TBD's Holiday Gift Guide 2023

It’s that time of year again! That time when the gong of capitalism rings out and your inbox fills with 30% off promotional emails. If you are a person like me who can’t resist the holiday siren song and likes to express affection through gift giving, here are some ideas to get you started.

* Prices accurate as of Dec 2023 but these are subject to change. View the products by clicking on the images

Stocking Stuffers

Hornit Clug Bike Rack ($21)

For those of us who live in rented apartments (and those of us not well-versed in wall construction), drilling holes into the wall and hanging a bike can be scary. The Hornit Clug requires only two tiny holes and most of the weight of the bike is on the floor. These come in various sizes roughly corresponding to road, gravel and MTB tires.

Ferm Living Bike Ornament ($15)

A lovely little stocking stuffer. Or maybe you want to give this before Christmas? I don’t know, I’ve never had a Christmas tree. But if I did I would put this on it.

Ten Speed Hero Merino Wool Sprinkle Socks ($22)

The OG Ten Speed Hero sprinkle socks. Buy these for someone who wants to keep their toes toasty and get frequent compliments on their socks. These also come in a lovely cloud pattern, perfect for a rainy cross race.

Gift Card to The Feed ($20-$500)

Don’t even try to guess what kind of gels and bars to buy for your friend/partner/child/parent. A cyclist’s nutrition choices are perhaps the most personal thing, second only to their choice of chamois butter. One person’s chocolate Skratch recovery mix is another’s instant oatmeal squeezy bottle. Instead, get your loved one a gift card towards a single Maurten gel or two.

Under $75

Jen's Cycling Art ($31-99)

Vintage-y cycling themed prints by a UK artist. There are a bunch of race-themed prints and others based around particular locations. I believe you can also commission a custom print if your friend/partner/etc has a particular photo they love.

Bicycle Chain Menorah ($30)

A little kitschy, but also cute and funny and seasonally appropriate.

Abbey Bike Tools Crombie ($53)

I know that spending $53 on a single-use tool might make you cry but whoever you buy this for will probably love you for it. This is like a combo lock-ring tool plus crescent wrench all in one. Imagine only having to pack one tool instead of two?? Why are lock ring tools even sold as a single item?

Lezyne Mini Drive 400 Light Set ($62)

Keep your friends safe and seen, pals. These won’t do for dark woods or country riding, but they’re great for city commuting and early morning park laps.

Annual Subscription to Escape Collective ($69)

If you know someone who’s not yet subscribed to Escape Collective, gift them a subscription! This is (imo) the highest-quality cycling journalism out there right now and that’s worth paying for.

Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves ($70)

Keep those fingies toasty and cozy in the winter. These are but a small sampling of Castelli’s many, many gloves for all weather and all occasions. I personally like the Perfetto RoS gloves for fall and early winter in NYC. They offer a nice bit of flexibility while still feeling warm and cozy.

IL Equipment Work Apron ($70)

I have already bought this for the mechanic in my life and I’m sure yours would appreciate it too.

Horst Titanium Dreidel ($72)

Horst makes two items: toe spikes and a titanium dreidel. Does anyone need this? Absolutely not. Is it still hilarious and delightful? Yes and yes. This is an item that’s perfect to buy as a gift because no one will ever buy it for themselves. Also, I love that it’s priced at $72 (iykyk)

under $150

Cycplus Tiny E-Pump ($89)

In the words of Alvaro, who reviewed the Cycplus Tiny Bike Pump for the Journal this summer, “If you are like me and want a solid solution that will both save you out on the road AND make traveling with a bike significantly easier, then I say it’s definitely worth it.” This little pump is pricey but can be a nice solution for traveling when co2 canisters are not an option.

Road Runner Burrito Supreme Bag ($95)

For the spirit of gravel. (But also, these are great bags).

Silca Hex Set ($99)

We have hex sets at home and I still want these. I mean, look at that box! So beautiful! Who wouldn’t want these?

Craft Glide Full Zip Pants ($99)

For the cyclocrosser in your life. The full zips on both sides make these the perfect cross warm up pants. They can be worn right to staging and then unzipped just before the one-minute whistle. These come in a women’s version as well.

Velocio Zero+ Winter Booties ($109)

Extremely warm shoe covers for the cyclist in your life that still has not subscribed to Zwift and insists on riding outdoors in freezing temps. These are especially good for people with smaller feet as they go down to size XS (approx US women’s size 5-7).

Ten Speed Hero Rain Cloud Jacket ($115)

A very cute rain/wind jacket. Not fully waterproof but will keep one dry-ish if there’s a light drizzle. Fairly packable, good for throwing into a bag on those unpredictable spring/fall days.

Silca Bike Care Set ($135)

For your friend/partner/casual acquaintance who loves cleaning their bike.

Theragun Mini Massage Gun ($119)

I don’t know the science behind massage guns but I’m going to say they feel really nice and that’s enough. This sometimes goes on sale for a little over $100. If that’s the case, you may want to scoop one up for, well, pretty much anyone!

Over $200

Castelli Sorpasso RoS Thermal Bibs ($239)

Nice n’ cozy thermal tights for your friend who rides through the winter.

Castelli Unlimited Puffy Jacket ($330)

Matt reviewed this jacket on the Journal a while back and we’ve got to say, it’s still getting rave reviews from the team. It’s a bit of a splurge but oh so cozy and warm. In the words of Matt, “I would not choose it on the coldest days, but for pre-and-post race, for off-road adventures, for a packable piece of outerwear, and for more casual rides the Unlimited Puffy is hard to beat. As a result, it earns our seal of approval.”