Stellar Innovations for Gear Loving Cyclists
From inexpensive to spendy (but worth it) this list offers some very unique gift ideas for the cyclist on your list.
Map Pint Glass $30
This may be one of the coolest most unique gifts around for the beer drinking urban bike commuter on your list: a map of their city etched on a pint glass. A college student? Check out their list of college town-mapped pint glasses.
Pearl Izumi Divide Trail Gloves $30
You can’t go wrong gifting the cyclists on your list with new gloves. These feature an 1:1 anatomical fit that eliminates bunching, soft but durable perforated synthetic leather palms for better bar feel and silicone screened fingertips for increased performance grip. They’re also built with breathable mesh fabric on the back of the hand and a soft low–profile wiping surface on thumb for the inevitable cool morning runny nose, and conductive synthetic leather fingertips and thumbs for touch-screen compatibility on electronic devices.
Shower Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Hi-Viz Crew Socks $35
Essentially a sock that protects like a rain bootie, they’re built with 3-layers that include a wear-resistant knit exterior (which makes it feels like a regular sock), then Artex, a waterproof breathable membrane, and, then finally, a Coolmax FX moisture wicking anti-bacteria lining. Plus, they’re built with an anatomical design, extra-flat toe seam and padded toes, heels and balls of feet, providing unbelievable fit, comfort, pressure point relief and durability. In yellow neon to add another level of sightline protection during nighttime riding.
Oopsmark Bicycle Wine Rack $34
Heading over to a friend’s to share some wine? This classy, handmade leather bicycle wine rack makes it easy to carry your wine in style with ease. Handcrafted in Montreal of Vegetable-tanned leather it fits bike frames from 1″-1.5″and bottle diameters of 2.5″-3.25.” The hidden clamping system keeps bottles stable and firmly in place. You can special order one for a fatter bike too, and you can carry a water bottle in it as well.
Ibex Bicicleta Cycling Cap $39.95
Made with 89% merino wool and a touch of nylon and spandex to make it easier to fit on the noggin, this super comfy hat/cap combo combines the best of both worlds. The soft merino wool blend naturally wicks away moisture while the head-hugging fit keeps the wind off your ears and your head warm. It also has a built-in visor that makes it functional for a lot of other sports.
CatEye Volt 80 $30
Gift the cyclist on your list with the ability to be safe and see. This small but mighty USB-rechargeable light easily mounts on the bike and easy peasy to operate. A rubber band and hook-mounting bracket makes it a snap to install/remove. Its sleek lightweight body belies its’ power—producing an eye-popping 80 lumens (as a courtesy be sure to nudge downward momentarily when passing or encountering other cyclists or trail users. To charge, simply plug it directly into your desktop or USB wall plug—no charging cable required. Bonus points: short charge time, two modes and a battery life indicator.
Hornit $109
Ride softly and carry a big—horn! Yep, you can honk with your thumb while riding by simply hitting a button attached to a remote device that emits a 140 decibels car horn from your bike. Reflexive reactions keep riders safer, and honking with your thumb won’t interfere with braking. The trigger attaches easily to either handlebar and the wire plugs into the bottom of the all-weather device case. It isn’t cheap, but it’s sure unique.
VELOWÜRKS Prime Floor Pump $130
This professional quality 250psi pump is constructed of aluminum and steel with a durable anodized finish both inside and out. It has an extra tall air chamber that pushes a greater amount of volume with greater ease (and fewer backaches). An ergonomic two-piece handle (with a replaceable rubber plunger gasket made from tough, heavy industrial grade rubber) drives the oversized plunger shaft for smooth operation and longevity. It also has a large, easy to read gauge and includes a rotating pressure index reference point. The pump is mounted onto a tipping resistant, triangulated base with rubber feet. The dual head valve inflator (for both Schrader and Presta) has a quick release lever that won’t snap back on your fingers. The extra long high pressure hose makes it easy to reach valve stems on bikes that are in work stands, racks or other hard to reach applications. A hose keeper hook on the handle and a retainer clip by the base keeps it all tucked together nicely.
Osprey Syncro 10 $110
Everything you’ll need for up to a half-day ride will fit into this 600 cubic in. hydration-ready pack. It has an integrated rain fly, a J-zip front tool organizer, a front panel pocket and stash pocket and a helmet attachment. The 2.5 liter Hydraulics™ LT Reservoir features welded baffles that reduce sloshing while a detachable hose quick connect allows for quick removal for filling. The exit port connects to the internal, sewn-in hydration sleeve and routes to either right or left side harness, which includes an adjustable sternum strap with a magnetic clip to hold the tube for on-the-go hydration. The mesh covered ventilated harness is built with perforated EVA foam and a reverse spacer mesh wrap for increased comfort. Constructed with ultra lightweight but super durable 100D nylon honeycomb fabric with a ventilated back panel for awesome breathability, and available in three sizes, this is one of the best packs you can buy for the price.
Own a piece of gear that you're dying to review? Read our submissions page and let's get it up on the interwebz!