Gift ideas for a cyclist?

[Pickle]

I know a lot of you cycle to work, so was hoping for advice on your "must haves" - Mr Pickle has been commuting by bike since September and doesn't really have any specific cycling kit (apart from gloves which he bought a week or so ago having failed to warm his hands up all day after his cycle in to the office!). With Christmas fast approaching I'm thinking that cycling stuff would be ideal, so need some help!

What have you got that you wouldn't be without? Both practical suggestions and gadget type things appreciated!

[PeckhamRose]

Given the 'other' thread - a cycling proficiency (advanced) course?

Protective clothing gear? Definitely protective gloves. You can get stuff from Metropolist at Vauxhall. Seriously - all cyclists should wear protective gloves.

[EDKiwi]

Haven't really cycled in London but I'd say decent lights, maybe hi-vi clothing, oh and water proofs all seem like good ideas to me.

[Pickle]

Protective gloves are the one thing he has got. A cycling course is a really good idea, thanks.

[Ladymuck]

Membership of the London Cycling Campaign...this also gives him free third party insurance...very very useful/important.

[DirtyBox]

or some of these Firebox

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Shares in Halfords.

[Atila Reincarnate]

Puncture outfit?

[HonaloochieB]

An Oyster card.

[Atila Reincarnate]

Life insurance?

[GregI]

A few ideas:

Saddlebags/Pannier bags

Jacket (waterproof/reflective)

Some good lights

Bike computer

Brooks leather saddle (quite pricey but very nice and comfy!)

Some bike shops do maintenance courses (anything from a couple of hours to few days depending on what you like) which are good. If he's already fairly handy mechanically, then a decent cycle toolkit and maintenance book is a great investment- saves a packet on repairs and keeps everything moving nicely

[SteveT]

An engine?

[Y'man]

A tow rope with a hook for Dog Kennel and such like hills!

[SteveT]

If he carries anything at all then like Greg1 said a saddle bag, to keep the weight on the bike.

Bags on the back were only for food to stop 'hunger knock' on long journeys.

For maintenance, hire mlteenie for an hour for a training session, and he can point out the most useful tools, lubricants, saddles, extensions for comfortable riding position etc.

[dulwichmum]

How about a car? An Aston Martin DB9 should hit the spot!

[lozzyloz]

Pickle I'm just back from Condor where I bought some Merino winter socks, arm warmers, skull cap and winter gloves. There are some good gift ideas on their blog.

[njc97]

Definitely a jacket. And a hat.

[jimmy two times]

Stabilisers

[Michael Palaeologus]

Driving licence

[Pickle]

Some useful suggestions there, thanks folks. To address any "concerns"...

- he has an Oyster card, a dislike for crammed commuter trains, and a middle-aged desire to get fit

- life insurance fully paid up, hence I am not discouraging his newfound love of cycling ;-)

- drivers license and car he has, and Dulwich Mum, it's a Jag (imagine that said with suitably low Jeremy Clarkson type voice)

- he does currently wear a jacket etc. (in case you have visions of a poor man cycling with absolutely no relevant kit), just not cycling stuff!

Anyway, keep the ideas coming, I'm spoiled for choice now!

[SteveT]

Lidl sell cycling shoes and clothing spasmodically.

Some weeks its walking gear but it is all reasonably priced so not a big deal if he chooses not to wear what you buy.

[Horsebox]

If you're really not sure then how about gift vouchers from www.wiggle.co.uk ? He can then choose his own cycling goodies.

Not sure about the protective gloves though. Seems like overkill for a commute ride...

[northlondoner]

Special glasses to detect when traffic lights have turned red.

[LegalEagle-ish]

I got a cycling jacket from Lidl last week cos my Altura one was falling apart after years of use and it's made from some wierd fabric that keeps you totally warm, even in this horrible weather with just a tee shirt underneath. It's completely windproof and seems waterproof so far. Plus it dries really quickly and only cost about ?15. It's baby blue, but I think the mens ones are in other colours. I love Lidl, they have loads of decent cycling gear, including cycling shoes that you can use with the cleat type pedals. Their lights are a bit rubbish though.

[Applespider]

I'd throw a vote in for a cycling computer that lets him track how fast/far he's travelled.

There are lots of things he could tweak on his bike - e.g. a new saddle, security bolts to stop little shits stealing wheels/saddle etc if he has to leave it outside.