As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about the perfect gifts for the gravel cyclist in your life. From cozy wool gloves and socks to high-performance clothing and essential bike equipment, here’s a curated list of gift ideas that will make any gravel cyclist excited to get out for a ride.
Performance clothing
Wearing cycling-specific clothing is a sure-fire way to improve one’s experience while on a gravel ride, from strategically placed pockets to lightweight performance materials. High-quality jerseys and bib shorts can definitely be a financial investment, but will make a big difference in comfort for a rider. Wind vests, cycling jackets, and leg/arm warmers also make great gifts that keep your favorite rider warm without having to wear bulky accessories.
If you don’t know where to start for clothing, some suggested brands are:
- High-end: Rapha, Castelli, Velocio
- Middle-range: Pearl Izumi, Giro, Specialized
- Budget-friendly: Canari, Zefal
Don’t forget wool socks, wool gloves, a neck gaiter, and/or ear warmers. These are essential to keeping extremities warm and the neck/face protected from the wind.
Technology
A bike computer such as Wahoo will level up any gravel cyclist’s training regimen. By using a computer/GPS unit, riders can create/download/follow a route in real-time, view and analyze data (speed, distance, elevation, etc.), and log rides. Additional equipment such as a heart rate monitor and power meter will give them even more data about how their body is performing while riding and give clues on how to improve their training.
Bright lights for the darker winter season are a great addition to any rider’s arsenal. Look for lights with at least 1,000 lumens.
Subscriptions
Some riders like to utilize their trainers if there’s inclement weather. Subscriptions to indoor virtual training apps like Zwift ($14.99/month) or TrainerRoad ($19.95/month), could be a great gift to help your loved one take their training experience to the next level. On Zwift, users can interact, train, and compete in a virtual world. A Strava subscription ($11.99/month) or TrainingPeaks ($19.95/month)
TrainingPeaks ($19.95/month) allows users to create
Other
- Bar bags, saddle bags, or frame bags are a convenient way to store tools and snacks on the bike.
- First aid supplies are always good to have on-hand for any kind of riding. Consider putting together a small kit* with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, blood clotting agent, antibiotic ointment, and ibuprofen/acetaminophen.
*This is not medical advice.
As you embark on your quest for the perfect gravel cycling gifts, remember that the best presents are those that enhance the rider’s experience and show thoughtful consideration for their passion. Whether it’s the warmth of wool, the performance of quality clothing, or the practicality of bike equipment, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of any gravel cyclist this holiday season.