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
Special edition S-Works frameset (vogue pattern)
“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
Trek Émonda SL 5
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?!
Professional Bike fit
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.
Wheels
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.
Scicon Aerocomfort 2.0. Never leave your bike at home again with this super easy-to-pack bag from Scicon. “It’s lighter, smaller and ten-time easier to handle than a hard case and it keep your trusty steed protected all the same. This bag makes traveling with my bike easy.” – Anne-Marije Rook
Electronic gadgets:
Lazer’s new LifeBEAM is a “smart helmet” senses your body while you ride. Recommended by Ella columnist and pro cyclist Chloe Hosking, this revolutionary piece of wearable technology monitors your heart rate, counts your calories, gives you an accurate analysis of your performance, all the while protecting your head. Yeah, it’s wild!
GoPro Hero 4 silver + accessories
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.
Garmin Fenix 3
Fashion-forward fitness tracking for cycling and everyday life.
Comfort (and joy) for winter riding:
Panache winter kit. Fleece-lined for oh so cozy riding. The thermal bibshorts and thermal long sleeve jersey are perfect for cold weather riding. They’re as comfortable as PJs and stay warm even after getting caught in a rain storm.
Castelli Gabba. “The weather has been particularly wet and nasty in the Pacific Northwes this fall, which serves as a reminder that the Castelli Gabba jersey with its wind protection and water-repellent finish is a must-have item for all foul-weather riders.” -Anne-Marije Rook. Picture by Gruber Images.
Liv Ricca Wool Jersey. Layer up with Liv’s new and understated Ricca wool long sleeve jersey. Merino wool for warmth, full length zipper, minor branding and a zippered rear pocket. A basic item for all cold-weather riders that looks great on the bike and in the coffee shop.
Oversocks. This time of year I get a little sad that my extensive collection of rad cycling socks are hidden underneath tights and shoe covers. But Handlebar Mustache never lets me down and their newest item, the Koppenberg Cover, keeps the sock game strong while keeping your feet warm. Photo courtesy of Handlebar Mustache.
The smaller stuff:
Look Mum No Hands’ podium pants. These undies are the perfect stocking stuffer for race fans. Super cute triple pack of knickers – Yellow, Green and Polka Dot. Picture courtesy of Look Mum No Hands.
Nickel Bell
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.
PJs from Apres Velo
Keep pedalling in your sleep and dream about roads less ridden with these super cute PJs by Apres Velo.
Bike-y Necklace Charm Take your bike with you where ever you go with this silver necklace charm from Little Devil Designs.
Racedots
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.
Books
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