YellowCrank’s Big Cyclist’s Holiday Gift Guide
It’s this time of the year, when you realise that the holidays are going to be here real soon, and if you celebrate by giving gifts to loved ones, not much time is left to get organised.
I have compiled a big list of goodies for every type of cyclist at different price points, from around USD 10 to over USD 1000. Since this is YellowCrank, you’ll find mainly products from smaller companies that are unique and special. I link to the brands’ web shops, where available. If they don’t have one, its possible that you can get those items from a retailer that serves your region. If you can, avoid Amazon.
You can read the entire list top down, but also jump to the categories directly by clicking on them. Most prices are in USD, however some prices of companies based elsewhere are in EUR (euro) or GBP (British pounds). Just convert to your preferred currency. I did not do this for you, as YellowCrank’s readers are from allover the world.
While we talk about gifting, let’s also think about people that are less fortunate than us. Here is a list of cycling related charities that you can donate to. There is many more of course, so choose one that is closest to heart for you!
World Bicycle Relief” “World Bicycle Relief works with partners to help communities create long-lasting, sustainable change and break the cycle of poverty. Our programs provide specially designed, locally assembled Buffalo Bicycles to students, health workers and entrepreneurs.”
Bike for Good “Bike for Good provides access to low cost but good quality bikes whilst diverting tonnes of waste from landfill. These bikes are kindly donated by members of the public and are then refurbished and sold in our two Community Hubs. Find out more about how to donate your bike.”
Wheels for Wellbeing “Wheels for Wellbeing (WfW) is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling”
- The Weight Weenie
- The All-Weather Cyclist
- The Data Obsessed
- The Home Mechanic
- The Vegan Cyclist
- The Young Cyclist
- The Female Cyclist
- The Triathlete
- The Aesthetic Cyclist
- The Indoor Athlete
- The Fashion Conscious Cyclist
- The Bibliophile Cyclist
- The Beginner Road Cyclist
- The Bigger Cyclist
The Weight Weenie – they might carry a few unnecessary pounds, but certainly no on their bike!
Berk Lupina saddle – EUR 250.00
The Berk Lupina Handmade Carbon Saddle is a full carbon road bicycle saddle, that weighs an astonishing 90g in the padded version. Different colours are available, and two widths for different width of sitbones. Berk is a small Slovenian carbon specialist, and the saddle is fully handmade in Slovenia. Find it here.
Cyclite 5-piece set bag system – EUR 619
Certainly not the cheapest big bag system available, but supposedly the lightest (I compared with the lightweight Apidura Racing series system, and it is indeed up to 200g lighter, for comparable volume). The Cyclist bags look great tow, and are available in black and white. Cyclite is a startup from Bavaria. Shop for it here.
New Mountains- Epic Cycling Climbs – GBP 35.00
You can’t be a weight weenie and only ride flats! This beautiful book by Photographer Michale Blann captures the most iconic climbs within the history of cycling. Get it here, and get them inspired!
The All-Weather Cyclist – They love to battle the elements on their trusty steed!
Velotoze Toe Cover Road – USD 13.00
Windproof, waterproof, and lightweight: These toe covers provide just that bit protection for the toes when the weather is not too cold. Who ever has used toe covers before, can tell how effective they can be to keep them toes warm. VeloToze was founded by a group of cyclists in Sonoma County, California. Shop those toe covers here.
SPATZ ‘GRAVLR’ Overshoes – USD 161.99
Knee length Neoprene overshoes that will shield their lower legs and feet from the elements like no other product. Spatz is the brainchild of professional cyclist and NFTO team manager Tom Barras. Check them out here.
Pogie Handlebar Mittens – USD 74.95
Bar Mitts is a company from Carson City, NV 89704. Their mittens provide superior protection from the cold, while still allowing easy shifting and braking. A superior solution to thick gloves when temperatures are very low! There are different versions available, depending on handlebar and shifter type. Find out more here.
The Data-Obsessed – They love collecting data and studying complex graphs!
CORE body temperature monitor – USD 220.00
CORE is a wearable continuous Core Body Temperature monitor, validated for intense sports activity, as well as for daily use. You get real time data directly to your sports watch, bike computer or phone. Little known, it is used by many of the top cycling teams and by pro triathletes to help in heat acclimation, heat training, pacing and race strategy. In addition, CORE has emergency FDA approval and can be sold in North America as a medical device. For home-use, CORE is suited to 24/7 temperature monitoring. CORE is a product of greenTEG AG, a Swiss company based in Zurich. Find their product here.
Training and Racing with a Power Meter (Allen, Coggan, McGregor) – USD 31.30
The classic book, laying the foundation of training with a powermeter and quoted by many other authors and coaches. Find it here or at many other places that sell books.
The Home Mechanic – They love their tools and will only bring the bike to the shop if all else fails!
