While Santa may need nine reindeer to travel around the Bay Area, we know the best way to get around is on two wheels.
Whether you’ve got a loved one who is always mapping their next bike adventure on northern California’s abundant trail systems or a newcomer to the cycling world, there are plenty of gifts that are just the right fit. Finding the perfect one comes down to a few details about the riding habits of the cyclist in your life.
For long-distance riders and those who are serious cyclists, you may want to up the ante and get them into some seriously high tech gear. Or, you may want to indulge the joy rider on your list with some new cycling digs (especially now that we’re entering the rainy season).
These 10 gift ideas are sure to enchant all the cyclists in your life
Bike-mounted garage opener
Is it a necessity? Not really, but having the ability to open a garage door from on your bike sure is convenient. The Doormate by 12speed is a lightweight universal garage door system that sits inside the ends of the bike’s handlebar ends. No more rummaging through your pack for your garage door opener or remembering to take it with you ahead of a ride.
At $40, Cycling Weekly editor Anne-Marjie Rook says Doormate is worth every penny.
“The device isn’t heavy (16 grams), it doesn’t rattle, it’s got a one-year battery life, and it mostly goes unnoticed until it’s called upon. The Doormate is like an electronic, bike-mounted ‘open sesame,’” she writes. “More than that, it serves as a daily reminder that even the smallest luxuries – yes, even a humble garage clicker – can transform the ordinary into something worth savouring.
Post-ride mini massager
Cycling can be rough on the body, especially if you’re riding for time, distance, or in rugged conditions. Sore muscles can plague even the most regular of riders, making the Theragun Mini a perfect go-to. This model, which runs about $200 without sales, is designed for travel, so it works well for cyclists who make multi-day trips or seek adventures beyond the Bay Area. It’s 20% smaller and 30% lighter than other Theragun models and connects to the brand’s app.
Lumos Ultra ‘smart’ helmet
Being seen by fellow road users is the most important part of cycling safety. Reflective clothing and bicycle lights are helpful (lights are often required), but there’s always room for improvement, especially in the dreary San Francisco weather.
We love the Lumos Ultra bike helmet and its integrated light system, which features LED lights, turn signals, and a sleek weatherproof design. It takes the Lumos Ultra about two hours to fully recharge and a charge lasts for up to 10 hours, depending on the settings. Most importantly, the helmet complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for riders five years old and above.
This year, The Strategist named this helmet one of the best and for good reason. Features like Bluetooth connection and Apple Watch compatibility make this gift a standout for cyclists who are serious about safety and technology.
A snazzy bike frame bag
There are a lot of benefits to riding a bike, but storage isn’t often one of them. For beginner riders, a cool bike frame bag can create a bit of space to store a phone, keys, snack, or other ride necessities. Reviewers say the $50 Topo Designs bike frame bag is “tough as nails” and fits the necessities.
It has a waterproof liner and velcro attachment, and while it’ll work for the elements, it’s probably best brought inside when not in use.
AirTag mountain bike mount
If you’re close with a mountain bike rider, you know their hobby isn’t cheap. Luckily, there’s something on this list for them, too. This $14 mountain bike AirTag mount lands more on the side of stocking stuffer, but it’s just as useful as any other bicycle accessory.
The mount by ElevationLab is easy to install and hidden from plain view, so keeping tabs on the bike at all times is easy and stress-free. It’s also ultra-secure and tested in extreme conditions, so the rider won’t have to worry about the AirTag or mount coming loose during even the most adventurous treks.
Locally-made socks
Socks might be the most underrated gift, especially for the cyclist in your life. Ornot, a San Francisco-based independent cycling company, makes winter cycling socks that are truly made for the chilly, wet winters of northern California.
Made of merino wool, these $28 socks wick water and keep toes dry and are extra cushy. Grab a matching pair of gloves to make it a complete look.
Chain wax starter bundle
Maintenance is an important aspect of caring for a bicycle, and it’s critical for safety, too.
For beginners to chain waxing, a starter kit is a good idea. This $75 bundle from Silca covers all of the bases with a wax warmer, drip stand, and cable coupler.
A multitool for all occasions
For hobbyists and occasional riders, important gear like tool kits might not be top of mind, but they’re good to have in a pinch. The LEZYNE Super SV stainless bike multi-tool checks off all the boxes, not only because it includes some version of nearly every tool a cyclists might need, but because it’s also well designed.
Ergonomic machined-aluminum side plates offer extra leverage and an integrated magnetic holder for a spare quick link, LEZYNE says. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry anywhere.
Cycling water bottles with personality
Normally there isn’t a lot of fun in cycling water bottles, but Waterbodl has other ideas. These amusing bottles, costing about $15, feature big brand designs (think BurgerKing, Gatorade, or Nesquick) and adapt them to the world of cycling.
For the fancier cyclist, grab the Bidon Domestique bottle. For the true Californian, we recommend the Out-n-Back bottle. Each bottle is BPA free, easy to fill, and features a large soft push pull nozzle.
A history lesson on bicycles
For studious and curious cyclists, we suggest something a little different than an accessory or tool. The history of the bicycle is anything but boring and worth the rabbit hole in between rides.
Journalist and critic Jody Rosen, a contributor to the New York Times, Slate, and New Yorker, writes a love letter of sorts to the bicycle in his recent book Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle. This narrative goes beyond a recount of the past two centuries we’ve known the bike.
“(Two Wheels Good) often feels like a leisurely ride, full of spontaneous detours into unexpected delight. But what makes the book essential is its rigorous reporting,” says The Atlantic in its review of the book, which was published in 2023.