Whilst the latest and most expensive bike gear may not be desired by every cyclist either due to preference or compatibility with existing equipment, certain key items will always be appreciated.
Cheap Cycling Gifts for Christmas
1 A new set of cleats for clipless pedals. Regular riders wear out cleats within a year and often don’t think to change them until it’s too late. Most mountain bikers wear Shimano SPD compatible shoes and roadies favour the Look brand but be sure to check which type of pedal/cleat system is in use before purchase.
2 Mountain bikers prone to punctures will appreciate a bottle of Slime tyre sealant in their Christmas stocking. Slime can only be inserted into tubes with shrader car type valves but you can also buy inner tubes filled with Slime if the rider runs with presta valves. Check first.
3 New grips are always useful and even trendy funky grips like the Race Face Good n’ Evils for die hard MTB’ers cost less than $15.
4 Team them with a new pair of gloves for total gripability. No matter how many pairs of gloves a cyclist owns, there is always room for one more pair when the trusty favourites are in the wash.
5 How about a neat little phone bag that fits on the handlebar eliminating the need to stop and fumble around in a backpack or risk an accident when pulling the phone out of a top pocket every time it rings?
6 Multi tools can cost a fortune for models that can be a lifesaver on an all day epic ride but a lightweight multi tool is perfect for a short ride close to home and is always a good toolbox spare for the car when not in a backpack.
7 Socks may be the dullest present on the planet but add a neon visibility strip and make them waterproof and socks can be a cyclist's best friend. Not for fair weather bikers though.
8 Road cyclists will appreciate a new water bottle or two (they are really cheap!) but surprise a mountain bike nut by buying a new bladder or reservoir for their hydration pack. Far cheaper than a new backpack and a healthy start to the new cycling year as bladders harbour germs and dirt due to cleaning difficulties.
9 Check a cyclist’s book collection before buying one of the best bike maintenance books on the market. With easy to understand diagrams and clear step by step instructions, Lennard Zinn’s Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance Book (or the Alternative Road Maintenance) is a welcome addition to any rider’s library.
10 If on a really tight budget, pull together a home made cyclist’s emergency box. Throw in some zip ties, gaffer tape, a mini medical kit including antiseptic wipes and plasters, a couple of inner tubes (check which size is used first), a puncture repair kit and an energy bar.
Where to Buy Cycling Christmas Gifts
- The local bike shop will stock most of these basic essentials.
- Alternatively, online specialist bike store retailers are a good place to compare prices before making a purchase.
Great Gifts for Cyclists
Whilst a more extravagant budget might push to a fancy new bike case for the travelling cyclist, a top of the range GPS or even a set of expensive tubeless tires for the puncture prone mountain biker, these cheap Christmas gifts are sure to please as they are practical and extremely useful.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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