Hanger Alignment Gauge from Abbey Bike Tools – USD185
A hanger alignment gauge (HAG) is a tool every home mechanic should have, but very few do. This tool can solve your shifting issues in minutes. This HAG is pure quality and precision, and has many well thought out details that are missing on cheaper tools. Abbey Bike tools is from Bend, Oregon, and all their product are manufactured right there. Should you want to spend a bit less (or much less), there are many options available from other brands.
Terske Travel Disc Brake Rotor Lockring Tool – USD 24.95
This is for bikes with through-axles (almost all disc brake bikes). It is a 6-notch tool to tighten external Center Lock and AFS disc brake rotor lockrings and uses a 12 mm through-axle as lever. It fixes a problem that doesn’t come about often but can ruin your day if it does.
Lindarets is a product-design company, that develop parts for other brands, such as Wolftooth. This tool they sell under their own brand Terske. Find it here.
Clever Flat-out – USD 12.00
Clever Flatout is the world’s thinnest multi-function chain hook. It includes chain hook, chain hammer, valve core wrench, tire levers, blade, spoke holder and bottle opener and can store extra chain links (few other tools do). Check it out here
Abbey Bike Tools Team Issue Toolbox – USD 1350.00
A toolbox from Oregon -based company Abbey Bike Tools that has all the pro-level tools that they might need on a longer trip. Pure luxury it is at that price, but these tools are very well engineered and last a lifetime. Here’s the link.
The Vegan Cyclist – No animals harmed on the way to cycling greatness!
Bike Monger Happy Bottom Bum Butter – GBP 17.99
Bikemonger was founded by cyclist, skater and surfer Charlie Hobbs. This chamois cream protects the bottom, is made from vegetable glycerin, glove, geranium and tee tree oils. It’s ingredients are vegan and it has not been tested on animals. IN addition, since it is less “zingy”, it also is a f=great product for female cyclists.
Here’s their webshop.
The Plant-Based Athlete – USD 28.99
This is a comprehensive guide for vegan athletes, written by Matt Frazier, founder of No Meat Athlete, and Robert Cheeke, founder of Vegan Bodybuilding. The book not only provides delicious recipes, but also background information about the benefits of a plant-based diet, vegan protein, and how to incorporate a vegan diet into a typical training day. Here‘s is the link to the author’s page, where different purchasing options are listed.
SimplyProtein bars – USD 5.99
Athletes need protein, and this bars pack some. SimplyProtein snack bars are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, kosher and made with plant protein. They have 12g of Protein per 40g bar. Different flavours are available. Find them here.
Plantathletic bibs and Jerseys (and socks) – USD 15.00 up
From their website: “We are here to encourage, support and connect the modern day athlete in their endeavor to increase performance and health while maintaining an ethically responsible lifestyle.” They use good materials, reduce waste in packacking, collaborate on animal welfare, and on top of that, their designs look nice. Socks are USD 15, jerseys start at USD 95. Here’s the link.
The Young Cyclist – Loves their ride, will grow up healthy and fit!
The Young Cyclist’s Companion – USD 16.99
This book is for ages 8-14. It is aimed at young people who already know how to cycle, and would like to learn more. It explains all the basics: How to choose a bike, basic maintenance, training and cycling techniques. You can get it here
At the Edge: Riding for My Life Danny McAskill – USD 24.95
Another book, this one telling the live story of trial cyclist Danny McAskill of Youtube fame. His bike handling skills have inspired many, and are mind-boggeling. You learn about his child hood and early days riding in the streets. Get it here or at many other bookshops.
D1X Trail wireless shifting conversion – USD 299.00
For smaller kid’s hands it can be quite hard to operate the shift-lever of regular mountain bike or road bike shifters. The D1X Trail from the start-up company Archer Components is not aimed only at children, but it works well for kids: It converts their shifting to wireless, with the need to only press buttons for up and down shifting, and it works whether your kid’ s bike has only a few gears or many, as it is fully adjustable. Some home mechanic skills are required, or a bike shop near by. Find out more here.
SUCK UK cat / skull bell bike – GBP 10
Pretty much the coolest bike bell for kids that I have seen. Get them from UK company Look Mum No Hands. Here‘s the link.
Bookman reflective bike stickers – EUR 7.00
These look seriously cool and increase safety in the dark. Different patterns and colours are available. Bookman is a Swedish company. Here is their European shop, but they should be available worldwide through retailers.
The Female Cyclist – Thrashing it in style!
Foundations Liner Short – USD 88.00
Machines fro Freedom is a US brand founded 5 years ago by Jennifer Kriske in Malibu. This shorts is intended to be worn under other workout clothes, eg when indoor cycling or wearing regular shorts. Check out their website for many more women-specific products. Most of their products are provided in a wide size range.
