Cycling presents

[flydhest]

So, for many it is the holiday season. For me, my birthday is also approaching. The wife wants ideas for presents. Usually, with bike gear, I just buy what I want/need. All here understand picky . . . errr, discerning tastes. No gift certificates allowed, though. What are good present ideas below $200?

For the cyclist who has everything.

[AngryScientist]

anything merino wool makes a nice present that you might not buy for yourself.

nice merino baselayers feel like a luxury item, but they quickly become a staple, you can never have too many, and getting a new one for a gift is too cool.

[MattTuck]

Do you do your own wrenching? If not, a winter tune up might be nice, get the bike ready for the spring.

I know you said gift certificates are a no-no, but what about some sports massages?

What kind of gear do you like? Why not get a few more Road Holland, Rapha, Torm, Cedar Cycling, Ibex, etc. jerseys? You could tell her the size/style you wanted.

Framed bike related art work or photography?

[AngryScientist]

Framed bike related art work or photography?

good one!

[rugbysecondrow]

A bike excursion. She watches the little Flydhest while you ride the blue ridge parkway and sip beers with your buddies. 250 will fund a quality weekend.

[christian]

Gaulzetti.

[jvp]

Autographed frameable Merckx lithograph
http://www.hortoncollection.com/cycling-autographed/LE-Merckx1969.html
http://www.hortoncollection.com/mm5/graphics/800px/LE-Merckx69.jpg

[false_Aest]

if you do your own work: mariposa torque wrench

if you ride when it starts to get dark the niterider 250 is real nice.

every 2 or 3 years I buy myself 10-12 packs of the same smartwool socks - i haven't looked for a matching sock in 8 years.

Non-bike: http://www.aviarygallery.com http://okthestore.com

[MattTuck]

I suspect this thread will be hazardous to my wallet....

[spiderman]

These are fun and fully functional!
Just don't try to build a wheelset with them....
http://chrisking.com/store/shakers

[AgilisMerlin]

http://sportsgarage.net/news/shimano-pro-cnc-telescoping-minipump

http://sportsgarage.net/images/uploads/news/1shimano_pro_cnc_pump.jpg'

[AgilisMerlin]

ghost in the machine post above. decided not to take info this post took. go figure.


http://sportsgarage.net/news/shimano-pro-cnc-telescoping-minipump

http://sportsgarage.net/images/uploads/news/1shimano_pro_cnc_pump.jpg

[crownjewelwl]

These are fun and fully functional!
Just don't try to build a wheelset with them....
http://chrisking.com/store/shakers

oh man...i don't think my wife would approve of these on the table but I WANT!!

[spiderman]

But my wife intercepted them
And accepted them as a holiday/move
To the new house/house warming gift from me!
...she absolutely loves them....

[pdmtong]

Why not get a few more Road Holland, Rapha, Torm, Cedar Cycling, Ibex, etc. jerseys? You could tell her the size/style you wanted.


yup. include assos. or look here
http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/s-s-jerseys-sans-logos-swoosh-graphics-27497.html

price aside, one of the BEST gifts I ever got which I wasnt looking for was a sealine case for my iphone. $25. think ziploc bag on steroids. works waaaaaay better than the soulrun cases I had and since sold

[tiretrax]

A lot of good suggestions so far. I suggest looking at the Horton Collection for other cycing images. My wife got me a bunch of books last year. There are many available. I like the large format books with great images, such as the one regarding Paris-Roubaix, Campognolo's 75 anniversary, and Rouleur's books. A subscription to Rouleur, a 2 year subscription to Peloton and jersey, or other cycling magazines. I would suggest a Lezyne mini pump and a Minewt 650 headlight. How about a classic style wool sweater from Woolistic or from Vecchio's bike shop in Boulder? A Campagnolo wine opener?

[67-59]

These are fun and fully functional!
Just don't try to build a wheelset with them....
http://chrisking.com/store/shakers

I was going to say the CK tamper for an espresso geek like me...and the salt and pepper shakers would be good for most anyone else.

