Christmas gift ideas, hints etc

wolfyboy555

Hi,

My brother is huge into cycling and racing. I'd like to get him a present for xmas that has something to do with racing bikes but I don't have a clue about them! Is there anywhere where you can get little models of racing bikes maybe? any other suggestions would be a great help. Thanks!:D

Captain Havoc

Lance Armstrong has a book out this week about his comeback to cycling. You might want to check with your brother if he's a Lance fan or not, ask him how good is Lance Armstrong? If he mentions drugs keep looking.

youcancallmeal

Lance Armstrong already has two books both of which were terrible. Well actually his first one was okay as he talked about his fight with cancer but his second was literally most of the first book rehashed and he came across as a very unlikeable person. Just my opinion but I'd say this latest book is fairly slim on content just another money spinner.

Wiggle have a big selection here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ra/cycle/7/562/

Not sure how useful that is though.

blorg

What sort of budget? Does he like pizza? Park Tool are a famous bike tool manufacturer and they make this:



Campagnolo make a very good corkscrew but it is quite expensive.

Home:Ballyhoura

First, have a look at UncommonGoods' selection of unusual gifts, including some bike related stuff!

I also think this would be a lovely gift for anyone into cycling and racing: €14.76 on Wiggle



Or else you could try and get a model bicycle somewhere as you already suggested yourself, I actually have a large collection of over 100 scaled model cars but I only ever managed to come across 1 bicycle so they are quite rare. Here it is below, I got it for €15 in my local bike shop (Siopa Rothar in Limerick)

redmaxi

Just finished reading 'Tomorrow, we ride' by Jean Bobet. A brillantly written book, superb.

petethedrummer

How about a DVD?

Overcoming
A Sunday in Hell
Breaking Away

You might pick up something here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ra/cycle/7/562/
or here: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/

blorg

Just watched Hell on Wheels over the weekend, was very good. You would want to be a cycling fan I imagine.

The tax man

Bromleyvideo.com good collection of DVDs, books etc.

brayblue24

If 'tis books yer after this is probably the best (of many) cycling tomes I have read:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dog-Hat-American-Betrayal-Belgium/dp/1934030260/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259628766&sr=1-1

Shop around though-also try prendas.co.uk and thebookdepository.co.uk

Raam

brayblue24 wrote: »

If 'tis books yer after this is probably the best (of many) cycling tomes I have read:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dog-Hat-American-Betrayal-Belgium/dp/1934030260/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259628766&sr=1-1

Shop around though-also try prendas.co.uk and thebookdepository.co.uk

I'm reading that right now. It's very good.

Muller_1

A framed print from http://www.grahamwatson.com would be a nice gift,

thebouldwhacker

This thread could turn into one that you can leave on the screen 'accidentally' for your loved one to happen across and get gift inspiration:)

Something like this, this or this.....:D

wolfyboy555

thanks for the suggestions. My budget is small enough...maybe 50 euro! that crystal glass cyclist looks very good though...i might get him that and a few other bits and bobs of wiggle

c0rk3r

If its your first time ordering of wiggle give me your email address and ill refer you as a friend. Id go with the crystal glass cyclist too. Might buy one myself

"When you recommend us to others we will send you Wiggle vouchers for 10% of your friends first order value and they will get a free gift"

IM0

Find out if he shops online or in actual bike shops and get a voucher,
bike racing and training lots and lots takes its toll on bike parts very quickly (monthly changes needed)

this way with a voucher he can get whatever he needs to for himself when he needs it.

two of the most popular online ones are CRC and wiggle

DaisyB

Hi there,

I'm new to here and am not a cyclist myself but I was hoping someone can help me. My husband has recently started cycling as a way to keep fit. He bought a bike and a helmet but that's about it. I don't know if he's going to keep it up or if it will be a short-lived fad but I'd like to encourage him on.

So I want to get him some cycling stuff for Xmas. Bearing in mind I don't want to spend a fortune (especially if he doesn't keep it up) what are the essentials that will keep him comfortable, warm, and safe?

After reading through here I browsed wiggle.co.uk and chainreactions but I'm completely confused between bibs and trousers and shorts and base gear and jerseys and jackets and waterproofs etc. Please help!

Thanks in advance.
A confused wife of a maybe cyclist;)

el tel

how about a bog roll holder. I think you might be able to get a Campagnolo one.

Caroline_ie

Daisy 1sty of all ... 'WAGs' of cyclists will tell you they wished their hubby was not a cyclist. After video games, being a cyclist must be the number 1 cause of divorce ... really you shouldn't encourage him.

Can I propose that we start a sticky with best Xmas presies 2009?

Caroline_ie

which brings me to my idea... Does your hubby have a cycle computer? That would be a great idea for him to keep reack of distance and km etc ... and it also has a clock that tells him to be home by 2 ...

Captain Havoc

Bicycle clothing can be dodgey, I wear M football gear and XL cycling gear. I'm a midget but the cycling clothing companys think otherwise.

Lumen

Buy him a sports massage course. For you.

alfalad

Lumen wrote: »

Buy him a sports massage course. For you.

Now thats a good idea!

papac

comfortable, warm, and safe?

