Bike World News presents our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide.
Yes, it’s that time of year again when it’s time to hit the stores and the cyber shopping destinations to find gifts for the cyclists on your list. Once again, Bike World News has compiled our list of some of the best gear out there to make your shopping easier.
Accessories
If you’re really getting out there on the bike, you’re probably going to drink more water than you can carry. The Sawyer MINI water filter weighs just 2 ounces, fits in the palm of your hand, and provides 0.1 micron absolute filtration. Rated up to 100,000 filtered gallons of water, the award-winning MINI is perfect for bikepacking or hiking.
I finally found a wallet that works from the trail to the pub. With rubber credit card grips, two flat card slots, a single cash pocket and sweat-resistant fabric, the Allett Nylon Sport is their thinnest wallet style to date. Small enough to fit neatly into any pocket or small purse, this front pocket wallet is ideal for keeping clutter in check.
Your smartphone is the key to ABUS’ 770A SmartX U-Lock, newly released after years in development. In addition to the smart-locking and social sharing features, it’s built on ABUS’ toughest U-lock platform and features their position-sensitive alarm for added security.
Aside from the light weight and good looks, Muc-Off’s Tubeless Valves feature better valve stem seals, a trio of rim grommets to fit all common profiles and a 4mm hex fitting at the base for easy installation / removal. They even include a spare cap with valve core remover! Available in 8 colors to coordinate with any bike. Combine them with Muc-Off’s No Puncture Hassle Tubeless Sealant and you can seal tubeless tires for 6+ months at a time and never worry about another flat again!
SILCA’s Nastro Bar Tape mixes up 1 part Adidas Boost Shoes, 1 part Pirelli F1 tires and a healthy dollop of SILCA innovation to give you get thinner, grippier bar tape with the shock-absorbing powers of tapes twice as thick.
Not for cyclists only, Spurcycle’s Multi Pouch is the perfect gift for those who like to keep their essentials organized whether in their jersey, backpack, hip pack, sling bag or travel bag. The multi pouch folds and snaps two different ways to to compress either horizontally or vertical to best fit your essentials.
I’ve kept a PackTowl Personal with my backpack gear for years and now I’ve added one to my hydration pack for a quick cleanup between the trail and the pub. Its’ ultra-versatile, absorbent, and superfast-drying performance make it great for any activity, including camping, travel, fitness, swimming and more. At just $10 for the face size, you can keep a few around.
Designed with LEM’s propriety rigid, thin, and light exoCarbon™ technology the 220 gram MotivAir features a full-carbon exterior shell that elevates the protection factor compared to standard helmets. The construction offers improved management of oblique and rotational impacts, and is designed with a low-density EPS foam. This advances the strength-to-weight ratio, and let’s us maximize vents for cooling – without compromising integrity.
Telic’s Slides support the arches of your feet through their anatomically correct footbed and custom deep heel cup. The design offers an even weight distribution under the foot and reacts to your body temperature to give your feet a hug as they conform perfectly to your personal shape. The ability of the sandal to adapt and mold to any foot-type is what makes Telic so unique, and gives you that feeling of floating above the ground. And, they’re just as home on the beach as they are post-ride.
The Transition Wrap from Orange Mud is a multipurpose changing towel and seat cover. When you’re ready to change from work clothes to workout clothes at the local trail, just secure the belt around your waist and the towel will stay put! Then, just zip up the removable hoodie and slip over your headrest for a secure mount to your seat post workout. It’s machine washable, built to last a very long time, and comes in a bunch of fun colors too.
Road Togs provide stability and comfort in the drops for your next gravel or dropbar adventure. At only 18g, these carbon fiber hooks won’t weigh you down. Look for a full review coming in the Spring.
More than just a heart rate monitor, the Myzone MZ-3 HR Belt brings a social aspect to heart rate based training. Based on heart rate zones, users earn MEPS and compete with other users on the Myzone platform. ANT+ and Bluetooth compatable, the MZ-3 works with your favorite cycling computer, running watch, or through the Myzone app on your phone.
Nittany Mountain Works’ Stem Sack adds convenient storage for any adventure on two wheels. The Courdura main body is available in a wide range of colors, and a nylon daisy chain along the bottom and stem side allow for adjustable points of attachments to custom fit your bike. Made in the USA in a solar powered workshop.
Apparel
I can totally see coming in from a cold weather training ride and pulling on a pair of these GooseFeet Down Socks to warm up my toes. Made from your choice of lightweight nylon fabric and filled with 850+ power premium goose down treated with DownTek for water-resistance, these socks are designed to keep your feet warm and comfy all night and day long. They also make great cabin footwear.
Pearl Izumi’s ELITE Thermal Arm Warmers are an absolute essential for cool weather riding. Their bestselling arm warmer is now updated with water-shedding Thermal Fleece fabric with PI Dry™ technology for all-weather performance. These arm warmers are sold in pairs and have unisex sizing.
Your rides are demanding: the GORE® C7 SHAKEDRY™ Jacket will keep you performing at the highest level in all weather. With ultimate breathability and a durable beading surface, the jacket can accompany you on hard rides in variable conditions, including heavy rain.
Ride your bike, or a bar stool, clean out the garage, or attend a meeting —all with a sleek tailored look. No one will guess that you could commute in the Kitsbow Haskell Pant.
