Do you have a hard time finding the best gifts for the road cyclists in your life? Do they prefer long open roads instead of endless rock gardens? Well, our experts compiled a list of the coolest gear for the road cyclist on your holiday list this season. We have gifts ideas ranging from $25 stocking stuffers to the max — helping you dial in exactly the right gear for your budget and riders’ needs.
Best Road Cycling Gifts Under $25
Now that tubeless tires are firmly in the road mainstream, there is no better time to start your switch over to a tubeless system (here’s our favorite road tubeless tires). To take the mess out of the job, check out the Park Tool TSI-1 Tubeless Sealant Injector ($26, available at Competitive Cyclist). It will keep your floor free of goop, plus, when swapping tires, it’ll suck the sealant out so you can inject it into your new tires, saving time and money. It’s perfect for gravel and cyclocross, too, where you’re changing tires more often based on conditions!
Seems like the colder it gets, the wetter it gets, but an Ass-Saver Mudguard ($13, available at Amazon) is a cheap fix for keeping your bum dry. These plastic easy-to-stow fenders are the perfect answer to surprise wet days and only take a second to install. Ass-Saver guards come in many sizes, graphics, and configurations — plus, they make off-road models, which are great for the mountain biker on your list.
Over the winter months, bikes take a beating. Whether that be outside in the mud or indoors on the trainer. Muc-Off has unique and effective solutions for both. The Muc-Off detail brush ($9.50 at Competitive Cyclist) is perfect for getting in all the tight spaces for the outside base-miler. The simple design will make you feel like a World Tour wrench. For the cyclist spending more time on the trainer, we recommend Muc-Offs indoor line of cleaners and sweat protectants. The Sweat Protect spray is a personal favorite. It acts as a coating to remove sweat from top caps, bars, and tubes. It also doubles as an anti-mud spray for cyclocross racers.
If you’re looking for stocking stuffers for you’re road cyclist, nothing is better than in-ride nutrition. Since they will be in the racing off-season (most likely), it’s the perfect time to mix up on the bike fueling. The team over at Maurten has fantastic solutions for the goal-driven and number-obsessed. The Maurten 160 drink ($2.50 at The Feed) and 160 gel ($5.40 at The Feed) is one of our staples for race day. It is a hydrogel – a biopolymer matrix that holds carbohydrates. The hydrogel technology enables a smoother transportation of carbohydrates through the stomach to the intestine, where the carbohydrates are absorbed. The gel (and drink) have no flavor, just what you need to keep rolling. Plus — riders report nearly zero GI issues on the Maurten products.
Best Road Cycling Gifts Under $50
CADEX Race bar tape ($50 at Cadex Cycling) is an excellent stocking stuffer for the road cyclists on your list. The tacky tape has a slight (3mm) padding, rounding off-road chatter. We like it for the looks and the longevity. It’s a tremendous all-weather bar tape that keeps its tacky feel long after many washes. The CADEX alloy barends offer a touch of extra panache that’s subtle enough not to overpower your bike’s style.
Whether rolling tubeless or not, cyclists can always use a tube. Bonus points if the tube is easy to pack and weighs nothing. That’s where the Tubolito S-Tubo Road Tube ($38 at REI) comes in. These groundbreaking, lightweight orange tubes are easy to stash in any pocket and weigh less than some gels. Though nearly triple the price of a conventional tube, they are highly convenient and super durable. So, if you’re looking for something practical and super technical for your roadie — this is it.
Everyone needs a dependable water bottle, not just cyclists, and we love this super cool metal bottle from BIVO ($34-$39, available at Competitive Cyclist). Its made from metal and designed by a NASA scientist to get the most flow by simply tipping the bottle over, no squeezing needed. The metal construction keeps the inside smell and taste-free, plus it won’t warp in the dishwasher — perfect for anyone on your list.
Mutiltools are something every cyclist needs; indeed, we can never have enough. Craigs Tool $60 at Fair Wheel Bikes) is just the right mix of lightweight, portability, and functionality. The unique design lets users swap out bits in a multi-use hex-key package. The tool has a magnetic end to keep the bits in place and an Etra tire plug tool for fixing punctures.
If you have a very particular rider to buy for, we suggest the Defeet Print-My-Sock ($29, available at Defeet) as a super cool custom gift that’s sure to make them smile. Super-sock-makers Defeet has a program where you can design your custom pattern sock, and they’ll make it and ship it to you all in about a week’s turnaround — sweet!
Best Gifts for Road Cyclists Under $100
If you watched any World Tour road racing this year, you’ve heard of Soduim-Bicarbinate and its “game changer” for ride fueling and lactate buffering. Using Bi-carb to fuel race effort is nothing new, but the vehicle the Maetun uses to transport the bi-carb is. Maurten Bicarb ($65 at The Feed) employs its Hydrogel formula to help keep the bicarb “captured” until it’s time to race or train. The idea is excellent, and lots of riders enjoy the benefit. We’re not telling you this will help you set a new PR, but it could give you the edge on race day. Plus — there is no better gift to a road cyclist than the possibility of marginal gains.
