Getting that perfect Holiday gift for the triathlete cyclist in your life is not easy...that is until today. In this video EMT contributor Dave Erickson provides you with the top stocking suffers that will make any endurance athlete jump for joy when they see what Santa brought them.
BTW: You can check out Dave's first list of perfect triathlon stuffing stuffers for or the Triathlete swimmer in your in your life HERE.
Christmas shopping for the cyclist in the family will be much easier after looking at the items below. In my previous article, I shared a direct link to purchase more than a dozen items (most found on Amazon.com) to put a smile on the face of the swimmer in the family. I also made a VIDEO for those swimming items. As before, not everything on this list fits in a sock but most of it will. Happy shopping!
Lets start off with something every cyclist should have, a functional bike tool.
Topeak Alien II 26 - Function Bicycle Tool ($25): The Alien II--which is designed for cyclists who need a high-quality tool while on the road-- is housed in a clever break-apart body that makes it a breeze to find the right gadget. And with 26 high-quality, hardened-steel tools at your fingertips, you'll rarely find yourself without exactly what you need. There's even a bottle opener for post-ride celebrations.
Before ever getting on your bike, better make sure your tires have air.
Topeak Joe Blow Sport II Floor Pump ($35): Double-sided twinhead works with presta and schrader valves; Extra long hose with 360 degree pivot; teel base provides stability; Over sized handles provide comfort; Painted steel barrel.
Another handy tool to have is a multipurpose sports watch.
Timex Ironman Global Trainer Heart Rate and GPS Watch ($150): This watch was designed with the multisport athlete in mind. The GPS technology and ANT+ compatibility, records your performance across several dimensions--including pace, speed, distance, and more--providing real-time data on a customizable screen. The device offers six modes of operation including performance and multisport modes.
The perfect companion is something I just added to my bike.
Timex Global Trainer Bike Speed/Cadence Sensor ($45): You're sure to pick up your pace when you can monitor your pedaling with the Timex ® IRONMAN® Global Trainer GPS Speed and Cadence Sensor. Self-calibrating and wireless, it measures and reports your pedaling strokes per minute.
Don't even think about hoping on your bike without cycling shorts.
Pearl iZUMi Men's Quest Cycling Short ($30-$50): A perennial cycling favorite, durability and a plush, four-way stretch Tour 3D chamois for a comfortable ride. The Quest features a six-panel anatomic design, silicone leg grippers, reflective elements for low-light visibility.
Lets assume you'll be training indoors during the winter. In that case you'll need a bike trainer.
CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer ($160): The CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer helps keep your legs in shape, even during the winter months. The indoor trainer is designed with magnet brakes and utilizes a unique, internal flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance lever has five different settings so you can vary your workout from warm-up stage to tough-terrain riding. The sturdy steel frame has leveling feet for stability, while the foldable legs allow you to easily set-up and store the bike.
If you are heading outside you'll need a helmet. Safety first. Two price options to consider.
Giro Transfer Bike Helmet ($25): The Giro Transfer Sport Bike Helmet is constructed with in-mold technology that fuses a tough outer microshell to the helmet's EPS foam liner.
The fusion process reinforces areas around vents and ribs, making the helmet lighter, cooler and tougher. It complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety standards for bicycle helmets.
Giro Prolight Bike Helmet ($90-$200): Was new in 2010 and defined as simply the lightest Consumer Product Safety Commission race helmet in the world. Upper and lower in-mold hardbodies for a full coverage shell Wind Tunnel Ventilation - 25 vents.
You'll want to cover your hands if you're heading outside.
Pearl Izumi Men's Thermal Glove ($20): The Pearl Izumi Thermal Glove is a versatile running, cycling and skiing glove designed for cold weather activities. Thermal fabric provides optimal insulation, moisture transfer, dry time and odor–resistance Clarino ™ synthetic leather strategically placed in high–wear areas. The silicone print in the palm enhance grip making the gloves suitable for cycling or nordic skiing. Reflective logos for low-light visibility.
Oakley Jawbone Iridium Sunglasses ($180): The un-hinging lens swap feature will blow your mind plus the Vents in the Jawbone's lenses fend off fogging and increase airflow.
JiMarti TR22 Sports Wrap ($20): The half-rimmed design allows for an increased field of vision while the wraparound polycarbonate lenses ensure more sun protection. Lens is Shatterproof Polycarbonate with multilayer lens treatments to eliminate fog, scratches, and glare.
Finally, for newbies or those looking to brush up on their cycling 101, some reading material.
The Complete Book of Road Cycling & Racing ($10): Your goal may be to begin racing, to become more competitive, or to win a specific tour. Or maybe you want to complete your first century ride, improve your overall fitness, or ride farther and faster just for the sheer joy of flying on two wheels. No matter what your goals, The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racing gives you all the information you need to become a better, more performance-focused cyclist.
What else might you add to this list? Leave me a comment below and please share this article. Remember to follow me on twitter @IMDaveErickson and see more than 490 original swim, bike, run and athlete interview videos on my Youtube page.
Bonus: Video image from TriSanta.com: for that perfect Christmas Card.
Follow on twitter @everymantri or view latest videos on YouTube.