While we are certain that Santa’s elves have their production capacity at full volume for the gift-giving season we know that your attempts to find the perfect gift for your cycling friends may be a bit challenging this season. Bike shops are as busy as they’ve ever been and stories about bikes selling out have dominated the news since early summer. But we shopped around and found some of the best gear available right now for riding everywhere from Mistletoe Road in Christmas Valley, Oregon to Blitzen, Oregon and beyond.
Ride With GPS Premium Account– We love the slogan, “Get inspired, not lost” and the incredible amount of features available with a premium account guarantees an endless supply of inspiration and confidence to explore our beloved state and the world. Powerful, easy-to-use route planning, turn-by-turn guidance, voice navigation, offline maps, and the right kind of social interaction is why we recommend Ride With GPS, a Portland-based company.
Portland Design Works PDW Wraps – This is not your average handlebar tape, this is tasty stuff, indeed. Our friends at PDW know why we ride – we ride for coffee, donuts, pizza, and tacos – so they made a handlebar wrap to show that off. Four designs in a durable woven nylon layered over a plush foam for comfort. Can’t decide which flavor is your favorite? Buy two sets and split it up. Coffee and donuts sounds good. Then again, so does pizza and tacos.
Showers Pass Crosspoint Ultra-Light Waterproof Socks – Using a slightly thinner wool blend fabric on the upper foot than their best-selling Crosspoint but using the same design improves breathability and gives a lighter feel. The Ultra-Light is ideal for snug-fitting cycling, running, or hiking shoes and feels like a performance sock for endurance activities while still being waterproof. The extra height of the crew length sock adds a little more coverage against the cold and wet, too. The Electric Blue / Black colorway looks sharp!
Looptworks Velo Handebar Bag – Using upcycled material from the apparel and outdoor industries, Looptworks has constructed a rugged, stylish bar bag that puts all your essentials within reach in a secure, compact design. Available in three colors and affordably priced so grab one for yourself while you’re shopping for others on your list. Made in Oregon!
Mettle Cycling Mettle Slow Strap – This modular camera strap system is for riders who like to carry a real camera on rides. For anyone who’s ridden in Oregon, you know the views are always worth remembering out there so take the good camera with you now and then. The Slow Strap keeps your camera securely on your back while riding but is easy to deploy when you stop and have that Aha! moment. Off the bike you can easily convert it to a standard strap. Say cheese!
Primal Wear Snowman Sweater Heavyweight Jersey – A festive design made from Primal’s heavyweight Sfero fabric will keep you from becoming as cold as Frosty out there. Standard fit, three rear pocket design, and a hidden full-zip front make it a real performance piece in case you need to work off a little extra eggnog here and there this season.
Adidas The Road Cycling Shoes – Adidas was in the cycling shoe game back when a guy named Eddy was smashing the pedals wearing the distinctive three stripes. After a long hiatus, they’ve returned with a throwback look wrapped around modern technology. Sadly, these shoes are currently only available in the U.K. but with Adidas North American headquarters based in Portland we figure some of you might have an inside contact who can make it happen. Classic and classy.
Cycle Oregon Online Store – Lots of great stuff with new items recently added. Just added today – A cool 5-Panel cap and a warm Knit Beanie featuring a bold new CO patch design. Order by December 15th for Ground shipping and for 1st Class shipping please order no later than December 18th.
Happy Holidays, everyone!