Cycling is a simple pastime and the only things a person really needs to enjoy a ride outside are a bike, helmet, and a few emergency maintenance essentials. However, having the right accessories can greatly enhance the experience and make it more enjoyable, safe, and rewarding. Below are some recommendations for accessories that would make great holiday gifts for the cyclist in your life. These items have been personally tested and recommended by the staff at Engadget.
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool: This compact multi-tool is a lifesaver for any cyclist. It comes with almost everything needed to work on a bike, including different sizes of hex wrenches and a chain tool. It’s essential for on-the-go maintenance and is affordable.
Knog Rear Blinder or Rear Plus Lights: With the days getting shorter, a rear bike light is essential for safety. The Knog Rear Plus features a clever design with a USB-A port for charging and offers up to 40 hours of run time. The Knog Blinder Rear light is slightly more expensive but offers brighter light and longer battery life.
Garmin Varia Radar: This rearview car radar can detect vehicles up to 140 meters away and provide the rider with audio and visual alerts when a car is approaching. It also doubles as a tail light, providing safety and peace of mind on the road.
Knog Oi Luxe Bike Bell: An effective means of communicating with pedestrians and drivers, the Oi Luxe bike bell is loud, fast, and has a nifty design that won’t crowd the handlebar.
Kryptonite New York U-Lock: A lock to protect a cyclist’s bike from theft, Kryptonite’s ‘New York’ U-Locks are known for their reliability and security.
PS Bagworks Rider Strap: This stylish webbing camera strap comes with a stabilizer to hold a camera in place on the rider’s back while cycling. It’s perfect for cyclists who enjoy photography.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket: A lightweight and packable rain jacket that offers protection from sudden rain showers. Its small size makes it perfect for cycling and fits in most handlebar and top tube bags.
Planet Bike Waterproof Bike Seat Cover: Made of water-resistant fabric, this seat cover helps keep the cyclist dry, particularly if they ride on a leather saddle.
Park Tool Cyclone Chain Scrubber: A chain cleaner that takes the tedium out of cleaning a bicycle drivetrain, helping to extend the life of the bike’s components.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2: This bike computer is great for cyclists with a competitive streak, offering turn-by-turn navigation and motivation to meet fitness goals.
Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus Panniers: These panniers come in a set of two and each one holds 40 liters and up to 20 pounds, making them perfect for carrying groceries, gear, or any essentials needed for cycling.
These accessories can greatly enhance a cyclist’s experience and make for great holiday gifts.
