flat or mechanical problem.  It has a screw top lid for easy opening and padded inside to keep your things from noisily bouncing around.

For its small size it can hold a lot.  I keep my multi-tool, tire levers, chainbreaker, chain lube and CO2 cartridges with inflator stored in it.  When switching bikes, I grab the Storage Bottle from one and transfer it to the other and I'm ready to roll with all my essentials.  The Bontrager Storage Bottle is available from Trek and Trek Authorized Dealers for $6.99.

Banjo Brothers Large Top Tube Pack

The Banjo Brothers Large Top Tube Bag is a staple cockpit accessory on my road bike whether I'm heading out for a few hours on the gravel or a short commute to work.  This "gas-tank" style top tube bag has 65 cubic inches of storage with a rigid bottom and padded sides to hold its shape.  It's big enough to hold my wallet, keys and cell phone or a multi-tool and flat kit.  The zipper is easy to open and close with one hand while riding making this bag a great place to store gels and snacks for refueling during a ride.  Available from Banjo Brothers and local bike shops for $19.99.

Inexpensive Cycling Accessories For Your Ride

There are a lot of bike accessories out there to better your ride experience and the following five are products I use regularly that are under $10.  They are simple in design but do their intended job effectively.

Rough Riders

$5

Rough Riders is a new product from Miles-Wide Industries that was designed to give fingers a better grip on shifters, brake and dropper post levers.  They work for both road and mountain bikes.  This extra grip is made possible with a product called "Stubble" that acts similar to sandpaper.  Rough Riders are very thin, slightly elastic and waterproof for use in any riding condition.  Available in Black and Burgundy from Miles-Wide Industries.

CamelBak Podium Mud Cap

$6

If you're anything like me, you enjoy riding off the beaten path and may encounter sand, dirt and mud along the way.  This is where the CamelBak Podium Mud Cap for their Podium bottles comes in real handy.  Unlike their old style mudcaps, this one just slips over the nozzle and is ready for use.  Keep all of the grit and grime out of the valve so you don't end up with a mouth full of it.  Made out of Silicone and comes in colors Black and Blue.  Available from CamelBak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Bontrager Storage Bottle

$7

One thing a cyclist should never leave on a ride without is a rescue kit that contains the items needed to get you up and rolling again in the event of a mishap. The Bontrager Storage Bottle is perfect for such a kit.  It has enough space to store the items I always carry with me in a convenient package that fits securely in my water bottle cage.  Available from Trek, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

General HeroMount for GoPro

$7

I had a more expensive GoPro Handlebar Mount but was not happy with the bulkiness of it and wanted to get something smaller.  I found the General HeroMount Handlebar Mount for GoPro on Amazon for under $7 and decided to give it a try.  Its design allowed me to mount my GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition neatly out of the way under my bars so as not to take up space on my cockpit that already contained my Garmin and a headlight.  This mount held my GoPro very secure and made for some great video without any vibration or shaking.

I liked this mount so much that I bought a second one to put on my fatbike so I could easily mount my GoPro to the bike of my choice for that day's ride.  Made from aluminum, weighs 45 grams and fits bars from 30-32mm.

Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2

$8

Through many miles of commuting and riding I've found that the simple ring of a bell is very effective to alert other cyclists and pedestrians of my approach and passing without startling them.  I recently got a new road bike and I wanted a bell that I could mount on drop bars that would be easily accessible while riding without having to move my hand placement to ring it.  The answer was the Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2.

This bell has a fully adjustable handlebar clamp (fits bars 15-39mm) so it can be placed anywhere on the bar.  The dinger can be adjusted to any position around the dome of the bell making for a truly custom fit for ringing with a finger or thumb.  Available in black or silver from Mirrycle, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Interbike '17 Outdoor Demo Finds

The last time I visited the Interbike Outdoor Demo was in 2015 and this year had quite a bit fewer vendors to visit.  Despite the smaller size, I did come across some cool finds that I wanted to share with you.

Skratch Labs is my favorite hydration mix for my water bottles and hydration pack and I was pleased to find that they have added two new flavors as well as a new package design.  I got a chance to try both of these new flavors in their Exercise Hydration Mix line.  They include Hydration Drink Mix with Strawberries and Hydration Drink Mix with Passion Fruit.  The Strawberry mix is light in flavor and sweetness but the Passion Fruit flavor is the one I liked and could see myself sipping on during an all day gravel or mountain bike ride.  Both flavors are now available from your LBS or from Skratch Labs in 16 oz. resealable bags, single serving 20 packs and single serving.

