Dirty Wknd Christmas Gift List 2016!
With December knocking on the door and the C word looming over everyday life, it might be time to start thinking about buying some gifts for your loved ones. If one of those loved ones likes life on two wheels, then this can be a tricky prospect. Whilst we're sure they will love whatever you give them (except full team kit - never go full team kit!) you want to nail it, and we're here to help.
We're proud to present the Dirty Wknd Gift list 2016! This is a list of of cycling related products and experiences that we genuinely want (or already have in a few cases). We hope you enjoy it and that it helps you to make your cyclist very happy. Any additions please comment below.
Small Gifts/Stocking Fillers
Bialetti Moka Express - George Clooney can keep his little capsules, the Bialetti is still the ultimate way to make an espresso! A classic since the 1930's, it's the equivalent of a beautiful steel framed bike - stylish, timeless and always performs. If you're cyclist doesn't have one it's a great addition to their kitchen.
Photo: @pongo_london
Workshop Coffee Subscription - The coolest coffee around, delivered straight to your loved one's door! Because no cyclist wants to drink shit coffee! (perfect accompaniment to the above Bialetti)
Six Day Cycling Tickets - One to look forward to (it's in October) but a fantastic night out. Try and book tickets for the last night (Sunday 29th) when the champions are crowned.
Pongo London Socks - Passion On The GO! London based cyclists making cool socks for cool cyclists. Help your loved one to stand out on their club ride in an increasingly competitive 'sock game' market!
Eliza Southwood Print - Our favourite artist captures the freedom and tranquility that we love so much about cycling. Add to or start your loved ones' 'cycling art' collection - everyone must have one!
Mountains: Epic Cycling Climbs - We were lucky enough to be given this coffee table book recently and it is fantastic. Amazing photos and insightful commentary from pros (it's reassuring to know that most of them don't like climbing either!)
Eurosport Player - For just £20 (until Jan) you can gift your cyclist a year's worth of Grand Tours and Classics races, as well as every other race in between. To be watched when and where they like.
Mid-Range Gifts
Zwift Account - If your cyclist rides indoors on a kind of static machine thing (that makes loads of noise) then this will be a hugely welcome gift. Check they don't already have an account first though. *Disclaimer - will dramatically increase number of hours on noisy machine!
Dirty Wknd Club Membership - Massive Shameless Plug Alert! Sorry, but we think our club membership is a great gift for any cyclist, particularly if they are just starting out. Give them access to a fun community of like minded cyclists (and a safe environment in which to ride).
RCC Membership - Similar to above (but slightly less good), RCC membership is great if the cyclist in your life travels a lot for work and wants to keep riding whilst away.
London 2 Paris Sportive - Give them the gift of a challenge as they try to ride from London to Paris in 24 hours with Sophie Radcliffe. A fantastic achievement and a brilliant event!
Donate to World Bicycle Relief - Give the gift of giving! Donate to WBF and improve lives with a simple bicycle. Help students, nurses and farmers in need by getting them on 2 wheels.
High End Gifts
Professional Bike Fit - The best money you can spend! Buying your loved one a bike fit will increase their comfort and enjoyment, and will help to prevent injuries. Because there's nothing worse than a grumpy cyclist who's not able to ride!
Winter Training Getaway - Riding in winter can be tough, so why not buy your loved one a winter riding trip in the sun. Send them away to Sardinia for a long weekend of training in the winter sunshine. With a 'non-rider' option, you can also go and enjoy the warm weather and great food!
Garmin 820 - The latest incarnation of the Garmin family (still the best GPS device). If your cyclist doesn't have an on board computer, this is the one to get. Go for the bundle - extra goodies for a little more, which will make them love you a lot more!
Swerv Wax Cotton Cycling Jacket - This jacket is absurdly cool! Breathable, waterproof and so stylish. Made for commuting more than club rides, it could easily be worn on a night out as well.
Photo: @Swrve
Tacx Satori Smart Trainer - One of the more affordable smart trainers, but still packed with details and features. Links with Zwift (above) for an excellent indoor training experience.
GoPro Hero 5 - The prefect on board camera for all types of cycling. Incredibly easy to use and the quality is excellent. Loads of mount options for maximum variety. *Disclaimer - May mean you have to sit through hours of footage of people's Lycra-clad arses!
Oakley Radar Pace - The new chapter in sports sunglasses! Voice activated coaching, live data and updates as you ride. If your cyclist is super-techy and stat obsessed, these are the shades for them.
Blow the Bank Gifts
Maratona Getaway - The Maratona Dles Dolomites granfondo is one of the best in the world. Send them away with Grand Tours Project for 5 days of cycling in Italy, with guaranteed entry into the event. Cycling heaven!
Photo: @grandtourspro
Custom Build Colnago C60 - Buying a bike off the rack is so last year! Building a bike to your dream spec is an experience as much as it's an investment! London based workshop Super Domestique will help your loved one build their dream Colnago!
Haute Route Amateur Race - Give them an unforgettable experience; Haute Route is a multi stage amateur race - the closest they can get to a grand tour race. Serious cycling experience they will never forget!
Photo: @superdomestique
Zipp 454 NSW Wheelset - The 'fastest ever' wheels from Zipp, using biomimicry (mimicking nature to solve engineering problems) - they are modeled on a humpback whale! Don't ask, just marvel at your loved ones' expression on Christmas morning!
Have we missed anything off the list? What is your dream cycling gift this Christmas? Comment below or tweet us @dirtywknd.