Commute By Bike's Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Balaclava

Sometime during the Fall, that wind-in-your-face feeling changes from being a “joy of cycling” into being a disincentive. A balaclava not only protects the face, it covers the ears so you can’t hear the car whispering its temptations.

Dahon Folding Bike

In an urban area, or for a multimodal commute, you can’t beat a folding bike. Once you’ve had one, it’s hard to understand why everyone doesn’t. Dahon makes quality, affordable folders. Use their dealer locator to find a dealer online or near you.

Commuter Trailers

Even for those without a folding fetish: The Burley Travoy and the Carry Freedom City are two great trailers for errands on the way to work, or on the way home. Both fold up small and don’t take up much space at the workplace.

Extrawheel Voyager Trailer

For someone who wouldn’t dream of ever sullying their precious road bike or full-suspension mountain bike with a rack, bag, or trailer hitch. The Extrawheel Voyager attaches to the rear skewers for in-town errands or touring. Compatible with most panniers, or get the Extrawheel Panniers. This lightweight trailer tracks so closely, it’s easy to forget its there.

Showers Pass Cycling Clothing

Showers Pass makes high quality cycling gear that looks right on or off the bike. The company is based in Portland, so they know about bike commuting. Showers Pass is consistently among the best-ranked brands on the market for bike clothing. Check out their commuter section.

Cygolite MiliOn 200 USB LED Front Light

This light recharges via USB, making it easy to recharge at work. The charge stays bright as long as the battery is juiced up.

Bspot Bike Locator

If you or your gift recipient happen to live in The Netherlands, a Bspot will help you find your bike in those pesky overcrowded bike parking areas. (I actually have no idea what that would be like.)

Planet Bike Superflash

This very-bright light can clip to a seat post, clothing, panniers, or to a stocking hung by the fire.

Lezyne SV5 Multitool

You can go crazy with multitools. Some try to pack an entire bike shop tool box–more tools than most people would ever realistically ever use. The Lezyne SV5 has the basics needed for most repairs and adjustments.

Tubus Racks

It’s hard to know what kind of rack a gift recipient might want, so this is probably more in the drop-a-hint category. If you want a rack, you probably want a Tubus Rack. Drop that hint.

Bionx Electric Assist Kit

This is for someone who needs a little more than just some encouragement to commute by bike. A Bionx kit provides a power assist for experienced as well as tentative commuters.

Jandd Grocery Bag Panniers

These can turn trip to the store into a pleasant ride. The Jannd Grocery Bag Panniers come with a shoulder strap, making it easy to carry into a store or around a farmer’s market.

Uvex Helmets

Uvex helmets adjust easily to when the size of the rider’s head changes, such as is caused by a balaclava, ear muffs, or a smug ego of a self-righteous bike commuter. (Come on, you know at least one.) These helmets are well made, with many well-thought-out details.

Messenger Bags

It’s not only bike messengers who like to use messenger bags. They provide more stability than a purse or duffel bag, and easier access to the contents than a backpack. There are waterproof messenger bags, and standard messenger bags to fit any rider’s climate and style.

If you carry a laptop, a padded laptop sleeve adds extra protection for the computer.

Bike Backpacks

Bike backpacks make good gifts for students, or anyone who needs to switch between biking and walking throughout the day.

Handlebar Bags

For people who spend a lot of time on their bike, and like to keep their things within reach, handlebar bags make a great gift. Most standard handlebar bags have the opening snaps or zippers facing towards the rider, so they can even been opened and accessed while in motion.

Cycling Knickers

It’s an old cliche, but it’s true: Nothing says “holiday love” like Knickers. We’re partial to Chrome Loop Pro Knickers, and Ibex El Fito 3/4 Bike Knickers. Both are high quality and extremely comfortable.