Saddle, Sore + Chamois Cream
When a new female cyclist starts riding, it can be intimidating, even if she’s super speedy. From my own experience—and from the hundreds of women I’ve talked to about this stuff—one of the biggest challenges is that no one talks about the nether-region stuff… like not wearing underwear with your bike shorts, what to do about chafing or saddle sores, and whether you should use a pad or a tampon. That’s why I wrote “Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy” and why it’s an awesome present for a new cyclist: it answers those questions and a ton more, without forcing your new friend into a conversation she may not be comfortable having. She’ll thank you later. Ditto with the chamois cream, which most new cyclists don’t know about but will be a huge help for long rides…. Get started with chamois cream early, avoid issues in the future!
Buy here: “Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy” + Chamois Butt’r (with Coconut Oil!)
Pearl Izumi Button-Down
This is what Peter is wearing in the photo for this article, and he’s obsessed. If you have a mountain biker who you’d love to see wearing something that’s comfortable and warm for riding but also completely decent-looking for a post-ride beer, this is your best bet. It comes in a lot of colorways, and I’ll be honest, the black and white version is probably showing up in Peter’s presents this year!
Shred Girls Jersey + Book
I’m really stoked that Shred Girls jerseys are now available for purchase in short AND long sleeve, because as most of you know, I deeply, deeply love a long-sleeve jersey. (Psst… to get the jersey in time for Christmas, you need to order your jersey by Friday, November 20!!) And of course, you’ll want a book to go with the jersey. Might I recommend (and I’m totally biased here)… Shred Girls: Lindsay’s Joyride and Ali’s Rocky Ride by me, Molly Hurford. For middle-grade + young adult athletes (or girls who you’re hoping to get excited about sport!), this series is a fun way to introduce riding.
Topeak SmartGauge D2
I swear, if Peter could gift this to every cyclist he knows, he would. But if you’re a mountain biker or cyclocross racer, you really, really need a good smart gauge. This is an awesome stocking stuffer or an easy-to-ship (read: tiny!) gift option for a distanced Christmas.
A Cycling Computer
Want to play the ultimate Santa? We’ve been pondering cycling computers for my dad this year (shh!) and we’re down to two that we would choose/recommend. Fo navigating your bike adventures, we like the Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer. But the best all-around cycling computer, and a tiny bit cheaper? The Garmin Edge 830 GPS.
That said… for a quarter of the price, I (Molly) really have been impressed by Lezyne’s Mega GPS. I’ve had it for three years and it’s still going strong, the battery life is fantastic, and I haven’t gotten lost using it in three different countries! Sure, it takes a bit more tech-savvy and a smartphone, so it may not work for someone like my dad, who still rocks a flip phone, but for $149, you can’t beat it.
Gore-TEX INFINIUM Stretch Gloves
Remember how last week, we talked all about how we decide on what new gear to buy? These gloves tick a lot of boxes for us, since they’re ideal for riding, running and hiking, they’re basic black, and honestly, they fit both of us!
Velocio Recon Vest
OK, for the cycling woman who has everything, I have a couple of favorite pieces. I’m a massive Velocio fan for their amazingly comfortable, flattering and downright practical kits (ahem, zipper bib shorts!). And I really love their Recon Vest—and it’s something most cyclists won’t have a million versions of already. This one is fabulous for riding, running, and errands around town, and it’s just so damn good-looking.
Buy here: Velocio Recon Vest
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6vLZJGlg39/
Athlete-Friendly Stocking Stuffers: Nuun, Clif Nut Butter Bars + Boon Waffles
My family and Peter’s family love doing candy and chocolate in stockings, but if you’re doing small presents or exchanging stockings with an athlete, why not get them something fun, but still super practical? I’m a huge fan of Nuun for hydration—it’s what I used for Ironman training and race day—and I think it’s a great choice for any athlete. (It’s also an AMAZING hangover helper for those post-holiday party mornings.) Then, there are Clif Nut Butter Bars. Just… Delicious. Enough said. And a recent favorite, Boon’s Organic Stroopwaffles! They come in some really cool flavors (mmmm cardamom!) and they’re gluten-free. They just feel a little more festive than your normal cyclist snacks, so I love the idea of giving them as a gift.
Buy here: Nuun + Clif Nut Butter Bars + Stroopwafels by Boon Organic
Shred Girl 90s Hat or Beanie
Have to have a little self-promotion in here, but if you haven’t checked out the Shred Girls and you have a young aspiring cyclist (or a young girl you hope will get out riding someday), check out the Shred Girls site. While the first book won’t be out until next year, there’s plenty of great stuff on the site, like interviews and tips from other ‘real life Shred Girls,’ and cool gear like the Shred Girls hat.
Buy here: Shred Girl 90s Cap // Shred Girls 90s Beanie
Consummate Athlete Training Plans + Bike Skills Gifts:
In addition to shopping our online store for mugs, sweatshirts and tshirts, you can also:
- Grab a copy of our new book, Becoming A Consummate Athlete
- Book a coaching consult call as a gift right here
- Gift a 3-month custom-made training plan to the cyclist in your life
- Get your wannabe pro athlete friend or family member a copy of The Athlete’s Guide to Sponsorship
- If your giftee lives in the Southern Ontario region, you can even buy him or her a bike skills package for IRL coaching next year!
- For young girls into cycling, head to the Shred Girls Store for books + fun stuff for them!
