A good gift for someone who rides is something that goes on the bike or in the saddlebag and gets used every ride. Riders are particular about their kit, so the safe choices are the ones that make a ride easier or safer: a helmet that fits, a lock they trust, a pump that fits in a pocket. For a child who is just learning, the first bike is the gift.
What a rider really wants
Something that suits how they ride. A commuter wants a good lock and a light. A weekend road rider wants to know the route and the speed. A child learning wants a bike that is the right size and a helmet that fits. Look at the bike in the hall, notice what is missing, and start there.
If you can't tell what they have, a helmet, a lock or a pump is rarely a duplicate, and a book of rides is a good idea for someone who already has everything on the bike.
Before you choose, ask yourself
- Do they commute, ride for fitness or ride for adventure?
- Is it a child just starting out?
- What do they carry, and what do they keep forgetting?
Gift ideas for riders
First wheels
For a little one starting out. A teaches a toddler to steer and balance before pedals, and a is the next step for a child who is ready to pedal.
Kit for the ride
For the one who rides every week. A is the one thing every rider needs, and fit matters, so check the size. A child needs a kids bike helmet in their own size, ideally one that states the Australian standard. A is the small useful present that is never a duplicate.
Data and training
For the rider who likes numbers. A shows speed, distance and the route ahead, and an keeps them riding when the weather is bad.
For the shelf
For a rider with a shelf to fill. An can be a LEGO road bike to build over a weekend and keep on display.