Every cyclist has that secret list in their head. The list of gifts they would to see under the tree every holiday season.
We too at Ciclismo Classico have our favorite bikes, our favorite jerseys, or the new technology that would look great on our bicycle (or bicycles).
The fact is, many gifts for the cycling-friendly have a varied price range. They either cost under a dollar, or can run you thousands. So make sure you have an idea what your favorite cyclist is looking for before you open your wallet.
Over the past year we’ve seen and ridden some of the best product 2019 had to offer. And here it is for you: the best of 2019 Ciclismo Classico gift guide!
Get Gravel. Bianchi Gravel.
We can never get too much Bianchi.
Obviously, we favor Bianchi Bicycles since our fleet come from Milano’s top bicycle producer. Ciclismo Classico is proud to have the versatile Intenso and the comfortable Manhattan e-bike in its fleet of hundreds of two-wheelers.
But next year Bianchi is making a new Infinito CV. It comes standard with disk brakes and a wider clearance for tires up to 32mm. Thus basically turning it into a gravel bike.
Therefore, there is no more need to buy a gravel bike, a road bike and a cross bike. With the 2020 Infinito, you can have it all. Just switch out the wheels and go with whichever friends happen to be riding.
Ciclismo Classico Cycling Jerseys and Gift Cards
But what better place to get to know Bianchi’s line of fantastic road bikes than on a Ciclismo Classico bicycle trip.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in gift giving for your road-loving cyclist friend, look no further than a Ciclismo Classico Gift Card. You can put whatever denomination you wish towards their bicycle vacation with us. Just contact us here and we’ll walk you through the process.
Having trouble deciding on a destination? Check out this blog series to figure out what would fit your favorite cyclist.
Every year on our Top Guide Tour series we make a new jersey for that specific departure. The leftovers go straight to our Arlington office and are your for great holiday gifts. They are fun, special and remind you of your upcoming summer plans.
So where are you biking in July?
Shift Gears and Drink in Italian Style
Legend says bicycle engineer Tullio Campagnolo was once celebrating a victory with one of his racers. In the heat of the moment, he attempted to open a bottle of wine and cut himself.
Although it will set you back about €150, having this piece of Italian craftsmanship is a must for any hardcore cyclist (and wine lover). The heavy bell has a telescopic opening, so the corkscrew hits the middle of the cork. Of course, the weight of the mechanism is heavy enough, so the bottle doesn’t shake, tossing around the sediment.
Each piece is made in Vincenza, using the same bike rivets that Merckx and Indurain raced over.
Thanks to them, Campagnolo has probably opened their fair share of bottles.
A Helmet Smarter than You Think
Back in 2016 we wrote about the Lumos illuminated helmet. It had brake lights for stopping and directionals for turning.
Wow. Things have changed.
These days the Briko Cerebellum ONE helmet gets us excited. The engineers from Torino give you the same LED position technology as our previous rave, plus an active live camera on the back of your helmet linked to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This way you can see what is approaching you in real-time. No more turning the head around and swerving into the streets.
The helmet will also give you a rear collision warning, SMS any of your friends or family if you are involved in an accident, take constant photo and video of your environment while biking…and it will even remind you to drink water.
But it won’t remind you to pee. You’ll have to do that one yourself.
Velocio: A New Italian Name in Bike Clothing
Fresh out of Piedmont – near the Valley d’Aosta – Velocio is a cycle clothing manufacturer you may not have heard of.
Velocio is 100% Italian, with its manufacturing in Piedmonte and its fabrics from Lombardy. They are the result of unique Italian design meeting the bike racing world.
They copy no one. All of their designs are their own. Even the factories are special: they run by solar panels. That’s impressive for a company looking for 100% sustainability.
We love the softshell signature jacket. Modeled after motorcycle jackets, the team at Velocio partnered with eVent to make a versatile winter/rain jacket. It will keep you warm in sub-zero temps and keep out any wetness you may encounter. It is a great solution for anyone who loves to bike and may ride in the rain. And, since it’s light and compact, it packs up well in your carry-on when you are headed to our Alps trip.