The Henty Enduro Backpack immediately caught my attention as I walked past the booth at the Outdoor Demo.  I saw multiple possibilities for this pack for use during mountain biking, gravel riding and especially winter fatbike riding.  This pack sits on the lower back close to a rider's center of gravity.  It is made from a tough Cordura 500D nylon to be lightweight (550 gr.) and for strength.  It provides lumbar impact protection and the molded foam used in this area is designed to have improved air ventilation for those hot days.

Not only does this pack hold a hydration bladder up to 3L. (not included) but has a bunch of  pockets for things like tools, tubes, nutrition and any other gear you need to bring along for the ride.  I see this as being a great pack for the fatbike crowd during the winter.  It can be worn underneath a jacket to be insulated from the outside cold thus using your own body heat preventing the bladder and water line from freezing up.  Comes in colors Black for $110 and Camo for $130 available direct from Henty.

Minnesota brand Otso Cycles was at the Outdoor Demo with a couple of new Voytek builds to choose from for 2018.  Co-owner Dan Dittmer took some time to tell me about the new Voytek Expert and Voytek Ultimate (shown in the picture above) models available.  These new 2018 models get a cool new paint scheme and can be upgraded to include a carbon wheelset (Voytek Expert), Rockshox Bluto, Lauf Carbonara or Fox F34 Factory (27.5 only) fork.  The Otso Voytek Ultimate is their top of the line build with a Shimano XX1 Eagle drivetrain, HED No Big Deal carbon wheels, Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes, Race Face Next carbon crankset, Race Face Next carbon seatpost and a Race Face Next carbon riser handlebar.  List price for the Voytek Ultimate is $8,099 and the Voytek Expert $4,099.  Available in October from Otso Cycles and look for them soon at Penn Cycle stores in the Twin Cities.

One thing I noticed in the e-bike class was camouflage fatbikes geared towards hunters.  These bikes included a camouflage paint scheme, racks or rack mounts to carry gear and have top speeds of 20 mph.  The Surface604 Boar Camo Fat Bike (pictured above) is budget friendly with a 750W (peaks at 1000W) rear hub motor and a torque sensing pedal assist with a throttle (range 35 miles), Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, a SRAM X5 10 speed drivetrain with a 11-36T cassette and Kenda Juggernaut Sport (26x4.5) tires.  Comes in sizes S/M 17.5" & M/L 19.0" for $2199.

My Favorite Winter Fatbike Gear-Part 3

As Winter winds down early this year there are still plenty of opportunities to ride fatbikes if you go to the right places.  Some of these opportunities are made even better with the right gear.  This will be my fifth year of winter cycling and I have a few favorite items that help make fatbiking out on the snow and ice much more enjoyable.

Bontrager Gnarwhal Stud-able Tires

If you're a Trek Farley owner with 27.5" wheels, then you know the frustration of limited tire options.  Trek released their Bontrager Gnarwhal stud-able tires back in December and quickly sold out of their first shipment.  I was very disappointed that my order was not filled and would have to wait until the next shipment arrived for distribution.  Well, they finally arrived two weeks ago but the Bontrager studs I ordered to go with the tires would not arrive for some time.  I really liked the grip of the 45NRTH concave studs on my Dillinger 4's so I decided to go with them for the Gnarwhals.

After a couple hours of hand studding the Gnarwhals I was ready for my first ride on the ice with these big meaty tires (27.5x4.5).  Compared to the 45NRTH Dillinger 4's, these were monster truck tires.  They have a very large footprint and when used with the proper psi for the riding conditions they really grip everything from sheer ice, crusted snow to groomed singletrack.  This tire can handle riding a tight circle on ice without slipping adding extra confidence in the turns.

If you are interested in getting a pair for the end of this Winter or for next season, there will be another shipment arriving at Trek after the first week of March.  Visit your local Trek Authorized Dealer for more information.  These stud-able tires retail for $120 each and are tubeless-ready with a 120tpi foldable casing for easy tubeless setup.

Yeti Rambler 18 oz.

