The GearJunkie staff has been deeply rooted in the two-wheel world for decades. Let us help you find the best gifts for cyclists to be used and appreciated by even the pickiest pedaler in your life.
As you probably know, prices in cycling can be astronomical, but we cover every budget along the financial spectrum in this guide. You’ll find the best cycling gifts for everyone, whether they ride road, dirt, gravel, or anything else.
Happy holidays, and here’s to being the best gift-giver a cyclist could ask for!
Be sure to check out all of our gift guides for more ideas to suit every adventurer on your list!
Cycling Gifts for 2024
Fenix BC26R Rechargeable Bike Light Gift Set: $90
A high-quality bike light is essential for cyclists who start their rides early in the morning or pedal after dark. The limited-edition Fenix Bike Light Gift Set includes everything cyclists need to see and be visible to traffic on city paths or other riders on mountain trails.
The BC26R Rechargeable Bike Light blasts up to 1,600 lumens for a clear look at what’s ahead. Use long-distance mode for a beam that stretches more than 550 feet. Or cover a wider field of vision with the 100-degree floodlight. When used at its lowest brightness, the light provides up to 65 hours of continuous use.
The included BC05R V2.0 Taillight gives riders added safety on the road. With 15 lumens and a 180-degree beam, the light alerts approaching traffic from three angles and more than 750 feet away.
Both pieces come with mounts to easily attach to the handlebar and seat post of the bike and are rechargeable via a USB-C port.
Shop NowSpecialized Propero 4 Helmet: $200
Everything with an “S-Works” from Specialized tends to be lust-worthy, but very high-priced. The Big S hit it big with its lauded S-Works Evade 3 and Prevail 3 helmets, but both come with a $300 MSRP.
This year, Specialized launched the Propero 4 helmet, and our cycling editor was impressed with the performance. This was especially so given the price, which is 33% less than the S-Works versions.
The headline of our review says all you need to know: “S-Works Performance, Approachable Price.”
Shop NowSilca Chain Waxing System: $100
Chain waxing is all the rage among racing cyclists. But GearJunkie’s cycling editor, Seiji Ishii, thinks it harbors even more of an advantage for recreational riders.
Competitors ramble on about the marginal wattage gains, yet we mere mortals may not have time to maintain their trusty rides. Waxing a chain provides incredibly quiet lubrication, and it doesn’t attract dirt like petroleum-based lubes.
And it lasts soooooo long (just not in the rain). Ishii has ridden hundreds of miles without even wiping the dust off a waxed chain. Before jumping on the wax train, he routinely had to lube chains every other ride.
Yes, you can do this with an inexpensive crock pot. But chain wax works best in a specific temperature range, and crock pots take a long time to melt the wax. Silca puts everything you need into a package, which includes a wax heater specifically engineered for Silca’s excellent chain waxes. It reached the correct temperature quickly and reliably held it there.
Shop NowMuc-Off Waterproof Essentials Case: $26
Carrying tire and bike repair tools and supplies while riding is necessary to avoid a long walk or the phone call of shame. And if you have more than one bike, storing them in a seat pack adds expense and the task of ensuring more than one kit stays ready.
Our cycling editor always rides multiple bikes, and he converted to carrying a single kit on his body, only swapping to the appropriate tube. And the best way he has found is cases shaped and sized to fit cycling jersey back pockets.
Lots of riders tuck their toolkit into a cycling jersey pocket, but most are not waterproof. The new Muc-Off Waterproof Essential Case does what its name implies. It houses a multitool, tubeless tire repair kit, two CO2 canisters, tire levers (with a built-in CO2 inflation adapter; see below), and spare master links while protecting them against moisture. The dimensions and texture are perfect for jersey pockets.
Shop NowSilca EOLO 2-N-1 Tire Levers: $52
Any tool with multiple functions saves weight and space while carrying on rides. This set of tire levers has a CO2 inflator built into one lever.
