All you cyclists out there, please help me choose a present for dh

[tiredandgrumpy]

He has a new hybrid bike which he loves to go out on at weekends, then comes back covered in mud but very happy. It's his birthday soon & I'd like to get him some proper gear, but don't know anything about it. He has a cycle computer & thinks it's brilliant, but I think I'll go for clothing of some sort. Is there a special sort of jacket, or trousers which are really good? Please help.

just go to a good independent cycle shop and they could advise you! DH got for Christmas some really good led flashing lights for front and back... he's a cycle to work man...

Have to agree. Go to a bike shop. Get some advice and go for clothing, panniers, lights, bike cover, new seat (much more comfy then the ones the bikes come with).

My dh is a keen cyclist and spends half his life (and money) on the wiggle website. In terms of clothes, he would suggest some under layers (merino wool is apparently good because it takes sweat away from the body - or something) and a light waterproof jacket. He also gets use out of his 3/4 length waterproof shorts. Gloves ?

Is the computer a heart rate monitor one or one that he can actually plan his route on laptop and then look at it after ? DH has recently got the latter (almost like a sat nav for bikes - think its made by Garmin) and he loves it. Massively geeky

I got DP this for xmas

www.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=site_sizing/revolution-tuneup-tool-kit.ht m&f_cardinal=3

Lol Tilly I was just going to suggest Wiggle too.

My dh is mad about cycling too and is always on the Wiggle site. Boxes from Wiggle arrive v frequently in the post (lord knows what the postman thinks is in them)

He cycles in all weather and the clothing is v v important apparantly. I just think he's bonkers but there you go.

Big favourites are cycling tights, expensive lightweight rain jackets and recently some funny lightweight special rain leggings.

You can also get a funny all purpose tool (looks a bit like a swiss army knife) but is an all purpose tool for cyclists. He's got a few of those too I think. Oh and a decent small pump is a good idea for his back pocket. Socks and gloves also.

I am a veteran of many years of getting him odd presents for birthdays and Christmas.

Ooh and another idea. A subscription to Cycling Weekly

Tsar - dd only has to see a wiggle box and she points and says "Daddy" and has done since she was about 12 months old

Would second tights as well OP - even if its only to give you a laugh

A Buff is brilliant when it's cold. Does he have one?

DP has a buff -says its great. The DC bought it for him for Xmas. Theres a company on ebay that does them (not the original Buff make tho) for a fraction of the price and they seems really good, good selection of designs etc

I was going to suggest Wiggle too -it seems all our DPs spend their lives on the Wiggle site ordering stuff.

Just had a look and the seller on ebay with the buffs was screaminkiwi (search for "Neck Buff Biker" and you should find them)

Those shoe cover thingies, they are made of neoprene, go over the entire shoe (allowing for SPD clips, I assume he must have SPDS? Else I'd say they're even better than the shoe covers). Shoe covers are machine washable. They keep feet warm and possibly even dry, too, in all conditions, brilliant!

Some fantastic ideas! Have no idea what a buff is, but am about to investigate! Also, did wonder whether he might look a little odd in cycling tights, but from the sounds of it it goes with the sport.

the garmin's expensive but great. it's tremendous fun seeing where you went and how fast you were going on google maps when you get home.

endless possibilities for pointless analysis.

i have this one which i use for jogging/walking as well as cycling.

but then, i am a bit of a nerd.

Another vote for Wiggle from Dh here!
Xmas and birthdays, I am straight onto Wiggle to order his present.