Getting up in the dark for dawn rides. Keeping bikes in the house. Planning holidays based on how good the cycling routes are. Riding bikes has always been more than just a sport, it’s a passion and a way of life. This can be good and bad when you’re buying gifts for your favourite cyclist this holiday season. On the upside, you know they’d love something bike-related, but on the other hand there is so much product out there, where on earth do you start?
To help narrow down your search and find some gift ideas bike riders are sure to like, we’ve asked the experts at adidas Cycling. People who don’t just work in the sport but live and breathe it the rest of their lives too, whether that’s on weekend rides or commuting to work by bike every day.
They’ve each chosen their favourite head-to-toe outfits from the adidas Cycling collection. Clothes and shoes that combine fit, feel and function, and to help the special cyclist in your life take it to the next level on their bike.
Cycling Gifts for Her, as chosen by Caroline Hess, Design Director at adidas Cycling
THE PADDED COLD.RDY CYCLING BIB TIGHTS
“I got these for weekend rides in the colder months and I fully recommend them. Putting them on makes you feel so snug, and they block out the freezing winds on rides.”
“The padding is much-needed and welcome on longer rides and they’re easy to get on and off when you need a bathroom break.”
THE PADDED CYCLING BIB SHORTS
“These are a padded bib short equivalent, which is what you’d want for riding in spring and autumn.”
THE COLD.RDY TRACKSTAND JACKET
“I love this jacket as it keeps me feeling warm on cold commutes. I also like the classic styling. It’s a technical jacket but doesn’t look like one, so I can meet someone for drinks after work without looking like a serious cyclist. And it’s lightweight, so it’s easy to pack in my bag.”
THE COLD.RDY LONG SLEEVE CYCLING JERSEY
“This jersey deserves legendary status for the way it performs on cold weekend rides. It’s a tight fit, and lined with soft fleece, so it keeps you really warm and toasty. But it also zips the whole way down if you find yourself overheating.”
THE VELO CREW COLD.RDY CYCLING SWEATSHIRT
“I’d be so happy if someone got me this as a gift! It’s such a good crossover item, that again is technical. So it keeps you warm and dry on the bike, but also has that relaxed, casual look that doesn’t shout to the world that you’ve been cycling.”
“The pockets and extra length at the back are useful when you’re riding, and I’m a fan of it being made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycling materials.”
Cycling Gifts for Him, as chosen by Rainer Mendler, Senior Designer adidas Cycling
THE SHORT SLEEVE CYCLING JERSEY
“I like the style of this top and it feels good on. The fabric is soft and breathable, perfect for feeling comfortable and dry on the move. You can also pull the zipper right down if you’ve just done a tough hill and need an instant airflow.”
“It’s made with 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, so it’s impact on the environment is reduced too.”
THE PADDED CYCLING BIB SHORTS
“These shorts are my weekend ride staple. They do the job technically, the padding is comfortable, the fabric is soft and breathable and battles heat to make you feel comfortable and dry. They also look good, which is no mean feat as bike bib pants rarely make the wearer look stylish.”
THE COLD.RDY TRACKSTAND CYCLING JACKET
“I like this cycling jacket for day to day riding rather than for epic long rides, as the fit is a bit more relaxed and it looks like regular clothing that you’d wear around town.”
“It keeps me nice and warm on the bike in winter, especially when the wind is biting, which it often seems to be. The pockets are good for storing your phone too without bulking up your look.”
THE ROAD CYCLING SHOE
“Bike shoes are often plain black and quite boring to look at. But these are like the classic adidas footwear style in a road cycling shoe.”
“The shoe feels light and strong when you’re pedalling, and the upper part is super-comfy, it feels more like a sock than shoe. I imagine a lot of people would love to get these as a present.”
THE GRAVEL CYCLING SHOE
“Or if you’re buying a gift for someone who prefers to get off the beaten track on a gravel ride, this is the shoe for them.”
“It’s a more hardcore version of the road shoe with reinforced material and an internal sock to help keep stones from bothering your feet. Love the bright colours too.”
To find more gifts the cyclist in your life will love this holiday season, shop at adidas cycling for presents they’ll love all year round.