The tire levers are not “just levers” either. With the advent of tubeless systems, especially hookless versions, tire diameters must be exact, making getting them on and off rims difficult. Plastic-only levers tend to break with the forces required, and metal ones can mar carbon rims.
These EOLO tire levers have a metal core with a composite exterior, eliminating both these issues. And they have an engineered flex point to disperse the pinpoint of stress that arises when using a rigid lever, which can and has damaged carbon rims.
Shop NowAventon Abound SR eBike: $2,199
If you love being a first adopter (or first gifter), the Aventon Abound SR eBike might pique your interest. This model is so fresh that it hasn’t even hit the market yet. Add that to a list of first-ever features, and you’ve got a gift that’s sure to be the talk of the holiday season.
The Abound SR is equipped with Aventon’s all-new electronic control unit, which unlocks several intelligent features for personalization and safety. Finetune the feel of three levels of pedal assist to create a customized riding experience.
Use the 4G and GPS connectivity to log your rides, track personal statistics, and remotely keep tabs on the bike’s location. And enjoy peace of mind with anti-theft features, including a password-protected login, smart locking kickstand and battery, geo-fencing-triggered alarm system, and more.
With a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, this high-tech workhorse brings a new level of fun to everyday travel and exercise. Cruise at a top speed of 20 mph, programmed into the eight-speed drivetrain. Or bump it up to 25 mph using the Aventon app.
The Abound SR comes in three cool colors. Preorders are open now, with shipping in time for the holidays.
Shop NowTopeak Torq Stick 4-20 Nm: $140
After leaving a job as a professional bicycle mechanic, our cycling editor had two torque ranges for working on his bikes: monkey and gorilla. Predictably, he stripped plenty of bolts and damaged many parts.
With the crop of uber-light and finicky carbon parts growing, he finally relented to using a torque wrench, and this is his favorite one. The Topeak Torq Stick 4-20 Nm couldn’t be simpler to use, and it comes with all the bits a modern bike would ever need.
The bonus is that it all fits into an included case that’s small enough to keep in your car for those last-minute trailhead or meetup point adjustments or repairs.
Shop NowKnog Frog Rear Bike Light: $28
The time of darkness is upon us, but we still ride. This often means venturing out in the dark, when visibility to motorists is crucial.
Arguably, the rear light is the most important. You cannot see what the car behind you is doing. And much of the feeling of safety is based on the assumption that the driver behind you does see you.
The Knog Frog Rear Brake Light was our cycling editor’s favorite for urban jaunts. It’s super light, at a scant 20 g, and the medical-grade silicone rubber retention band fits any shape of the seat post. The compact size meant keeping it on the bike or packed was a non-issue.
The Frog boasts up to 20 lumens of brightness and 60 hours of runtime from its USB-C rechargeable battery. It has nine different lighting modes and is IP65 waterproof for diehards who ride in any weather.
Shop NowOrange Seal Endurance Sealant With Injection System: $13
Tubeless tires have changed the game for most cyclists, allowing lower pressures for more comfort and efficiency. But they do come with some maintenance requirements.
Tubeless tire sealant doesn’t last forever. It dries up, which may not be apparent until you get a puncture. Some tire sealants require a refresh every 3 months, and some can last much longer. After testing many sealants, GearJunkie’s cycling editor has chosen Orange Seal Endurance Sealant.
Not only did Orange Seal Endurance last a long time, but it also reliably sealed holes up to about ¼”. This 4-ounce (8 ounces also available) bottle is the right size for a refresh, and the injector made it easy to get it into the tire through the valve.
Pro tip: Write the date you refreshed your sealant and the tire pressure you prefer with a Sharpie on the tire’s sidewall right by the valve.
Shop NowPRO Products Team Tubeless Floor Pump: $99
Tubeless tire systems have so many advantages, but the process of setting them up is not one of them.
These systems require a blast of air to super-quickly inflate the tire enough to push the beads into the rim. And the tire has to hold enough air pressure to prevent the sealant from leaking out while it spreads around the tire’s interior. But once the sealant has spread around the rim, you are good to go.
