Gift Guide - Everyone likes drinking liquids, right?

Drinking while moving, it has never been my forte. Walking down the hallway in high school I used to spill Citra (so bad, so good, so dated) down the front of myself practically daily. Lucky for me I'm not the only spill prone human on Earth and in the past few years the anti-spillage designs for drinking while moving have gotten pretty dialed in. So considering how often people would like to drink while riding their bikes it seemed only fitting to list out the best of the best in drinking during riding related adventure. Whether it's a cold drink on a hot day, hot drink on a cold day, or a drink drink because you and your friends like to live dangerously, we have got the goods.

- Keep it cool or keep it warm -

The CamelBak Podium Chill is an insulated bottle with CamelBak's super convenient "self sealing Jet Valve" tip. Basically that means the spout is always closed so it won't spill and all you have to do to get a sip is squeeze the bottle. Think of the way a Heinz ketchup tip works, it works really well. There's also the Nathan Fire and Ice bottle. This bottle is insulated, has the standard water bottle tip and the entire thing is reflective. Just by carrying it on your bike you have a little extra visibility which is never a bad thing, right? Both bottles are $12 each and come in various colors.

- Keep it hot or keep it cold -

Stanley really thought this stainless steel vac-insulated mug out for cyclists. Not only is it specifically designed to jive perfectly with the shape of a standard metal bottle cage, but it also is designed to be used with just one hand. Awesome. We also have the Klean Kanteen insulated thermos. It's made with food grade stainless steel, fits 20oz of liquid and while we only have the standard screw off cap, Klean Kanteen makes a cap that turns it into a travel mug. Both thermoses keep hot things hot for 6 hours, cold stuff cold for 24 and are $30 each.

- Carry your coffee a few blocks to work -

Here it is, a cup holder for your bike. PDW designed the Bar-ista with the same taper as your standard disposable coffee cup and lined it with some grippy foam to keep your drink where it belongs; an inch from your hand at all times. For $18 it's a good deal and your favorite caffeine addicted friend will love you daily forever.

- Fun on the run -
No, your eyes did not deceive you when you looked at that last picture, we have a bottle cage boss mounted FLASK CAGE. You're kidding right? How fun is that? Throw a tin of sardines in your jersey pocket, fill up your flask and roll out to get lost in the woods with some friends. Ahearne Cycles Spaceman Bicycle Flask Holster ($40) will do the heavy lifting for you and can fit both 6 and 8oz flasks. If you've got a flask you're halfway there, and if you don't we have some 6oz Surly ones for $40.

Who knew drinking on a bike could have so many options?

Gift Guide - Rescue Roll!

If there's one thing all cyclists dread, it's being caught out and stranded by a flat tire. The second you realize that sound you hear is all the air rushing out of your tube it's like a punch in the gut every time. It blows, literally and figuratively. As much as I myself don't like getting flats, you know who likes the idea of me getting a flat somewhere weird even less?

My Mom.

If my mom went into a bike shop trying to find something to get me, I'd like to think whoever was working would help her build this little rescue kit for me, the girl who's never going to be anything but a silly 8 year old in her eyes. This is a gift that both the gift giver and the gift getter get something from; some self sufficiency on the road for the gift getter, and a little peace of mind for Mom/you.

To get that tire and rotten tube off the bike, fixed up and back on the bike you're going to need a few tools...

Tire Levers - 2 for $3 -
Here at the shop our favorites are the Pedro's plastic composite tire levers. They're super cheap, super sturdy and come in 4 fun colors.

Hand Pump or CO2 Inflator - $22 and $25 -
The Crank Brothers Power Pump Ultra is a good hand pump because it's pretty small, it works with both Schrader and Presta valves (so you can't get the wrong thing) and it can switch between high volume and high pressure which is really helpful. Then there's the PDW Shiny Object CO2 inflator. It's cool because it's smaller and less laborious to use than a hand pump, and it comes with a cartridge in a reuseable leather sheath so you can be fancy. The cartridges are single use though so it produces more waste and they're $3-$4 each. It depends on what you're into but both are definitely good options.

Patch Kit or Replacement Tube - $3 to $6 -
If you know the size tire your daughter's/friend's/dad's bike has, getting a tube is the way to go. They can always patch the damaged tube later in the comfort of their own home. However, if you're not so sure, a patch kit is definitely always a safe bet. Really, even if you know what tube they use it's always good to have a patch kit handy.

Now that you've got all the rad stuff you need for your loved one to rescue themselves, you need something to put it in that will always be with the bike right? Enter the R.E.Load Saddle Roll.

This saddle roll is legit. Since it's a roll and not a standard saddle bag (which has a very finite amount of space), it can be stuffed super full or cinched down when not carrying as much. In these pics it's wrapped up with all the tools listed up top, it fits everything perfectly. Strap it to the rails under your saddle and you're set. They're made right here in good old Philly, too. $40 and you'll be supporting two small local businesses and getting a really awesome product. Everyone wins.

So there it is, rescue in a roll! If you come in one of us can help you pick out the goods and we can show you even more options than the ones listed here. It's a really easy gift to tailor perfectly to the person you're getting it for, and for $68 to $77 (depending on the options listed here) it's got pretty great bang-for-your-buck factor too. Plus who doesn't like saving the day for their friends and family?