Gift ideas for women who ride
Just nine days till Christmas! Did you get your shopping done? Looking for the perfect gift for the bike-loving people in your life (or for yourself)? We’ve got you covered! We asked our Ella editors and contributors what’s on their lists or to share some of their favourite items to give.
Big upgrades:
| Related: Your first upgrades: here’s where to invest your money
“Sadly only available in the USA so I’ll have to be content to just drool into my keyboard at this one!” said Verita Stewart
The ultimate upgrade, of course, is a new bike. Here’s one that won’t require taken out another mortgage. For the Émonda line Trek set out to create the lightest line of production road bikes ever offered. This super light and stiff high performance bike will take your riding to the next level. Plus, how pretty is the Appleseed Blue?!
Getting a professional bike fit is not cheap but it will make the rider more comfortable, prevent and alleviate injuries and will even locate any missing or wasted watts. Ask for recommendations from your friends or look for a bike fit at your local sports medicine clinic or bike shop.
New wheels can make a huge difference on your ride. First wheel upgrade? For light, durable wheels with good quality hubs we recommend Shimano’s C24s or Mavic Ksyriums.
Electronic gadgets:
Hoping to notch up her Instagram game, Ella columnist and pro cyclist Loren Rowney wishes for the GoPro Hero4 camera. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant uploads.
Fashion-forward fitness tracking for cycling and everyday life.
Comfort (and joy) for winter riding:
The smaller stuff:
The more relaxed rider, or regular commuter, might find this cute bike bell a nice stylish streamlined addition to their bike. “The Spurcycle ringer bell may be small but its sound is anything but.” – Simone Giuliani.
Keep pedalling in your sleep and dream about roads less ridden with these super cute PJs by Apres Velo.
Don’t want to put holes in your new kit to pin a number? Try racedots. It’s a magnetic system to hold on your race numbers so there is no need to put a safety pin through your treasured jersey when you get that urge to compete. “There are plenty of different colours to choose from, even a few nifty new patterns, and the bonus is no more safety pin pricked fingers when you are trying to get the numbers on in a hurry” – Simone Giuliani.
Whether you’re escaping the wintery cold or headed to beach, Christmas is a perfect time to snuggle up with a book and books make great gifts! Here are some (women’s) cycling books to consider.
Kits and socks:
Looking for beautiful, new kit? Let us help you! We have spent months riding and reviewing some of the freshest kits, shoes and socks on the market.
- Our top picks from 2015
- Kit review: round one featuring Velocio, Rapha, Specialized, Search and State, and Fondo– here.
- Kit reviews: round two featuring dhb, Pearl Izumi, Ten Speed Hero and Machines for Freedom
- Shoes ridden and reviewed featuring Bontrager, Giro and Pearl Izumi
