The best gifts for cyclists

The definitive gift guide for cyclists for road and MTB, the commute and for fun.

Best gifts for cyclists

by William Austin-Lobley |
Updated on

There are a few ways to tell whether you have a keen cyclist in your life. One is that they’re never at home or when they are, they're in the garage tinkering with gears. The second is that when they’re around, they spend all their time either talking about bikes or when they finally shut up, they are staring at Strava, raging that FrumeFan68 has just beaten their PB.

Related: The best cycling watch

Cycling is a passion, and it can be a little tricky for an outsider to know what to get for the bike-mad in their life. Thankfully, we’re here to help with our guide to the best gifts for cyclists. Whether you're on the hunt for a birthday present, Christmas stocking, Father's Day gift or something just because, there is sure to be something on this list for you.

We’ve searched high and low to bring together the best gifts for cyclists possible. From fun gifts like risqué bike lights to Tour de France socks, or more serious fares like windproof and waterproof garbs and mini-GPS devices, this list has it all.

Best gifts for cyclists

Topeak Mini PT30 multitool
Price: $43.77

A handy gift to throw in the bottom of a bag and forget about - until the day something breaks on your bike while you're 50 miles from home and you're able to easily fix it. Then it's the best present in the world. We've tested this tool and written a full review of it. Spoiler alert: it's brilliant.

Having a mini multi-tool is an absolute must for die-hard cyclists and is something your dad is certain to appreciate on Father's Day.

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is a smart little device that tells a cyclist all they need to know with clear formatting. The GPS can display ride stats, such as speed, incline, distance ridden and ride time, as well as directional guides and a tracked route. With the press of a button, it'll even tell the rider how to get back to the ride's start point or share the current location.

It works for both on-road and off-road routes, which can be downloaded from Garmin. It's tiny but mighty, with a display viewable even in sunlight. Team it up with a heart rate monitor for even more feedback and statistical data. This builds on the previously available Edge 130 by adding an accelerometer, which can record stats for mountain bikers like how much air time they get. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is the perfect addition to your dad's cycling arsenal for this Father's Day.

Muc-Off 8-in-1 Bicycle Cleaning Kit

Rrp: $79.99

Price: $72.94
Alternative retailers
DICK'S Sporting Goods$74.49View offer
Jenson USA$79.99View offer
Walmart$79.99View offer

Looking at a filthy bike and the end of a long cycle certainly is rewarding, but all things considered, a clean bike makes for a happy rider. Muc-Off's excellent kit, complete with step-by-step instructions, has all a cyclist could need to make sure that their bike is squeaky clean. Inside the box, you'll find Muc-Off's Bike Cleaner, Bike Spray, Soft Washing Brush, Prong Brush, Detailing Brush, Claw Brush and Expanding Sponge.

Review: "Bought this as a Christmas gift for my dad who is obsessed with cycling and cleaning his bike (he usually uses baby wipes) and is extremely hard to buy for. He loves this gift and says he uses it all the time, he also says it's the best brand for bike cleaning!"

Buff Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
Price: $36.49
Alternative retailers
Walmart$33.78View offer

Buff is a brand you can trust, and its neck gaiter is a stand-out in the industry. It's handy - and not to mention stylish - gift for any cyclist thanks to its multifunctional nature.

It can be placed around the neck and face to defend against the wind, it can be wrapped around the wrist and used to wipe away sweat and grime from the face or glasses, or even be used as a head wrap under a helmet, helping to absorb sweat or keep the heat in. Plus, it's Merino wool, which is our favourite fabric when it comes to bike gear.

If your dad needs kitting out with some top-quality cycling garb, a neck gaiter is the perfect place to start and cannot be appreciated enough.

Review: "I love this Buff product - very soft and not itchy at all."

A subtle celebration of the Tour De France for those who are in the know, but just in case you're not, yellow is a leader, green a sprinter, dots a climber, and white is a young rider. The pack contains one of each colour shown in the image.

The Hornit Original Bike Balls are certainly a cheeky gift, ideal for secret Santa, stocking fillers or even just for a laugh. While they might be a little nuts, the silicon-coated faux-testies are pretty good from a safety perspective: they're bright and draw the attention of other cyclists and road users.

If your dad's got a crude sense of humour (haven't they all?), he'll love these frankly ridiculous, yet incredibly practical Bike Balls.

Review: "Prove that you've got the balls to ride alongside rush hour traffic, or across rough terrain, with these manly badges of honour. As a second thought, why not present them to your significant other, flipped upside down as a make-shift flashing love heart?"

Related: The best bike lights The best bike locks for home and away

Windchill on a cyclist's hands is always an unpleasant experience, often reducing dexterity. Endura's windchill gloves seek to fight against this blight by using a dual-layer system. The outer shell fends off the wind while the interior keeps things comfortable with a soft lining. On the palms, Endura's Palmistry tech supports the rider's grip. All in all, a decent set of gloves for any cyclist.

Any cyclist is bound to appreciate a solid pair of gloves, they'd definitely make a great Father's Day gift in our book.

Review: "I've worn these through the UK winter and have been riding every weekend, including rain, snow, wind, the lot. These gloves have held up pretty well and have kept my hands warm 99 per cent of the time, only coming up short on heavy rain, but then again they're not waterproof and don't claim to be!"

