For the last couple of years I have put out a list of cycling gift ideas containing quality products that I have tested and use regularly. This year's list contains eight of those items that will make the cyclist on your shopping list happy without breaking the bank.
Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair
For the cyclist that would like to learn more about how to work on their bikes, the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair is a perfect gift. This mechanic's guide covers everything from simple adjustments to a complete overhaul. It's full of step-by-step, easy to follow instructions with color pictures and charts that demonstrate the repairs. This is a great pairing with any cyclist wrencher's toolbox. Available in hard cover from Park Tool, local bike shops and book retailers for $29.95. Paperback and e-book versions are also available.
Garmin Edge Remote
If you're shopping for a roadie or a mountain biker that has a Garmin Edge compatible cycling computer, they'll love the Garmin Edge Remote. This Ant+ wireless connectivity 3-button remote comes with a road and mountain bike mount. No more taking hands off the bars to swipe to the next screen, hit the lap button or a number of other programmable options from a preset list of functions. I use this remote for both on and off-road and it is much more glove friendly than trying to use the touchscreen of the Edge. The Garmin Edge Remote retails for $49.99 and is available from local bike shops, Garmin and outdoor retailers.
Pearl Izumi WxB Shoe Covers
The shoulder seasons (spring & fall) can present some challenges to keeping feet warm and dry so Pearl Izumi WxB Shoe Covers are my choice for chilly or wet rides. These shoe covers feature a fleece lining for warmth, a two stage hook and loop closure for a proper fit and windproof/waterproof PRO Barrier WxB fabric. Available in Black and Screaming Yellow for $55 from local bike shops, Pearl Izumi and outdoor retailers.
Fo//ow Ho//ow
Performance Alpaca Socks
When it comes to cycling socks, I have a huge collection of them, but if I had to choose only one pair it would be Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks. These hypoallergenic, baby Alpaca fiber socks are outstanding at regulating heat, wicking moisture and are extremely soft and comfortable. This is truly a no-itch, all-day, no-stink sock. I wear them for a morning ride and then the rest of the day at work. Follow Hollow just recently surpassed their Kickstarter goal and these are now available for pre-order in two sizes. Single pair price is $25 with orders being shipped out before December 20, 2019. Buy two, four or eight pairs and receive a discounted price.
Bontrager Windshell Balaclava
I'm a big fan of balaclavas during the cold months to keep my face, neck and head warm. I have several of them but I really like the Bontrager Windshell Balaclava because of its Windshell fabric that has a brushed thermal interior and clamshell design that allows me easily adjust it up or down on my face while riding. This year's model has added laser-cut holes by the mouth and nose. Available from Authorized Trek Dealers and Trek for $29.99.
Pro Bike Gear
Discover Bikepacking Bags
If you have a cyclist on your list that is interested in getting into bikepacking or bikecamping there are a couple of quality bags from Pro-Bike Gear that aren't too expensive. The Discover Seatpost Bag is a 15L waterproof bag with anti-swing construction. This bag is big enough to hold my bivvy tent with plenty of room to spare. For the cockpit there is the Discover Handlebar Bag. This 8L waterproof bag with handlebar wrap also has anti-swing construction and opens at both ends for easy access. I've used this bag for my sleeping roll on my gravel bike and my bivvy tent on my fatbike and still had room to load other smaller gear. Available from local bike shops and outdoor retailers for $69.99 each.
VeloInk Decals
VeloInk has the perfect gift for the cyclist that would like to add that personal touch to their rides, helmets or other bike gear. I've been using these high quality, laminated vinyl decals for years and they stand up to whatever I and the elements have thrown at them. Choose from a variety of different flag/graphic styles, fonts, colors, sizes and finishes. Create a design with VeloInk's easy to use templates so you can preview it before you buy. VeloInk Personalized Decals start at $9.95 and come with a satifaction guarantee.
Prestacycle Prestaflator Mini Bicycle Tire Inflator
Why use a tire pump if you have an air compressor? The Prestaflator Mini Bicycle Tire Inflator is a shop quality, one-handed tire inflator with models for both presta and schrader valves. I check and adjust my tire pressure before just about every ride and using one of these with my compressor is much quicker and easier than using a hand pump, especially for my fatbike. Top off that tire pressure or seat a tubeless tire in seconds with this handy shop tool. Available at local bike shops, Prestacycle and Amazon for $24.95 to $36.95.
Brian Davis, the guy who brought us Fix It Sticks, the Back Bottle and the Weatherneck has a new product he has just launched on Kickstarter. Follow Hollow is a performance sock manufactured in the USA using premium alpaca fiber from Peru. Made with 80% baby alpaca, 15% nylon and 5% spandex these socks are designed for comfort, temperature regulation, durability and all day wear.
