Time for the Christmas list.  Hopefully, some of my family will see this and find something that might fall in their price range.  Of course, I guess a lot of that would depend on how naughty or nice they think I’ve been!

Gifts you actually might get for Christmas

The Specialized SL Rain Jacket ($80)

Specialized SL

This jacket is so lightweight that you may forget you have it, until you need it for some wind and rain resistance when it will provide needed protection.

• Ultra lightweight woven polyester has a durable, water resistant finish
• Mesh panels under the arms provide additional breathability
• Reflective trim on collar and lower back for additional visibility
• Open waist construction allows air flow with less billowing

I could use this because the $20 one I have makes me sweat something awful!  You need something that holds off the rain, but also breathes.

Specialized Thermal Velocity Jacket ($155)

Specialized Thermal Velocity

Okay, so I already have this jacket, but I like it so much I hope someone else gets one too!  Not only is it a nice jacket for riding, but with a pair of jeans you can be stylin’ even off the bike.

Proving jackets don’t have to be bulky to be functional, this “soft shell” cycling jacket is lightweight and stretchable, while providing superior warmth and protection in winter riding conditions.

• Soft shell material has a water resistant nylon/spandex outer layer for protection and form fit
• Soft, fleeced polyester inner layer for warmth and hydrophobic function
• Reflective rear pocket trim for increased visibility
• Zippered chest pocket for easy access to energy rations or electronics
• Zipper cuffs for form fit with easy on-and-off
• Front hand pockets to stow essentials or warm the hands
• Slightly expanded Form Fit to allow for layering

Training and Racing with a Power Meter, by Hunter Allen ($13 – $20)

Training and Racing with a Power Meter

Okay, so maybe not every cyclist would want to have this for Christmas, but a rider just starting to get into training with a power meter certainly would.  There are other tools out there, but most likely you’ll find them referencing this book.

“Authors Allen and Coggan explode the myth that power meter training is too complicated for the average cyclist. Includes a thorough guide to help cyclists find the right power meter to suit their goals. Comprehensive illustrations explain key concepts.”

Of course, in order to train with a power meter, you have to have one.  I’m kind of partial to the Quarq CinQo.  However, I’m not so sure that at over $1000 it would fall in this list!

Blackburn Air Stik SL ($30)

Air Stik SL

You have to love the ease of using CO2 to inflate your tires.  However, if you have ridden for any amount of time, you’ve found yourself in a situation where 1) the valve malfunctioned sending the CO2 spraying out all over the place, or 2) you ended up with more flats than you had cartridges for.  In times like that, it would be neat to have Blackburn’s Air Stik SL.

This little beauty might take you longer to pump up that tire, but it sure beats trying to inflate your tire using lung power!  The trade for the longer inflation time is the size and weight of this pump.  This would fit great in a stocking.

• Presta valve compatible only
• Micro size—6 1/4″ long and 3/4″ wide
• Weighs 58 grams
• Aluminum barrel and shaft
• Includes frame mounting bracket
• Lifetime warranty

Do you have any gift ideas?  Go ahead and comment with your list for cycling Santa.  Next post we’ll list some of those toys that you secretly would love to find under the tree, but probably won’t — unless you put them there yourself!  Save your fantasy list for that one.