Gift guide: 6 gifts for cycling commuters

The pleasure of a bike commute can be aided or hindered by the quality of a cyclist’s equipment. Help a commuter in your life brave the elements, and look good doing it, with these six gift ideas. 

1. The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-9 ($110, kryptonitelock.com )

The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-9 is a refined u-lock with subtle but effective features. Kryptonite’s double deadbolt helps to combat twist attacks. The disc-style cylinder is drill-resistant. The Evolution Mini-9 attaches to a bike with bracket that’s included. This lock, in a way, is a gift for a bike that will make it feel secure.

2. Giant Cruiser bell ($10, giant-bicycles.com )

Ring in the new year with a Giant Cruiser bell. The purple colour looks great, but so do the black, blue, and red and blue versions. Fits on bars from 21 to 26 mm in diameter.

3. Sugoi Women’s Zap bike jacket ($200, sugoi.com)

The Sugoi Women’s Zap bike jacket really lights up the night. A micro-glass bead application that seems like a mere design pattern of dots and dashes actually reflects a beam, increasing rider visibility. The fabric is waterproof, while the seams are taped to keep water at bay. A back pocket with flap holds ride essentials.

4. Racer E-Glove 3 ($300, racergloves.com )

While the Racer E-Glove 3 is from France, it works great for the Canadian winter. The heated gloves have a thermoregulator to keep hands warm without cooking them. A Polymax membrane keeps water out. There are even shock absorbing pads if things get bumpy.

5. Specialized Base Miles Stormproof backpack ($225, specialized.com )

Keep a laptop and a change of clothes protected with the Specialized Base Miles Stormproof backpack. The 23-l bag has also been tested in Specialized’s wind tunnel, so it should perform well in the daily commuter criterium.

6. Abus 770A Smartx lock ($370 for 230-mm length, $390 for 300-mm length, abus.com )

The Abus 770A Smartx lock can make more noise than a Christmas cracker. Would-be thieves are treated to a 100-decibel alarm. Lock up or unlock with an iOS or Android smartphone via the SmartX system. These new-school elements work with classic hardened steel, which is used for the shackle, the housing and the load-bearing parts of the locking mechanism.