When it comes to riding in freezing temperatures the last thing I want to have to deal with is a frozen water bottle when I want to hydrate.  I've tried all sorts of things over the past few winters and my new go-to water bottle is the Yeti Rambler 18 oz. container.  It fits in a standard water bottle cage and is even short enough to work with my 15.5" Trek Farley frame which has limited space for larger water bottles.  The cap on the Yeti Rambler can be opened with gloves on and the over the nose diameter of the bottle makes it easy to drink from.  I have tested this bottle with hot and cold water in some of the coldest temperatures we have had in the Twin Cities over this winter and it really prevents liquids from freezing up.  MSRP $30.

Bontrager Convertible Neck Gaiter

One of the most versatile items to keep my head, face and neck warm this winter is my new Bontrager Convertible Neck Gaiter.  This simple piece of cloth can be used in a variety of different ways to protect your skin against the biting cold and wind that winter riding presents.  On warmer days in the 20's°F I will wear it to cover my chin and neck.  On windy days and when the temperature dips into the teens and below I will pull it up to cover more of my face to protect from windburn and frost nip.  It's very breathable and wicks moisture away from my skin keeping me warm and comfortable.  It retails at Trek dealers for only $16.99 and is worth every penny.

Lake MXZ400 Boots

I first saw a prototype of the new Lake MXZ400 boot from a Lake Brand Manager that was in town to do a photo shoot for the boot and had attended on of the Get Phat With Pat fatbike races at the MN River Bottoms.  It would be over a year later that I would actually get to test out this new boot offering.

My first impressions of the comfort, insulating warmth and customizable fit with the double Boa Closure System impressed me greatly.  This boot has 400 gr. of 3M Thinsulate insulatation for those really cold rides and paired with a large toe box, it provides feet the circulation needed to keep them warm.  The two studs on the toe section and the ice grip inserts on the sole provide the traction needed on slippery surfaces.  With a breathable, water resistant upper and the Boa Closure System, I can wear a variety of sock thicknesses without overheating, sweating or letting snow/moisture in.  The other thing I like about this boot is that with all of the insulation it provides it doesn't feel bulky or overly large.  Lake MXZ400 boots are two bolt compatible for cleat installation.

I know this season is almost over, but this is one boot you may want to add to your winter riding gear while they are still available for next winter.  MSRP $430.

Hydration Tips For Winter Riding

Now that we are finally seeing some arctic temperatures here in Minnesota, don't let that discourage you from riding.  Clothing choice is only one part of winter cycling, hydrating in freezing temperatures is another.  Keeping hydrated in sub-zero temperatures can create some challenges.  I have had the last four winters to to do some product testing and below ares some of my recommendations for keeping hydrated and preventing your water from freezing up.

Hydrapak Soft Flasks

The Hydrapak Soft Flask is a product that has been out for a while now that I have tested and found that it worked great during very cold temperatures.  This soft water bottle works best during winter rides when you put it in a jacket pocket (I have a Gore Bike Wear jacket with 3 pockets on the back like a jersey) where your body heat keeps it from icing up.  The nice thing about these flasks is that they collapse as you drink from them making them smaller in your pocket.  If the bite valve does freeze up, bite on the valve crushing the ice to restore water flow. Hydrapak Soft Flasks come in various sizes  and are available from  Hydrapak.

Water Bottle with Tall Boy Coozie

This one is a little trick I learned from friends who race some of coldest endurance fatbike races in the Great White North including one of the toughest, the Arrowhead 135.  You can implement this practice with insulated or non-insulated water bottles.  Tall boy coozies (for 16 & 25 oz. cans) work the best because they cover almost all of the bottle.  The shorter (12 oz.) version can be used but only protect half the bottle.  I used packing tape to secure the top of the coozie to the bottle so it wouldn't slide off when removing it from my bottle cage.

I recently tested this idea using an older model non-insulated Camelbak Podium 21 oz. water bottle with the Gup Gum Gear Bottle Cage Coozie mentioned below during single digit temps for 3 hours.  Stored upside down in my bottle cage kept the water drinkable for the whole time.  It had just began to ice up after the three hours but storing the bottle in this fashion kept the valve from freezing up.  I've found that the jet valve on the Camelbak Podium bottles performs better in the bitter cold than the standard water bottle valve.

