A gift guide by cyclists, for cyclists
In this no-nonsense guide, we draw on our experience of 25 years in cycling to talk you through gift giving for cyclists and help you to find something they will truly love.
The sock shelf in our bike shop gets 99% of its action in the eight weeks run-up to Christmas. Visited by the flustered partners, children, colleagues, and friends of local cyclists, all reaching for a pair of something sleek and stretchy to adorn the feet and ankles of the cyclist in their lives. Because, what on earth do you buy for a cyclist? They’ve already got loads of cycling ‘stuff’ that is totally unidentifiable to the non-cyclist. Read on for our gift guide.
Let them choose
If there’s one tip for gift giving that we tell our customers, it’s that when it comes to “stuff”, cyclists tend to know what they want. Buying a voucher is a thoughtful way to invest in their love of cycling, without committing to an item that may not be appropriate for their riding. We sell vouchers for bike fitting, mechanical services, and for parts & accessories. Choose a value, and let them redeem it against anything they like. Find our vouchers here.
(Estimated cost: £10+)
2. A gift that keeps on giving
In terms of value for money, a ‘gift that keeps on giving’ is some of the best money you can spend on your cyclist. We’re talking coaching, bike setup, and bike fitting.
Bike fitting is an ideal gift for any cyclist. Sessions focus on a comfortable and healthy bike setup that can save energy and increase power. Fitting sessions are totally customisable by the rider, and they’re suitable for all cyclists from leisure riders to elite racers. Read more about what bike fitting is here.
Coaching sessions and suspension setup make especially good gifts for mountain bikers and can be totally tailored to the needs of your rider. We recommend Offset who offer everything from sessions to ‘get-to-know’ your new bike, to kids specialist skills, line choice, jumps & drops, and specialist suspension set-up. All available at a range of popular locations including Black Mountains Cycle Centre & The Forest of Dean.
Our recommendations:
Click HERE to see vouchers for Bike Fitting from Cardiff Bike Fit
Click HERE to see vouchers for mountain bike suspension setup by Offset
Click HERE to see vouchers for mountain bike coaching and skills sessions by Offset
(Estimated cost: £60-£240 depending on type of session, duration etc.)
3. Everyone likes a clean bike
You can’t go far wrong with some essentials for bike maintenance at home. Bike cleaners such as Muc-Off and Fenwicks are firm favourites in the cycling community and they can be used on all types of bikes. Add a set of brushes and some chain lube and you’ll have an awesome little gift bag that any cyclist would get lots of use out of. Tip: Slip a gift voucher for coaching or a bike fit in the bag to make it extra special.
(Estimated cost: £15-£40)
4. Repairs and Maintenance
The nature of cycling means lots of wear and tear. Take the sting out of their next service with a workshop voucher at their favourite bike shop. A voucher for repairs or bike maintenance is a firm favourite at Cyclopaedia. The gift of cycle servicing is something that will be appreciated and enjoyed by any cyclist.
(Estimated cost: £35-£55)
5. Shoes & Clothing
Be cautious! Most cyclists will like to try on before they commit to a piece of new kit, and you might find yourself spending big bucks on something that isn’t quite right. If in doubt, See number 1 or involve them in your plans.
Pictured: Fizik R4 Tempo Overcurve in Iridescent/Copper (RRP: £209.99)
6. Buying a bike
Buying someone a bike is incredibly generous, but unless you’re really clued up on what they want (and what size), we’d recommend either using a voucher, or including them in your plans.
(Estimated Cost: £350+)
7. Socks
Socks are an easy and affordable buy, and they come in all designs imaginable. You can spend anywhere between £10-£35 on cycling specific socks and choose from a variety of fabrics. Just remember to note their shoe size in UK and EU.
(Estimated cost: £10-£35)
Happy Christmas / Nadolig Llawen
Wishing all of our friends and customers a wonderful (and safe) Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.
The Cardiff Bike Fit & Cyclopaedia Team
