Holiday Staff Picks 2021

• Posted on 17 November 2021
• By KW
• 0

It's that time of year again.  That time when you have a gift list as long as your arm, but you don't know what to buy for whom.  That's OK!  We are here to help.  Sit back, relax, grab yourself a candy cane latte, and read through this post.  We will solve all of your gift-giving problems for the cyclists on that list.  Here are the MSBC shop folks' HOLIDAY STAFF PICKS for 2021.

First off, let's agree that just because there's a rider on your list doesn't mean you have to spend oodles of money.  It doesn't mean you DON'T have too, either, but don't worry about busting your budget at one store.  What we have here is a wide variety of options, from pocket tools to smart trainers, to fit every budget.  So here we go.

Let's go from the smallest item to the largest.  Up first is the multi-tool idea.  We carry several different models from Crank Brothers - the M-17 and M-20, and the F-15.  They range in price from $30-$45.  Why does someone need a chain tool?  Well, if you're going to be out and away from assistance for any length of time, one of these can save the day.  They include Allen wrenches in the most popular/common bike sizes, a screwdriver or two, a spoke wrench, and a chain link removal tool.  You can almost take apart and re-bubild your entire bike with one.  "But my rider already has one of those."  Yeah, but for EVERY BIKE?  (Seriously, sometimes you forget to grab one - so get a saddle bag for each bike, and stock it with a tube, a multi-tool like this, and maybe a snack.)  You can look them up here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/tool-crank-brothers-m20.html

These may actually be smaller than the multi-tool; we didn't measure.  But their small size is well overcome by their brightness and usefulness.  The Thunderbolt Light Set from Serfas is a great option for the "be seen" lights.  What's the "be seen" style, you ask?  We divide lighting equipment into two categories - "SEE" or "BE SEEN."  The first group is made up of lights that are bright enough for you to see in the full dark of an actual night ride.  The second - "be seen" - allows drivers to see YOU.  The Thunderbolt set includes a front white LED light with several solid and flashing modes, and a rear red LED, also with solid and flash modes.  You can check these out right here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/copy-of-light-serfas-quasar-light-set.html

The Scape Top Tube Bag from Brooks is a newer product for us that we are very excited about.  This bag sits conveniently right in front of you, attached to the top tube and your handlebar stem with hook and loop fasteners.  It's large enough to hold your cell phone, a multi-tool, some snacks, and a spare tube in some combination (you might not get it all in there at once).  You can check it out here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/bag-brooks-scape-top-tube.html

Next up is what some consider to be the most important part of the bike: your saddle.  If there is one accessory that we get requests for replacement for the most, it's a seat.  "It's too hard!"  "It's too soft!"  "This one is juuuussst right..."  The WTB Koda saddle has just the right amount of padding and flex, and we think you'll like it for whatever cycling application you choose.  It comes in two different lengths and widths, too.  You can have a look at it here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/copy-of-saddle-wtb-koda-wide.html

Here's one for the kids!  We have two awesome new kids' baskets that are perfect for collecting rocks, leaves, and frogs, or maybe holding a snack.  Lightweight and fairly easy to clean, they strap onto the handlebars until you're ready to take them on an adventure. Comes in two different whimsical styles - a moose and cats in space.  You'll fund them here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/basket-kids-space-kitty.html   

https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/basket-kids-moose.html   

One of the three contact points on the bike is (are?) the foot (feet?).  Treat your feet well and they will give you lots of miles on the bike.  The Stamp Lace cycling shoe is a lightweight, comfortable fit in a lace-up style.  The outsole is optimized for Crankbrothers Stamp pedal body, though it is designed to work flawlessly with any flat pedal. Its high-friction rubber compound provides optimal grip and its lug depth absorbs the pins to ensure a secure pedal connection.  When we think of Cinderella, we think of the Stamp Lace.  No, really.  Walk over here to see what they're all about: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/shoes-stamp-lace.html

Right under those shoes is probably a set of pedals.  And the shoes right up there were designed specifically to work with the Stamp 1 Pedal.  These pedals are lightweight and come with 9 traction pins per side to keep those Stamp Lace shoes in place.  Great for mountain biking and gravel rides!  Take a peek at them: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/pedals-stamp-1.html

Remember that really cool SNL skit with Dana Carvey when Hans and Franz were going to "pump... you up"?  The Syncros digital floor pump will get you there, too.  Or your tires, anyway.  A digital pressure gauge is mounted high on the body for easy-reading accuracy.  Low-pressure fat bike tires?  No problem.  High-pressure road?  Still no problem.  Have a look: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/pump-syncros.html

How many of you have skipped a ride or two (or more...) because it was just too cold?  Well, suffer no more, friend: here is the Pearl Izumi Thermal Tight.  Thermal fleece fabric insulates and moves sweat, while PI Dry water-shedding technology wards off splashes and light rain.  You have to try them to believe them.  We promise you'll be warm and toasty.  Here's a link: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/pearl-izumi-womens-thermal-tight.html

Speaking of staying warm, your hands and fingers will never be happier in the winter than when they are in these Bar Mitts pogies (how many of you even knew what a pogie was?).  These can stay on your bars all winter, or you can switch them from bike to bike.  Large, insulated pockets keep your hands quite warm, or your already-gloved hands even warmer.  Wear a light-to-medium weight glove and you are going to be pretty comfortable.  Grab your mug of hot chocolate right now and think about them here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/gloves-pogie-bar-mitts.html

Maybe you've been watching Bob and Tara a lot lately, and you think you're ready to start repairing your own bike.  Or at least you'd like it to be more convenient to do basic stuff like changing a tire or lubing the chain.  Either way, the Park Repair Stand is for you.  A nice wide footprint povides a nice sturdy base to prevent tipping, and the clamp rotates a full 360 degrees to allow you to put the patient in whatever postition you need.  Fix your eyes on it here: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/repair-stand-park-92.html

"More grip = more fun.  Get rolling with a set of Cross Kings for more grippy fun."  Lee W., MSBC Staff.  She's right, you know.  There are three different models depending on your needs.  Roll on over to this page to see what the Cross Kings have to offer: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/continental-cross-king-performance.html

Finally, we have the ultimate in personal trainers.  No, Aaron isn't going to come to your house and design your workouts.  It's the Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Trainer.  It's direct drive design means there's no more wheel slippage, and it's compatible with several online training apps.  Its partner, the Saris M2, has similar outstanding features, but is not a direct drive system.  Take at least some of the drudgery out of indoor training!  Here it is: https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/trainer-saris-h3.html

There you have it.  Didn't find anything you think your favorite cyclist needs?  Then stop by the shop and see us in person.  We will be glad to help you out.  And if you can't think of anything, you can always get a gift card!!  https://main-street-bicycle-company.shoplightspeed.com/search/gift/