Make Yourself an EBike, at a Fraction of the Cost
We can’t deny ebikes have taken the industry by force. Ciclismo Classico ebike rentals are at an all-time high and we are getting more requests for our 2020 trips. At Eurobike, there was strong enthusiasm over the new and exciting ebike technology including motors and complete bikes.
However, perhaps one of the most interesting presenters was a company that didn’t have a bike to promote.
Rubbee is a Lithuanian company claiming to give the urban cyclist the ultimate riding experience. This attachable motor is relatively lightweight and turns any regular bicycle into an ebike. Attach the apparatus on your seat tube, and the motor turns a sprocket using friction to spin your rear wheel.
Of course, the motor itself is wireless and smart, meaning it will tell you how fast you’re going and how much battery you have left via the app. It also lights up at night to allow traffic to see you.
Flotation and Recreation
From the “not to sure about this one” department, it could make a great gift for your favorite cyclist…or favorite kayaker.
Conceptualized by French company Helite, the B’Safe wearable airbag vest is a first of its kind. The vest is full of sensors that “detect” an accident via shock or fall. The vest self-inflates before impact protecting the thorax, neck and back prior to impact.
For many cities that are rethinking urban development around the bicycle, having a few more safety precautions can be a good thing. It comes covered in reflective stripping for nighttime visibility to make sure you’re seen at night.
Or in case there is a flood on your way to the office, you can float all the way to the front door.
Get More on Your Bicycle’s Handlebars
Something innovative and new (and not so expensive) are the bike parts from Close The Gap.
These guys out of Holland discovered there wasn’t enough room on their handlebars for all the gear: gps unit mount, mirror, trash bin (this last one is a real thing!).
So, they began incorporating all the bits and pieces in unique components: a Garmin mount that doubles as a bell; minimalist rearview mirrors; mudguard and rear light mount, etc.
The products are inexpensive, well made and are actually useful.
A Creative “Bottle Top”
In a world that is consistently more environment conscientious, Pearl Izumi has found a small solution to a big problem: plastic bottles.
At Eurobike they presented a fabulous idea in recycling: a merino baselayer that works well under your cycling jersey during those cold descents on our mountain trips.
But not only is Pearl Izumi looking to make recycled jerseys. They are also outfitting all of their cycling adventure line with sustainable clothing. They hope to have up to 90% of their catalog made from recycled materials by 2022.
In addition, they were the first bike brand to eliminate “handtags” (by 2019). They provide all care and material information on small business-card style recyclable paper.
So not only do you keep yourself warm, but you also do the world a little good at the same time.
New Tires for Your Bike, No Pump Needed
Ever have one of those mornings where you wake up and your bike tires are flat?
With Air Winder’s self-inflating technology there is no more searching for the pump.
The concept is relatively simple. They replaced the traditional “valve” by an air intake mechanism. As the wheel rotates, air enters a small chamber between the “inner tube” and the outside of the tire itself.
Pressure (i.e. weight) from the peddling cyclist “traps” air into the chamber. As the wheel completes its rotation, the chamber releases the air into the “inner tube,” inflating with every turn.
Sounds impossible? It’s so easy, they even won an award for their product. That’s innovation.
Ready to ReTyre?
Here is another product that would make a great gift for your favorite winter-time commuter.
ReTyre out of Norway is making some serious tracks. Literally.
The basic idea is interchangeable treads that you zip onto your tires.
When living in Norway (or Boston), it’s not uncommon to have days where the roads are covered in ice. And you have slicks on your bike.
Now what should you do? Put on new wheels with studs?
Not at all. ReTyre allows you to zip on studded ice- or snow-tires and take off into your own winter wonderland.
Not too keen on biking in the winter?
Then you can convert your road bike to a gravel bike with one zip of the tire. Gravel to mountain bike? Do the same
