We are already halfway through the month of November, temps have been below 0 for weeks at home, and we have more than 30cm of snow on the ground, so that can only mean one thing…winter and the holiday season are approaching!
And although Christmas festivities are mostly inexistant when you are a cyclocross racer, I still thought it would be fun to keep up the tradition and create a holiday gift guide with some of my favorite cycling related products.
This year’s guide will be a little different…I’ll pretend that I was gifting my own family, and I hope you will be able to relate one of your loved ones to some of the characters I’ll present.
Note 1: My family members are actually much more complexe and interesting than described below, but I kept the description about cycling & sports to simplify this project.
Disclaimer: Most (but not all) of the products I share are from companies that support me. Just know 2 things. One, it’s normal that these are my favorite products because they are the one I actually use. Two, I would not bullshit you, friends. If it’s in there, it is actually a good product that I like.
- My mom: The biggest supporter who loves watching races -
For the person who is a big fan of watching the cycling races on TV and even more in person. She loves following the sport, and likes to ride a little bit, but she is not someone who will ride every week and she has absolutely no interest in racing for herself. She is active and likes to run, hike, play golf, and travel.
Flobikes Account
Allow your supporter to watch the races with ease, without spending long, frustrating minutes searching the internet to find an illegal stream in flemish.
Karpos Storm Jacket
We all know it; Cyclocross races often happen under horrendous conditions, under which most sain people would never go out. But your supporter goes out and stands in the rain for hours. They deserve the best jackets. I’ve been using this rain jacket; it left me amazed and dry.
Sportful Giara collection Jersey
I wore this Sportful Giara kit (biib + jersey) for our 450km bike packing adventure this summer and it was so comfortable. A cute & comfy kit is always a nice gift!
E-Bike
We all know I love E-Bikes, and E-MTB. This is quite the gift, but think about it - it’s about more than the object. By offering this, you offer the gift of exploring. You may also be offering a few fun dates where you can go ride with your partner. I could be doing intervals with my mom - imagine that! I may also be stealing my mom’s e-bike if I offered that to her…
A weekend Retreat to spend quality time together (HappyFitness Retreat)
My sister had a really cool company and she organizes weekend retreats, with good food, nice people, some activities - basically, everything is taken care of and all you need to do is enjoy q!
Rain Boots
It’s crucial to have rain boots at a cyclocross event. I’ve never actually tried these Pendleton Boots but I think they are pretty cute. Short boots are fun because they are easier to travel with.
- My sister: The very active person who kind of likes riding, but who is not crazy about cycling -
The person who is very active and likes to ride once in a while, but cycling is definitely not her favorite sport - she does plenty of other. Although, she is starting to get into mountain biking. Owner and manager of a health/fitness/outdoor business for women.
EVOC Stage 18l
Who doesn’t like a new bagpack? I LOVE exploring new bags and finding all the secret pockets and innovative features. Now the fun thing here is that EVOC makes packs for all kinds of sports or hobbies, from skiing, to hiking, to riding, to photography, to travelling. This one is cool for riding and other exploration days.
Helmet with ANGI system
On top of being the most confortable helmet, the ANGI device allows you to be stress free when your loved ones rides alone. The ANGI system will contact you if your significant other has had a crash. It’s also possible to purchase only the ANGI system and add it to your own helmet.
Low Down Gloves (long fingers)
Life is more fun without blisters on your hands. MTB is more fun with gloves! If you know someone getting into mountain biking, long finger gloves is always a good idea! Those are my personal favorite and they come in many colours.
A MTB trip
A trip to a cool MTB area, where you can also do other things than just ride (like Burke, Sedona, or other). That’s something I’d love to do !
A Book
I find books to be some of the coolest gifts. “Leading with the heart” is a great book full of wisdom for anyone who is a leader of a business, a coach, or anyone who seeks to improve. But I guess the idea here is to find a book that relates to the person you want to make happy.