Pair of bibshorts.+ cruiser tights ( narrow legged track bottoms but breathable) would be a good start I think.These would work for summer and winter and the cruisers can be used for other stuff if he gets sick of cycling.He won't feel as self concious as he might in bibtights.I have Altura cruisers with reflective piping and I recommend them.

Wiggle are doing a special on a top set (Jacket, base, l/s jersey which I think is an ok deal)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Winter_Top_Set/5360046607/.

This is more or less what you need on top.All these can be used for other activities.Avoid heavy "warm jackets". He will just get wet from inside in these.

I presume he has lights. If not you could try a seperate thread with budget for this.

SPD shoes and clipless pedals would be next step imo if he keeps it up.Cheaper Shimano work well I reckon.

Everyone will have a different opinion on this but if I had no cycling gear and someone bought me all this I would be delighted. Hope this helps.Cycling gear can seem expensive but it lasts ages and makes life loads easier.


EDIT. A gilet is the winter cyclists best friend if you got anything left in the kitty

MarkG1975

how about waterproof socks! and maybe gloves, keeping toes and fingers warm is a must

wotdef

Just get him a voucher for Chainreactioncycles. It's what I tell everyone I want.:D

papac

how about waterproof socks!

Should have thought of that. I'm getting these for Christmas.:)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/SealSkinz_Hi-Vis_Waterproof_Socks/5360033019/#more

DaisyB

Thank you all so much for the suggestions - you're very helpful!

Caroline - I completely see your point and while I'm promoting it as a hobby, I'm hoping he won't become obsessive (certain other members of the family are!) The computer is definitely on the shortlist.

I laughed at the massage idea - maybe next year

papac - thanks for the information about the clothing - I'm checking out the base/layer and the waterproof socks (thanks MarkG too).

And vouchers are always good but I know he likes to get something wrapped up too.

Thanks again everyone

kincsem

Cycling clothes are good.
http://www.prendas.co.uk/

I buy almost all of mine here, and I like the Santini brand. But note that they don't always have all sizes of the items shown. When ordering they ask for height and weight info in case you pick the wrong size, but you should ask them also.

Caroline_ie

To show your Wives - Partners - Parents ... because gift vouchers are so unthoughtful!

OOOhhhh Look how nice this is, it is so pretty!

This is not a real hint, just an example ...

Chips Lovell

Ahem...

Raam

Oh will someone please see how nice these are...

Vélo

Oh wifey dear, on the off chance you see this and you know what my username is,

please please please

It seems so much nicer than my own mtb.

Lumen

Stickied. I might try and merge the other two into this one....

Caroline_ie

Woohoo I created a sticky!!!

Captain Havoc

€96.6 + €10 P&P.

Chips Lovell

^I thought you had that kit already?

Captain Havoc

el tonto wrote: »

^I thought you had that kit already?

I do but the shorts are bit worn and I've lost 6kg since I bought it. I was throwing it more as a good idea than for myself. I'm thinking of getting it again though in a smaller size as it's good deal.

niceonetom

Captain Havoc wrote: »

€96.6 + €10 P&P.

That's very good. Where's that from?

Captain Havoc

niceonetom wrote: »

That's very good. Where's that from?

www.teamliquigas.it They have 30% off all items at the mo. Plus you can buy signed t-shirts etc....

Caroline_ie

Cheaper than assos ladies! and Santini is so euro!

brayblue24

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Cheaper than assos ladies! and Santini is so euro!

How many of you enlarged this image. C'mon, admit it??

MadHatter

brayblue24 wrote: »

How many of you enlarged this image. C'mon, admit it??

It's my wallpaper now.

Lumen

brayblue24 wrote: »

How many of you enlarged this image. C'mon, admit it??

Unfortunately my new mod responsibilities compelled me to enlarge it and very carefully check for exposed nipples, posting of which are specifically forbidden on boards.ie.

edit: I didn't find any.

Caroline_ie

sorry

Beasty

Lumen wrote: »

Unfortunately my new mod responsibilities compelled me to enlarge it and very carefully check for exposed nipples, posting of which are specifically forbidden on boards.ie.

edit: I didn't find any.

I think I need to get my eyes tested

ten speed racer

Socks! The classic Christmas gift for the male who does't play golf. But these are socks you'd actually want (and one's an assos product you can afford).

Campagnolo Heritage Sock. Euro enough for you?

Assos Spring/Fall Coolmax Socks

cdaly_

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Cheaper than assos ladies! and Santini is so euro!

As a matter of interest, womens' bib tights are hardly made to sit that way are they?

Chips Lovell

cdaly_ wrote: »

As a matter of interest, womens' bib tights are hardly made to sit that way are they?

Some have a single strap going down the middle, which makes more sense. But I think "strategic strap placement" is what you're looking at there.

Caroline_ie

cdaly_ wrote: »

As a matter of interest, womens' bib tights are hardly made to sit that way are they?

Well usually there is a saddle under you and a bike ,,, and you usually wear more clothes .. i will not be too grafic on that one but a bra helps too. Not many cyclists have had a boob job done either

?

EDIT: I took the question in the 1st sence of 'sit' ... I corrected the answer tho.. i am only french