FeGoo Dry Shampoo + from Peace in the Wild – GBP 7.99
Sometimes there is not enough time for a shower. The FeGoo Dry Shampoo + includes organic ingredients to help absorb oil and help leave the hair feel clean and fresh between washes. It does not use aerosols and the granules are free from nasty ingredients to ensure the smallest impact on the environment possible. It can also be used as a deodorant. The link is here. PWTW is a small family business run out of North Lincolnshire in the U.K.
Queens of Pain by Isabel Best – USD 35.00
This book is a fantastically well written account of the untold history of women’s bike racing. Get it directly here from the publisher and cycling kit brand Rapha.
The Triathlete: Not good at one sport, but (almost) unbeatable in all three!
Surf Gras Mat: USD 49.99
No Triathete wants to spend the bike leg of their race with a small pebble in their shoe. The Surf Grass Mat is 20 x 25 inches of synthetic turf, and its soft bristles of turf work to dust off any dirt, sand, or particles that may have accumulated on your feet and wetsuit while changing. It can also be used of course if changing anywhere outdoors and before putting socks or shoes back on. You can get one here.
AfterShokz Air – USD 119.95
Triathletes spend many hour training by themselves. Listening to music or podcast can be a good distraction or motivation during an longer workout. However, traditional headphones block the ears to some extent and reduce awareness of the surrounding, which is not desirable when training outdoors. The AfterShokz headphones employ bone conduction technology which send the sound waves through the bones connecting to the ear, thus not blocking any outside sounds. Get them here.
TheMagic5 custom swimming googles – USD 55 up
Ill fitted googles are a hassle, they take time to put on right, or need to be put on extra tight to prevent water coming in (eventually it still might). TheMagic5 is the child of a Danish company founded by a team of three, including a former national team swimmer, who set out to make better fitting googles. You download an app, scan your face with it, and 1-3 weeks later you receive your custom made googles, with the promise that they will fit perfectly to your face. If you see your loved one regularly come home from swim training with red imprints around their eyes, then these innovative googles might be a good choice! Get started here.
The Aesthetic Cyclist – They cycle with grace and love beautiful things!
Oi Luxe Large Bell from Knog – USD 39.95
This design has been copied, but Knog’s bells are the original ones, and pieces of art. While they look good and different than any other bell, they also sound great, which is an amazing feat of engineering. The large size fits on regular (oversized) handlebars. You can get them directly from Knog here
Artifox bicycle rack – USD 290
Solid hardwood and sealed with a satin finish to highlight the natural woodgrain.Available in walnut, white oak and black oak. Created by Dan and Sarah Mirth, and made in the USA. Here is their webpage and shop.
Vadolibero DOMUS R3 bike storage cabinet – EUR 5500.00
It looks good, doesn’t it? Find more beautiful pictures and order info here.
LMNH World Champ Espresso Cup – USD 20.23
As Look Mum No Hands says in their product description: “There’s only one way to make our Espresso taste better and that’s drinking them from a cup with the World Champ stripes!” And just like your favourite espresso, these cups are made in Italy! Get them here.
The Safe Cyclist – They are always prepared for the unforeseen!
Awake 1.0 bike helmet from 720 Protections – EUR 179.00
This helmet employs a novel shock absorption technology, the patented Hexago structure, instead of the typical styrofoam. This results in slightly higher weight, but superior protection. From their website: “With peak values of 106g (and an average value of 115g) achieved in the homologation tests, the Awake 1.0 far exceeds both the limit of 250g imposed by the regulations and the average of 175g* of its competitors” Note that lower is better. Learn more about this helmet and order it here.
Hexlox Road & MTB Bike Security Gift Pack – USD 123.00
The Hexlox is a small stainless steel insert that you place into the sockets of already existing magnetic (steel) bolts. These inserts prevent any Allen key from being able to work on the bolts, so any parts that are fixed with bolts, such as saddles, can’t be removed. The inserts are coded, and you get a unique key to remove them. Only this key works with your Hexlox inserts. Hexlox are 100% CNC machined and assembled in Germany. Check them out here.
Cyclic Fly6 and Fly12 cameras – USD 229 up
These cameras and bike light combos don’t prevent accidents, but they provide valuable evidence in case of a crash. These cameras record on a loop, and in case of an incident, they automatically stops recording to prevent footage from being overwritten. Batteries last longer than most cameras (up to 8 hours in camera-only mode), and they feature image stabilisation. Front and rear cameras are available. Get them directly from Cycliq here.
The Indoor Athlete: Never worried about bad weather nor bad drivers!
Ride Inside: The Essential Guide to Get the Most Out of Indoor Cycling, Smart Trainers, Classes, and Apps – USD 29.95
Written by cycling coach Joe Friel accomplished author of other comprehensive training guides. Get it here
Indoor Media Display Cycling Desk from KOM Cyling – USD 99.00
This desk has plenty of space for laptop, phone and tablet, and also holds two bottles or cups. It is height adjustable and has a “rubber grip” surface. Buy it here.