Professional mechanics use an air compressor for this, but many of us don’t have this option. Enter tubeless-specific floor pumps that quickly deliver air to seal the tire beads against the rim.
A division of Shimano, PRO Products and its Team Tubeless Floorpump has become a favorite solution for installing tubeless tires. It has an extra air chamber and a simple valve at the valve head. The valve blocks air from the valve head while air pressure builds in the chamber by pumping as usual. Then, turning the valve allows the air to escape, sealing the beads.
Pro Products claims it will seat tires up to 2.3 inches wide, and our testing has found the pressure gauge to be accurate — a rarity on pumps. The pump also boasts a stout aluminum alloy construction and an extra-long hose to reach tires while the bike is on a repair stand.
Shop NowTopeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX: $39
The GearJunkie team has used countless cycling multi-tools, but there always seems to be one tool missing right when it matters.
It’s difficult for tool manufacturers to fit everything in a format that a cyclist is willing to carry. With all the advancements and brands, the number of bits required to fix everything on any component is impossible in a small and light format.
But the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX setup has come the closest. It provided the most comprehensive set of bits our editor has seen and included a usable chain tool and bit extension.
For an ultimate cycling EDC hack, remove the included tire levers, replace them with the Silca EOLO 2-N-1 levers (also in this guide), and put them in the Muc-Off case (listed above).
Shop NowTifosi Moab Sunglasses: $80
Trendy, stylish, and functional cycling sunglasses can be expensive; plenty live in the $400 range.
But Tifosi has consistently produced functional sports glasses that protect delicate eyes from harmful UV and flying objects — and all for $80 or less. That is remarkable in comparison to brands like Oakley, Smith, Julbo, and others.
The new Tifosi Moab follows the brand’s other successful glasses. Our testing found them comfortable, with adequate coverage for larger faces. The glasses stay put, even on rough mountain bike rides.
Thanks to four vents along the bottom and sides of the frame, they also withstand fogging in humid conditions. Tifosi includes three lenses and has a Fototec photochromatic lens option for the same price!
Shop NowROCKBROS AS1 Pro Mini Electric Air Pump: $96
Of all the things our cycling editor tested, these two items made the most significant difference in his daily cycling routine.
The ROCKBROS AS1 Mini Electric Air Pump replaces awkward, large floor pumps for car trips to the trailhead or spot tire inflation.
The mini pump resided in a gear bag, always at the ready. It is as automatic as tire inflation can get: Set the desired air pressure, attach it to the valve, press the start button, and let work! It stops when it reaches the set pressure. The pump is capable of reaching 120 psi.
The AS1 is small (5″x3.35″x1.54″) and light enough (124 g) to carry in a jersey pocket. It has enough battery power to inflate a typical tubeless road tire four times and is USB-C rechargeable. ROCKBROS also includes a hose (not required for bikes) and various adapters for sports equipment, Shraeder valves, etc.
Shop NowLectric XPress 750 eBike: $1,299
For an everyday commuter with extra power, go with the Lectric XPress 750 eBike. The XPress 750 has a powerful 1,310W electric motor (compared to the 1,092W motor seen in the XPress 500). That extra power supports a 60-mile maximum range, allowing riders to travel 15 additional miles on a single charge.
Of course, riders can still expect the innovative Lectric design elements the brand is known for. The XPress 750 has industry-leading torque sensors and Lectric PWR+ programming that provide precise, controlled power for five levels of pedal assist.
A custom-designed TC•Eighty front suspension with up to 80mm of shock absorption and a full-size wheelbase with 27.5 x 2.1-inch city tires ensure a smooth ride in urban settings. The finished product: an efficient, reliable commuter eBike that handles everything from long commutes to weekend exploration in style.
Shop NowPrestacycle Pro Presta Head: $39
This proved one of the most impactful cycling products for 2024. The Prestacycle Pro Presta Head eliminated decades of frustration and bashed hands, knuckles, and fingers.
