Reality Check; What cyclists really want for Christmas

This time of year every cycling magazine publishes its top ten list of gifts for cyclists. The range crisscrosses the landscape from the wildly expensive to blissfully obscure. It makes great eye candy and wonderful filler, but let's try to be a little more realistic for those who are not going to spend $2,000 on a frame or a set of wheels. Hey, if you're willing to spend that on someone then that's great, but what about that cyclist in the mail room who's on your Secret Santa list or your depleted budget from all of your other holiday shopping?
Let's get serious.
What we want are gifts that show us you've actually paid attention to what we do and how we do it. That's exactly how I came by the best gift I ever received.
I had volunteered to photograph an awards banquet and a few days beforehand the organizer engaged me in a conversation. She knew I cycled and mentioned her husband was looking for a good bike shop. I mentioned a couple of shops he could visit and quickly forgot the conversation.
The night of the event I received an envelope - and inside was a gift card for one of those shops.
When you're shopping for gifts for cyclists, that gift certificate from a local shop is an excellent idea because we will use it to purchase the sundries we need or the items we've been thinking about but keep putting off.
For instance, we may like to have a new set of carbon fiber wheels, but look at the wheels we currently have. Do you think you'll lose points by presenting us with a fresh set of new tires or ultralight tubes?
How about a roadside repair kit complete with inflating cartridge? A fresh container of chamois lube is every bit as thoughtful and useful as a box of gel packs for those really long rides.
Just because it might snow where you live doesn't mean the wheels have been put away. Many of us wile away winter glued to magnetic trainers and there's nothing better than a collection of cycling videos to help pass the time.
If your cyclist isn't a fan of the spin class types of discs, check out the range of downloadable videos from Sufferfest (under $12 each) and the latest hi-tech workouts from Indoor Road Cycling. In fact, what's the one item we'd love to have but never get around to buying? A simple fan to keep us cool while we're on the trainer.
The list is practically endless and can include things like a new chain, fancy new water bottle, maybe a pro team jersey and if you do run out of ideas sifting through the toolbox or gear closet, there's always that gift certificate from a local bike shop.
When you think about it, if we don't wear cuff links what's the point in showing us a pair made of chain links? Gift us with things we actually can use and we'll always remember your thoughtfulness.
Trust me. We will be absolutely delighted.