Paul Petch

Cycling gifts for under $100 this Christmas

Each year my Wife and I set aside $100 for each others gifts… not a huge amount… but we don’t want for much all year so why be greedy? Anyway I’ve just sat down and made my yearly list of “possibles” and it is funny to see that most are related to cycling or the outdoors. I thought that I would share some of my ideas.

Blackburn Mammoth bike pump

This pump is the best that I’ve used to date. It is light, comfy in the hands when in use and more importantly due to its  large volume it pumps up the tyre quickly and effortlessly. Being made of aluminum too, it takes a knock or two when you have some over the bars action. It even comes in a carbon fibre version too if that is your thing ;) Retail is about $35.00 (for the aluminum version). Visit the Blackburn website for details.

Topeak Alien Multi Tool

I’ve had several multi tools over the years and none live up to what the Alien offers. It weighs a little more than some simple tools, but if you have an issue in the middle of nowhere, this will be your best friend. it has it all and retails for about $80.00. Visit the Topeak website for more info and features.

Track pump

Yes, another pump :) After using one for home mechanics and the ‘pre ride’ check you can never go back to a mini pump! Fit and pump about 6 times and you are done… brilliant. Gone are the days of nearly passing out when you try and fill a tube with your trail pump :) They often come with a pressure gauge too so that you can get an accurate idea of the pressures in your toobs :)

I paid about $60.00- for my current one, but I see that shops like Torpedo7 are selling them for $20.00 – $40.00!

Kennett Brothers Classic New Zealand Rides

This book is full of dirt adventures and a must have guide to trails in New Zealand. Cost $38.50 and what a bargain! To order this book try Ground Effect.

Outdoor ID

What a great idea and so cheap too at $12.50.

From the manufacturers website:

“The Helmet ID system is perfect for use in all helmet wearing sports and activities including  cycling, skiing, snowboarding and motorcycling. Mounted to the exterior of the helmet, ambulance officers and first responders can access the user’s information immediately without removing the helmet – essential to reduce the potential for neck and spinal trauma.”

Quite frankly, these should be a legal requirement I think. Visit their website for details.

Camelbak water bottle

At $18.00 these things are fantastic to have on your desk at work to keep up the hydration :D I love the way that it does not spill if knocked over and that you can drink 750ml without even noticing due to the large volume “straw”. More details here.

Tyres, tyres and tyres

OK, you might only get a single quality tyre for under $100 but we can all do with some more rubber eh? It might just be me, but a good 2.3/ 2.4 tyre up front makes a massive difference in the rough stuff so why not spoil that special someone with chunky rubber? :D

Everyone has a favourite so the key with this one is to look at what they are currently riding (tyres have the make and name on the side wall). Admitidly, tyres can be a personal thing so keep receipts just incase an exchange is needed.

My personal favourite is the Specialized Eskar and you can read my review here or find more details on their website.

Gloves

Having a bit of protection on the hands helps with keeping the paws safe as well as providing extra grip. I tend to wear a pair out within 12 months so Christmas time is a perfect time to replace them! You can go for a minimal pair such as the Fox “Incline” or something a little fancier such as the Specialized Body Geometry “Radiator.”

Trail food – One Square Meal

Eating the correct foods while you ride can make a huge difference to your performance, concentration and safety. Having enough fuel in the tank will also make it alot more fun :) There is nothing worse than “bonking” or “hitting the wall” while you are out with mates in the middle of an epic.

After years of eating messy gels I discovered a neat food called “One square meal” which is equivalent to the energy, protein, fat etc of a good feed. I kid you not….nothing that I’ve taken with me on the trails comes close to these… they keep you going and going. Brilliant! Retail ranges from $3.50 – $4.50 depending on where you find them (from service stations to supermarkets). More information here.

Inner tubes

Nothing says “I love you” more this Christmas than inner tubes…go on.. spoil them with rubber :) Getting stranded out in the middle of nowhere with a flat is not fun at all and carrying a spare tube or two in your pack can help fix this. Cheap at $10.00 (ish) but can make someone really happy if it goes pear shaped out on the dirt. You can even buy a bulk lot from Torpedo7 for under $30.00.

Disk brake pads

Hills and mud cause brake pads to disappear faster than that cake at your work Christmas party. Swapping the worn pads for new ones not only help to minimise disk rotor wear, but also help you to stop better :D

Brake pads come in two flavors, organic or sintered. The first being softer and kinder to your rotors but wear quickly, or the alternative being a harder longer lasting compound that rubs rotors to oblivion. I’d rather have longer lasting and better stopping pads all year so I go sintered. Screw the rotors :)

Choose from the manufacturers own at a cost or go for an alternative which are often cheaper and work just as well. Be sure to get the correct pads for the disk brakes though as each manufacturer has a slightly different shaped pad.

I’ve had great experiences with a pad called A2Z found at a great online price of $18.00 at BikeHQ.

Cable Ties

Cheap and are vital in every workshop or out on the trail and no one can ever have enough cable ties!! You will be amazed what cable ties can fix out on the dirt when it turns to custard :/ Prices range from a few $ right up there when it comes to the larger and stronger range. I’d be happy with socks and zip ties….. what about you?!

Related posts:

1. Christmas party
2. Bottlelake revisited on skinny tyres!
3. Schwalbe Little Albert & Nobby Nic
4. Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25″ review
5. Winter ride in the Port Hills

This entry was posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 at 6:48 pm and is filed under Bike Stuff and tagged with gear. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.