The Gift List
What to buy your favorite road cyclist... or yourself.
It’s that time of year when companies are marketing their products for holiday gift lists.
While I have no sponsors, yet, I am asked from time to time about what to wear and I’ll happily praise outrageously priced apparel. Rapha does not sponsor this newsletter, but it should! Joking aside, what’s most important to me is that the clothes serve a purpose, namely that they keep me warm, dry, and comfortable during colder rides.
HARDWARE
The best COVID-purchase I made was the Kuat bike rack, which I bought on ETrailer.com (it was a lot cheaper in 2020 than it is now). It looks good, it’s sturdy, and it folds down so I can get to the groceries or luggage the rear of the car.
Training during the winter in the mid-Atlantic region can be hit-and-miss for riding outdoors. I use the Wahoo Kickr Core and highly recommend the fan, the mat, and the standing desk as well.
I use the Elemnt Bolt bike computer. It’s simple and easy connect to apps like Strava. I’ve tried Hammerhead, which also worked well.
SOFTWARE
Zwift does not offer gift cards, but it has a holiday gift guide. I also have used TrainerRoad (which has a good podcast as well).
CLOTHES
I promise I wear other brands besides Rapha, but let’s start there and get it out of the way.
In the winter, I love the Rapha Long Sleeved Base Layer. If you can keep it from shrinking, it lasts and looks good. If I am on the trainer in the garage, I’ll wear it as well. When the temperature falls below 40, I tend to wear the base layer with a long sleeved jersey and a jacket (either the Core winter jacket or the Brevet insulated jacket).
As for bibs, I have a pair of Rapha’s winter bib shorts although I do not see them online. I typically wear them with knee warmers. Another friend, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, recommended a more reasonably priced pair from RedWhite Apparel.
Castelli used to make a great pair of “Lobster Gloves,” but I don’t see them on its website. Other companies make them, too. I’ve used a Castelli neck warmer for many years now (it looks like this one from Specialized.)
A good pair of oversocks is crucial to staying warm. You probably could buy a cheaper pair of wool socks and cut a hole to put over the cleats, but you’re a cyclist so, of course, you will spend $65 when $10 will do. Over the years, I’ve had good pairs from Rapha, Pearl Izumi, and Castelli.
Ridge Supply Socks fit well and last as do Rapha’s merino wool socks, which you can wear while riding or doing just about anything (including going to the office). I also like Wyn Republic’s socks.
And if it is super cold, as it can be in New England, my friend and host of the podcast, Choose the Hard Way, Andrew Vontz, recommends Bag Balm, for all your moisturizing needs.