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1 to 10... it's my CHRISTMAS TOP TEN!
Here begins my Top Ten List of biking gifts that won't break your budget. Stocking stuffers, son-in-laws, hard-to-buy-for-husbands... here ya go:
1. Icebreaker merino cycling Socks
Special socks just for riding are a bit of a treat in my book. Renowned for its wicking ability and non-stink properties, merino wool makes the perfect material to keep feet dry and comfortable. Added bonus: The wool is from New Zealand so you get the extra feel-good factor too. For men and women from $29.95 (grey/red also available)
2. Skinny's Sun Gel
The new all-day sunblock (SPF 30) made just down the road in little old Clive! Long lasting, dries fast and isn't greasy. Also contains no preservatives, water, or parabens. A fantastic product and now the only sunblock we use on our own family. $35 for a 100ml tube.
3. 2013 RIDE Calendar
A safe option for any mountan biking son-in-law is this great big calendar with stunning photography of NZ’s best riders. Includes dates of major mountain bike events and NZ's stat holidays too. $29.95
4. Hawke's Bay's Best Bike Rides
Penned by NZ’s legendary Kennett brothers, and launched at Havelock North's BikeFest in November, this new guide book is for everybody wanting to explore Hawke's Bay this summer. Details and maps of easy trails, road rides and mountain bike rides. Highly recommended for new riders as it contains detailed route descriptions, distance and time - and all important 'watering holes'! RRP $12
5. Lezyne multi tool / seat bag combo
Great value for money and ideal for riders who haven’t yet equipped themselves for emergency breakdowns, this set contains a Lezyne multi tool, tyre levers and puncture repair patches in a handy under-seat bag. From Lezyne for $59.95
6. A big shiny bell
Nothing says “coming through” like a super-loud, super-sized DING DONG bell. It's polite yet assertive old-fashioned sound will be a hit with Art Deco fiends on pathway rides everywhere. A Christmas bargain at $15
7. Bike mounted phone case / carry bag
It’s a good idea to take your phone with you on a ride but there’s often an issue of where to carry it safely – ideally where you will be able to hear it ring. Try a handy phone holder that can mount onto your handlebars, stem or top tube and provide ready access to your phone while keeping it safe, protected and out of the way. There are a few different styles (including I-Phone cases, local handmade spotty bags for the girls etc), from $39.95.
8. Fenwick's Bike Cleaner
A NZ made safe, effective, and importantly biodegradable cleansing agent that works with or without water, this spray on wash is formulated especially for use on bikes. It gets the grime (and lime) off the bike quickly and effectively, without having to blast it with a power sprayer. Trust us, this is the brand we use in our workshop. Highly recommended for bikes of limestone pathway riders. $15 for a 1 litre spray bottle (refills available from our workshop)
9. Fenwick's Bike Lube
Couple that Bike Wash with a bottle of NZ made Fenwicks Bike Lube to finish the job. There's a few types of lube for wet or dry riding conditions so we'll advise you on the best option (and where and how to use it!) when you come in store. Lube from $18 per bottle.
10. Nature's Kiss Sports Rub and chamois cream
This is a great range of herbal based sports rubs that were developed in NZ by the physiotherapist to the NZ Commonwealth Games Cycling team. They are reportedly used by the All Blacks and the Black Caps, and we reckon they're just the thing for a special and thoughtful Christmas present. The natural ingredients include calendula, lavender, tea tree oil, rosemary, and arnica, and as you can imagine the aromatherapy properties are powerful and kind of delicious! From $17.50 each
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