Shopping for a cyclist or searching for ideas for additions to your own Christmas list? You’ve come to the right place.
Whilst there’s not anything wrong with another bike patterned mug or pair of socks – seriously, we’re doing our very own Secret Sockmas in the YJ office this year – why not go for a gift that’s a little bit different to spark their interest.
Stocking fillers and Secret Santas
Ignite their sense of adventure with an account by Sean Conway or Alastair Humphreys; let Geraint Thomas and Peter Sagan inspire their dreams of winning tours, or just give them a helping hand to get started with Triathlon Training for Dummies (recommended for those with a sense of humour!)
Who says cycling gear isn’t smart? We love these silver bike chain cufflinks.
Personalised gifts
First Ironman? A bucket list event? Let them know how proud you are of their racing achievements with a commemorative framed record. Provide PB Prints with their split results then just add their medal for the finishing touch.
For anyone who loves just getting outside, there’s something immensely satisfying about maps. With these custom OS maps you can choose a traditional folding version for someone planning a cycling trip or go for a framed option featuring the location of a special holiday.
We’re taking a bit of a leap in budget here but for a truly unique present, why not treat them to a custom respray with Carbon Bike Repair? We know how much sentimental value a bike can hold so we love the idea of giving it a new lease of life. Take a look at some of the finished jobs below.
For the cyclist forever tinkering away in the garage, they’ll love learning a new skill at a wheel building course run by workshops up and down the country. Or if money is no object then you could send them off to The Bicycle Academy in Somerset to a BYOB course – Build Your Own Bike. All frame styles are covered from track to mtb and their new steed will be ready to ride in just five days.
On The Bike
Add an extra touch of personality to a bike or helmet with these customised name decals from Names on Frames.
Less of a ‘fun’ present but oh so useful, a good quality light is crucial in the winter months and a present you can guarantee will be well used. Our pick is the Lezyne Lite Drive 800XL.
If you know someone who’s always in trouble for muddy floors and scuffed walls then a Velosock bike cover will be a welcome gift. For additional cover, as well as when transporting a bike in the back of the car, a pair of Nox Sox would go down well. One of those products that make you ask, “why didn’t I think of that?”
Help your favourite mountain biker make a statement on the trails with these DMR Deathgrips – we suggest going bold with a bright yellow.
Best of the rest
With such an unnecessarily extravagant price tag you’ll have to get through a lot of wine to get your money’s worth out of this Campagnolao corkscrew. What a pity…
For the Queen of the Mountains in your life, this necklace is perfect for MTB lovers and Col conquerors alike.
Stuck for the cyclist who really does have everything, or perhaps you’re searching for an alternative to giving ‘stuff’ this year? Consider a charity donation to World Bicycle Relief who provide Buffalo Bicycles – sturdy, aluminium frames designed to ride rough roads and carry heavy loads – for developing communities in sub-saharan Africa. Helping girls travel safely to school, health workers visit more patients daily and farmers get their produce to market on time, these bikes are absolutely invaluable and benefit the entire community. £95 will buy a Buffalo bike while £35 will buy a mechanic’s toolkit.
Tickets are exciting to look forward to once the festive fun has worn off and you might even be invited if you buy two! Treat a triathlete to Grandstand tickets for Nottingham and Leeds, while track cyclists will enjoy a day out at the Six Day Manchester, Six Day London or the National Track Champsionships.
Old inner tubes are given a new lease of life and upcycled into wallets and belts by innovative company, Veloculture. They’re surprisingly smart in appearance and that’s one less bit of waste going to landfill.