Presta valve pump heads rely on friction to hold them in place and prevent leaks while inflating bike tires. This can make putting them on and removal difficult. And if it’s not a tight fit, they often leak when not perfectly aligned.
We’ve all gashed the backs of our hands, fingers, and knuckles on the rear cogs countless times (and have the scars to prove it).
The Prestacycle Pro Presta Head valve head doesn’t rely on friction; it mechanically attaches to the Presta valve. It slides on the valve easily with a resounding click, and it removes just as easily with a push of the top button. No more bashed hands! It has also never leaked air.
Shop NowChris King Espresso Tamper: $150
Cycling and coffee cultures are inextricably linked. “Coffee rides” are commonplace, and coffee shops with bike shops (like Meteor Cafe) have sprung up in plenty of cycling towns.
For the cyclist who has everything (like our cycling editor) and tends to be very picky about cycling gear, the Chris King Espresso Tamper is a luxury that die-hard cyclists will surely appreciate daily. Our editor claims it is the highlight of his kitchen.
These espresso tampers have the extremely tight manufacturing tolerances Chris King is famous for, along with the brand’s trademark fit and finish. Holding one in your hands immediately makes you think, “Oh, this is nice.”
It’s available in a 58mm size and an array of impeccable anodized colors that every hard-core cyclist recognizes as Chris King.
Shop NowSpecialized S-Works Evade 3: $225
The S-Works Evade 3 helmet is particularly prone to wish lists because of its prominence in WorldTour teams and Grand Tour podiums.
Long regarded as one of the most, if not the most, aerodynamic helmets on the market, it’s also surprisingly cool on hot days. The number and area of vents are less than other road helmets, but cycling editor Seiji Ishii found the Evade 3 surprisingly cool even in his hot home state of Texas.
The Specialized S-Works Evade 3 also checks safety boxes. It has Air Node MIPS protection (which doesn’t restrict airflow like other systems) and is compatible with the brand’s ANGi crash sensor.
The Evade 3 works for gravel, CX-style MTB, and road riding, somewhat mitigating the high price. But right now, it’s on sale for $225, which is a great deal for the “world’s fastest helmet.”
Shop NowHow to Shop for the Best Gifts for Cyclists
Cycling is so gear-oriented, and cyclists can be very particular about every widget they use while riding. This can make finding the best gifts for cyclists difficult, even for the newbies. So we’re here to help.
Best Gifts for Cyclists: The Daily Needs
Daily necessities are obvious places to start searching for the best gifts for cyclists. Outside of the bicycle, safety gear like helmets, cycling glasses, bicycle lights, and radar units are exceptionally thoughtful gifts if the cyclist in your life doesn’t already have them.
Preparing tires for every ride is one area that isn’t obvious to a noncyclist. This is complicated by modern tubeless tires that are becoming more common. At the very least, your cycling buddy requires a pump and a way to check tire pressure if the pump doesn’t have a gauge or is inaccurate (very common).
Chain cleaning and lubrication are next on the list of frequently done and required tasks. Biodegradable degreasers and chain scrubbing contraptions can hasten the potentially messy task. And chain lube is something that can be constantly need.
If your cycling friend or family member really gets into the weeds on chain efficiency and life, they may delve into waxing the chain. At the very least, this involves chain wax and a crock pot. And a new chain in itself can be an excellent gift for high-mileage riders, but it’s also logical to gift it along with chain waxing supplies.
The Best Gifts for Cyclists That Ease Bike Maintenance and Repairs
Periodic bike maintenance and repairs can’t be avoided. So gifting tools or supplies that ease such chores makes for much-appreciated gifts.
Depending on their level of mechanical competence and comfort level, they will also periodically need items to maintain tubeless tires. First on the list is tubeless bicycle tire sealant. Getting the sealant into the tire without removing the bead eases maintaining the sealant. A valve core remover and a way to force the sealant through the valve stem will save a lot of labor and mess.
