Gift Ideas for the Cyclist on Your List

The holidays are almost here and many of you have a cyclist to shop for.  I have compiled a list of  gift ideas for products that I use and enjoy.  There is something here for just about any type of rider and budget.

Fix It Sticks

($36)

The new Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition is the ultimate compact multi-tool a cyclist wants with them for repairs or adjustments during a ride.  Its small size fits easily into a seat pack or jersey pocket and comes with 8 bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, Phillips #2, Torx 25) to handle most jobs.  Steel construction gives Fix It Sticks 40 ft/lbs of torque and the "T" configuaration provides plenty of leverage.  Available from Fix It Sticks and select bike shops.

CatEye Strada Smart

($80/$140)

New this year is the CatEye Strada Smart which brings together a cycling computer and Bluetooth accessories (Speed/Cadence, Heartrate and Power) with your smartphone.  Works both in Mirror Mode and Sensor Direct Mode. 

Data summary from the CatEye Cycling app can be uploaded to Strava, CatEye Atlas and Training Peaks.  App works with iPhone 4S (IOS 6.1) or later and Android devices with Android 4.4/Bluetooth 4.0.  Available in Strada Smart and Strada Smart Package from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

CamelBak Podium Bottles

($9-$25)

The CamelBak Podium line of water bottles has been a favorite of cyclists because of their innovative design and high flow spill-proof Jet Valve.  They come in a variety of models that include the Podium, Podium Chill and Podium Ice in sizes from 21 to 25 oz. depending on the model.  Chill and Ice models are designed to keep your water cold longer in warm temperatures or slow down freezing in the wintertime.  Available from Camelbak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Banjo Brother Frame Pack

($33/$35)

The Banjo Brother Frame Pack is a favorite of commuters and gravel grinders alike for its convenient 2-pocket storage with easy access.  It comes in two sizes, small (70 cubic inches) and medium (102 cubic inches) that fit sloping frames down to 15".  Keeps snacks, spare tubes, keys and wallet close at hand and the medium pack is large enough to accommodate a 2L (70 oz) hydration bladder.  Available from Banjo Brothers, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

SKS Airchecker

($25)

The SKS Airchecker is handy little digital tire pressure gauge that works with both Presta and Shrader valves.  It has a swivel head to make seeing the large digital readout easy at any angle and switches from Bar to PSI with the touch of a button.  Accurate readouts for low pressure fatbike tires to high pressure road bike tires with measurements up to 144 psi are what makes this a versatile multi-bike gauge.  The compact size fits in a seat bag without taking up too much space leaving room for other things like a tube and tire levers.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Finish Line Super Bike Wash

($9-$13)

Cleaning your bike and keeping it looking new is easy with Finish Line Super Bike Wash.  This safe for all surfaces, non-toxic and biodegradable product can be used two ways to remove dirt and grime with little or no scrubbing.  Spray it on and wipe it off or hose it off allowing you to clean your bike inside or outside.  Available in 1 Liter ready to use spray bottle, 1 Liter refill and 16 oz. concentrate at Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Quad Lock Bike Kit

($70)

The Quad Lock Bike Kit is a lightweight and strong bike mount system for your smarthphone.  For those that like to use their smarthphone with ride tracking apps or for navigation, this kit is the way to go.  The Bike Mount attaches easily to the stem or bar with rubber O-rings or zip ties for a secure fit.  The dual action locking mechanism allows quick attachment or removal of the phone from the bike.  Quad Lock has models for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5/5S, and iPhone 6.  Available from Quad Lock and Amazon.com.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks

($13-$25)

For the cold weather cyclist, any one of the DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks would be a great addition to their cycling apparel.  Made from American Merino Wool, Nylon and Lycra, this sock line is warm, comfortable, doesn't bunch up and is not itchy.  They come in heights from 1" to knee high in men's and women's sizes.  Available from DeFeet, fine bike shops and Amazon.com.
  

