The holidays are upon us and with them comes the scramble to get perfect gifts for those special people in your life.
Gift-giving is a unique talent that begins with knowing a few secrets or, at minimum, preferences and interests of your intended gift-getter. Then you have the fun of selecting an ideal item to matches those passions and hobbies, secret or otherwise.
For some, this time of year can be stressful. With so many people to shop for, each with their own private hopes, public wish-lists and all kind of expectations. All of that and still no certainty about what will have the staying power to be useful all year long.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a holiday gift guide for your bicycle-loving friends and family.
Most riders, especially those who bike year-round, likely already have the essentials. This list is about the treats you can buy cyclists to make their travels in the wet winter months just a little more comfortable.
Rain Capes: Quick and easy
Winters on the “wet coast” are notoriously rain, but have been a little more unpredictable in recent years.
Don't let that stop your bike-loving friend from getting out for a lovely winter ride. Rain capes are a great way to remain dry and stylish, allowing you to wear whatever you like underneath, be it a lovely wool trench or suit jacket.
It's light enough to stow in a pannier for those just-in-case moments, and if the rain comes mid-ride, it's easy to put on and go.
Founded by two self-styled Dutch “rain experts,” Happy Rainy Days and the Rhode Island-based Cleverhood offer some great options and are a great surprise under the tree. Happy Rainy Days also makes the charmingly named rain trouser as well as capes in various styles and colours.
Capes begin at $105. Cleverhood jackets at $300.
Umbrella Holders: A unique solution
While we’re no strangers to riding while holding an umbrella, it can prove a bit challenging, especially when the roads are slick.
Umbrella holders are unique gift idea most cyclists would never think of, but are an easy way to keep dry without the fuss of added clothing.
Attaching easily to the handlebars of a bike and adjustable to your riding position, they are simple solution to riding in the rain.
Also thanks to the clever cyclists in the Netherlands, the senz° umbrella and its accompanying holder are great for two-wheeled urbanites. The company’s tag line is “love the weather,” and the umbrella itself isn’t perfectly round, but shaped to cover your head and body while cycling. The original model promises to withstand winds of 100 km/h and also come in dozens of colours. They can be removed from the holder for use on foot.
Check them out at out the Le Velo Victoria. Holders cost $80 and umbrellas $100.
Stow and Go: Stylish but practical panniers
Finding a way to store your laptop, purse and other important items is always a challenge for daily cycling.
For riders who need to arrive at the office looking professional, the standard black utilitarian pannier bags can certainly detract. But riding stylish is possible all year round, and I love the growing number of options.
The Garment Pannier 2.0 from Calgary’s Two Wheel Gear is a great solution for someone who prefers to change when they arrive at the office. Costs range from $199 to $279.
For those with a little less time, British designers Hill and Ellis have an elegant collection of briefcase-lookalike leather pannier bags in a variety of colours to match the rider’s tastes. Styled with names like Bradley, Jasper, Birtie and Birkdale, these make a preppy addition to any bike. Prices from $347 to $469.
Both options come with waterproof covers for added protection in heavy rain.
Colour Your Ride: Not just for kids
Finally, don’t forget the young riders in your life.
While kids are pretty resilient and will ride in almost any weather, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a little fun when they can. I was so excited to see the Chalktrail, a unique gift idea for your creative youngster and available as part of a gift pack through Vancouver’s Cycle City Shop.
Adaptable for all sized bikes (as well as scooters), these holders can be installed by children and don’t require tools or special hardware. They come with five chalk colours and attach to the back wheel. Cost is $25.
Named one of Parents magazine’s coolest toys, the creators boast, “The street or sidewalk becomes a giant canvas, the rider an artist.” A piece of their chalk can last about three kilometres, meaning “the kids often wear out before the chalk does.”
Kids will have hours of enjoyment colouring their route while also riding their bike. Be the cool aunt or uncle in your little friend’s lives this holiday season.
There are so many great gift ideas out there for your cycling friends and family. This holiday season, surprise them with something they would likely never splurge for themselves, and give them the gift of riding through every season.
Hoping to shop local? Here are some great products made right here in B.C.
Saddle Bag by Relative Studios
This handy little bag made in East Vancouver by Jeff Werner is built to withstand the daily commute and keep all your smaller bike needs safely stowed. Perfect for a spare tube, multi-tool or that snack to keep you going. Available at Cycle City Shop.
Yoga Mat Sling by Two Wheel Gear
What yogi hasn’t struggled with a convenient way to transport a yoga mat by bike? This great Vancouver company knows just what Vancouverites need: a simple to use sling. Just strap it over your shoulder you’re set. Namaste!
“Flying Frenchman” Bike Crate by Cumberland Crate Co.
Manufactured in its namesake, Cumberland, BC, this bike crate really is an ideal accessory to any bicycle. From growlers to groceries, your bike-loving friend will never have to worry about carrying cargo again. Also available at Cycle City Shop.
Leather Bike Growler Caddy by Union Wood and Supply Co.
What authentically Vancouver gift list wouldn’t be complete without a trusted Growler Caddy? What makes this caddy special is that it’s not just for beer — it also fits wine bottles. Cheers!
Bicycle Tour Gift Certificates with Cycle City Tours
Finally, treat your local bike enthusiast to something special in 2016. Cycle City Tours offer a variety of tour options, including sightseeing or brewery tours. A unique way of seeing this beautiful city by bicycle, gift certificates for a specific tour or straight-forward cash value will make a nice treat for anyone looking to know this city a little better.
Melissa Bruntlett is a co-founder of Modacity and is inspired to live a happy life of urban mobility. Reach her at [email protected].
