Bicycle Touring Gift Ideas Under $25

November 28, 2009

Black Friday may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't find some great gifts for the cyclist in your family or circle of friends. Whether you're buying for the holidays, a birthday, or just because you in a generous mood, here are ten bike products under $25 that any rider can appreciate.

1. You can almost never go wrong with bike lube. Anyone that rides a bike will have to use it at some point, and you can easily find a bottle for under $20 at your local bike shop. Pedros, White Lightning, and Dumonde Tech are some of my favorites.

2. The gift of handlebar tape gives you the opportunity to bestow some of your own flare on someone's bike. Most handlebar tape will run in the range of $12-$16.

3. I used to dread the gift of socks until I started cycling. Defeet, and Sock Guy offer a large variety of styles and designs at around $10 per pair.

4. Anyone who puts in long miles can appreciate chamois cream. There are plenty of options out there, such as Udderly Smooth, and Chamois Butt'r, and you can get a generous amount for around $22.

5. Hydration is a never ending process for a cyclist, so you can never go wrong with a drink mix. I have had great luck with Hammer Nutrition, and a large 32 ounce tub of HEED comes in at $22.

6. If someone you know has a replaceable derailleur hanger on their bike, the Gimp Emergency Derailleur Hanger is the perfect gift at $14.50. Its compact, light, and will get you back up and running if disaster snaps your hanger in half.

7. Some of the best gifts are the ones that show you care, and nothing says that better than an Ultralight Medical Kit. The $17 kit includes everything you need to clean and bandage the most common bike related injuries, such as road rash.

8. I had major doubts about the Fiber Fix Spoke when I first heard about it, but when I finally had to put it to use, it quickly became my new best friend. They are light, easy to use, compatible with just about any wheel, and pack very well.

9. Water bottles are another great gift idea, but sometimes find their way into the roadside ditch. Bio-Bottles by Tacx are a 100% biodegradeable, and costs around $9.

10. Lastly, what better way to inspire someone to start planning their 2010 adventure than an Adventure Cycling map. We currently have 38,158 miles of routes mapped, so there's a good chance we have something available in your neighborhood. They cost $14.75 ($11.75 for members) per map section.

Hopefully this will provide you with some good ideas, and check out our On-line Webstore or your local bike shop for even more options.

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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's member services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.