Commute By Bike’s Holiday Gift Guide 2010
by Ted JohnsonAre bike commuters generous as a group? Do we take a piece of what we love and try to bestow it on others to enable their bike commute.
As a bike commuting advocate, is it better to give or receive? The answer is Yes.
We recommended giving simple usable bike commuting gifts that inspire your friends and family to try out bike commuting.
It’s been awhile since Commute By Bike has published any product reviews. You can consider any of these gift ideas as recommendations from folks here at our world headquarters. These are products that we use, love, and endorse.
If you are looking to receive a gift, we offer suggestions on how to drop hints at the bottom.
BalaclavaSometime during the Fall, that wind-in-your-face feeling changes from being a “joy of cycling” into being a disincentive. A balaclava not only protects the face, it covers the ears so you can’t hear the car whispering its temptations. |
Dahon Folding BikeIn an urban area, or for a multimodal commute, you can’t beat a folding bike. Once you’ve had one, it’s hard to understand why everyone doesn’t. Dahon makes quality, affordable folders. Use their dealer locator to find a dealer online or near you. |
Commuter TrailersEven for those without a folding fetish: The Burley Travoy and the Carry Freedom City are two great trailers for errands on the way to work, or on the way home. Both fold up small and don’t take up much space at the workplace. |
Extrawheel Voyager TrailerFor someone who wouldn’t dream of ever sullying their precious road bike or full-suspension mountain bike with a rack, bag, or trailer hitch. The Extrawheel Voyager attaches to the rear skewers for in-town errands or touring. Compatible with most panniers, or get the Extrawheel Panniers. This lightweight trailer tracks so closely, it’s easy to forget its there. |
Showers Pass Cycling ClothingShowers Pass makes high quality cycling gear that looks right on or off the bike. The company is based in Portland, so they know about bike commuting. Showers Pass is consistently among the best-ranked brands on the market for bike clothing. Check out their commuter section. |
Cygolite MiliOn 200 USB LED Front LightThis light recharges via USB, making it easy to recharge at work. The charge stays bright as long as the battery is juiced up. |
Bspot Bike LocatorIf you or your gift recipient happen to live in The Netherlands, a Bspot will help you find your bike in those pesky overcrowded bike parking areas. (I actually have no idea what that would be like.) |
Planet Bike SuperflashThis very-bright light can clip to a seat post, clothing, panniers, or to a stocking hung by the fire. |
Lezyne SV5 MultitoolYou can go crazy with multitools. Some try to pack an entire bike shop tool box–more tools than most people would ever realistically ever use. The Lezyne SV5 has the basics needed for most repairs and adjustments. |
Tubus RacksIt’s hard to know what kind of rack a gift recipient might want, so this is probably more in the drop-a-hint category. If you want a rack, you probably want a Tubus Rack. Drop that hint. |
Bionx Electric Assist KitThis is for someone who needs a little more than just some encouragement to commute by bike. A Bionx kit provides a power assist for experienced as well as tentative commuters. |
Jandd Grocery Bag PanniersThese can turn trip to the store into a pleasant ride. The Jannd Grocery Bag Panniers come with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry into a store or around a farmer’s market. |
Uvex HelmetsUvex helmets adjust easily to when the size of the rider’s head changes, such as is caused by a balaclava, ear muffs, or a smug ego of a self-righteous bike commuter. (Come on, you know at least one.) These helmets are well made, with many well-thought-out details. |
Messenger BagsIt’s not only bike messengers who like to use messenger bags. They provide more stability than a purse or duffel bag, and easier access to the contents than a backpack. There are waterproof messenger bags, and standard messenger bags to fit any rider’s climate and style. If you carry a laptop, a padded laptop sleeve adds extra protection for the computer. |
Bike BackpacksBike backpacks make good gifts for students, or anyone who needs to switch between biking and walking throughout the day. |
Handlebar BagsFor people who spend a lot of time on their bike, and like to keep their things within reach, handlebar bags make a great gift. Most standard handlebar bags have the opening snaps or zippers facing towards the rider, so they can even been opened and accessed while in motion. |
Cycling KnickersIt’s an old cliche, but it’s true: Nothing says “holiday love” like Knickers. We’re partial to Chrome Loop Pro Knickers, and Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers. Both are high quality and extremely comfortable. |
Drop a Big Hint
Would you like one of these accessories as a gift for yourself? Here are some ways you can drop hints:
- Leave a comment on this page, saying how much you’d love one of these gifts, then post this page to Facebook.
- Send a product URL by e-mail, with the subject, “I’m saving the earth. It’s the least you can do for me.”
- Cut out the middleman: Buy what you want for yourself.
Other Gift Guides
If you didn’t see enough here, check out these gift guides:
- Popular Mechanics’ Bicycle Gifts That Will Make a Commuter’s Christmas
- Cyclelicious’ Gift Guide
So far it’s just socks, the gift about which nobody but a cyclist could get excited.Update: Cyclelicio.us has an updated gift guide for 2010.
The BEST balaclava is the Outdoor Research Helmetclava. The front/face portion is both vented and made from windstopper. The rear is slightly thinner and fleece. The top is much thinner, but still keeps my bald head warm in 15F temperatures with a regular helmet.
One of the best winter commuting purchases I’ve made.
Aw, c’mon, what’s wrong with SOCKS?
