Holiday Gift Giving Guide: What To Get a Cyclist

Are you trying to find a gift for a loved one? Or someone you don’t really know much about other than their love of a bike. Well, we are here to help. If you are looking for a gift for a cycling enthusiast, we have you covered. From gifts under $25 to gifts over $250, there is a gift for everyone.

Under $25

Cycling Gloves

In our opinion, a good pair of full-finger gloves are a must-have for any cyclist’s closet.  Gloves can help with grip, with the cold, or help protect your hands in the event of a crash.  Road or Mountain Bike, gloves are a great gift.

We’re big fans of Endura Sports’ gloves.  They’ve kept RCC’s hands warm for years!


Tubes

If you ride a bike, there’s a good chance that sooner or later, you’re going to need a tube.  Even for riders who ride “tubeless,” there’s still a good chance that having a tube could come in handy in a pinch.  Might be best to check for the specific bike in question (sneakily!).  Here’s a handy guide to determine the right size you’ll need!

Chalk Bags

Sometimes it just feels great to get the weight out of the pockets on your lower back!  These small “chalk bags” hang right behind your handlebars and are great for toting snacks, phones/wallets, flat supplies, you name it!

We recommend the Sunlite All-Sack Handlebar Bag which can be found at most bike shops for $20.00




Under $50

Bar Mitts

Bar Mitts are great for the cold weather.  Even on the coldest windiest days your hands will be toasty and warm in these handlebar pogies.  

Easy to take on and off, these neoprene covers are the perfect gift for someone who rides in ALL weather!

Flat Kits

A good flat kit can mean the difference between a good day and a very bad day out on the bike.  When mechanical problems happen on the side of the road (i.e. flat tire, minor mechanical issues) it’s great to put together a small tool kit to have with you on the bike.  

A kit like this one would include a small pump or CO2 inflator, tire levers, a patch kit, and a small multi-tool for minor repairs.  Throw all that in your saddlebag with a tube and you’re set for most roadside problems.

Arm/Leg Warmers

Layers.

Layers layers layers.  

Arm warmers and leg/knee warmers are great for Spring/Fall riding when it’s cold enough that you can’t wear shorts, but not cold enough yet for tights, and for rides that start out cold but warm up.  They’re easily taken on and off without having to remove shoes or helmets, and for the brave, can even be taken off while riding.  

Check out these Arm Warmers and Knee Warmers from Endura!

Pump

It’s nice to have a good pump for your tires.  Or two.  Or three.  You know, one for the house, one for the office, one for the car.  

We’ve always loved using the trusty yellow Joe Blow which can be picked up from your local bike shop for around $40-$50.

If you’re looking to splurge, these Shimano PRO Team Tubeless pumps will pump regular tires and can seat tubeless tires without a compressor.

Shoe Covers

Much like Bar Mitts, a good pair of shoe covers or even just toe covers can turn almost any cold miserable ride into a good time.  Shoe covers are a thoughtful way to let someone you care about know that you also care about the temperature of their feet??

If you can’t tell, we’re partial to Endura - check out these cool reflective ones.

Under $100

Jersey

Jerseys and Bibs are another thing you just can’t have too many of.  If your loved one is on a cycling team, maybe reach out to the team to see if you can purchase another jersey for them?  Or maybe something a little warmer for these cold months.

Bibs

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of technology that goes into making your average cycling chamois (shammy).  One of the hot new things these days is that many companies are making bibs for women that don’t require you to take off your jersey every time you need to take a bathroom break.  Genius.




Tires

If you’re shopping for a cyclist, trust us, they could probably use a new pair of tires.  Consumables like tires, tubes, chains, chainrings, cassettes, and handlebar tape often need replacing.  Usually more often than most people are willing to admit.

Helmets

Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you’re supposed to replace your helmet every five years and after every crash?  Plus, with the new MIPS technology now standard in most helmets, things are safer than ever.  

A new helmet is a great way to protect the ones you love. 

Phone Mount

There are phone mounts and there are phone mounts.  The Quadlock system is the best one that we’ve found.  It’s a little bit pricier, but let’s face it.  The stakes are high here.  No one wants their phone falling off their bars and hitting the ground at high speeds.  Get the one that works.

Frame Bags

A good frame bag is another tool that will allow you to carry gear on your bike instead of on your back.  Great for bike-camping, but also great for just carrying whatever you might need while out on a bike ride.  A jacket? No problem.  Stove for a quick coffee stop? You got it. 

Good news:  You can buy locally made frame bags from Alpenglow Handmade at Outpost Richmond.

Under $250

Bike-Specific Tools

Something like this Pedro’s Starter Tool Kit is a great way to hint to your loved ones that maybe it might be time that we stop paying other people to make minor repairs and adjustments on our bikes.  

With tire levers, allen wrenches, a chain whip, and few other things, you’ll be unstoppable when it comes to adjusting your shifting or replacing drivetrain components!


Dropper Post

A dropper post is one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” things. 

A bit on the pricier side, but once you’ve got the basics of mountain biking down, adding a dropper post to the mix can help you take your riding to the next level.

Glasses

Cycling culture and obnoxiously cool sunglasses go hand-in-hand.  You can’t fight it.  Just go with it. 

If you have spent any time around RCC, you’ll know that these are a favorite.

$250+

GPS Computer

Whether racing or adventuring, a good cycling computer can be a useful tool.  Always know exactly where you are, how far you’ve gone and how fast you’re going.  For the racers out there, (using other accessories) your computer can tell you your heart rate and how many watts you’re putting out.  

For the adventurer, some computers will let you plug in a predetermined route to follow, so you’ll never be lost!  Although maybe a true adventurer would leave the computer at home and choose to get lost.  We’ll leave that up to you!

Garmin and Wahoo are two great brands to look into.

Bikes!

It’s been a while since we’ve been in Algebra class, but we’re pretty sure the correct number of bicycles to own is n+1.  

So head on down to your favorite local bike shop and give the people you love the best two gifts you can give them:  Freedom and Fun.

Local Bike Shops!

Here are just a few of the amazing shops in the Greater Richmond area:

Outpost

4813 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225

(804) 447-1730

visit website

CBC

Multiple Locations, the flagship is in Carytown at 3112 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221

(804) 440-2453

visit website

Coqui Cyclery

3416 Semmes Ave, Richmond, VA 23225

(804) 231-3764

visit website

Wheel Simple

707 Mosby Street, Richmond, VA 23223

(804) 466-3166

visit website

Lucky’s BicycleS

708 N Meadow St, Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 781-7777

visit website

Molly's Bicycle Shop

4515 W. Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831
(804) 530-9022

visit website

Pedal Power

1904 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23230

(804) 658-2126

visit website