[djg]

You've probably got good commuting lights already, but if you have something 2-3 years old, and would like to consider something new, you might pick one of the newer all-in-one LED lights -- for example the Niterider lumina 650 puts out a killer beam, has pretty good runtime (especially in the medium setting, which is still pretty bright), an easy USB re-charge, and is a nice compact package that fits on the bars -- no cable or outboard battery necessary. This happens to be the model I have, but I've got no particular conviction that similar packages from other makers are less good. This is not a light for PBP, randos, or all-night mtb rides -- you'll get a few hours out of a charge and that's it. But for commuting, or a pre- or post-work training ride, it's a cool thing.

Somebody said merino wool nearly anything already, but sure.

Also, if there's a saddle you like, and one of yours is getting worn, or you're contemplating a new build . . . well, that should be in the ballpark on price.

Plus, not exactly cycling gear, but if you go for therapeutic massage sometimes . . . well, a gift certificate may be out, but she could set up an appointment with your chosen person and it's less generic a gift than a gift certificate from a store.

[FlashUNC]

Plus, not exactly cycling gear, but if you go for therapeutic massage sometimes . . . well, a gift certificate may be out, but she could set up an appointment with your chosen person and it's less generic a gift than a gift certificate from a store.

+1 to that.

FWIW, I also spent $200 on various Lezyne items for a buddy and his wife who ride as wedding presents. Stuff was nicer than they would splurge on themselves for a nice floor pump, tools, etc.

[jmikeq]

How about winter cycling gear?
My lady got me the Rapha winter jersey for my birthday... I havent had the chance to test it out yet, but it looks and feels nice.
Their winter tights is pretty good also.

[flydhest]

Lots of great ideas. The clothing notions are interesting, but she got me base layers and socks last year. For external wear, given the limited amount of time I get to ride, I wear my team kit. I have some nice wool that hardly gets worn :(

The weekend trip is a cool notion as is the massage. I do not suspect I need more physical "stuff" in the house.

That said, the light suggestions . . . I am building up a new bike now that will be my commuter. Currently, I switch among my race bikes and my Vanilla track bike. I wanted/needed a winter commuter with fenders and room for knobs for the snow. A light set seems great.

The CK espresso tamper is . . . right on the money. The photos, especially the one of Eddy, also look like winners. I am setting up the bike cave now that I am home on paternity leave and have a big Flanders (lion of Flanders) flag up now. Eddy on the walls would fit right in.

keep the ideas coming. If not just for me, I'm sure this will help some other forumite's spouse. Plus, I got birthday and Christmas less than a week apart, so a list of ideas for the wife is a good thing.

Thanks, everyone.

[retrofit]

I don't know about your eyes, but I'm asking for a pair of these:

Dual Power Eyewear (http://www.dualeyewear.com) - Bifocal Sport sunglasses
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-129200675118732_2234_3341518

[pdmtong]

since you like the tamper...go rapha
http://www.rapha.cc/chris-king-espresso-tamper

[MattTuck]

One thing that might be fun and/or interesting, would be to hire a photographer to document one of your rides. If you race, you may already have pictures of yourself riding.

I do most of my riding solo, so most of my pictures are of the scenery. Those that are of me, are arm's length self pics.

Might be cool, if you ride through some picturesque areas to get some pictures of yourself riding by a professional. They could scout the course, and figure out the best places to position themselves.

[Llewellyn]

ghost in the machine post above. decided not to take info this post took. go figure.


http://sportsgarage.net/news/shimano-pro-cnc-telescoping-minipump

http://sportsgarage.net/images/uploads/news/1shimano_pro_cnc_pump.jpg


Is that a pump or a bong? :eek:


I like those CK coffee tampers

[gavingould]

kind of piggybacking the photos or cycling-related artwork, but how about a Rouleur or Peloton subscription?