Scosche boomBOTTLE

($130)

The Scosche boomBOTTLE is a rugged IPX4 Splashproof/Weatherproof Bluetooth connectivity speaker designed to fit in a water bottle cage or cupholder.  Skip the earbuds and enjoy listening to podcasts or music while riding and still be able to hear approaching vehicles or passing cyclists.  With a 10 hour battery life and rich loud sound this speaker will keep you entertained on those long rides.  Available in a variety of colors from Scosche, Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Park Tool Chain Checker

($30)

Chain stretch can cause sloppy shifting, uneven drivetrain wear and premature cassette replacement.  Know your chain's percentage of stretch and replace it before it has a chance to do damage with the Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker.  It is 10 and 11 speed compatible and has readings from 0 to 1 % of stretch.  For most chains replacement should be done at or before .75% of stretch.  This simple tool is easy to use and will take the guess work out of when to replace that worn chain.  Available from Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Gift Cards From Your Local Bike Shop

Don't know what to get the cyclist on your list?  Gift cards from your local bike shop are always appreciated.  They can be used for tune-ups and overhauls, component and part upgrades, accessories, apparel, unexpected repairs (crash) or toward a new bike purchase.  Gift cards are available in a variety of denominations and are always the perfect size.

Product Review: Trail Rail Adjustable Cell/GPS Cradle

I first came across the Trail Rail Adjustable Cell/GPS Cradle last year at Interbike and immediately thought of its application for mountain biking and adventure riding.  This mount is a solid way to secure your iPhone or Android device to handlebars for navigation, shooting photos/video and for easy access taking calls or messaging.  What makes this mount so stable and virtually indestructible is the cradle, platform and all components are machined from solid 6061-T6 Aluminum billet.

I ride the fatbike on every type of terrain so I figured it would be the best test of durability for the Trail Rail Adjustable Cradle.  I have used it to secure my Samsung Galaxy S4 (on the Adjustable Cell/GPS Cradle II) to my bars for navigation and ride tracking on gravel roads, through the Minnesota River Bottoms and on area singletrack mountain bike trails without ever having to worry about the cradle coming loose or losing my phone.

Rock gardens, logs, fast descents and the occasional crash did not interfere with Trail Rail's ability to keep my phone securely in place.  In fact, it held it so secure that I could see this mount being used on ATV's and motorcycles, too.

The cradle is adjustable to provide the best viewing angle.  By changing out individual components such as the C-Link adapter and Platform (Diamond), the orientation of the phone can be changed to a landscape view for shooting photos and video.

Here is a short video I shot using my Samsung Galaxy S4 in the landscape position on the Trail Rail Adjustable Cradle while riding at the Minnesota River Bottoms.

While the video quality may seem shaky, it is not because of the Adjustable Cradle but rather the vibration and shock from the bike on rough terrain.  I do like having the option to shoot 1080p video and take photos with my smartphone while on rides and the adjustability of this cradle allows me to do so easily.

My favorite thing about the design of the Trail Rail Cradle is the easy access that it provides while riding.  I can quickly glance down at a map, check my ride stats or view a newly received text message.  All of the button functions (volume, power and home) are available without the cradle getting in the way of them and I have full responsive touchscreen functionality.

The adjustable cradle fingers and spacers provide a custom fit on phones with cases.  I have an Otterbox Defender Series case on my Galaxy S4 which increases the phone size significantly and it was easy to get the right secure fit.  There are two neoprene strips that apply onto the face of the cradle to prevent scratching of the phone and dampen vibration.

This is a high quality phone mounting system that delivers security even on the roughest of terrain.  The only negative that I came across using it was not being able to quickly remove my phone from the cradle.  Removal does require the use of an allen wrench to loosen the cradle fingers.  Trail Rail does however sell Thumb Screws to avoid this, making phone removal tool-free.  Quick cradle removal can also be done by implementing the new UV Quick Release Mount.

With a number of Individual Components available for the Trail Rail system, mounting options are many and can be customized to your liking.  Contact Trail Rail for questions regarding components and cradles for mounting for your device.

The original Adjustable Cell/GPS Platform I was designed for use with the iPhone but can be used with smaller Android phones and is available for $119.99.  I have used this cradle with my old HTC One S.  The newest addition to the Trail Rail line, the Adjustable Cell/GPS Cradle II is ideal for larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 & S5 and is available for $139.99.  Since last year the price for the Trail Rail phone cradle system has come down significantly from its original $200+ price tag.  These mounts are more expensive than most on the market but are very high quality and built to last unlike plastic mounts.

Each system comes in MIL-STD-8625 Class II, Black & Sealed finish and the Adjustable Cell/GPS Platform I is also available in several anodized colors.  All Trail Rail products are made in the USA.

Both Systems Include:
(1) TRUV MOUNT
(1) HB RING RAIL (31.8MM STANDARD RING SIZE, OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE, SEE BELOW)
(1) C Link Adapter
(1) Platform Adapter
(1) Adjustable Cell/GPS Cradle
 HB RING RAIL ALSO AVAILBLE IN THE FOLLOWING SIZES:
-19mm (.750")
-25.4mm (1.00")
-30.1mm (1.187")
-31.8mm (1.252")
-32.4mm (1.275")

Disclosure:  Trail Rail provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review. 

Product Review: Quad Lock Bike Kit

I take my smartphone along on all of my rides for navigation, ride tracking, taking photos and to listen to my favorite podcasts and music.  Usually I would stash it in my jersey pocket, but the problem with that was anytime I needed to check the map or change what I was listening to I would have to stop and grab it.  After seeing the Quad Lock Bike Kit on the web, I wanted to give it a try and see if it would do the trick to put my smartphone within easy view and hold it secure whether I was mountain biking or riding on the road.

Image Credit: Quad Lock

One of the key features of the Quad Lock Stem/Bar mount that I liked was the dual action locking mechanism that would allow me to easily attach or remove my phone from the bike.  This would come in handy for taking photos during a ride or taking my phone with me when parking my bike.

I ride in all types of weather, so keeping my phone dry while still having access to it mounted on my stem would be necessary.  The Quad Lock Bike Kit comes with a rain-resistant cover called a Poncho that would accomplish this.

Would the Quad Lock Bike Kit hold my $600 smartphone securely to my stem on rough terrain?  I would put this to the test on three bikes (fatbike, mountain bike and road bike) covering a variety of road and trail conditions.

Installation of the mount took only seconds and could be mounted with o-rings for easy removal or zip ties for a more permanent fixture.  The case for the kit (Galaxy S4 for this review) is made of a polycarbonate core and a soft TPU outer material that made it easy to slip onto my phone.

On the fatbike and mountain bike, it held my phone securely on everything from bumpy gravel roads to singletrack scattered with rocks, roots and log crossings.  The position of the phone on the stem made it easy to see where I was using Google maps or other cycling apps.

 

On my road bike is where I really came to love this mount kit.  Many times when I head out for a ride I don't have a route plan and will navigate using Google Maps on Strava.  With the Quad Lock Bike Kit I no longer have to stop to see where my next turn might be.  I simply turn on my phone's display and take a quick glance to see where I'm at. 

Phone removal and attachment from the bike mount is quick and can be done using only one hand. Push down on the blue collar and twist to remove, twist until the lock snaps into place to reattach.  This lets me get a quick photo or two without fumbling around with the mount.

The rain-resistant Poncho cover slips onto the case with a little maneuvering providing a pretty good seal against rain, sweat and dust.  While it keeps your phone dry during the occasional rain, this cover can make pushing the power, home and volume buttons a little more difficult.  Touch screen functionality works ok but sometimes, especially near the edges of the screen, a little more pressure is required.  Since the Quad Lock Bike Kit doesn't provide any screen protection without the use of the Poncho, a screen protector such as Zagg InvisibleShield may be necessary to protect the glass.  There are no access ports on the Poncho so to use it with headphones or a charger, a paper punch can be used to make the necessary holes.  Use Scotch tape to cover these holes when not in use to keep water from getting in.

I really like this mount, it has made ride navigation much easier, positioning allows for a better GPS signal and I can remove or reattach my phone in an instant.  I never had any problems with my phone moving or jostling out of position, this mount definitely held secure.  If you use your smartphone as a bike computer or for ride tracking and navigation, you'll like the convenience and secure hold of the Quad Lock Bike Kit.

The Quad Lock Bike Kit is available for the iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 5C, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5 and a Universal Bike Mount Kit (no Poncho) for almost any device with a smooth, flat surface.

Disclosure:  Annex Products provided the review sample for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.