Winter brings colder weather (duh) and less daylight, so if your rider frequents the dusk hours riding home, we suggest the K-EDGE Max XL Combo Mount ($70). The mount works excellent as a stand-alone computer mount with Garmin (at Amazon) and Wahoo (at Competitive Cyclist) versions available, which makes them compatible with most other computer brands, too). Its secret is its extra strength that supports the extra weight of a light (or action camera), providing rock-solid stability and putting the light further forward in a more visible (and aero) location.
Dropping temperatures mean cold toes, and cold toes are no fun when riding. If you’re looking to keep those digits warm this winter and put in the big base miles, the Endura Freezing Point Overshoe ($75, available at Competitive Cyclist) is a must-have. The construction is top-notch, and the seams won’t rip if you decide to take them off-road. The off-set rear zipper is clutch and keeps the stiff zipper material away from the flex point behind your ankle, reducing the chance of it digging in. Plus —it’s super easy to zip up with thick winter gloves.
Best Road Cycling Gifts Under $250
If you’re training before the sun comes up or after it goes down, a good light can be your best riding partner. The Outbound Detour Road/Commuter Light ($185 at Outbound Lighting) is enough to alert cars that you’re on the road and excellent to see the road (or trail) ahead. The Detour is lightweight (150g for the light and 36g for the mount) and boasts a 1200-lumen output. So, if you want to brighten up your training this season, get a light you can depend on, like the Outbound Detour.
When it gets cold, the first appendages to get walloped are the fingers and toes. An excellent way to ensure long comfortable rides in the winter is to start with quality gear. The 45 NRTH Stermfist 4 gloves ($140, available at Competitive Cyclist) are the warmest we’ve tested. Super durable construction, easily washable, and beyond all — mega-warm.
If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving but a cycling twist — check out the coffee subscriptions from GRIMPEUR’S Coffee. If you buy a “supporters blend,” a portion of the sales goes directly to help specific athletes — like the Amy D Foundation. Plus, the coffee is top-notch— a great way to keep warm and motivated during the winter months. (Check our other cycling gift guide for a great and quiet way to grind those beans!)
Who doesn’t appreciate recovery devices? Cyclists sure do, and what better than a recovery tool that’s portable? The Hyperice Hypervolt GO 2 Mini Percussion Massager ($129, available at REI) is just enough to loosen sore muscles before a ride or recover after. The super small size packs a punch and is excellent for on the go whether you’re riding or racing.
You’ll notice a trend of recovery on this list, and that’s because winter is a great time to recharge the batteries and prep for the next season. The Roll Recovery R8 ($140, available at Backcountry) is a great companion to start a daily recovery routine. No batteries are required and manually operated, this leg roller is one you have to experience to truly appreciate the benefits. A great pre/post-ride tool and will fit easily in your gear bag.
Best Gifts for Road Cyclists at $250+
If you’re looking to get something that your cyclist can use on and off the bike, the Patagonia Sweater Hoodie ($329, available at REI) is a fantastic option. This super packable and ride-friendly piece of gear is great for any occasion — two-wheeled or not.
If you’re looking for something to survive the bitterly cold winters, getting the warmest gear possible is a smart way to go. For us, that’s the Velocio Zero bib tight ($299, available at Velocio) and Signature Softshell jacket ($269, available at Velocio). The combo is waterproof where it matters (front, with a splash pad on the rear) and supremely comfortable, this gear will last you many winters to come. The premium Thermo-Roubaix fabric is super soft and sets the standard for comfort and warmth in cycling clothing — highly recommended.
The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM ($400, available at REI) is perfect for the Roadie who loves the numbers and guidance of a larger screen. The updated ROAM V2 is dependable, easy-to-use GPS cycling computer that doubles as a training partner when you need it. If you’re looking to give the gift of cycling progress with a pinch of navigation, the ROAM gives you what you need from training to racing, Gran Fondos to group rides. Check out our review here!
Last but certainly not least, the Normatec 3.0 leg sleeves ($799, available at REI) are the ultimate in recovery, especially if you have some extra lounging time this holiday break. The micropulse system helps facilitate blood flow, and the compression soothes tired muscles. The system isn’t just for athletes, though; if you had a full day of running around the office or shoveling snow, these boots are your key to hitting the next day running.
Give the gift of Zwift this season! The platform is more accessible than ever with the Zwift HUB, CLICK and Play additions (check it all out at Zwift) Whether it’s jumping into a Pace Partners ride or racing against your personal best with HoloReplay, Zwift offers training for all levels of riders. Pair those features with the Zwift Hub and recently extended 14-day free trial and there has been no better time to start Zwifting.