Beer
Whether you’re into IPAs, pale ales, stouts or even (groan) American Light Lager, The TrailKeg pressurized growler keeps your favorite beverage cold for up to 24 hours and carbonated for weeks. Whether it’s a fresh IPA at the end of a trail, homebrew creation in your friend’s backyard, or kombucha on your own countertop, TrailKeg helps you enjoy your favorite beverages, cold and perfectly carbonated, in great places.
Bikes
An Note From the Editor….
Yr Fthfl Edtr started a bike shop out of his garage this year. I’m not holding inventory yet (no space), but I have had the opportunity to wrench on a lot of bikes. It’s a ‘neighborhood’ shop, so a lot of my business is tuneups, flat fixes and the like. A lot of bikes from Wal-Mart and Target. A lot of bikes that are relatively new, but really don’t last – as they’re not built to last.
So… rather than present a selection of ‘aspirational’ bikes – the proverbial N+1 that every avid cyclist jokes about – I present a selection of what could be someone’s first bike. A couple of these are recent discoveries and I’m proud to say that I’m able to sell some of them as well!
We had a chance to review the Raleigh Tokul 3 this spring and summer and found it to be a capable and well-equipped (if a little heavy) modern mountain bike. For someone getting started in the sport, it’s a great choice that will provide a lot of fun while one learns to ride while offering a number of upgrade options when their skills progress.
I’m not ashamed to say that I geeked out in bike love when I saw the Fairdale Macaroni. The Macaroni is a new bike that’s designed to get kids riding quickly in comfort and style. It was around the BMX principals of having a bike that is durable enough for everyday use and that will also be simple to maintain over the years. The Macaroni’s geometry lets a young rider feel at home during seated pedaling and leaves room to grow for most kids between 6 and 9 years old.
Real-deal value and performance for a mere $550 from State. A great lock-up bike, fast-commuter, or even “my first road bike,” the 4130 Road has a double-butted frame and dead-reliable 8spd downtube-shifted drivetrain. Mid reach brakes with room for decent tires and fenders round out the package along with front and rear rack eyelets.
The Batch Lifestyle is made for riders who are looking for an affordable, but reliable option. Made to fit your lifestyle, whether it’s down a bike path, downtown along a sidewalk or straight through the middle of campus. Every day is a chance to get out and ride to a specific destination or just for a little exercise.
Climbing
It may seem weird to see climbing stuff on a cycling site, but we’re really about more than bikes, and climbing is one of our favorite things to do, so here we go….
Climbing is one of our favorite off season (and on) activities that doesn’t involve sitting on a trainer or a couch. The Metolius Simulator allows us to knock off some pullups and keep our fingers strong without going to the gym.
Anatomically engineered parts and design provide the Evolv Kronos with a comfortable fit without sacrificing performance. It uses a single hook and loop strap plus adjustable finish-pull strap closure for convenience and a customizable fit for the modern climber, making it one of the best technical all around shoes on the market.
Footwear
The LEMS Boulder Boot is a natural foot-shaped boot that has become the go-to for travelers looking to save space & weight while on the go. Comprised of 1200-denier nylon, leather trim, and our IBR outsole, this boot grants flexibility so they can pack down to the size of your favorite puff jacket.
Designed in collaboration with Troy Lee Designs, the Sleuth DLX TLD from FiveTen is a somewhat less bulky profile than their signature FreeRider model (which we also love). The shoes blend everyday comfort with pedal-gripping control. The Stealth® Phantom rubber outsole offers non-marking utility and exceptional grip.
Nutrition
Trail Butter is an endurance energy food in the form of a spreadable bar or blended up trail mix with the main ingredient being roasted California almonds. Each flavor has its own unique blend of real-food ingredients and provides a balanced, slow burning energy.
Osmo Nutrition Rapid Recovery. It’s chocolate, it’s delicious, it makes tomorrow’s ride better. What’s not to love?
Outdoor & Bikepacking
Designed for backpackers (& bike packers) who need a tent that can do it all while still being compact and lightweight, the bestselling MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-person tent feels as light and efficient to use as it does to carry. From its spacious interior to its quick setup, this tent redefines lightweight livability.
The enhanced MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove boasts premium features, including a pressure regulator that makes it ideal for all-condition environments, offering consistently faster boil times than non-regulated canister-mounted stoves. Just a smidge heavier (10 g/ 0.3 oz, or the weight of two nickels) than the PocketRocket 2 stove, this ultralight deluxe version features the most durable push-start Piezo Igniter MST has ever built and a broad burner head for better heat distribution and simmering.
Stocking Stuffers
No more keys digging into your quads or glutes. Plus no more rooting through your pockets and pack. Clip and tuck keys with the Spurcycle Key Clip for comfort and convenience, whether commuting to work or rolling to the bar.
Remember those massive Maglite flashlights that used D-cell batteries? The Fenix PD35TAC (Tactical Edition) blows a Maglite away in a pocket-size package. The PD35TAC is a tactical flashlight but has a higher performance and focuses on tactical employment, compared to its predecessor the Fenix PD35. Measuring at less than 5.51 inches, the Fenix PD35TAC flashlight features a 1000-lumen maximum output and has an impressive beam distance of up to 656 feet. It operates using a single 18650 battery or two CR123A batteries.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor