Field Tested Gifts for Cyclists

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 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.

Knog Oi Bell

After using other bells in the past on my mountain bikes I wanted one that would fit stealthily on my bars.  The Knog Oi Bell fit the bill perfectly.  I could install it neatly seated between my brake lever and dropper post lever so that it isn't very noticeable, that is until I ring it.  This bell has a loud tone and resonates nicely to alert others of an approach or overtaking.  The Knog Oi Bell comes in two sizes, Small for 22.2mm bars (pictured above) and Large for 23.8 – 31.8mm bars.  Installation is easy and handlebar cables aren't a problem with a built into the mount cable management system.  Knog Oi Bells come in numerous colors, Classic (shown), Luxe and Limited Edition models.  The Classic is available at local bike shops, online retailers and has an MSRP of $19.99.

Revelate Designs Hoppper Frame Bag

When I saw that Revelate Designs had come out with a new frame bag that would fit most bikes and allow me to still have a bottle cage in my main triangle, I had to have one.  Not only does the Hopper Frame Bag fit smaller frames but also many full-suspension frames with a vertically mounted shock.  There are no zippers on this bag but rather an adjustable magnetic closure that can easily be accessed with one hand.  This single compartment, 4 Liter bag is made with Dimension Polyant VX-21 with abrasion resistant finish, 420-denier diamond ripstop lining and closed-cell foam making it very durable and water resistant.  It is a great bag for storing a tool/flat kit and still has plenty of room for snacks and even a windbreaker.  Accessing bag contents while riding is very easy with the large opening flap and closing it securely is even easier.  Visit the Revelate Designs website for a sizing chart and printable full size PDF pattern.  Makes a great gift for any mountain biker or fatbiker.  Available from Revelate Designs and your local bike shop for $79.

Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench

with Locking Hex Drive

I've always carried a set of the Original Fix It Sticks in my on-bike tool kit and have used them regularly for small jobs working on bikes in my shop.  Since Fix It Sticks came out with the newest version of their Ratcheting T-Way Wrench I've switched over and it's now my compact multi-tool of choice.  The Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench with Locking Hex Drive accepts any standard 1/4" bit and holds them securely with magnets on all three ends.  The spring loaded magnetic locking collar makes this multi-tool configurable to get into tight places and breaks down for more compact storage on the bike.  The reversible ratchet makes quick work of shop and trailside repairs or adjustments.  Pair it with a Mounting Bracket, T-Way Case or Chain Breaker for a great gift that is sure to get used.  Available from Fix It Sticks for $48. 

EverClear Frame Protector

I have been using EverClear Frame Protector on my bikes for years.  It's the perfect solution to help keep your frame's paint job looking brand new.  EverClear comes in 2″ x 60″ 12M (MicroMeters) thick rolls in Matte or Glossy for $13.99/roll.  The EverClear Frame Protector Sheet works great for larger areas and custom cut pieces and is available for $19.99.  The sheet comes in a 2' x 8" strip that is  8M (MicroMeters) thick.  I've used the sheet for protecting areas bikepacking bags come in contact with my frame and to protect the finish on crank arms.  Never leaves a gluey residue.

Anker PowerCore Essential 

20000mAh Power Bank

For the cyclist on your list that is a long distance rider, bikepacker or commuter, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank has enough energy stored in a cell phone sized package to last you for days.  This ultra-high capacity battery bank has the power to charge an iPhone or Android phone up to five times.  It features twin USB ports so charging a cell phone and cycling computer at the same time won't be a problem.  With a combined output of 15W, this power bank charges devices quickly.  While it doesn't come with a wall charger, I added a 20W USB C Fast Charger ($13.99) and a USB C to USB C Cable, 60W Type-C PD Fast Charging Cord ($7.99) to charge the power bank in half the time (10 hours) as using a 5W wall charger with the included Micro USB cable.  The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank is available in black or white from Amazon for $49.99.

Lezyne Tubeless Kit

Many mountain/fat bikers are now riding tubeless tires on their bikes for quick sealing of punctures and to run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats common with using tubes.  But not all of them carry a plug kit for larger punctures that sealant can't seal up.  This is why I recommend those running tubeless to always carry a tire plug system.  I've had to use mine several times now and it saved the ride from becoming a long walk of shame back to the start.  After using a couple of different models I settled on the Lezyne Tubeless Kit because of its small size, ease of use and the storage tube that holds the plugs doubles as a handle.  This kit has become a staple in my on-bike tool kit for all of my bikes.  The large sized plugs work best on mountain and fatbike tires so I also purchased some Genuine Innovations Sides of Bacon from my local bike shop so I could use it with my gravel/commuter bike tires.  Available from Lezyne and local bike shops for $19.99. 

GoPro Hero 9 Black

When GoPro released their latest Hero 9 Black Edition with a bunch of new improvements making it their best camera ever, I knew it was time to upgrade.  I have had a couple of months play around with all of the features and WOW, the video and photos are amazing.  New on the Hero 9 is a video front display, pro-quality 20MP photos, up to 5K video resolution, 30% more battery life and GoPro's most advance stabilization ever with HyperSmooth 3.0.  Other features include 8x slo-mo, TimeWarp 3.0, Hindsight to capture footage before you start recording, Live Burst, Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture and HyperSmooth video live streaming.  