The Best balaclava is a beard …. it’s all natural wicking is amazing…
Where can I buy one for my wife?
Here’s the checkpoint!
Optional: If you are a Facebook user, before you move on to find the next checkpoint, recommend this page. This will show a count of how many people have passed the checkpoint.
All about the Alleycat
PSSST…. Don’t look down here if you don’t want a hint for the next checkpoint.
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If you just remember the name of this Web site, you’ll find the checkpoint really quickly when you get to the next Web site.
thanks for helping host the alleycat! Andy, #6749
Brent #2277
That was hard
mrben #3089
#812 (the toughest stop so far)
I got to try out that new Burly trailer recently. It is really cool. We loaded almost everything we needed for a tailgate onto it.
5827
Claire #1186
goathens # 7561
Ooh Ted, you’re evil! Found it in the end though… #2846
#5016
Missed a gear…
Tough! 5635
Glenn Girtman , #6163
I can never read the confirmation text things on these things. ><
#7804
This is a lot more challenging than I originally thought it would be.
xtrajack #1455
Cycler 4505
Ian Prust #9475
Thanks for the Alleycat… made me search for this one seriously. Haha
Badda Skat #6233
#5290 I WIN!
#2530–Good guide
Den #7685
#9336 – my fave so far!
8310 Sweet
#1330 wants to know how we were supposed to get here from the page that says “Your checkpoint is one click away” in just one click. Even after finding the checkpoint, I still can’t figure out how to get here in a single click.
From where it says, “Your checkpoint is one click away,” just about the nearest clickable thing is the banner ad to the Holiday Gift Guide.
#2913
Remember the SAT question….8,345,123+23x55x9,345/(pi+677787)*0?
That’s how I feel now. At the previous checkpoint, I was thinking “This is too easy. Where’s the challenge?” No more.
Allium – 8247
Dang, that was a toughie. – #1656
This one took me too long!! >_<
Iwakura
#772
Jack Bulkley #6933
Had a mechanical (class) and I’m now back on the bike.
-4889
Oh, well that was a hill.
#9806
Hunter #9782
Debbie #4848
Clever hiding the cp like that
oops #1578
#4811 – another twist along the commuting route
#2787
#9125 sinred
#4023
caroline #3074
Holly CRAP this was a tough one to find.
Richard #4540
#4776 says thanks
#3175
#5035 leaving fortunes…
Luke: Is the dark side stronger?
Yoda: No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.
Yoda and Luke Skywalker, The Empire Strikes Back
Alex Clark
#4358
tricky one. thanks for the hints…
#6968
This was quite cool. Liking the challenge, but lunchtime is almost over.
ScottPost
#9928
#5080
Blogs like this are why I wanted to do the alley cat… I don’t know that I would have found this on my own…
Derrick S. #226
locus #2537
Jimminy this was a tough one, I even clicked on the right link 3 times before I found the checkpoint. Apparently I needed to set a cookie or something
All I want for Christmas is a new bike or three, plus a European cycling tour….a girl can dream, right?
HoppyOkapi #3431
shanerh #9708 checking in on his commute…. err race.
Sure, nice: a gift guide that saves the work of recommending stuff for friends and family to buy for me or my crazy cyclist friends. THANKS. A. LOT!
Thanks for being a checkpoint – and I checked my wallet, it still has all its money.
Rudi Riet, #2975
Thanks! Nice guide btw.
EPIC! Stratton #1904
damn I had to work for this one
Yes! *fist pump* Sean. #4911
I wish I could say this is fun
#6669
Revolutionary mama is racer #1873!
that was a double flat
mmm gift new lights!#3686
Good Grief. I’m not supposed to be stressed right? So let the fun continue, as I try to catch my comrades. Here I come to join the after party I hope… says the tortoise to the hares… Bevco #7012
#2871
*Nice*
silent night
holy night
bicycle lights
in sight…
Keely #4440
grrrr! 9556
i don’t like mondays or anagrams! 9556
dang! that one was hard.
jollytin #5353
I’m definitely coming back here for a longer look after I finish with the allycat.
#8315
Longtime reader, 1st time rider. I must say I love my Travoy. I pulled up to a grocery store with it to purchase a 5 gallon jug of water. The store owner was very impressed with it.
Ludgero #7678
#2957
Borcsa
7920. Yup Djjazzynick.
#9921 / JWM
You forgot to mention that the greatest gift most people can give to the cyclist in their life is to urge their family, friends and colleagues to give cyclists more space and consideration when driving…
Flaneur Brian #2966
Mathieu Lapointe #5121
I’ll take on of each of ‘em!!!
Cheers,
BykMor, #5113
Informative site.
Andrew #3481
This one was a bit hard to find. Somehow I just guessed that a checkpoint would make a great holiday gift.
Daniel, #592
either I’m really dumb or that was hard to find.
Ben #9356
Michael, 8774
Kowenn #3784
I liked this checkpoint. It was like every other alleycat i’ve been in; i was lost.
Ted, you are a saucy and devious Minx and I very much enjoyed that!
Thank you.
Ruth Turner #6691
7316, still looking for the booze on this race.
I’ve just discovered I’m navigationally challenged. Thanks for the help cyclelicious!
#6386
Cyclin’ Missy 7495 – This one took me a while!
2755
conjob, #5853
this one took me a long time…