If you ask any bike commuter what they really want for Christmas, most of us will say we want cars to stop trying to run us over or off the road. But since we have little control over the idiocy of average anti-bike driver, here are some last minute gifts that any bike commuter would be happy to receive.
North St. Micro Pannier
The North St. Mirco Pannier is a heavy duty, waterproof, Made in the USA pannier. As a gift it will win over the heart of the bike commuter (or bike packer) in your life. Clips on each side of the bag accommodate a shoulder strap, providing a convenient method of carrying the bag after it’s snapped off the bike. Our writer Janet stores her locker room necessities, towel and flip flops in one of the bags, a change of clothes in the other. The hook and bungie cord mounting system are simple to attach to the pannier rack, and a bungie cord helps the bags stay attached to the pannier rack when riding bumpy bike path. Northst.com | $100
Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack
The Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable backpack is weather-resistant, reflective and has a waterproof laptop pocket in the back panel and makes a welcome gift for bike commuters. As with just about all Timbuk2 packs, organization is outstanding. Catering to the serious commute, Timbuk2 added a deep pocket to securely hold a 24-ounce GSI Outdoors 720 Flip vacuum bottle full of coffee—a must for any serious bike commuter. Timbuk2.com | $189
Fenix BC21R Bike Light
Easily the most safety-inspired gifts for bike commuters are bike lights. With its bright, broad beam of 880 lumens, the Fenix BC21R offers five brightness modes of Turbo (880 lumens), High (380 lumens), Medium (200 lumens), Low (100 lumens) and Flash (alternating 380 lumens and 100 lumens). What I love so much about this light is a power-saving feature called Intelligent Output Downshift that automatically shifts the light down to a lower setting. For enhanced safety on urban streets or trails, the Fenix BC21R is equipped with red sidelights that provide 180 degrees of visibility. fenix.com | $75
Freshly Minted Socks
One of the most affordable and unique gifts for bike commuters are socks. Cyclist love socks with unique designs and Freshly Minted delivers on that. These hip, made-in-Italy cycling socks have mid-century modern designs and colors and they’re made (in Italy) for the cycling life. All socks are $20 and a portion is donated to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, also known as NICA. Jump here to the SpinCycle News to read more about NICA to get more kids on bikes. Thefreshlyminted.com | $20
Pear Izumi Pursuit Attack Tight
At $65, the Pearl Izumi Pursuit Attack Tight is technical tight is perfect for those with a limited budget–or wants to give a bike commuter a gift with the capacity of multi-purpose use. If you look closely, the Pearl Izumi Pursuit Attack Tight does not come with a chamois. Before you completely dismiss the lack of a chamois, allow me to explain why this is a good thing: I use these for running! But you can also wear them with any padded cycling short and certainly for mountain biking. pearlizumi.com | $65
WileyX WX Valor Sunglasses
One of the best gifts for bike commuters is protective eye gear. According to writer Erica, WX Valor sunglasses are sunglasses that don’t mess around. Made of Shatterproof Selenite™ Polycarbonate lenses that meet MIL-PRF-32432(GL) ballistic standards, they are durable and tough. They also meet ANSI Z87.1 high velocity and high mass impact standards as well as US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) standards. What do all the above numbers mean? The WX Valor can withstand the weight of a 1.1-pound projectile dropped from a height of 50”, which ensures your eyes are protected from unexpected impacts. They withstand the impact of a .25” diameter steel ball fired at 150 fps or .15 projectiles fired at 640-660 fps. In simple terms, these sunglasses are practically indestructible.
RydeSafe Reflective Decals
Winter is not the best time to commute by bike. It’s more like the season of red targets on the backs of cyclists. An investment of $30 worth of stickers artfully placed (or in my case, plastered) on the bike of bike commuter will transform him or her into a two-wheel freak show. When car lights hit it, the bike illuminates like a Tron bike and can be seen from the space station. What motorist isn’t going to take notice? rydesafe.com