Brian sent me a sample to test on my commutes and other bike adventures. I wanted to see how they performed in a variety of conditions so I decided to wear them for 24 hours on the day I was to race The Filthy 50 in Lanesboro, MN. This day would put Follow Hollow Performance Alpaca Socks through one extreme to the other in terms of temperature regulation.
The day started out with Follow Hollow socks as one of my cold and wet weather apparel choices for what 4+ hours in the saddle would bring at this year's Filthy Fifty. Once I got to Lanesboro I put on my Lake cyclocross boots and shoe covers and got ready to race. From the start line it was 33°F with winds around 20 mph and gusting to over 30. During the race it started to snow pretty good making the Fillmore County gravel roads wet, soaking me and my bike. After the race my feet we were dry and had remained comfortable despite the frigid temperatures.
I got into dry clothes and kept the Follow Hollow socks on to continue my day. After a two hour drive home I showered and changed again putting the Follow Hollow socks back on my feet. Being antimicrobial, after all of what these comfortable socks had been through they were dry and didn't smell.
They did a wonderful job of regulating my foot temperature and wicking any perspiration whether it was on a long, chilly bike ride or walking the cold wood floors at home. These socks are so comfortable that I even wore them to bed and my feet never felt hot. I didn't have any issues with them sliding down either, they simply stay in place.
Winter will be here before we know it and I plan on wearing Follow Hollow through to next summer because they wick and regulate temperature so well. They are not bulky or itchy but cozy, extremely soft and comfortable enough for everyday wear. Kudos to Brian Davis on another great cycling product.
After spending five days in Las Vegas for Interbike and the Outdoor
Demo, I came across a lot of cool new bike stuff that I wanted to share
with my readers. These are products that are now available or in the
case of some of them, will be available soon from your local bike shop.
This is the final installment of a three part series where I will highlight some of
the items that caught my attention.
Serfas Orion Blast Tail Light
Coming soon from Serfas is the Orion Blast Tail Light. This light will be one of the brightest tail lights on the market and is sure to scream out “hey bike right here!” during the dark months commuters encounter when Daylight Saving Time ends. The Orion Blast is designed with 70 micro LED's in red and amber and its internal Lithium-Polymer batteries are micro USB rechargeable. Solid mode (85, 50 and 25 Lumens) flashes Red with a battery life of between 1 and 4 hours. The five Flash/Pulse modes (150/70 Pulse Red/Amber, 70/35 Alt Red/Amber, 150 High Flash Red, 60 Low Flash Red, 70 High Flash Amber) give it battery run times of 1.25 to 10.5 hours.
This light also has the new Serfas Blast Audible Warning System that will emit an 85 decibel signal when there is only 10 minutes battery life remaining in that particular mode. This allows the user to switch to a lower mode and restarts the battery low alert thus extending the battery life.
The Orion Blast Tail Light weighs only 55 grams. It will be available in three colors (Red, Black and White) and comes with a new Aero-Bracket to fit any seatpost or application on a bike. Retail price is $90 but no word yet on when it will be available at your local bike shop.
Upstand
The Upstand was first introduced through a successful Kickstarter campaign by Garrett Blake back in late 2013. It is a lightweight, high tech kickstand for your road bike. Made of carbon fiber tubes with a shock cord, this device connects to a metal attachment tab that mounts on your skewer inside the the quick release. The carbon fiber tubing has a rubber cap on one end and a magnet on the other to secure it to the metal attachment tab.
The metal magnet attachment tab only adds 15 grams to the bike while the stand itself a mere 25 grams. Installation takes only 30 seconds and when the Upstand is not needed, slide it off and fold it in half for storage in seat bag, jersey pocket or attach it to the bike using the optional Upclip.
The folding Upstand is available in standard (26"/700 wheels), 20" and 29" wheels with the option of adding the Upclip or an extra tab at a discount. Purchase direct from the Upstanding Bicycle Company on their website.
SRAM Red eTap
SRAM displayed their first electronic shifting groupset at Interbike, the Red eTap Wireless. While SRAM is late with this offering to the electronic drivetrain market, they did what their competitors (Shimano, Campagnolo) haven't done yet and that is to make their system wireless. SRAM uses a wireless proprietary protocol called Airea instead of using others protocols like Ant+ or Bluetooth.
Both the front and rear shifters have their own battery and wireless transmitter making them self-contained. Batteries charge in only 45 minutes and SRAM promises 1000 km of life per charge. For time trial and triathlon bikes with aero bars, the system can be paired with eTap Blip satellite shifters for remote placement using the eTap BlipBox.
