9 perfect gifts for cyclists
No matter what the occasion, it’s safe to say most people like receiving presents.
Cyclists can often be tricky to buy for, though. We like to test out practical pieces of equipment or try on specialist items of clothing ourselves before we part ways with our hard-earned cash.
Even if that is the case, there are still plenty of options out there when it comes to gifts for cyclists, that don’t require trying and testing. So, if you’ve got a keen cyclist in your life and want to treat them—you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 9 great gifts for cyclists ideal for both men and female bikers, that cater for all budgets.
What is a good gift for a cyclist?
Torch helmet
Torch helmets are invaluable for cyclists commuting or travelling in the dark. They are important for boosting visibility on the road—an essential safety consideration not just for cyclists but also for other road users and pedestrians.
Some of the more high-spec helmets with built-in torches can be quite expensive. So, if you’re looking to spend a bit less, another option could be to buy some attachable lights instead that can be fixed onto a helmet.
You can also buy beanie hats with in-built LED lights, if that’s more the cyclist in your life’s style. It’s worth noting, though, that these won’t provide the same level of protection as a hard helmet in an accident!
Cycling gloves
Cycling gloves are another neat gift your cycling pal will thank you for. Wearing gloves has loads of benefits for cyclists. They can give you a better grip on the handlebars, helping for a smoother and safer ride, and they can also make journeys more comfortable.
Good quality cycling gloves normally have cushioned palms to absorb shock and vibrations from your bike—ideal for bumpy roads or challenging terrain. They also add a layer of protection to your hands should you have an accident.
Some gloves also have a thermal element, which can be useful in cold weather. On the other hand, gloves add a layer of sun protection for those longer summertime rides.
Cycling backpack
If your cycling friend travels by bike regularly, then a cycling backpack could be a great gift idea.
Specialist cycling backpacks are slightly different from standard, everyday backpacks. They’re designed with cycling in mind, and the manufacturers consider that a cyclist’s body is not normally in the same upright position as a pedestrian’s.
Countless cycling backpacks are available on the market, but when shopping for one, there are a few things to consider. Most importantly, think about comfort, size, and practicality. The ideal backpack for cycling should have around 20-30 litres of storage space. This is plenty of room for the essentials.
Thermals
Thermal gear is a Godsend when the temperature drops, and no cyclist’s wardrobe would be complete without some.
Whether it’s a thermal coat, t-shirt, pair of trousers, pants, or socks, thermal clothing is designed to trap your natural body heat to keep you warm in cold weather—and let’s face it, we get plenty of that in the UK!
You can wear thermals as base layers underneath other clothes or on their own, depending on your preference. Thermal clothes have moisture-wicking properties, too, which is ideal if you sweat a lot.
A lot of thermal clothing also has a skin-tight fit, which can help make you more streamlined on the road and boost your speed.
Cycling shoes
Not all cyclists wear proper cycling shoes. Whether or not they choose to wear them will often depend on the type of cycling they do the most (and how seriously they take it, of course!)
For example, if they only use their bike to commute to and from work, they may not feel they need a pair of specialist shoes with all the mod cons. Whereas if they’re competing in races, training for a sportive, or taking part in any other mega cycling event, they’ll definitely want to consider a pair of cycling shoes.
Some cycling shoes can be quite expensive, depending on their specialist features, but you may find cheaper options if you shop around a bit.
Bike cleaning kit
A bike cleaning kit might not necessarily be the most glamorous of cycling gifts, but it is certainly one of the most practical.
Cleaning your bike between use is an essential part of general bike maintenance. Not only can regular cleaning help prolong the life of your bike, but clean and well-maintained bikes also run more smoothly and efficiently.
A bike cleaning kit should include various products, such as cleaning spray, microfibre cloths, sponges, brushes, chain lube, and so on. Several pre-packaged kit bundles are available online, or you could assemble your own bespoke kit by buying products individually.
Do some research and determine the most cost-effective option based on your friend’s bike and needs.
Saddle protector
Bike saddle protectors (sometimes also referred to as saddle covers) can reduce the chances of your bike saddle getting damaged, both when your bike is in use and when it is not in use.
Waterproof saddle protectors, in particular, can shield your saddle from the rain, keeping it dry, clean, and dirt-free. This can reduce wear and tear over time.
Saddle protectors can also make cycling more comfortable, too, if they’re used during rides. Bike saddles are often quite hard and thin, so they are not the most comfortable things to sit on—especially for long periods. However, many protectors come with thick gel padding for a cushioned feel when seated, lessening your chances of developing painful saddle sores.
Saddle protectors come in various shapes, sizes, styles, and colours, so there are plenty of options to choose from. You could also get one personalised with your friend’s name for an extra special touch.
Cycling flask
Cyclists need to stay hydrated when out on their bikes, so they should always take water with them, particularly on longer rides and in warmer weather when more moisture is typically lost through sweat.
A cycling flask is a perfect gift for a cyclist because it fits perfectly into most bags (or some bikes even have bottle holders attached to the frame) and can be used to store both hot and cold drinks.
So, whether it’s a refreshing gulp of chilled water on a hot summer’s day or a warming brew in the winter, a cycling flask can accommodate all your needs.
And, like saddle protectors, you can also get them personalised through various online retailers.
Snack bundle
Longer rides often require a pit stop to refuel the body. So, why not build your own cyclist snack hamper with a combination of their favourite energy bars, healthy snacks, isotonic drinks, gels, and so on?
There are loads of wicker hampers available to buy online that you can fill as you please. Do some digging, learn what your friend’s go-to snacks are, and surprise them with a neatly presented hamper.
It’ll mean more to them that you individually selected the products! However, avoid including perishable items such as fruit and vegetables, as these can spoil quickly, and you ideally want your hamper to last for a while.
Cycling is so much fun, but using a few accessories along the way can make it even more so.
There are many different options available when it comes to gifts for cyclists. But something your friend may want to consider for themselves is specialist cycling insurance for that extra peace of mind.
Cover through Cycleplan can protect your bike against theft, loss, and damage, both in and away from the home. You can also get up to £1,000 worth of equipment cover for your associated bits and bobs.
Learn more about specialist cycling insurance and get a quote today.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.