[FlashUNC]

kind of piggybacking the photos or cycling-related artwork, but how about a Rouleur or Peloton subscription?

Rouleur is probably my favorite regular reading right now. Just stunning stuff.

Herbie Sykes' recap of GDR cycling this year is phenomenal reading.

[93legendti]

http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Ride/W-Giro-Long-Sleeve-Full-Zip-Jersey
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Vests-Jackets/W-Momentum-Jacket
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Bottoms/W-Energy-Tight

[rdparadise]

Looking for lights, you can get a great Niterider 550-650 lumens for $100-$130 on Amazon.

You live in D.C. and ride in the winter, how about a nice pair of bib tights. I picked up a pair Exontondo bibs last year for $100 on sale (no pad).

Another good idea around $200 are the Kindle or Nook or just about any Droid tablet. The wifey may get some use out of those as well. Great for reading the newspaper online, ebooks, some gaming and pretty much sold at costs to get you to buy ebooks.

Those are my suggestions.

Bob

ps. One last idea, how about the nicest restaurant in your area for dinner-date, b-day celebration. Then no presents but you get to have a great time with the wife.

[MattTuck]

I'm bumping this thread for 2013. My family is doing a secret santa this year with a $125 limit, and we have to provide a list of possible gifts. Already have a few things in mind, but curious if people are thinking of anything new this year.

[rounder]

Hirame pumphead. Have a Silca pump that I have used for a long time and do not want to give up. Hate the fact that it always falls over and did not make good connections to the tube valve. Tried different pump heads and everything was bad in someway...until I tried Hirame! You have to screw the head down to where it works...then it works great.

http://www.tracksupermarket.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=665

[alessandro]

Way to the other side of the scale from practical, there's art. Specifically, the work of Taliah Lempert: http://www.bicyclepaintings.com/. She sells paintings, prints, cards, t-shirts etc. But what I'm suggesting for the owner of a sweet bike is to go whole hog and commission an oil portrait of your pride and joy, like Dave's purple Colnago here:

http://www.bicyclepaintings.com/sites/default/files/09zoomed_7.jpg

[rustychisel]

I'm bumping this thread for 2013. My family is doing a secret santa this year with a $125 limit, and we have to provide a list of possible gifts. Already have a few things in mind, but curious if people are thinking of anything new this year.


I think your suggestion of a photographer to document a ride was brilliant, but concede it'd cost a bit more than the $$$ limit.

Okay, so - mitts. Can never have too many mitts. Roeckl make the best on the planet, by far (now that I can't get Adidas). They're spendy but worth it.

[Gummee]

anything merino wool makes a nice present that you might not buy for yourself.

nice merino baselayers feel like a luxury item, but they quickly become a staple, you can never have too many, and getting a new one for a gift is too cool.
+1

If you shop the right spots, you can find merino for less than EP too. Keep an eye on steep and cheap, the clymb, leftlane, et al

If you don't have a good workstand, Feedback or the Performance G3 are good.

M

[parco]

I find I need something to ride for. How about a donation for one of the
MS 150 rides or some other charity ride? So you could get some buds together, train together and ride in the charity ride together for a good cause?

[rounder]

.

[retrofit]

+1

If you shop the right spots, you can find merino for less than EP too. Keep an eye on steep and cheap, the clymb, leftlane, et al

M

FYI,

REI outlet (online) is closing out 2010 Castelli merino wool base layers (http://www.rei.com/product/862072/castelli-merino-wool-bike-baselayer-mens-2010-closeout) @40% off


Another gift idea...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51snnVrwUcL._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

[Broid]

The shopping stops right here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqpcBpSsj1A

[yarg]

turbospoke = hilarious

I can see this being pitched on shark tank.

[jmoore]

three pages of responses and no mention of The Blue Skewer (http://www.blueskewer.com/) yet.


You guys are slacking or I need to promote this more.

[RedRider]

You either have one or need one. Nuff said.