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People who cycle for transportation, to say nothing of dedicated hobbyists, don’t let weather get in their way. But in many places, it’s not just “raining” right now—it’s freaking freezing. It’s wet. It’s icy. Maybe there’s snow. Maybe snow is in your eyes! Given that the people in cyclists’ lives right now may be on the hunt for gifts, we turned to Slate’s sizable stable of bike enthusiasts for advice on the gifts that could make a difference in the coming months. Their recommendations are below.
Something to Keep You From Slipping on That Giant Patch of Ice: Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus Tires
Lots of cyclists gush over these tubeless folding Schwalbe tires, which get high marks for being grippy and sturdy yet fast. You do need a tubeless-compatible wheel to pop these on, but if you’re set there, you’ll find these to be exceptionally durable and resistant to wintertime air leakage. (Note that you can still use an inner tube if you are not into running tubeless tires.)
Something to Keep Your Tires Pumped Up: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive Digital HVG
Getting a flat is never fun, but it’s even worse when it’s freezing outside and you don’t have a way to reinflate a low tire or fill a spare tube. That’s why, if you’re going to be romping around in the winter, you’re going to need a good pump. This one is small, lightweight, and comes with a digital pressure gauge so you know exactly how much air to put in. An essential if you want to keep your winter tires fully locked and loaded.
Something to Keep Your Hands Warm: UNIQLO HEATTECH Lined Stretch Gloves
Cold-weather bikers know that the only thing that gets colder than your nose during a wintery ride is your hands. Good thing the fabric these gloves are made out of literally absorbs the heat of your body and radiates it back at your hands to keep them warm, even when you’re precariously pedaling along the arctic expanse of your neighborhood bike path. The fabric is also conductive and smartphone-compatible so you can easily Google “When is summer, again?” without taking them off.
Something to Keep Your Hands Even Warmer: HotHands Hand Warmer 10-Pack
They’re $6.99. That’s it.
Something to Protect Your Face: Blackstrap Hood Balaclava
Riding in the winter often means furious gales of frigid wind and snow blasting at the delicate contours of your face and neck. The solution? You need a balaclava. This one has four fabric innovations designed to keep it breathable, soft, moisture-wicking, warm, odor-free, and perfectly snug on your face. It’s kind of like a balaclava on steroids, though you’d never know it from how simple it looks, or how easily it fits under your helmet. And it comes in nearly every color known to man.
Something to Keep People From Hitting You: Brightz LED Bicycle Wheel Lights
Another thing about winter riding? Poorer visibility. Not only does it get darker way earlier, it’s often also snowing, making it harder for cars and pedestrians to see you. Headlights and taillights really help, but if you want to be über-visible—and kinda party—try these bicycle wheel lights. You can thread them between your spokes so you’re visible from the side, and you’ll also look like you’re either very fun, or going somewhere very fun. A true statement piece.
Another Thing to Keep People From Hitting You: Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Taillight
Expensive, yes. But ever wanted eyes in the back of your head? How about a rearview taillight that alerts you when a vehicle is approaching your bike from behind? How about one that’ll ping you when a car is creeping up on you from 153 yards away? This one does exactly that, and—insert car salesperson voice—so much more! For one, it pairs with all Garmin products, so it’ll pop on when you’re using your navigation systems. For two, the light is visible from up to a mile away, and it has a nice little flashing setting for when you’re biking with a group and don’t want to blind them.
Yet Another Thing to Keep People From Hitting You: Noxgear Tracer 2 LED Safety Vest
If you haven’t noticed by now, visibility is a running theme here. And when you’re riding through dark, snowy winter terrain, it’s not just your bike that needs to be bright, it’s your body, too. For extra assurance, you’re gonna want something like this LED safety vest (which you can also wear for nighttime walks, runs, and ostentatious grocery store trips). It’s visible from up to ¼ mile away, it’s battery rechargeable, and it’s waterproof.
Something to Help You See the Wintry Expanse Ahead: Light and Motion VIS Pro 100 Trail Headlight
GearJunkie recently named this headlight the Best Overall Bike Light of 2023, and it’s easy to see why. It’s impressively powerful, it’s compact, it’s easy to mount, and it can run all night long on a single charge. It’s also devastatingly waterproof and GoPro-compatible. The perfect gift for someone who loves to see what’s in front of them (snow, snow, and more snow).
Something to Keep Your Back From Getting Soaked: SKS Bluemels Full Coverage Fender Set
Wet winter weather means that if your bike doesn’t have fenders, your entire back is getting absolutely whipped with dirty, frigid road water. These SKS fenders aren’t the highest-tech options in the world—or the best for heavy snow—but they’re an affordable, solid choice for winter riders who don’t want to drop a fortune on making their bike splash-proof. These have a breakaway safety system so they can quickly pop off if something gets caught in your spokes, and they’re designed for maximal durability and ease of installation. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Something to Keep Your Feet From Drowning in Ice Water: Pearl Izumi AmFIB Shoe Covers
Multiple outlets have cited these overshoes as being the best defense against soaking-wet winter feet, and they were right. They’re water-repellent and they have a special anatomic design that eliminates the bunching that often occurs near the top of a pedal stroke. They’re also super easy to put on—slip these babies over almost any shoe (even your favorite biking shoes) and laugh maniacally about how warm and dry your feet are in spite of the sleet outside.
Something to Keep Your Lips From Cracking Off Your Face: Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick
Cycling can be hell on your lips in any weather, but nothing’s harder on your pout than master-blasting it with frigid ice-air as you pedal across a snowdrift (or, like, go to Trader Joe’s in December). And when the weather gets brutal, nothing heals cracked, winter-worn lips better than Aquaphor. Don’t ask me what’s in it—I just know it works.
Something That Has Absolutely Nothing to Do With Bikes but You’re Probably Going to Want Anyway: Viski 7-Piece Stainless Steel Travel Bar Barware Set
Wait, you’re telling me you just slogged through the ice and snow in subzero temperatures on a freaking bike and you don’t want a cocktail? No way, I don’t believe you. Booze or not, you deserve some sort of special beverage after what you’ve been through, and this posh little travel cocktail set should help. It comes with everything you need in a cute little canvas sleeve that you can roll right up when you’re done—perfect for camping, picnics, and imbibing whenever, wherever the mood strikes. Bottoms up!
