From budget-friendly stocking fillers for your fave cyclists to splash-out buys for your two-wheeled lovers, we bring you the best cycling gifts!
Just started cycling? Do you have a cycling mom, daughter, lover, bestie or sister? And you’re not sure what to get this for Christmas? Or maybe you’re in need of some new cycling kit for the new year? #TreatYoSelf (Hint: this is the perfect link to send to your partner).
While some of the items on this list are female-specific, many of them are unisex (or perfect for your cycling guy too). Where there is a specific women’s item, I’ve also included a link to the men’s version, in case, you know, you want to be a matchy-matchy cycling couple or gift your dad or bro some cool gear too.
Because cycling gear can be expensive, I’ve divided this list into a more budget-friendly: “10 Cycling Gifts Perfect For Stocking Fillers” and then “5 Splash-Out Gifts For Cyclists” if you’re spending a bit more moolah.
Cycling Gifts Perfect For Stocking Fillers
For mountain bikers and roadies…
1. The Lightweight Cycling Tool Set
A pocket-sized lifesaver, this little toolkit is what you need for adjusting seats, pedals and pretty much anything you might need for a quick fix. Very handy to travel with and only weighs 74g. Visit the site to find a stockist near you.
2. Emergency Cycling Bomb Set With Bag
Simply add your choice of spare tube and you have everything you need to fix a puncture. This repair kit is essential for any cyclist. The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded with a flat tyre when you can easily fix it yourself. They’re designed to fit into the compact bag, which easily fits into a cycling jersey pocket (with tube). Visit the site to find a stockist near you.
3. Cycling Gloves For Summer
These are the ultimate summer gloves — super light with a four-way stretch and sweat-wicking protection, these gloves feel like a second skin. They are also velcro-free with an elastic wrist closure, so they slip on and stay on really easily. Visit the site to find a stockist near you.
*These are female-specific. For the male version, check out these options.
4. Reflective Cycling Cap
Imagine this scenario: you’re halfway through your training ride and its now time for the much-anticipated coffee stop. You remove your helmet and a squirrel of windswept and sweaty helmet hair emerges. Not my best look. I love cycling caps for a number of reasons: they provide extra protection from the sun, act as a sweat barrier and can help prevent rain from falling into your eye as you ride. Plus, when you remove your helmet at said coffee shop, your hair remains neatly tucked under the cap. Bonus: This Ciovita cap has reflective elements = extra visibility = extra protection. Click here for more colour options.
5. Calf-length Cycling Socks
This joburg-based brand became famous first for their cycling socks. There is even a “How to wear socks” page on their site. Cycling socks have a different design to running socks and the trend is to wear socks that reach up to the beginning of the calf muscle. Why not make an already awkward tan worse, right? Sako7 socks have a breathable upper mesh to keep your feet cool(er) and a no-slip cuff for perfect fit.
*SALE ALERT* some of the Sako7 socks are currently on sale. Socks make for amazing cycling gifts!
6. Versatile BPA-Free Bottle
BPA-Free, easy to squeeze with a high-volume, leak-free valve, this LIV 600ml bottle will fit all bikes. While some prefer riding with 750ml bottles, not all bikes allow for the length (check your mountain bike). Basically you want a bottle that can get the liquid out quickly and cleanly while you ride and this one does the trick. Visit the site to find a stockist near you.
7. Side Release Bottle Cage
Unless you want to be carrying a bottle in your back pocket, which by the way, is a nightmare to try get back in once you’ve taken a sip – you need to get a bottle cage (or two). Road bikes often have space for two (on the down tube and seat tube) while mountain bikes often only have space for one. It’s important to have a bottle cage that holds securely while offering easy grabbing ability. The other factor to consider is whether you will grab your bottle with a right or left hand as you will need to buy one that releases in a specific direction. Click here for more cool bottle cages, including carbon ones.
8. Base Layer Cycling Vest
Cycling vests are super handy and I wear this one often. It’s perfect for taking the edge off a very chilly early morning ride. They’re also great to use when training in the gym because while you definitely will wear your proper cycling shorts for a watt bikes session, you might not want to don a jersey. These vests are made from lightweight lycra with mesh front and back and a binding finish around the neck and armholes for greater comfort.
*SALE ALERT* This vest is currently on sale for less than R300.
9. Cycling Light
Lights are not a requirement for cycling, but they are for safe cycling. For training rides, especially in the early morning or evening, we always head out with lights to create more visibility — for you and the cars! This light has won awards for its innovation and can be placed on handlebars or helmets, plus its very light-weight. Rear lights are also a must for safety when riding on the road. This cage is also compatible with Specialized cage mount tool kits. Visit the site to find a stockist near you.
10. Lumo Cycling sleeves
I absolutely love lumo! And these bright cycling sleeves will not only ensure that you’re really visible on the road, but they also have bonus reflective elements for those early morning rides. I love cycling sleeves for two reasons, one: extra sun protection on long rides; two: added warmth for early morning rides on chilly days. As the day heats up, you can remove them and place them in your back pocket. These Ciovita sleeves are light-weight, breathable and cool.
*SALE ALERT* Get the matching cap and jersey to complete the look and you can get 15% off the bundle. A trio of amazing cycling gifts!
BONUS GIFT IDEA: The 2019 Ciovita Christmas jersey.
The Ultimate Splash-Out Cycling Gifts
Investment items that will take your riding to the next level…
1. Female-Specific Cycling Bib-Shorts
Investing in a good pair of cycling shorts is essential for a comfortable, enjoyable ride. Yes, in the beginning, it takes some time to get used to the saddle (also look into getting a saddle that’s a perfect fit for your bootie here), but good shorts go a long way. These shorts from Sako7 feature a female-specific 3D sculpted chamois and a wide elastic at hem with a subtle gripper finish on the inside for a comfortable fit and to prevent riding up.
*SALE ALERT* Sako7 has a sale on some of their other bib shorts, too.
If You’re Getting Butt Pain And Saddle Sores, Read This Anti-Chafe Advice From The Pros
2. High-Protection Fabric Cycling Jersey
So much cool new tech here! High performance meets ultra protection with this light-weight, breathable jersey. The material features Ceramic Shield Infused Sleeves for increased protection in the case of falls. (It happens!). The jersey also features reflective details, reinforced pockets with anti-bounce tech and breathable mesh panels under the arms. Bonus feature: an invisible zip and waterproof pocket.
Check out the men’s version here.
3. Super Aero Helmet
Sleek, light, aerodynamic and dubbed the fastest road helmet out there, the S-Works Evade helmet also features the new ANGi Crash Sensor (syncs to your phone), which alerts loved ones if you fall with a GPS location. It also features the new ultra-light MIPS SL tech (exclusive to Specialized), which is integrated into the helmet padding offering brain protection in case of a fall or crash. The helmet allows for micro-adjustments so that you can fit it to your head perfectly, plus it features a handy Gutter Action brow pad to sweat out of your eyes. Literally one of the best cycling gifts I got recently.
4. Cycling Commuter Back Pack
If you or your loved one also likes to cycle to work, like me, having a proper commuter backpack will make life so much easier! Why? First of all, the
5. Super Light Aero Road Cycling Shoes
I am obsessed with these. The ultra-light shoes feature the new stiff Powerline carbon sole, making this the lightest and stiffest road cycling shoe to date. The geometry of the shoe has been designed to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. Seams are bonded together instead of sewn, so the shoe really contours to the foot. The Boa dials mean you can adjust the tightness one millimetre at a time to ensure the perfect fit. Read: more aero.
#EveryWattIsSacred
