Cycling Gift Ideas
Cycling is a great passion for many men and women. When shopping for them, it makes an obvious starting point for gifts. What isn't so obvious is what to get. Take a little time getting to know more about their cycling (how they ride, where they ride, equipment they already own, what they might need) and then find the perfect cycling gift. If you don't know much about cycling and aren't that close with the person, avoid technical gear that they may already have or may not suit them and go for a more simple, universal cycling gift.
Other People Are Reading
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Clothing
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Cycling clothing is a good place to start because even though the individual may have clothing, chances are good that one more jersey wouldn't hurt. Plus, if you visit the person you can easily get the correct size by sneaking a peek at a jersey in the closet. Avoid shorts, which can be a bit more of a personal choice, and look for a quality three-pocket Lycra jersey. You may get bonus points if you purchase a jersey with the person's favorite bike company logo on it. Other clothing that could make a nice gift includes cycling socks, cycling jackets and windbreakers, rain gear, winter jerseys, gloves and apparel.
Hard Goods
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Bike hard goods will require you to really get to know what the recipient already has. They'll also require you to either know a little about cycling or discuss it with a knowledgeable sales professional--you don't want to buy junk that sits in the garage. In general, avoid actual bike components and opt for peripheral gear that can enhance the ride. Some handy items that cyclists could use, but may not have already purchased, include a cycling computer, a bicycle GPS like the Garmin Edge Series, a sports watch compatible with a cadence sensor like models offered by Suunto and Garmin, and a bicycle tool kit for home or road repairs. Those who bike at night or in the evening could also benefit from a headlight and taillight.
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Hydration
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If the cyclist in your life is still using a water bottle, consider getting them up to speed with a hydration pack. Be sure to get a slim, lightweight model designed for cycling as opposed to a bulky one designed for another sport. Another cool option is the VeloBak and RaceBak made by CamelBak, which are racing jerseys that include integrated hydration bladders.
Books and Videos
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Books tailored to a person's hobby always make thoughtful gifts and should be well-received. Unless the person is brand new to the sport or you know that he struggles, stay away from instructional books and opt for something more like a coffee table book with history and pictures or a biography of a great cyclist. One good glossy coffee table book is "The Competition Bicycle, A Photographic History." Maintenance books are a handy type of book to have on the shelf. A guidebook of local or travel rides is also a fun gift. VeloPress is a publisher that specializes in fitness books and offers many cycling books. Cycling videos of race footage or training can also make good gifts.
Music
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Music can really enhance a long, lonely ride. If the individual doesn't have an MP3 player, consider buying one. A set of wireless headphones can also help making listening a lot safer and smoother. Similarly, Cy Fi Speakers were designed specifically for mounting to a bicycle and playing MP3s.
Novelty Cycling Gifts
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Maybe the cyclist in your life has all the hardware, clothing, books and peripherals she'll ever need and you can't figure out a thing to buy. Well, consider something that's cycling-inspired but not necessarily for cycling. Some ideas include T-shirts with cycling logos, pictures or mottos; framed pictures of cycling races or personalities; metal bike-inspired art and jewelry; and mugs or beer glasses with cycling logos.
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