The most common trailside or roadside repair will be fixing a tire puncture, and the items necessary also make great gifts that are truly appreciated when needed. Tubeless riders will need a plug kit (which can now be found on multitools, as mentioned above), while those on tubed tires can always use spare tubes (check out the new, much lighter polyurethane versions). And everyone can use tire levers and a compact pump or CO2 inflation system to complete the repair.
After tire repair, loose bolts or adjusting things like bar and saddle position are often required while out. A comprehensive multitool should always be in a cyclist’s jersey pocket or saddle bag. Ensure that the tool you choose for your cycling aficionado has all the necessary bits for their particular bike, including Torx and whatever size bit is required to tighten the bottle cages.
Seasonal Cycling Apparel
New cyclists usually start spinning their legs when the weather is good. But seasons change, necessitating the expansion of the cycling wardrobe. Arm warmers and leg warmers will extend the usability of the warm-weather kits they already have, as will under-the-helmet hats, warmer gloves, windbreaker vests and jackets, and shoe covers.
For the mountain biker in your life, apparel also means safety gear. Those who frequent downhill bike parks or revel in the gravity-fed aspects of mountain biking need several bits of kit. These can include full-face helmets (or MTB helmets that convert between open and full-face), goggles, elbow and knee guards, and chest/torso protectors. Like trailside or roadside repair gifts, these safety-related items are truly appreciated when you’re lying on the ground but OK.
This Best Gifts for Cyclists guide is only a starter on the potential best cycling gifts. Cycling is one of the most gear-intensive outdoor activities, so the gift-giving possibilities are truly endless.
Why Trust This Best Gifts for Cyclists Guide?
4 Decades of Experience
I’ve been cycling for nearly 40 years, starting with road racing in the ’80s as a teen. Back then, we shifted on the downtube, there were six cogs in the back, and there was no indexed shifting; you had to “find” the gear. We also glued “sew-up” tires to our race wheels, and the cycling computer wasn’t a thing just yet.
There was no carbon to be seen. My apparel was mostly wool. I nailed my cleats to the bottom of my wood-soled cycling shoes and anchored them to pedals with leather straps. And bicycle frame tubes were round, period.
Fast forward to now, and we have 12 or 13 cogs in the back and — holy moly — electronic shifting. Hydraulic disc brakes have replaced rim brakes, and carbon is everywhere, including on the bottom of cycling shoes and spokes.
We’ve gone through the sew-up tire era to high-performance tubed tires, and now we are on tubeless. I haven’t pulled on a pedal strap in decades, and round frame tubes are in the minority.
I witnessed all these spectacular advancements and was almost always an early adopter of new cycling tech or methodology. I spent months of rent on the first power meter. I suffered through early iterations of new cycling tech that half the time caused more problems than they fixed, if any. And I’m fortunate to use all this experience to create content usable by GearJunkie readers, including this best gifts for cyclists guide.
A Job I Take Seriously
I feel I test gear for a long time and very intently before keying in my opinions. I believe that my standards are very high to give anything the green light.
All of this is to say that you’re reading a culmination of decades of road, mountain, and now gravel cycling, both competitive and recreational. And I don’t take it lightly. My name is on these things; as they say, these words live forever on the interwebs. I’m doing my best to guide the spending of hard-earned dollars in the endeavors I love.
Choosing the items I include in any buying guide is hard for me. I extensively tested everything on this list, and every potential gift met my expectations, often by a large margin. I asked myself, “What would I want as a gift if I didn’t have this job? What would I appreciate as a thoughtful gift from a loved one during the holiday season?”
Be assured that this gift guide was a massive and serious effort. I did enjoy it, and often envisioned myself as a 14-year-old, just starting to shave his legs and learn French (you know, to go to the Tour de France) and receiving one of these items during the holidays. That made my job much more enjoyable. And these visions bolstered my confidence that my choices for the best gifts for cyclists are worthy.
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
Want more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides and buying guides.
