Hey you. Yes, you! Christmas Day is only ONE WEEK AWAY! If you’re still looking for that last minute gift for your cycling obsessed partner, family member, or friend, fear not! It’s probably too late to order anything online and guarantee it arrives in time, but here are three quick hits that A) don’t suck, and B) can be picked up from a local bike shop.
1) High quality set of Hex keys. You can never have too many sets of Hex / Allen keys, so a gift of a good quality set of metric Allen keys will always be appreciated. I keep two sets in the workshop, a set in the car, and another set in the house. All bike shops worth their salt will carry these, or pick them up at your local hardware store. Bonus points if you can find a colour-coded set like below.
2) Their favourite nutrition products. If you know them well enough, you’ll probably know what brand of gels or energy products they prefer. Pop into your local bike shop and see if they stock their chosen brand, then grab a big handful of gels and/or bars. I prefer SiS Beta Fuel gels, just so you know… 😉
Image Credit: road.cc/content/review/science-sport-beta-fuel-gel-6-pack-286907
3) Socks. Yes, socks. They’re not a rubbish gift when it comes to cyclists! Not just any socks though, go for the cycling-specific (or sports-specific) socks. Don’t be tempted by any “novelty” designs or garish colours or patterns, stick with some classic white socks. Brands and logos are acceptable if you know the recipient well enough to know they’ll like them. Steer clear of ankle socks, those are for tennis players and triathletes only, and triathletes don’t deserve Christmas presents. Block coloured socks may also be acceptable depending on the recipient.
So there you go. You’ve got zero excuses now. Make that cyclist in your life happy this Christmas while also supporting your local businesses. It’s winning all the way!
Two Wheels with TC 
Good suggestions
LikeLike
I’m generally a fan of Craftsman tools, but my Silca hex keys are much better. The word “favorite” is definitely important for #2 (and here is where I mourn the demise of Cytomax). As for #3, I like wool liner socks for biking (except in the winter). Thin and breathable, though getting harder to find – even Smartwool are only 60% wool, but some synthetic content makes them last longer. (And I don’t understand the fads of different length socks – for a while it was short socks – like in your photo – now it is tall socks and UCI introduced a new rule to keep them from getting even longer.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve got a set of Silca hex keys too. My boss bought them for me as a present one year and they are miles better than any of my other sets. Only thing is they are all black and hard to find if you put one down somewhere in the workshop!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine are red and easy to find, though I like the color-coding on yours.
LikeLike
Haha, my cycling friend would appreciate your comment about triathletes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Had to slip that one in… 😉😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLike
4 sets Klem ?? Just a touch OCD ??? 😂😂😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just need a mini-rachet set like yours now! 😎
LikeLike
Definitely socks. My favorite hex keys are Snap-On from my days, way, way back as a BMW mechanic. I also have hex, drive sockets but rarely need those for a bicycle. Maybe mounting the front and rear mechs. If I can’t easily find the key I need. The only tools I have on my list to e eventually buy are a smaller torque wrench, (1/4″ drive) and a t-handle spinner with a 3/8″ end for sockets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh yes, a good torque wrench! I really need to pop that on my own Christmas list! 😁
LikeLike