If you have a commuter, mountain biker or roadie on your list, they would love to get this feature packed new camera.  The Hero 9 Black Edition is available from GoPro and GoPro retailers for $449.  If you act while GoPro has their Holiday Sale going on you can pick up this camera for $50 off and it includes a 32 GB MicoSD card and Camera Case.  Save $200 with their Holiday Sale Bundle which comes with a Magnetic Swivel Clip, Spare Battery, Floating Hand Grip, 32GB MicoSD Card, Camera Case and a one year subscription to GoPro which includes unlimited cloud storage in full resolution, total camera replacement and up to 50% off of GoPro gear, mounts and accessories.

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.

My Favorite Gravel Gear

When it comes to gear for riding gravel, I have used a lot of different products over the years and some I have abandoned while others have become a staple for every ride.  Below I will highlight some of my favorite gravel gear.

Garmin Edge 1000

The Garmin Edge 1000 has helped me explore many new gravel routes that I have planned out on RideWithGPS and others that were recommended by friends.  Loading GPX and TCX files into the unit is easy and they keep me on course without ever missing a turn.  With a long battery life and customized settings, I can set it up the way I like it and not have to worry about it dying in the middle of a ride.  The 3-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display is easy to read in a variety of lighting situations.  If I don't have a route in mind I can input a distance and choose from up to 3 round-trip ride options while out on the bike.  The Garmin Edge 1000 takes out all the worry of navigation and lets you enjoy the ride.  Available from Garmin, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $499.99.

SaltStick Caps

SaltStick Caps are new for me but when put to the test at the Almanzo 100 they performed perfectly.  They were recommended by a friend to relieve or diminish cramping on long rides with significant elevation gain.  They are an electrolyte capsule containing sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that helps keep balanced electrolyte blood levels.  This combination helps minimize cramping, fatigue and heat stress.  With all of the wind and climbing at this year's Almanzo 100, I didn't experience any leg cramping which had been a problem for me at previous Almanzo races.  Not having to deal with leg cramps on big climbs was a huge plus for me.  They definitely work.  Available directly from SaltStick in 30 count ($13) and 100 count ($22) bottles, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Banjo Brothers Large Frame Pack

The Large Frame Pack from Banjo Brothers is a newer addition to their frame pack line.  Made from Heavy-duty 1680 Ballistic Fabric it is a tough bag with waterproof zipper access from both sides.  This pack is big enough to hold your tool kit, spare tube and food for a long day out on the gravel.  It can also accommodate hydration bladders up to 100 fluid ounces (3L) if you prefer to carry water on your bike instead of your back. The easy open zippers provide quick access to food so you can continue your ride without stopping.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $39.99.


GeigerRig Hydration System Packs

The difference between GeigerRig Hydration Systems and other hydration packs is that they provide a pressurized spray to drink.  Pressurize the pack before a ride and simply bite on the valve to deliver water.  This makes hydrating much easier, especially if you are out of breathe after a sprint or big climb.  I have the Rig and Rig 500 and pick the appropriate pack for the distance and conditions of a ride.  When I want to travel light and don't need storage in the pack I will use the Rig.  For longer rides where I may need a little pack storage to peel off and store layers or extra food, I will use the Rig 500.  Staying hydrated is key and I found that I will drink more to replenish lost fluids using the GeigerRig pack because of its convenience more than just water bottles alone.  The Rig and Rig 500 both come with a 2L hydration engine and are available direct from GeigerRig for $115 and $135.

Banjo Brothers Cue Sheet Holder

The Banjo Brothers Cue Sheet Holder has long been a favorite of mine and many other gravel cyclists.  I used it the last two years at Almanzo and it worked flawlessly.  By laminating the cue sheets and rounding off the corners they could be changed to the next one easily while riding.  If you don't have a gps device or are doing a ride/race where the course is revealed at check-in with cue sheets for navigation, you're going to want one of these.  It mounts to bars and stem quickly using Velcro straps, zip ties or twist ties.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $7.99.

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag

I put the Mountain Feedbag from Revelate Designs to the first major test at Almanzo and loved them.  I mounted two of them on my stem/bars and filled them with a variety of gels, snacks and SaltStick Caps for a long day in the saddle.  The drawcord closure was easy to open one-handed while riding and their convenience made sure I was refueling throughout the day.  The mesh side pockets are perfect for stashing empty gel packs and wrappers.  The lower tension strap that wraps around the fork crown made sure they stayed in place with very little movement, even when digging into them to grab something to eat.  They are even big enough to hold a water bottle.  The Mountain Feedbag comes in a variety of colors and is available from Revelate Designs, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops for $39.

TOGS

I have been using TOGS thumb grips for almost a year now for Winter fatbiking, mountain biking and gravel riding and they quickly became a favorite.  I use them mostly when riding gravel as they provide climbing leverage and an alternate hand position on the bars for those long rides.  Unlike drop bars, straight bars don't offer a variety of different hand positions so it's nice to be able to change things up without the use of bar ends.  Pictured above is the carbon hinged model which installs quickly without removal of the grips.  They are available from TOGS for $35.  TOGS also has a Dupont Zytel ring version in a variety of colors for $23.