Question: Do you have a hard time finding the best gifts for the roadie (also known as the road rider) in your life? Do they prefer long open roads instead of endless rock gardens and flow trails? Lycra to baggies? Do they like an espresso and a good Le Tour replay instead of an IPA and a Red Redbull Rampage?
Well, our experts are well-versed in the habits of this unique cycling creature and compiled a list that should have something for even the most particular of the road crowd. We have gift ideas ranging from stocking stuffers to the biggest splurge, and we can help you dial in exactly the right gear for your budget and riders’ needs.
Cold Weather Kit Change
The changing weather and shifting daylight mean a whole new kit is required to hit the road safely and stay warm. There are lots of options, but if you’re gonna get the stuff that actually feels good and will last not only one winter, but many, check out the Shadow and Pro Line from Rapha. They have a lot of accessories that can act as stocking stuffers and pocket fillers when the weather turns mid-ride. Plus, the reflective piping on the jackets and gloves will keep you visible if you venture out after sundown without a light.
Wax to the Max
If your roadie is searching for every watt and every advantage, a waxed chain is a must. However, melting it in a crockpot and making a mess in the kitchen isn’t great for the family—especially around the holidays. The folks at Silca have a tool for that, and let’s say it saves time, energy, and headache – along with watts. The SILCA waxing kit is home-mechanic gold—tools, wax, precision.
Recovery is a Gift
The gift of recovery is a big one. But how can you help someone’s recovery without watching them directly? How about a set of Norma Tech boots? These boots will help you bounce back from each training session feeling stronger and relaxed. What if you’re taking time off from training during the holiday season? These compression boots are great for relaxing and melting away the stressful standing and eating around the table. If you’re traveling this season, they are available with a companion travel bag and accessories to help you get the most from your training.
Too Cold Outside – Train Indoors
If the weather is too cold for a good session, or you’re on dawn patrol before the big family trip, a trainer will help ease the transition. There are many excellent trainer options available at various price points. If you wanna go all out, you can get the Wahoo KICKR SHIFT Smart Bike, but if you’d like to keep things efficient, we recommend the KICKR Core with Zwift.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Tires seem like an odd stocking stuffer, but to the roadie, they are as welcome as a box of candy canes. Look for something that can handle all the weather that riders will encounter this winter into spring. We recommend the 4 Stagioni by Challenge or Continental AS 5000 TR tires.
If you’re looking to load your rider up for race season, check out the Pirelli P-Zero 4S TLR and maybe a lightweight TPU tube for good measure. Because flats happen…
“Hey Meta, what’s a good gift?”
Suppose you’re looking for something that will WOW your roadie, check out the newest offering from the giants at Oakley and Metas. The new Vanguard shades are becoming many riders’ new favorite training partner. The unique glasses play music, record video, take photos, and have an onboard Meta assistant, just in case you have a question while out in the fields.
If the Oakley Vanguard isn’t your speed, they also come in more casual offerings. You can stick with Oakley for an outdoor feel and fit. If you’re looking for something more classic, there’s also a Ray-Ban option with transition lenses to keep you on top of the sun or lighten up when daylight saving time kicks in.
Helmets: The Practical Gift
Looking to gain some style and aero points for the next season? Check out the latest and most fantastic designs from Lazer, ABUS, and Giro. All offer something unique and will fit your roadie’s style. If they are a “no spaceballs helmets for me – please” kinda rider, look for the Lazer G1. If they are looking for an “aero is everything,” the ABUS Gamerchanger is an excellent choice.
Plan a Big Ride
When it comes to planning a big ride, it’s way easier than it used to be. But sometimes navigation can be complex, and que sheets are not easy to see while riding. The new Garmin Edge 1050 is like a copilot and a training partner. You can get turn-by-turn directions, Waze-like traffic and hazard updates, along with real-time mapping and text updates.
The Garmin 1050 is great when you’re in a new place and looking to explore without getting lost or wandering onto unsafe roads. Highly recommended to pair with the Garmin Varia radar systems for the best peace of mind on the road.
Everything Shoes
We came across BERT shoes last year, and now they’re a go-to must-have for bike travel. But they really aren’t shoes; they are kinda like slippers or camping shoes… kinda like transfer shoes (where you’re getting off the bike and hanging around), like an “everything shoe”. They are the kind of gift that any cyclist (from roadie to gnarly DH rider) would appreciate. Plus, they are way warmer than you’d expect. The neoprene-style toe box keeps your toes warm on super chilly mornings, but the low cut will keep your foot aerated.
The Pro Treatment
If you’re looking for something outside the box but heavy on the analysis, check out a full work-up from Eternal.co. This unique analysis leaves no stone unturned, letting athletes know precisely how to improve with the data to back up the decisions. The Eternal protocol includes a fitness assessment that includes blood lactate testing, functional movement, muscle imbalance assessment, and VO2 testing. It’s the treatment for professionals, but tailored for the everyday athlete.
Give Back: Donate to National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)
Not everything needs to be gear. A donation to NICA helps develop young riders, build trails, and invest in our sport’s future. It’s meaningful, and it connects your gift to a broader ride community legacy. No amount is too small, anything helps, and could turn the life of a young racer into a lifelong rider.
When All Else Fails…
If you’re looking for something that will be a hit no matter what, go with beer or coffee. You can choose between Athletic, non-alcoholic, and Osker Blues for the whole experience of brews that support the cycling world and racing.
For coffee, we suggest anything independent; leave Starbucks coffee for rest stops and support your local coffee maker—there are too many to list.