Gup Gum Gear Bottle Cage Coozies

My friend Neil from Gup Gum Gear set me up with a pair of these Bottle Cage Coozies a couple winters ago and they are now standard equipment for my cold weather rides.  Paired with a water bottle/tallboy coozie stored upside-down, this combination keeps my water drinkable in very cold temperatures for hours.  The Gup Gum Gear Bottle Cage Coozies work with any standard size bottle cage and the flip open front panel makes installation easy.  Available from Gup Gum Gear for $25 each or a pair for $45.

Hydration Pack with Drink Tube Insulator

On all day rides where temperatures are in the teens and twenties Fahrenheit I like to use my hydration pack.  The problem is if you don't insulate the drink tube or bite valve, they will freeze up.  I came across the Platypus Bite Valve and Drink Tube Insulator at REI and an idea was sparked.  I used only the Drink Tube Insulator since my pack was a GeigerRig and the bite valve was not compatible.  To keep my bite valve from freezing up I simply tucked it into my jacket at the top of the zipper where my body heat kept it from freezing and I was able to drink for hours.  To further keep the hydration bladder from forming ice during extended rides, chemical warmers can be placed around it inside the pack.  The Platypus Bite Valve and Drink Tube Insulator is available from Cascade Designs, REI and various other outdoor retailers for $19.95.

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag

The Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag puts snacks and water bottles in your cockpit for easy access while riding.  Store water bottles upside down in the Mountain Feedbag to prevent the nozzle from freezing up.  Smaller (21 oz.) bottles work best so they don't stick out too much from the top of the bag.  Pair this set up with some chemical hand warmers inside the Feedbag for extra warmth to keep your bottle ice free on longer rides or colder temperatures.  The Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag is available from Revelate Designs, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $49 each.

Salsa Anything Cage/Anything Bag

The Salsa Anything Cage or Anything Cage HD paired with the Anything Bag is a great way to store that insulated thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage.  This cage/bag combo can be mounted on forks with bottle boss bolts or in your frame triangle where you would normally mount your bottle cages.  The Anything Cage or Anything Cage HD  available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $30 and $35. The Anything Bag is also available for $32.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Image Credit: Stanley

Bring along your favorite hot beverage to warm you up out on the trail in the Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle.  Designed to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold using vacuum insulation, this bottle will work great with the Salsa Anything Cage and Anything Bag mentioned above.  It is made from 18/8 Stainless Steel and the insulated lid doubles as a cup.  This 25 oz. version is available from Stanley, REI and other outdoor retailers for $35.

GeigerRig Introduces Nano Technology to Their Pressurized Hydration Pack Engine

I was first introduced to GeigerRig's pressurized hydration packs two years ago at Interbike during a demonstration of how their Hydration Pack Engine works.  I wanted to put one of their hydration packs to the test and see how it performed so I contacted them and they sent me one to review.  I used it for an entire Summer on numerous gravel rides/races, mountain biking and commuting to work before writing my review.

Their pressurized Hydration Pack Engine, plug and play connectivity, ease of cleaning and quality of the pack itself made it the only hydration pack that I continue to use.  When I was contacted by GeigerRig earlier this year about trying their new Nano Technology (Nano Drink Tube) I was very interested in doing so.

The short video below explains how GeigerRig Nano Technology works.

I received a GeigerRig Lightweight Rig hydration pack made with Heavy Duty 840 Ballistic Nylon, the new Nano Drink Tube and a 2L Hydration Pack Engine.   The small size of the Rig pack would turn out to be a perfect choice for gravel racing and mountain bike rides for hydration only and not carrying gear.  The Rig is big enough however to hold the 70 oz. Hydration Pack Engine and some energy snacks for the ride.  The plug and play connections on the Hydration Pack Engine and the Nano Drink Tube had me ready to use the pack in no time.

The Nano Drink Tube is one-third the diameter of standard drink tubes at only 4mm.  Because the Hydration Pack Engine is pressurized, this tiny tube has the ability to deliver fluid at a fast rate.  There is no control flow on the end valve (shown above) but it does have a Flow-control gate (shown below) that can be positioned anywhere along the tube for easy reach.  This Flow-control gate allows open flow, moderate flow and a drip setting depending on which I prefer.  

The tube is easily routed to a desired position making it perfect for biking.  The Poplock locking clip helps keep the tube in place by attaching to clothing or pack straps.  Once the pack is pressurized with a few pumps of the Power Bulb I'm ready to put the end valve in between my cheek and gum and set the Flow-control gate to the desired flow rate.