Grefay Smartphone/GPS Bike Mount
Price: $15.98

If someone wants to clip their smartphone or GPS to the handlebars, they need to know that the mount is up to the job. Well, the Grefay mount is. The clamp holds a device's four corners, and the locking mechanism makes sure that the camp maintains a grip throughout the ride, no matter how bumpy. This unit is compatible with devices between 3.5 and 6.5 inches wide and handlebars with a diameter of 22-32mm.

It goes without saying that this incredibly useful phone mount would make a great gift for Father's Day, it's just perfect for route planning, as well as potentially chatting with significant others while cycling.

Review: "This phone mount is amazing fits my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and quite a thick case perfectly. Unfortunately someone rear ended me and I fell off my motorcycle. To my surprise my phone was still securely attached to my bike this is a must buy!"

Tastefully decorated and capturing the spirit of the Tour de France, this mug and coaster set looks just as good on the coffee table as it does out in the workshop.

For the avid cyclist this Father's Day, a celebration of the largest cycling event in the world will surely be appreciated.

Review: "Bought as a birthday present. Good quality product which arrived quickly and looks really great. Very happy with my purchase and the birthday boy loves it!"

For the intrepid cyclist, this bike frame pannier is going to be a godsend. The pack is rigid, meaning that it maintains its shape even when not fully loaded, and spacious. It's ideal for spare inner tubes, gels, tool kits or gloves and spectacles. It's great against the elements too, with a waterproof zipper keeping stored goods dry. On the lid, there's a windowed pocket for smartphones (up to 6.5-inches).

Review: "It does not move on the bike. Fits a lot things, it is impressive how much stuff you can carry in it. I got lots of rain already, and I never had a problem with the frame bag. I have a Samsung Galaxy S10 and it fits with room available still."

Rehook Chain Tool
Price: $15.99

Know a cyclist who often turns up late with oily hands? They probably deserve the Rehook, a nifty gadget that can grab an unseated chain and slot it right back into place without leaving grime and oil on the hands. It's not glamourous, but it's invaluable.

As an inevitable chore while cycling, forget about the hassle of oily hands for the rest of your route and grab yourself this handy little tool, a perfect addition to any cycling tool collection this Father's Day.

Review: "I bought this, hoping I'd never use it. However, I finally had the opportunity when the chain came off, changing gear almost at the top of a hill. "Dash it" I said. I'm pleased to report that the Rehook did everything that it's supposed to. My hands remained oil-less. The only thing it couldn't do was get me restarted on the hill!"

Related: The best exercise bike for your home

United Oddsocks On Your Bike
Price: $26.99

This playful pack of socks includes six individual 'be-spoke' designs themed around road cycling, allowing them to be mixed and matched as desired.

Review: "They arrived in lovely, colourful boxes, no plastic involved, they looked great. The product was good too, I bought two sets. They are fun, cheeky gifts for family cyclists."

Is someone in desperate need of replacing their cycling shoes? These Boardman Carbon Cycle Shoes offer a stiff and lightweight carbon sole, BOA-style closure, rubber bumpers at the toe and heel belie for under £100.

The right shoes cannot be treasured enough while cycling and can make the difference between you and your personal best, your dad's going to love these, rest assured.

Review: "These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and a lovely rigid sole for climbing. The dials mean you can easily adjust the shoes while on the move. And at a amazing price."For more inspiration, read our full and detailed guide on the best road cycling shoes.

We all know someone that already has all the cycling gear they could need, and that's why a new rucksack will come in handy. It's the perfect place to store all their road, mountain or commuting essentials.

Review: "Lightweight, my back doesn't get all sweaty wearing it. I sometimes use it for a heavy shopping load and it holds a lot of weight, yet still feels comfortable on the back and across the straps. Great for my day-cycling trips. Nothing negative I want to say about this bag. Highly recommend."

For more inspiration, read our full and detailed guide on the best cycling backpacks.

Feeling particularly generous?

If you’re feeling charitable and you’d like to make a cyclist’s year, you might want to consider keeping them dry. With the increasing popularity of cycling as a method of commuting, travelling more generally and for personal fitness, more and more people are going to find themselves butting up against a cyclist’s dread foe. No, not an impatient driver, but rain.

Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket is the ultimate cycling waterproof, proving to be impervious to both rain and its nasty sidekick, wind. The properties of Gore-Tex have been well-known and well-regarded for many years now. We know going in that it's going to be good, yet it still manages to surprise us. It’s expensive but awesome.

Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket
Price: £239.99 (was £299.99)

www.chainreactioncycles.com

The ultimate Father's Day gift, if you're feeling particularly generous this year, this Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex jacket is the pinnacle of cycling gear. lightweight, totally waterproof, stylish, and everything you'd want out of a cycling jacket.

Review: "Waited till I'd done a few rides in the rain before commenting. Fantastic jacket that's very light and packable, breathes really well and is very waterproof. You might baulk at the price but you get what you pay for. Can't fault it."

If the Gore Wear jacket has sparked some ideas for you, but the price has you breaking a cold sweat, head over to our two cycling jack roundups. Here we discuss the virtues of various jackets from across price ranges and brands, including some tidy options from Endura, Altura and Castelli.

The best waterproofs for cyclists | The best winter jackets for cyclists

Raining Bike

William Lobley is Deputy Commercial Content Editor and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in gaming, technology and the outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.

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