A handy bike lifter
For example, the TOURBON Vintage Leather Frame Handle Lifter attaches to the frame of the bike and enables the cyclist to hoist the two-wheeler when carrying it up the stairs or onto public transport. The beauty of this gift, for me, is that it’s an unessential pleasure, like chocolate. Nobody really needs it or even knows that it exists. But when you have it, you wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. Only €18.15 on Amazon.de.
Cool socks, anyone?
How about some cute/funny bike socks? These John Rider dress socks are attractive, eye-catching and, most importantly, warm and comfortable. Made from 84% cotton, 14% nylon, and 2% elastane, they feature funky geometric patterns including stripes, argyle, grid and polka dots in bright colours that will make the rider – or at least their calves and ankles – stand out. A pack of 4 pairs goes for £12.99 (€15.67) on Amazon.co.uk.
Two must-read books
For the cyclist who loves a good cycling story, The Rider by Tim Krabbé is a must. Part memoir, part novel, the book follows cyclist Krabbé and his adventures on an amateur bike race in southern France in the summer of 1977. Filled with incisive observations, dry humour, and a healthy measure of existential angst, the book has developed a cult following among both book lovers and cyclists since it was translated from Krabbé’s native Dutch in 2002. It’s available in a hardcover edition for £8.89 (€10.71) on eBay. The paperback edition is significantly cheaper but this is a Christmas present where you want to do it right, right?
Another book that is a must-have for anyone who watches the Tour de France and imagines themselves climbing the Alpe d’Huez when they are, in reality, ascending a hill in the local park is The Official History of the Tour de France, by Serge Laget. It is available almost everywhere, in both hard- and softcover. On eBay.uk it goes for £14.99 (€18) in hard and £3.99 (€4.80) in paperback (but see above re Christmas gifts).
Coffee to go
If your budget for a very good friend extends to about 50 euros, which is really next to nothing in these inflation times, this gift will create a smile of appreciation and gratitude on the face of the recipient – if they are a coffee fiend. The Aeropress Go is a travel coffee maker that enables any cyclist to brew a great cup of Java anywhere, whether it’s espresso, Americano or cold brew. It makes 1 to 3 cups of smooth, low-acidity and great-tasting coffee per pressing in under a minute and it comes with a mug, so it’s like having a coffee break in your backpack – especially if you’re out backpacking. Just £40 (€48.20) at Amazon.
Coming to grips with MTB
For your mountain bike pal or partner, how about some really good handlebar grips to deal with the bumps and slides of mountain biking with sweaty palms? DMR’s Deathgrip Race Edition grips are a favourite among experts and represent a few levels of upgrade for just £22.88 (€27.57) on eBay.uk (they are €1.50 more expensive on the European site).
Cleaning help
Everybody loves a clean bike, so why not buy something as unromantic and practical as the popular Muc-Off Bike Essentials Kit? It contains a litre of Muc-Off’s effective and biodegradable cleaner, a soft sponge, the brand’s proprietary post-wash Bike Spray, which should help make for a lasting and nice-looking finish, a brush, and a tote bag. You can get it for €31.42 at Amazon.de.
Cheers!
Finally, the gift for the cyclist who has everything but a bottle opener: this bottle opener in the shape of a bike. This is a fun and practical gift and comes in a cute gift box. It’s small and convenient enough to be transported anywhere to prevent a bottle-opening emergency, which can happen on those hot summer days when you’re aching for a cold brew. (A reminder: don’t ride when intoxicated.) It’s only €7.10 on Amazon.de.