- My dad: The biggest cycling enthusiast (also, the guy who has everything and loves to geek out on new material) -
The person who is probably the biggest cycling fan you’ll ever meet. He loves watching races, reading about races & racers, and loves to know the behind the scenes stuff. He absolutely loves to ride all kinds of bikes, he loves to train, and although he used to love racing, now he’s more into less competitive and more fun cycling events. Dad loves a challenge and loves to work hard & find ways to improve his riding abilities and his fitness.
Lizards Skins Bar tape
Just look at those colours. If you are like my dad, you like playing with the look and design of your bike. One thing that makes a big difference in look? The bar tape. Change the colour and experience “new bike day” more often. Lizard Skins bar tape is also the best. New model also include a screw-in bar end plug which is kind of amazing.
Roval Terra CLX - Gravel Wheels
Okay, that is a solid gift! But those wheels are next level. The lightest gravel wheels on the market that accommodate tires from 28-47mm. Ride on any surface, anywhere. I assure you they are what dreams are made of - they have too many engagement points to count, they are very easy to mount tires on, and ride so well.
CyclePhotos CX photo Album
Any cyclocross fan will be very pleased reading that book & looking at the beautiful images. I’d be very proud to put it on a coffee table once read. You’ll learn a ton of unique facts and deepens their passion for CX. The one from this year has really cool stories going back on the past 10 years of cyclocross history, plus the highlights of last season.Hurry up - that one ships from Europe so get on it if you want it for Xmas.
Registration for a fun Gravel or MTB Event
(Rasputitsa, Grinduro, etc) I think that one is super cool, but your loved ones might think it’s a poisonous gift….unless you register with him/her! ;)
Unique Cycling Art
Cycling art, friends! Who doesn’t love that?! It’s unique. You encourage an emerging artist. You hang that stuff in your office and are inspired all day while staring at it. Unique photograph prints, cycling illustration, posters, sculpture, etc. Recently I’ve been working with Pip Claffey from Rune Creative - she’s been really cool and I love her work!
Challenge Gravel Grinder TLR
Those tubeless tires are pretty much bomb proof. I’ve ridden 5000+ KM on those tires (in trails, on gravel, on the road, on the trainer, etc,) and I FINALLY just got a flat the other day (and it sealed, so I’m good for a few more KMs!!).
- My boyfriend (David): The adventurer & the mechanic -
The person who loves to ride his bike for long days in the saddle and who enjoys adventures on the bike. Also the person who works a lot on bikes and spends hours in the pits/under the rain for me.
Rain pants
If he spends the days pressure washing bikes in the mud for you, give him a pair of nice rain pants.
Sportful Fiandre Jacket
I just love this jacket. It’s the one jacket you can carry everywhere, at all times. A little warmer than just a normal rain jacket, it protects from the wind and from the rain. It folds quite small, and has 3 pockets at the back.
EVOC Bike Packing bags
Give your friend what he needs to go on longer rides. These bags are “fairly small” but are perfect for a normal ride where you want to bring a lot of stuff, or for over nighters at some hostel/auberge/friend’s house. The best about them is the BOA attaching system - it’s rock solid and easy to install/tighten on the bike. Fits on MTB and Road bikes.
Shoe Covers
Cold feet sucks. Make sure your friend is well equipped if he/she’s going to ride in all conditions.
T-Handle Set from FeedbackSports
This is David’s favorite tool. You may not think you need T-Handle allen + torx wrench when you already have a multi tool. But trust me, those are a game changer. If you still don’t trust me, just go ahead and unscrew your bottle cage from your bike with you multi tool ;)
Ass Savers
This little plastic thing doesn’t look like much, but I promise your butt will think it’s the best thing in the world next time you go on a wet ride and come back with a dry ass.
This Douglas Fir Tea
Because there is nothing like a cup of warm & delicious tea after spending a day under the rain. This tea tastes like Christmas tree and it’s so good.
-My brother in law: The performer-
The person who always seeks ways to improve his performance. This person is kind of crazy passionate about racing, trains everyday and tries to perform to the highest of his abilities.
