Guide to the Best Gifts for Cyclists
Whether it's Christmas, Valentine's Day, Father's Day or simply a birthday, how can you please an electric bike enthusiast? A cycling gift is an original idea, whether it's a utilitarian item such as a pannier, an unusual object for the enthusiast, or a cool accessory for the bike-enthusiast. Here's a list of perfect gifts for cyclists of all kinds, and how to target them according to your budget!
Selection of products and gift ideas for cyclists
1. The useful gift: the workshop stand
If you don't know exactly what it is, a workshop stand is an accessory that allows you to suspend your bike for maintenance or repair. It's usually telescopic, with retractable arms and feet to take up as little space as possible.
It's an ideal gift that's sure to please the cyclist you want to pamper, because it makes cleaning and maintenance so much easier... And a bike lover worthy of the name pays special attention to his faithful companion.
Just make sure he or she doesn't already have one 😉 and the weight supported, especially if it's an electric bike (some stands won't accept more than 25 kg).
Budget: from 40 to 100 euros.
2. The cool gadget: the smartphone holder
The ultimate accessory for cyclists! Smartphone mounts are usually fitted to the stem or directly to the handlebars. They enable road cyclists to keep an eye on their cell phone for GPS bike navigation, for example.
©Quad Lock
Performance enthusiasts also like to use their smartphone as a GPS counter via apps such as Strava or Komoot, which are among the best bike apps around.
Bike mounts for smartphones can be universal (clip-on or waterproof envelope), or of specific types: Quad Lock, SP Connect or magnetic, requiring a special cover in addition. (Find out which phone model is compatible!).
Budget: from 10 to 40 euros
3. For athletes: a subscription to Strava or Komoot
It's a perfect transition for our next gift idea for cyclists... A subscription to the star cycling apps Strava or Komoot.
These applications, which may not mean anything to you, are very popular with road bike fans. They allow you to measure your performance precisely and compare yourself with other cyclists. On a road segment, for example, you can compare yourself with professional riders who have taken the same route!
If the cyclist you'd like to give a gift to is a home-trainer rider, you can also subscribe to Zwift. This application allows you to compare yourself with thousands of other cyclists in real time, on routes that may or may not be fictitious.
Price: 60 euros for one year for Strava and Komoot / 15 euros per month or 200 euros for one year for Zwift
4. For heavy cyclists: panniers
Is your friend a fan of shopping or picking up parcels from the handlebars? Every vacation, he or she sets off for days on end with a few belongings and his or her bike? If so, perhaps some attractive panniers might interest him or her. An excellent choice for a practical gift.
You'll have to do your homework to make sure you don't get him something he already owns, but it can complement his bikepacking and touring gear. A waterproof double bag with reflective elements is perfect for everyday use, while a travel bag can be a saddle bag, fork bag, frame bag or handlebar bag.
Budget: from 40 to 200 euros.
5. The fashion accessory: the recycled bicycle belt tire
A number of manufacturers have come up with an original and environmentally-friendly solution: recycle tires bicycle parts to make... belts! This ingenious idea can be found at the Roubaix-based firm La Vie est Belt, the Savoy-based TriCyclEco or the Italian Cycled Project.
It's a great idea for cycling fans. Some models have even been used by professional cyclists in legendary races such as Paris-Roubaix, or even mythical mountain passes such as Mont Ventoux. Enough to make any cycling enthusiast's eyes shine!
Life is Belt
The brands also offer bracelets and key rings made from recycled bicycle tire , as well as bracelets made from a bicycle chain link! What great gifts!
Budget: from 8 euros for a key ring to 50 euros for a belt
6. Always popular: bicycle clothing
Road cycling outfits are like any other item of clothing: they wear out, they go out of fashion... So you can offer a pair of gloves, a pair of cycling shoes, a mid-season jacket, a pair of shorts with a good chamois, a pair of interchangeable glasses for all-season riding... In short, there's a wide choice of gift references for cycling fans!
Budget: from 30 to 200 euros
7. Safety first: the bicycle helmet
Yes, bicycle helmets don't last forever! It's advisable to change it after a shock, but also every 5 years, as its structure gets a little tired.
©Decathlon
To make sure your gift idea hits the bull's eye, make sure you buy a helmet suited to the type of cycling you want to give. Road bike helmets are light and rather aerodynamic, while urban helmets will be more enveloping, equipped with a visor, connected with indicators, or with lighting for example.
Budget: from 50 euros
8. For urban cyclists: the LED cycling vest
If your cycling fan goes to work every morning on his electric city bike, it's essential that he's clearly seen by other road users. For this, there's nothing better than an LED vest. Thanks to powerful LEDs and a remote control to indicate changes of direction, it's impossible not to see the urban cyclist!
Budget: from 20 euros
9. A GPS bike computer or connected watch
It's one of the must-have items for the cycling fan setting off on a trip, looking for a new route on a road bike, or for adventure on a VTTAE. GPS comes in two forms: Garmin Edge, Sigma Rox or Bryton Rider handlebar-mounted GPS computers.
©Garmin
More discreet, and also suitable for everyday use with other functions (music, SMS, contactless payment, etc.), the connected GPS watch is a perfect gift alternative for the cycling enthusiast. Here too, Garmin is the benchmark brand, but Suunto and Polar are also well-known manufacturers.
Budget: 50 to 400 euros
10. The original, unusual bicycle gift!
If you're looking to surprise the cycling enthusiast or bike tourer, brands are redoubling their inventiveness. And they can be practical, like a pizza cutter in the shape of a bicycle, fun reflective stickers for a child's helmet, or even a thermos holder to carry your coffee to the office.
You can also move away from the utilitarian bike accessory, and aim for an everyday object reminiscent of a passion for cycling. A cycling T-Shirt with a humorous message, socks with cycling motifs or a gapette cap for a vintage touch!
Budget: 10 to 50 euros
Bicycle gift selection criteria
Budget
Depending on your personal reserves, whether you want to take part in Secret Santa at work or give your family a treat, the objective is not the same. Small bike accessories such as a key-ring, an original gift or a cool doorbell can fit the bill under 10 euros. The connected urban helmet of the moment or a 2-in-1 backpack-bag can push the price up to €200.
Type of cycling
For road bike enthusiasts, cyclists' clothing wears out quickly. Shorts, a vest and cycling shoes are always welcome additions to your outfit! If your budget allows - several hundred euros - a home trainer is an excellent choice for road cyclists, for training after work or in bad weather.
If you're a VTTAE rider, you'll need to select specific clothing and accessories. You can even add knee and elbow protectors, not forgetting lots of cleaning products (environmentally friendly is even better).
Urban cyclists or bicycle tourers have a completely different priority. They may appreciate technical clothing like a rain cape or heated gloves for winter. But they'll be more attracted by useful accessories such as the latest fashionable helmet (stylish or connected), the practical pannier that doubles as a backpack, or the best-known anti-theft device on the market.
If you're still hesitating or don't have a specific cycling gift idea, there's always the famous gift card and cycling book!