The Ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Cyclists

Ride-tested. Studio-approved. Built for Seattle winter.

Cyclists can be notoriously hard to shop for — we’re picky, detail-oriented, and usually already own the basics. The secret? Get them upgrades they’ll actually use and feel on every ride. Here’s what the CBS team is giving (and hoping to receive) this year. You can get any of these items at the studio!

🎁 Stocking Stuffers (Under $40)

Small upgrades. Big joy.

1. Silca & Q365 Winter Socks:
   These aren’t your grandma's socks you get in your stocking at age 10 and have to really politely thank her for. These are thermal, breathable, fast-drying — the holy trinity of winter comfort and an upgraded stocking stuffer. These are the socks riders reach for on dark, cold mornings when motivation is low. Thanks grandma!
   

2. Bevo Water Bottles (Joseph’s Favorite!)
   Indestructible, metal, dishwasher-safe. Joseph has put his through absolute abuse (you should really see the state of this thing…) and it’s still going strong. A premium bottle that feels like a long-term investment, not a throwaway.
   

3. Silca Elettrico Micro Air Compressor
   A palm-sized USB-rechargeable inflator that solves mid-ride flats with precision. Way better than CO₂, and way easier than a mini pump.
   

4. Bar Tape Refresh
   The rider equivalent of a fresh haircut. And not a $10 haircut from Great Clips. We’re talking luxury salon cut. Fresh tape makes any cockpit feel brand new. High impact for low cost.
   

5. Garmin Varia Radar Tail Light (Kelley’s Favorite!)
   A radar-enabled tail light that detects cars approaching from behind and displays alerts on the rider’s computer or watch. Safety + awareness = peace of mind.
   

6. Gift Cards to the Studio
   Listen… There’s nothing wrong with a gift card IF it’s a thoughtful card. These are perfect for the picky rider but let’s them choose the upgrade they truly want — from service to soft goods to gear.

❄️ Winter Riding Essentials (Mid-Range Gifts)

For the rider who refuses to hibernate.

1. Assos Winter Jacket
   Do you have someone in your life that’s been SWEARING they’re going to continue riding in the winter no matter the weather. This is for them. Windproof, waterproof, and breathable protection against winter storms. One of the smartest pieces of gear for shoulder-season riding — warm when you need it, cool when you don’t. They won’t have any excuse but to start their new year’s resolution early and join Kempton on one of our Strava group rides.
   

2. Brake Pads
   Maybe not the most glamorous, but absolutely a winter essential that tells the rider in your life that you’re paying attention. Cold, grit, and moisture wear components faster — gifting fresh pads means safer, smoother riding.
   

3. Water Bottle Cages
   Who knew?? They wear out, crack, and lose tension over time. A fresh cage is a small upgrade that keeps bottles secure on rough winter roads.
   

4. New Chain + Wax Chain Club Membership*
   Winter destroys drivetrains. A fresh chain + a wax service is one of the most meaningful performance upgrades you can give. Cleaner, quieter, longer-lasting. Through Dec 15th, we’ll waive the initiation fee to Wax Chain Club when you purchase two sets of chains! It's the gift that keeps on giving.

🚴 Gifts for the Rider Obsessed With Performance

For the cyclist who counts watts and notices everything.

1. Assos Packable Gravel Shell Layer
   Perfect for the rider in your life that complains about never having the right gear and has a mental breakdown whenever they get stuck in bad weather. This packable shell layer helps keep them dry when weather turns from calm to sideways rain.
   

2. Kask Sunglasses (Kempton’s Favorite)
   For the rider who cares about looking cool. Or what do the kids say nowadays? Sweet? Bad-a**?? These glasses are gender-neutral, helmet-compatible, using Zeiss lenses — the “Ferrari of lens manufacturing.” Crisp clarity, strong protection, beautiful design! Can’t go wrong here.
   

3. Kask & MET Helmets
   Italian-built, high-performance helmets known for ventilation, comfort, and premium construction. Because safety is sexy!
   

4. G8 Insoles
   Similar to running shoes, cycling shoe soles wear out — performance and comfort decline long before the rider notices. G8s offer tunable arch support and a big boost in stability. Also a great intro into shoe + cleat fitting if they’ve been talking about maybe wanting one in the future!
   

5. Custom Saddle Fitting (Andrea’s Favorite)
   A precision saddle fit changes everything: knee alignment, pelvic support, comfort, and power transfer. Andrea’s week 1 results? “Completely different ride.”
   Book a saddle fitting here!
   

6. Custom Shoe/Insole Fitting
   A top-tier upgrade in under an hour — better alignment, reduced hot spots, more efficient power transfer.
   Book a shoe & insole fitting here!

🔥 The “I Really Love You” Gifts

The big ones. The unforgettable ones.

1. Custom Bike Build
   You want a jaw-dropper? This is it. The ultimate expression of riding style and fit — geometry, cockpit, drivetrain, wheelset, and paint crafted specifically for one rider. A one-of-a-kind ride custom made by our team. You can thank us later.
   Book a sales consultation for a custom build!
   

2. Premium Wheelset Upgrade
   Wheels may be the eyebrows of the bike. It’s the fastest way to transform any bike - for looks and performance. Whether you want lighter, snappier, smoother, carbon, or high-end alloy, wheel upgrades are magic.
   

3. ID Match Bike Fitting
   A full biomechanical analysis that solves many common riding ailments - knee pain, numb hands, saddle friction, and efficiency losses. A gift that truly changes how someone rides.
   Book a professional fitting here!

🎁 Need help choosing?

Swing by the studio — we’ll help match the perfect gift to their riding style, goals, and bike setup.