Shopping for a cyclist seems easy until you actually try to do it.
They already have a bike. So... now what?
The good news is that cyclists are incredibly easy to shop for once you know what to look for. There are practical things they'll use on every ride, upgrades they might not buy for themselves, fun ways to personalize their bike and plenty of small gifts that fit perfectly in a stocking.
Whether you're shopping for someone who rides every weekend, a kid who just discovered life on two wheels or someone who tracks every mile they ride, we've put together a few ideas they'll actually want to unwrap.
For the Cyclist Who Loves Their Data
Some people go for a bike ride.
Other people finish a bike ride and immediately want to know how far they went, how fast they went, where they went and whether they beat their last ride.
You know which person you're shopping for.
A Garmin cycling computer makes a great gift for riders who love navigation, ride tracking and performance data.
If their adventures extend beyond the bike, consider a Garmin watch instead. It gives them something they can use for cycling as well as other activities and everyday life.
Not sure which Garmin makes sense?
That's exactly the kind of thing we'd rather help you figure out than have you stand in front of a display Googling model numbers.
Tell us about the person you're shopping for and how they ride, and we'll point you in the right direction.
For the Cyclist Who Rides All Winter
Know someone who gets grumpy when winter cuts into their riding time?
Give them their bike back.
An indoor cycling trainer lets them keep riding when it's dark, freezing, snowing or just plain miserable outside.
There are options for riders who simply want to pedal indoors as well as smart trainers that create a much more interactive training experience.
At Gio's Outdoors, you'll find trainer options from Wahoo, Garmin Tacx, Minoura and Elite.
This is definitely one of the bigger gifts on the list, but for someone who loves cycling, it can completely change what their winter looks like.
For the Rider Who's Always Prepared
Some of the best cycling gifts aren't flashy.
They're the things you really wish you had when you need them.
Think:
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Tubes
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Tire sealant
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Bike lights
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Chains
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Water bottles
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Power banks
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Maintenance supplies
If you're not sure what size tube they need or what works with their particular bike, don't guess.
Ask us.
A stocking full of practical bike gear might not look exciting to everyone, but the cyclist in your life will get it.
For the Cyclist Who Likes to Be Comfortable
Here's something non-cyclists don't always realize:
A few hours on a bike can make you very opinionated about your shorts.
Cycling-specific gear exists for a reason.
Padded shorts, bike shoes, good socks, helmets and body chamois can all make riding more comfortable.
These are especially good gifts for someone who's been getting more serious about riding but hasn't invested much in cycling-specific gear yet.
And if you happen to know someone who has been riding in regular gym shorts and complaining about being uncomfortable?
We have some ideas.
For the Bike With a Personality
Cycling gear doesn't have to be serious.
Sometimes the best gift is the thing that makes someone's bike feel a little more like theirs.
Swap plain bar tape for something with personality.
Add a fun bell.
Change out the saddle.
Grab a bottle that actually matches the bike.
Add some lights.
There are plenty of ways to personalize a bike without changing the things that make it great to ride.
This is also an easy category when you're shopping for kids. Bells, bottles and fun accessories can make their bike feel completely different without buying them an entirely new one.
Although...
For the Kid Who Has Definitely Outgrown Their Bike
Kids have an impressive ability to outgrow things approximately five minutes after you buy them.
Bikes are no exception.
If knees are suddenly getting a little too close to handlebars, Christmas might be the perfect opportunity to move them into their next bike.
We're offering 15% off kids bikes, and you'll also get a free helmet with the purchase of a kids bike.
Most of our bikes are Trek, and we can help make sure you're choosing the right size rather than trying to eyeball it and hope for the best.
And don't forget the accessories.
A new bike plus a bell, bottle or other accessory they picked themselves makes for a pretty great Christmas morning.
For the Cyclist Who Has Everything
They probably don't.
Cyclists have an incredible talent for discovering one more bike thing they need.
But if you're genuinely stumped, a Gio's Outdoors gift card lets them pick it out themselves.
It also solves another common gift-shopping problem:
You don't have to know what kind of chain they use.
Or what size tube they need.
Or whether the cycling computer you've been looking at works for what they want to do.
Sometimes letting the bike person buy their own bike stuff is the smartest gift of all.
Don't Forget the Stocking
You can build a surprisingly good cyclist's stocking without filling it with things they'll never use.
Try a combination of:
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Cycling socks
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Water bottles
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Tire sealant
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Tubes
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Body chamois
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Small maintenance items
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Bike accessories
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Power banks
You can keep it practical, make it fun or mix the two.
And if you walk into Gio's and tell us, "I have $50 and need a gift for someone who loves bikes," we'll help you figure it out.
Give Them Another Adventure
The best gifts don't always spend their lives sitting on a shelf.
They get dirty.
They collect miles.
They end up in photos from places you've never been.
They become part of someone's Saturday morning routine or the reason the whole family gets outside together.
That's why we like giving gear.
You're not just giving someone another thing.
You're giving them another reason to GO Adventure.
Stop by Gio's Outdoors in Smithville, Raymore or Leavenworth to shop Trek bikes, Garmin cycling computers and watches, indoor trainers, cycling accessories, stocking stuffers and plenty of gifts for the adventurers on your list.
Not sure what you're looking for?
Come talk to us. We'll help you find it.
