The Best Gifts for Beginner Cyclists

This bike lock makes a great stocking stuffer, and it will help keep a rig safe on those midride coffee runs. While the single cable and four-digit combo isn’t super high security, it’s great for low-risk areas. And the vinyl coating will keep it from scuffing up the frame.

Whether your giftee plans on bikepacking, commuting, or heading our for a light hike, Osprey’s Daylite works. Case in point: Its interior sleeve can hold a tablet or a water bladder. Even so, the pack is lightweight and ergonomic, it will keep them comfortable while carrying 13 liters worth of gear.

Beginner stoke can run high, even in winter. The thick polyester-merino blend of this layer will keep the cyclist in your life warm enough so they can continue riding through the cold months. And stowaway thumb loops keep the sleeves in place under glove cuffs.

Few pieces of apparel are as versatile as a neck gaiter. Use it as a scarf, head cover, or even a hairband. But it’s especially helpful now that, while passing other riders or pedestrians, cyclists will want to have something quickly at hand that they can pull up over their mouths.

Under rain, snow, or wind, the water-resistant Convertible keeps its wearer impressively shielded from the elements. Pearl worked in thoughtful touches like a full-length draft flap to prevent gusts from sneaking in through the zipper. But, as the name suggests, the piéce de résistance is the detachable sleeves, which turn the Convertible into a vest should some unseasonably warm weather arise.

At $11 a bottle, the Podium is reasonably priced. Sized to fit the average bike cage, it features an easy-to-drink squeeze design and self-sealing cap—only one hand required to get a sip.

Friends don’t let friends ride without a helmet. This noggin protector comes in nine different colors, and the MIPS system lets their head rotate inside the helmet some to dissipate impact forces should they fall.

This three-pack of moisture-wicking socks will let feet dry and blisters at bay. Credit that to the thin, nearly see-through sections at the top of the foot and tight fit that won’t slip around.

The days are getting shorter, and getting caught out unprepared with the sun going down is hardly conducive to creating fond memories of their first few times riding. These rechargeable, 80-lumen LEDs are handy insurance should the sun beat them home.

While it’s certainly something they’ll learn in time, most newbies aren’t necessarily familiar with changing a flat. Make the first time they encounter one a little easier with this kit. It includes a tiny pump that can attach to the frame and some puncture stickers to help them make it back home without taking apart their wheel.

These midrange glasses are a great choice for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. With a removable brow bar and vented lenses, they’re designed to keep stay cool and fog-free.

These lobster gloves are sure to keep hands warm, thanks to the design that lets fingers touch without robbing them of all dexterity like a mitten would. What’s more, they’re grippy and reflective.

Most newer cyclists start with flat pedals. But once they get some experience under their belt, they’ll want to upgrade to clipless—which will require a pair of proper cycling shoes. This synthetic leather Shimano is a great place to start, with easily adjustable Velcro straps and compatibility with two- and three-hole cleats.

Ideal for shoulder season days that fall on the colder side, these arm warmers are a sleek way to keep their guns toasty. A lack of seams means there’s little to cause chafing, and a touch of spandex lends stretch.

Affordable and reliable, this pump is a great choice for any rider. It comes with a gauge that goes up to 160 psi, and switches easily between Schrader and Presta valves, making it compatible with every bike.

Whether to adjust the seat, handlebar, or change out pedals, a set of hex keys is invaluable. This set is highly rated, affordable, and comes in a small, portable case.

This versatile bag can carry everything commuters, lunchtime riders, or light bikepackers need. While it isn’t the sportiest, it’s incredibly practical, with hooks that make it adjustable to most rigs and 600-denier polyester and 1,000-denier Cordura that can withstand abuse. And the large 26-liter capacity between the two bags make it a great choice for those of us who carry a lot when biking.

One of the most important and simplest bike maintenance practices is cleaning and lubing the chain. And this lubricant—particularly suited to dry, dusty, off-road conditions—will more than do the job. Follow this guide for tips on how to apply it correctly.

Any bike ride longer than 10 miles warrants some padding. This thin, breathable Pearl Izumi bib is designed to wick moisture and prevent chafing as its chamois cushions the rider’s rear. And we like the bib style for how it helps it stay up and in place.