RECREATION / BICYCLING : For Biker Who Has Almost Everything
Cycling in Southern California may be one of the more misunderstood pastimes. What is it about this sport that brings out the bizarre, or some might say eccentric, behavior in otherwise sane people?
People who wouldn’t be caught dead at work in anything less than button-down, Oxford-cloth shirts or Anne Klein wardrobes take to the streets in wild neon jerseys and matching pink socks and helmets. Men shave their legs and women spend months trying to make their thighs look like tree trunks.
Consider this note from my editor, a tolerant and open-minded person and a social progressive on most other issues: “What’s the deal with the obnoxious colors that bicyclists wear? Like we see them already! Why raspberry and lime green shoes? Man. Almost got sick this morning idling next to a particularly neon guy who was balancing motionless on his pedals at a stoplight.”
Get the picture? It’s not easy for cyclists to explain their passion for the bike, particularly to non-riding spouses who can never quite appreciate that beloved new green, blue and florescent yellow rainbow jersey that hangs in the closet.
That said, and with Christmas just days away, it may be an appropriate time to offer a laundry list of gifts and stocking-stuffer goodies for the misunderstood biker in your life. In the interest of economics, we will forget for the time about that $3,600 custom racing bike and concentrate on gifts in the range of $50 or less--and all available at your local bike shop.
* Helmets: Enough can’t be said about the need to wear one; they’re lifesavers. If the biker in your family doesn’t have one, pick one up immediately. A great gift idea for youngsters too, to get them in the habit of wearing them early. Kids like the plastic-coated models so they can cover them with their favorite stickers; go for the light-weight Styrofoam models that meet national safety standards for adults. Approximate cost: $50
* Helmet covers: These are the washable nylon covers that stretch over the helmet and allow bikers to coordinate the color of their helmets with their jerseys. Available in every color imaginable. Great for the stocking. Cost: about $10
* Bike computers: An indispensable toy for the modern cyclist, these computers sit on the handlebars and provide current speed, top speed, trip distance, odometer for total miles logged and a clock. Some models provide average speed. If your budget allows, consider the new Avocet Altimeter 50 which also provides maximum altitude, trip elevation gain (or loss) and total elevation gain. It runs about $100. However, there are a number of other, dependable models made by Cateye, Avocet and others that run in the $40 to $50 range.
* Arm and leg warmers: By far the most popular item among cyclists this winter. Perfect for the Southern California climate, these warmers are slipped on the arms and legs and can be removed in mid-ride as the temperature rises. A can’t-miss item. Cost: from $25 to $50.
* Performance drinks: Available at most bike shops, these performance-enhancing drinks are the rage of the cycling world. Look for the powdered kind that mixes with water and is stored in the water bottle. Prices vary, but generally in the $15 to $20 range.
* Socks: No biker likes to be seen in anything other than real cycling socks (no tube socks, please). They rarely cover the ankles and come in a wonderful array of colors. Try the new neon pink, lime green or florescent yellow. Cost: from $5 to $7
* Gloves: You can never have enough gloves. Consider the finger-less models for the summer and the heavy, padded mittens for winter. Cost: from $15 to $50
* Booties: These wonderful, toe-saving devices slip over the cyclist’s cleated shoes to keep the feet warm and toasty during winter rides. Impress your biker with your knowledge of this little-known but highly recommended gift. Cost: $20 to $50
* Shorts and jerseys: Generally higher quality, Italian-made shorts and jerseys run more than $50, but with the general slowdown in the economy, a lot of bike stores have slashed prices this winter. Basic black for shorts is always a safe bet. Cost: $25 on up.
* Tights: Again, top-of-the-line, full-body tights can easily run more than $100 but look for sales. They’re great for cold winter rides. Bike shops always have a better selection than mainstream sporting goods or discount stores and offer models with chamois lining in the seat. Cost: $50 up.
* Tools: You can’t go wrong with these, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. In the $5 range are patch kits to repair tubes, plastic tire irons to remove tires and the ever-popular can of bicycle chain lubricant.
* Miscellaneous: How about a subscription to Bicycling magazine (the Bible of the American bicycling world), some extra tubes (make sure you have the correct tire and wheel size) or a new pouch that tucks under the rear seat to store valuables? Other can’t-miss goodies: cycling caps (about $5) and water bottles ($4 to $10).
Finally, if you simply don’t know what to get, a guaranteed winner is a gift certificate at your biker’s favorite bike shop. Most shops offer them and you can avoid the embarrassment of buying a pink striped jersey that clashes with his or her favorite blue and green shorts.