Some gifts better than socks
I’m a dad and I’ve graduated into those Christmas gifts that I used to give my own dad for Christmas — some socks, a belt, a tie, maybe a box of my special candy. Here is the funny thing… I like it. The other thing that comes with being a dad is that you get much more enjoyment out of Christmas giving for your children than you do receiving anything.
Now for the cyclists in your life, you might be wondering what to get them. Sure, there is that super-duper cycling computer or indoor CompuTrainer system, but your wallet takes one look at those things and starts jumping out of your pants to run for the door! Even a winter cycling jacket or new helmet can send the uninitiated into sticker shock.
So, what are the belts, ties, and special candies for a cyclist?
Specialized Wool Trainer Sock
Well, first we need to start with socks. This is one carry over from your traditional giving into giving for a cyclist. Your special rider probably has a bag full of funky socks with all kinds of logos around them. It doesn’t hurt to have some plain old socks. Plus, in yucky weather some of those lighter colored socks can start looking dingy. Make them throw out their old smelly stuff and stick some new socks on those feet!
The Specialized Wool Trainer Sock ($16) is one of my favorite ones right now. I find myself wearing them even when I’m not on the bike. Another sock I have enjoyed wearing and will probably end up getting some more just to use as dress socks (with pants on, you can’t tell they are “sports” socks) is the Hincapie R3 Performance Compression Sock ($29.99). Cyclists send a lot of blood through those veins in their legs. When the pump slows down the veins can begin to “go limp” and it’s nice to have something to keep them in place.
Other things that won’t break your bank account (though you will find that cycling can be “the new golf” in more ways than one!) are those things that cyclists need on a regular basis, or they can keep “just in case” they need them. These items include tubes, chain lube, patch kits, bike lights, CO2 cartridges (or a plain old bike pump – a nifty smaller one for your road rider), and other things that the cyclist might not need RIGHT NOW. Chances are he will later.
Probably, of the things mentioned above, that I think I would appreciate seeing under the tree are the Sports Energy Drink powders. A large container of this stuff can cost over $40 depending on where it is purchased. I’d rather put that $40 to something a little more tangible, but nutrition is something a cyclist must have. Getting a big bottle of CytoMax under the tree would bring a smile to my face!
However, what is probably the greatest gift you could give a cyclist? How about a gift card? No, I’m not talking about a plastic card to the local bicycle shop. I’m talking about a plain old Christmas card with these simple words written in them…
“Dear (favorite cyclist’s name here), you know that (insert item you keep hearing about or see furtive glances cast towards) you have been wanting? Well, in 2010, I give you permission to buy it and promise not to look at you as though you have lost your mind when you do.”
Now, THAT would be a Merry Christmas!