The end valve is small along with the tube so talking and breathing while using it is not a problem.  I like the flexibility of the Flow-control gate where I control the fluid rate.  Usually on hot days I will set it at a drip or moderate flow that keeps me hydrated without having to think about it.  During a break in the ride or when I need more fluids I will adjust to an open flow until my thirst is quenched.  When not in use I will simply tuck the tube end under the shoulder strap connector so I can quickly grab it when I need to hydrate.

GeigerRig's pressurized hydration system pack with the Nano Drink Tube keeps me hydrated throughout the ride.  With the flexibility of the flow rate, I just ride and get the right amount of fluids I need. 

The GeigerRig Rig Hydration Pack, Hydration Pack Engine and Nano Drink Tube are available on the Geigerrig website and at select dealers. 

Disclosure:  GeigerRig provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Product Review: BackBottle

From Fix It Sticks creator Brian Davis comes the BackBottle, an innovative new design for the water bottle with a unique shape that cyclists will come to love.  It's not your standard bottle, but one that was carefully thought out and designed with an ergonomic shape that fits perfect in a jersey pocket.  After a successful KickStarter campaign that achieved its goal weeks before the deadline, the BackBottle is now available.
  
"The BackBottle combines a bottle and a hydration pack into one small, portable package.  Last year I went on lots of long rides and was constantly having to adjust my route for gas stations and stops in a three hour ride.  I had the idea then, but the tipping point was at a cyclocross race when I was told no hand ups were allowed, even for water. With no cages on my cross bike, I got to work.”- Brian Davis

The shape of this bottle is the key that makes it so user-friendly.  I have used a standard cylindrical  water bottle in my jersey pockets before and spent time fumbling with trying to get it back into the pocket after taking a drink.  This is not a problem with the BackBottle.  The sloped pointed bottom makes it easy to slip back into my pocket in one smooth motion.  The BackBottles's flat back with raised ribs for air flow keeps it from rolling and feeling uncomfortable against my back.  After a little while I didn't even notice it was in my jersey pocket.

One design feature I really like about the BackBottle is the raised portion with lip that is on the lower half of the bottle.  This lip sits just below the jersey pocket seam to prevent it from being ejected while riding rough terrain.  I have done a lot of mountain biking and riding gravel with the BackBottle and it simply stays put, I have never lost one and had to double back to pick it up. 

The wide opening is easy to put ice cubes into but the cap could use a redesign.  When the Backbottle is filled with liquid it won't stand up like a traditional water bottle so it must be laid on its side resulting in a small amount of water slowly leaking from the nozzle.  Other than this the BackBottle is a great design that works as intended.  I use a pair of them in my jersey pockets for times when a hydration pack may be more than I need for a ride or one as a backup for those long rides with a hydration pack.  Cyclists that don't like to wear a hydration pack, don't have bottle cages or race road, mtb or cross will really like this product. 

Specifications

• 18 ounces of capacity (.53L or 530mL +/-) 
• 3 ounces in weight when empty 
• 8.5 inches long and 3 inches wide 
• 53mm diameter opening (easy to add ice) wedged and ergonomic for easy one-hand operation manufactured from squeezable LDPE plastic made from recyclable components (packaging #3, bottle #4, cap #5) 
• 100% BPA free 100% 
• Made in the USA 
• flat back minimizes roll when climbing or sprinting raised ribs on the flat back allow airflow 
• top-shelf dishwasher safe

The BackBottle is available from BackBottle.com for $12 and shipping is free for U.S. orders.   

Disclosure:  Fix It Sticks provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Gift Ideas for the Cyclist on Your List

The holidays are almost here and many of you have a cyclist to shop for.  I have compiled a list of  gift ideas for products that I use and enjoy.  There is something here for just about any type of rider and budget.

Fix It Sticks

($36)

The new Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition is the ultimate compact multi-tool a cyclist wants with them for repairs or adjustments during a ride.  Its small size fits easily into a seat pack or jersey pocket and comes with 8 bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, Phillips #2, Torx 25) to handle most jobs.  Steel construction gives Fix It Sticks 40 ft/lbs of torque and the "T" configuaration provides plenty of leverage.  Available from Fix It Sticks and select bike shops.

