Introduction

Cycling is a hobby enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people across the continent every year. You probably know a cyclist or might be one yourself as a result. However, this doesn’t mean it’s always easy to figure out what a cyclist might enjoy as a gift. Here are 5 gift ideas for the cyclist in your life.

A New Helmet

Perhaps the single most useful gift you can give a cyclist is a new helmet. Not every cyclist wears helmets, which is a problem in itself, but the evidence is clear: wearing a helmet reduces a rider’s risk of brain injury or death in the event of a collision with a vehicle or a simple slip and fall. Helmets should be replaced every 5 years, so your friend will probably be due for a new one anyway. Look for one that offers good coverage of the sides and back of the head as well as of the top of the head.

Headlights and Tail Lights

Headlights and tail lights make excellent gifts for the cyclist in your life because they show him or her that you keep safety in mind. Cyclists who ride with lights are far more likely to be noticed when riding in the daytime or at night, which means they are more likely to finish their rides safely. Keep in mind that small LED flashlights can also make good headlights or tail lights.

Riding Gloves

Riding gloves are a good idea for cyclists because they make riding not only safer, but more comfortable. Particularly with mountain cyclists, gloves help reduce the bumps and jostles of the road or trail, which means less damage to the hands and nerves and an easier time keeping a good grip on the handlebars. Gloves also help protect the hands and skin from damage in the event of a fall from the bicycle, which is reason enough on its own to wear them whenever riding.

A Good Bicycle Pump

A good bicycle pump is worth its weight in gold, as it makes it easier to pump up tires and keep them fully inflated, which in turn reduces the risk of pinch flats while riding. You might also want to look into a mini pump that can be carried in a pack while on the road.

Spare Tires and Tubes

Spare tires and tubes, finally, are useful, as tires inevitably get punctured by nails or sticks or other debris in the road, and having spare tubes and tires can mean the difference between a small inconvenience and a major problem on the road.

A New Bike

If you really want to go all out you could get your cyclist a new bike, maybe something a little different than they are used to. If they normally ride mountain bikes, consider shopping around for cheap road bikes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it might not seem like the cyclist in your life could possibly need anything, the truth is that there are certain gifts that most cyclists are always on the lookout for. Many of these have to do with safety, such as a new helmet or a good set of lights. Whatever you choose, your cyclist friend is sure to appreciate the thought you put into a gift for him or her.

Mark Brown is an avid cyclist and jogger. Who loves spending time outdoors.