Unlike the Shimano and Campagnolo electronic shift logic that is identical to their mechanical groups, SRAM's Red eTap is entirely different. With only one shift paddle per shifter, shifting mistakes are almost eliminated. Shift with the left shifter paddle to an easier gear on the cassette, shift with the right shifter paddle to a harder gear on the cassette and shift both at the same time to shift the front derailleur. What could be more simple?
The SRAM Red eTap Road and TT Groupset will be available in the Spring of 2016. The complete Red eTap Road Groupset will list at $2758 and the complete Red eTap TT Groupset for $2835. It will also be standard equipment on high-end 2016 complete bikes next Spring from brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized and others.
SKS Fatboard Fender Set
SKS introduced their new Fatboard Fender Set at the Outdoor Demo and Interbike. This two-piece fender set will cover tires up to 5" wide and weighs 353 grams. The rear fender attaches to the seat post with a quick release clamp and has a two-hinge arm to adjust for any frame geometry or bikes with dropper posts. It provides 20" of horizontal coverage keeping the rider clean and dry.
The front fender attaches to the downtube using high performance straps and works with all types of fatbike forks. This design allows it to secure easily to any frame including irregular shaped or round tubes and also provides 20" of coverage.
The Fatboard Fender set will be available at local bike shops in January, 2016 for a retail price of $54.99.
Swiftwick Vision Team
Swiftwick was at Interbike with a wide variety of cycling compression socks. New this year are the Swiftwick Vision Team socks. This sock is available "in designs that sync with any team’s colors". Featuring Swiftick's signature Managed Compression and antimicrobial moisture wicking technologies, these socks will provide blister-free comfort, improve circulation and keep feet dry.
Vision Team comes in an 8" cuff length, twelve color combinations in sizes S, M, L, XL from the Swiftwick website and Swiftwick retailers for $17.99/pair.
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.
When it comes to shopping for the cyclist on your list, there are some useful stocking stuffers under $50 that any bike lover would be happy to get. Here are seven of them that come in small packages and won't break the bank.
SKS Airchecker Digital Gauge $24.99
This handy little digital gauge works with Shcrader and Presta valves and has a lighted readout in both PSI and bar. The swiveling head makes it easy to take a reading and has a deflate button to bleed off excess air pressure. Its small size conveniently fits in a jersey pocket, tool pack or seat bag to take with you. Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.
Light & Motion Vis 180 Mirco
$49
The Vis 180 Micro packs 25 lumens of light output in a small taillight. This USB Li-ion rechargeable light has run times of 4 to 20 hours depending on which of the four settings (High, High Pulse, Low Pulse and Paceline) are used. It weighs only 61 grams and has a locking mount clip for installation on frame, seatpost or bag. This taillight's bright amber side lights deliver 180° of visibility to get you seen. Available from Light & Motion, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.
Fix It Sticks $29.99
Fix It Sticks are a light-weight, innovative new multi-tool with all the torque of a 3-way wrench. Their small size makes them very easy to stash away in a seat bag,
top-tube bag or jersey pocket. Each set comes with a
convenient carrying case made from a recycled tube. They made in the USA and come in many versions. Choose from Aluminum or Steel. Available from Fix It Sticks or from select dealers.
Swiftwick Pursuit Socks
$15.99-$34.99
The Pursuit line from Swiftwick is the only 200 needle compression sock on the market. Its 23.5 gauge Australian Merino Wool construction provides thermal protection and wicks away moisture keeping feet warm and dry. They come is size small to extra large with a height of zero to twelve inches. This is a great sock for colder weather cycling but can be used in warm weather because of its excellent wicking properties. Available from Swiftwick and select bike shops.
Banjo Brothers Cycling Phone Wallet
$5.99
Banjo Brothers' Phone Wallet is a durable and water-resistant pouch for your phone, ID, spare keys, etc. It has a touch screen compatible window and will fit phones up to 2.75 x 5.75 inches. Stuff it in your jersey or jacket pocket and it will keep your items dry and protected. Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.
Genuine Innovations
Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite Inflator
$24.99
The Air Chuck Elite Inflator is very compact, easy to use and inflation is controllable with its push-to-inflate technology. It's all metal alloy design weighs only 17 grams and works with both Schrader and Presta valves. Includes a 16g and 20g threaded CO2 cartridge. Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.
Lone Peak Tool Roll Essentials Kit
$29.95
The Tool Roll Essentials Kit is made from 1000 D Nylon and comes with a Park Tools Patch Kit, tire levers and 4, 5, & 6 mm allen wrenches. Extra compartments hold CO2 Cartridges, spare tube, chain tool, etc. Roll it up for attachment under the saddle or store inside a seat bag, handlebar pack or pannier. Available from Lone Peak and authorized dealers.