CatEye Strada Smart

($80/$140)

New this year is the CatEye Strada Smart which brings together a cycling computer and Bluetooth accessories (Speed/Cadence, Heartrate and Power) with your smartphone.  Works both in Mirror Mode and Sensor Direct Mode. 

Data summary from the CatEye Cycling app can be uploaded to Strava, CatEye Atlas and Training Peaks.  App works with iPhone 4S (IOS 6.1) or later and Android devices with Android 4.4/Bluetooth 4.0.  Available in Strada Smart and Strada Smart Package from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

CamelBak Podium Bottles

($9-$25)

The CamelBak Podium line of water bottles has been a favorite of cyclists because of their innovative design and high flow spill-proof Jet Valve.  They come in a variety of models that include the Podium, Podium Chill and Podium Ice in sizes from 21 to 25 oz. depending on the model.  Chill and Ice models are designed to keep your water cold longer in warm temperatures or slow down freezing in the wintertime.  Available from Camelbak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Banjo Brother Frame Pack

($33/$35)

The Banjo Brother Frame Pack is a favorite of commuters and gravel grinders alike for its convenient 2-pocket storage with easy access.  It comes in two sizes, small (70 cubic inches) and medium (102 cubic inches) that fit sloping frames down to 15".  Keeps snacks, spare tubes, keys and wallet close at hand and the medium pack is large enough to accommodate a 2L (70 oz) hydration bladder.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

SKS Airchecker

($25)

The SKS Airchecker is handy little digital tire pressure gauge that works with both Presta and Shrader valves.  It has a swivel head to make seeing the large digital readout easy at any angle and switches from Bar to PSI with the touch of a button.  Accurate readouts for low pressure fatbike tires to high pressure road bike tires with measurements up to 144 psi are what makes this a versatile multi-bike gauge.  The compact size fits in a seat bag without taking up too much space leaving room for other things like a tube and tire levers.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Finish Line Super Bike Wash

($9-$13)

Cleaning your bike and keeping it looking new is easy with Finish Line Super Bike Wash.  This safe for all surfaces, non-toxic and biodegradable product can be used two ways to remove dirt and grime with little or no scrubbing.  Spray it on and wipe it off or hose it off allowing you to clean your bike inside or outside.  Available in 1 Liter ready to use spray bottle, 1 Liter refill and 16 oz. concentrate at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Quad Lock Bike Kit

($70)

The Quad Lock Bike Kit is a lightweight and strong bike mount system for your smarthphone.  For those that like to use their smarthphone with ride tracking apps or for navigation, this kit is the way to go.  The Bike Mount attaches easily to the stem or bar with rubber O-rings or zip ties for a secure fit.  The dual action locking mechanism allows quick attachment or removal of the phone from the bike.  Quad Lock has models for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5/5S, and iPhone 6.  Available from Quad Lock and Amazon.com.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks

($13-$25)

For the cold weather cyclist, any one of the DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks would be a great addition to their cycling apparel.  Made from American Merino Wool, Nylon and Lycra, this sock line is warm, comfortable, doesn't bunch up and is not itchy.  They come in heights from 1" to knee high in men's and women's sizes.  Available from DeFeet, fine bike shops and Amazon.com.
  

Scosche boomBOTTLE

($130)

The Scosche boomBOTTLE is a rugged IPX4 Splashproof/Weatherproof Bluetooth connectivity speaker designed to fit in a water bottle cage or cupholder.  Skip the earbuds and enjoy listening to podcasts or music while riding and still be able to hear approaching vehicles or passing cyclists.  With a 10 hour battery life and rich loud sound this speaker will keep you entertained on those long rides.  Available in a variety of colors from Scosche, Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Park Tool Chain Checker

($30)

Chain stretch can cause sloppy shifting, uneven drivetrain wear and premature cassette replacement.  Know your chain's percentage of stretch and replace it before it has a chance to do damage with the Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker.  It is 10 and 11 speed compatible and has readings from 0 to 1 % of stretch.  For most chains replacement should be done at or before .75% of stretch.  This simple tool is easy to use and will take the guess work out of when to replace that worn chain.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Gift Cards From Your Local Bike Shop

Don't know what to get the cyclist on your list?  Gift cards from your local bike shop are always appreciated.  They can be used for tune-ups and overhauls, component and part upgrades, accessories, apparel, unexpected repairs (crash) or toward a new bike purchase.  Gift cards are available in a variety of denominations and are always the perfect size.