Note: In my case, this person is actually a professional cyclist. Technically, he does not need anyone to gift him any of these and since his job is cycling, I’d definitely not give him something related to cycling. But, for the purpose of this gift guide, we’ll call him “the performer”, and we’ll imagine the performer to be someone who is trying to be a professional or trying to be the best racer he/she can be at the amateur level.
RETÜL Bike Fit
I had one this year and it has been a game changer. More comfort AND more power. If you love someone who seeks improvement, offering a RETUL bike fit may be the best gift ever. Find out with your local Specialized Dealer if they offer Retul fits.
Omnium Over-Drive trainer
Why this trainer over another one? You can EASILY carry it everywhere. It is light, easy to use, and stores easily.
Xpedo CXR Pro Pedals
That one is cool for the person who geeks out on material, or for the performer. Lighter than any popular pedal. The CX model clears mud very effectively because it is wide open. Pedals come in many colours which is cool for the person who likes to play with the looks of the bike. In MTB, I use the MForce8, which is also amazing.
QUARQ
Powermeter
Okay, the crank + power meter on this photo is dirty. But that’s exactly my point. I’ve tried many power meters, and the Quarq is the only one I’ve used that has NEVER let me down. And as you see, I repeatedly put it through horrendous conditions. If you want to improve, having reliable and objective data is crucial.
Cross Spikes - Pro Kit all Condition
Horst engineering Spikes - If you race cyclocross somewhat seriously, spikes will make your life so much better once mother nature decides to open up the skies. The kit is nice because it comes with the wrench and all the spikes sizes you could ever need.
Forfait d’entrainement
Si vous habitez au Québec, un forfait d’entrainement chez Powerwatts Nord, c’est plus qu’un suivi d’entrainement de qualité - c’est une communauté et une nouvelle famille avec qui faire du vélo!
- A gift for me or someone like me -
Cycling related gift for The person who rides a ton, but who also loves doing other things sometimes. like taking pictures, reading, cooking…
EVOC Hip-Pack for camera
Super awesome hip pack made to carry your camera on rides. Camera is safe and secured and the pack holds quite nicely in place.
Specialized Deflect Gloves
I absolutely love those gloves. I live in Canada where, in October, it’s often cold and rainy outside. These gloves are my fave because they are warm enough, but they aren’t too big so I can still control the bike quite well. In fact, I even raced with them at the Rasputitsa gravel event this year.
Stix/Switch light
This light is super cool. I have one on each of my bikes. You can charge it in a USB plug. Be safe, friends. Put a light on your bike :)
Cycling related cookbook - Velochef in Europe
I love to cook and I like this book a lot. But really that one is good for any cycling enthusiast who likes food.Good recipes, fun stories.
World Bicycle Relief : A gift that gives back
World Bicycle Relief is an organization that sends bikes (and educates people on bike usage/maintenance, etc) in Africa. The bike, as a mode of transportation changes people life. They can increase their productivity, or attend school easier. The bike literally changes their life. This t-shirt is expensive, but the price equals the price of one Buffalo bike sent to Africa. So by gifting this shirt to a friend, you also gift someone with a life-changing bicycle. May be a fun gift for the person who has everything.
ZIBO! gift card. A dinner with friends
I often away from home, and therefore, I don’t see my friends often. If you have a friend (or many) that you don’t see often, a night out at the restaurant is a pretty cool gift! In Quebec, I like ZIBO! because the food is good and it’s a fun place to invite many friends.
-For everyone-
A the end of the day, I guess Holidays are not really about the gifts. It’s about spending time with the people you love. I always knew that, but “skipping” the Holidays to attend CX World Cups over the last few years helped me realize it even more. When I’m away from home on Christmas, I could not care less about not having any present on Christmas day, but it’s always so difficult not being with the family.
So if I was home, I would bring a pack of Boréale Artisan beers, get over to my family’s house, and have a good chat with them over a nice beer while baking Ginger Bread cookies. That’s literally all that I crave to do when I’m away from home during the Holidays.
Happy holidays to all of you! :)
Maghalie
