Be Well Philly Gift Guide: 5 Awesome Holiday Gifts for Cyclists and Bike Commuters
Have a cyclist in your holiday-shopping list? You don’t have to spring for a new bike to make his or her day—although, if you did, I’m certain you’d win the holidays for, oh, years to come—but you can make your cyclist’s life just a little bit better with one of these smart accessories. From the practical (an all-in-one tool for fixes on the go) to the whimsical (six-pack storage for toting beer), avid local cyclist Gary Brown has five ideas for gifts for every two-wheel enthusiast.
1. Topeak Alien II 26-Function Bicycle Tool ($29.99) and Park Tool Tire Lever Set ($5).
“The tool set I carry has all the necessary bells and whistles to get you back on the bike in case of mechanical failure: chain and derailleur issues, gear adjustments, seat adjustments and flat tires. If you don’t know how to do minor repairs on your bike, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia offers occasional Fix-a-Flat classes, or, you know, there’s always YouTube.”
2. Six-Bottle Bike Bag, $54.59.
“Toting beer has never been easier. The bag fits right over your top tube and has Velcro closures for easy on-and-off.”
3. Road ID Wrist ID Elite, $29.99.
“You can never be too safe, especially if the unthinkable happens. Wear this ID tag on your wrist—there are also versions that attach to your shoe or fit around your ankle—so your emergency contacts and basic info are easily accessible in case of emergency.”
4. Timbuk2 Red Hook Crit Travel Backpack, $99.
“This can be a tricky gift because everyone has their own style and functional requirements for a bag. I personally care more for functionality, so I like the Timbuk2 model for its compartments and functional space. It’s also designed to fit close to the body and not get in the way.”
5. Cannondale Quick, $44.99.
“The most important thing to keep safe in an accident is your head. What most people don’t realize is that bike helmets carry an expiration date, thanks to normal wear and tear, hair oil and other factors that contribute to their degradation. It’s good practice to get a new helmet every few years.” Editor’s note: Experts disagree on how long helmets generally last, with lifespans ranging between three and eight years. The Snell Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the research, testing and development of helmet safety standards, recommends replacing bike helmets every five years, even if they are in seemingly good condition. Of course, if you get in a crash, you should replace your helmet right away.
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