The Broken Spoke will be open normal hours 10-5pm the day after Thanksgiving aka "Black Friday". For those of you who have not already been getting a jump on the holiday season we have lots of great gift ideas for the special someone in your life. To take all of the stress out of your holiday shopping, we have assembled a convenient list of gift ideas for the cyclist in your life. These are all gifts that I have received or would really enjoy receiving. The list is sorted into three categories: $1 - $50, $51 - $500 and over $500. Ladies and gentlemen, let the shopping begin.
GIFTS UNDER $50
- Hats and Headbands: The best ones for cooler to cold temperatures for cycling are in the Endura Baa Baa merino wool collection.
- Mini lights: Lighting that can keep you safe doesn't need to cost a lot from Cateye and Bontrager.
- DVDs of stage races to help with winter trainer entertainment: World Cycling Productions has a great assortment of singles and sets. A set bumps it into the next category, but I'm hoping for the 2010 Tour de France set.
- Socks: A large number of cyclists request socks. A nice gift item that most people don't like to purchase for themselves. Favorites included Smartwool and Sock Guy, which support the cause of your choice.
- Gloves: Windproof, a water resistant glove at great value is the Endura Dexter.
- On-the-bike nutrition products or food: These items will always be used. Be sure to find out the drink or bar of choice for your cyclist.
- Over Shoes: The Endura MT500 overshoes is a great item with the colder weather.
- Punch pass for the local recreation center: Sometimes it's tough to be motivated to train in the winter and you don't want to purchase an annual health club membership. Evergreen Fitness offers a punch pass option that is great.
- Subscription: I'd love a one-year subscription to Trails.com or Bike magazine.
- Mini tools: I'm a commuter and the Crankbrothers Multi-17 is nice when you're in a hurry and broken down on the side of the road.
- Scales for weight weenies: For those cyclists concerned, very concerned, with the weight of everything, these scales are used for bikes and bike parts. Two of the companies making tabletop scales include Feedback Sports and Park Tool. Several companies make inexpensive hanging digital scales. Topeak has the combined scale and bike stand system (putting this option into the next category).
- Patch kits: Great stocking stuffer, necessity for all riders, and a cyclist can never have too many patch kits. Pair with a Topeak Morph pump to keep your cyclist from getting stranded.
GIFTS FROM $51 to $500, From Least to Most Expensive
- Rechargeable Lights: The Niterider MiNewt series of compact commuter lights are USB rechargeable and super bright.
- Merino wool Baselayers: These are excellent for wicking moisture and keeping skin warm in cooler temperatures. Endura has a great Baa Baa collection.
- Lightweight Vest: Perfect for layering when the mornings are cool, but temperatures will increase as the ride progresses. I want a vest that keeps my core warm, but doesn't cause me to overheat. I want it packable too. The Bontrager Sport Wind Vest is a great addition to the collection.
- Framed Print: What cyclist wouldn't enjoy a print from famed photographer Graham Watson? It goes in the "want" rather than "need" category, which makes it the perfect gift. I'd love one of these for my office.
- Personal Coach: Giving your cyclist the gift of a personal coach is a real treat. Prices vary on this and certain options can bump it into the next category; but the equipment is nothing without a great engine.
GIFTS OVER $500
- Racing wheels: It would be great to have a nice set of Custom built racing wheels.
- Wind tunnel test: Get every speed advantage possible. Locations vary for this. Do an internet search titled "bicycle wind tunnel testing" to find a tunnel near you.
- Bike trip to the Tour de France: Trek travel offers Trips to France, Italy and so much more.
- New bike: Your favorite cyclist always has bike lust.