Turbo Bib shorts V2 from Lusso – GBP 75.00
Lightweight and more breathable than regular bib shorts, because indoor cycling is a sweaty affair! Men’s and Women’s versions are available, the latter having a women’s specific pad. Find them here.
The Fashion Conscious Cyclist – looking sharp on and off the bike!
Recycled Bicycle Chain Cufflinks from Paguro – USD 42
UK brand Paguro offer a collection of contemporary upcycled fashion and home accessories, ethically produced from recycled and re-purposed materials. The cufflinks are handmade using bike chains sourced from repair shops around the UK. Silver plated links, and available in three colours. Get them here
Bikeman Recycled Bike Chain Pendant Necklace – USD 28
From Paguro, see above. Check out their other offerings, too!
Weekend Cycling Sneaker from Quoc – USD 178
The Weekend sneaker combines the comfort and agility of a sports sneaker with a clip-in compatible sole. I like especially that they use a plant-based performance foam in the midsole as oppose to the more environmental damaging EVA. Available in olive, back and cream. Go directly to heir webshop here.
Race Carbon Leather shoes from Dromarti – USD 357.95
Handmade with leather upper, carbon fibre sole and fully lined in soft leather. Dromarti is a small company based in the Isle of Wight (a small island in the English Channel). Check them out here.
Vision Six Impression National Parks socks from Swiftwick – USD 19.99
Rep your favorite national park with the VISION Six Impression National Park collection. Designs from Rocky Mountains, Denali, Arches, Joshua Tree, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon are available. Made in the USA. Check out these designs and others here.
The Bibliophile Cyclist – the couch and a good book are all the recovery tools they need!
Descent by Thomas Dekker – USD 18.95
Thomas Decker was one of the greatest talents and a super-domestique for some of the world’s best cycling teams. This book tells the inside story of the pro peleton and is a honest account of how money, fame and pressure can corrupt a person. A page turner! Buy it here.
The Race Against the Stasi – USD 15.77
The story of Dieter Wiedemann, East Germany’s cycling icon during the cold war, and his attempt to defect to West Germany after falling in love with a girl on the other side of the Iron Curtain. A truly astonishing tale. Get it here.
LIGHTCYCLE “PTR 108 S” Desk lamp
This unique charming desk lamp from Austrian illustrator and designer Andreas Scheiger is made of a vintage bicycle lamp casing and a bicycle rim, firmly attached to a solid oakwood platform. Find it here, and learn more about the artist here.
The Beginner Road Cyclist – Ready to conquer the challenges of wind, mountain and bike maintenance!
Bythlon pedal system – USD 139.99
Riding clipless (in fact, clipped in), can be scary, as your feet are locked in on the pedal unless you master the twist and pull action to unlock them. At the same time, wearing cycling shoes and having feet in a optimal position on the pedal increases efficiency, and makes you look less like a noob, if that is something you are concerned about. Bythlon pedal bring with them many benefits of clipless pedals, without locking your feet in. Find out more here.
The Complete Bike Owner’s Manual: Repair and Maintenance in Simple Steps (Dk)- USD21.99
This is a very well illustrated book that covers all the essential things there are know about bike maintenance, bike repair, bike trouble shooting, while the very detailed illustrations help to understand the anatomy of a bicycle better. Read about it here and get it at the book store of your choice.
Keego water bottle – EUR 39.90
Just because you are a beginner cyclist, does not mean you can’t have the best. This bottle is an astonishing feat of engineering, and a good conversation starter piece! Its made from Titanium (so no chemicals from plastic are leaking into the water) and yet is is squeezable. A unique manufacturing technique accomplishes that, and has won this bottle numerous awards. Another benefit: Instead of having to buy many bottles over the years, because plastic degrades, this bottle lasts much, much longer. Get it here.
The Bigger Cyclist – not on best terms with gravity on uphills, but unbeatable on flats!
Jerseys and bibs from Fat Lad At The Back – from USD 50.00
It all began with a nickname. Richard, their Co-founder, had always been called the ‘fat lad at the back’ as a term of endearment by his cycling mates. The UK based company makes cycling clothes for all sizes, and because they start with the premise of making perfect bigger sized garments (instead of of just upscaling smaller patterns), their products fit and look better than most brands’ (even they even carry bigger sizes). Check them out here!
Aero Tech’s cycling apparel – from USD 50.00
Whilst Fat Lad At The Back is UK – based, Aero Tech is from the Us.They offer a good selection of cycling essentials in sizes up to 5XL (and this is not Italian sizing!)
Find them here!
Got any feedback or questions? Please comment in the section below!