Contender's Holiday Gift Guide
Winter has officially arrived, and while we might wish it away, the season is here to stay. It’s also the time for gift-giving, which can be tricky when shopping for cyclists. We tend to know exactly what we want—and often, we buy it for ourselves. To make your holiday shopping easier, we’ve curated a list of gifts for every type of rider. Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or a more substantial present, you’re sure to find something they don’t already have on their wish list.
Contender’s Local Staff Picks
Cyclists love chasing speed, which is why most of the things we buy tend to fall into the "faster" category. But not everything needs to make your bike go faster—some things just make the ride more enjoyable, both on and off the bike. These are all of our staff picks, local items, and Contender collaborations.
Graham's Unchained Coasters
Take the Unchained Coasters, for example. Handcrafted by our head mechanic, Graham, these unique coasters are made from leftover chain pins, links, and rollers, all set in epoxy. No two are the same, making each one a perfect, personalized addition to any cyclist’s home. You can also get the hot waxed version, which is claimed to make your drink at least 3 watts faster, and 10% quieter. Just kidding ;).
Contender Utah Cycling Mug
Already have a set of coasters? Then why not pair them with some matching mugs! Handcrafted right here in Salt Lake City, the Contender Utah Cycling Mug is a perfect match. Each mug is wheel-thrown by a local artist who shares a passion for cycling, making everyone unique. With its hand-crafted design, it’s a great gift and a meaningful way to support both local craftsmanship and Utah's cycling culture. Be sure to check out more of his work on Instagram @jesse_trails as well.
Contender X Bivo Bottles
We've all been there: enjoying a warm drink from your new Contender mug, only to realize you’re supposed to be at your winter group ride in 20 minutes. Fear not—the Contender x Bivo Steel Bottles are here to save the day. Made from stainless steel and insulated to keep your drink warm throughout the ride, these bottles are just as handy on and off the bike. Whether you’re heading to the office or out for errands, they’re perfect for keeping your drink at the right temperature all day long. Available in both insulated and non-insulated versions, they fit in your bottle cage perfectly.
Contender X Dynaplug Racer Pro
In the same spirit as our custom Contender collaborations, we present the Contender x Dynaplug Racer Pro tire plugger. Lightweight, easy to use, and effective on tubeless tires, this tool is a must-have for any rider. With multiple color options, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your gift recipient. The plugger features two ends and comes with four plugs—three standard and one XL. The center of each plug is laser-etched with the Contender logo, making this collaboration extra special.
Latest Contender Tees
As always, we’re constantly updating our shop merch. Our latest tee features a Utah topographical design, showing off some local pride. Available in two colors, it’s the perfect addition to any rider's wardrobe. And if you’re a fan of our tried and true Gravel Handlebar tee, you’ll be happy to know it’s now available in a new "blue jean" color—a fresh take on one of our all-time favorites.
Road Gifts
If the cyclist on your gift list is a road rider, chances are they're tackling some form of training during the winter months. To help enhance their indoor setup, consider the Wahoo KICKR Floor Mat—a key but often overlooked component of a trainer setup. Not only does it stabilize the trainer and reduce noise, but it also protects floors from sweat and wear, making it a win-win for both the rider and their household (who is most likely the gifter ;) ).
For those who brave the outdoors year-round, the Pas Normal Studios Stow Away Gilet is a thoughtful choice. Available in both men's and women's styles, this versatile vest is perfect for layering and compact enough to stash in a jersey pocket, making it ideal for those unpredictable spring and fall rides, or to layer up in winter.
And if you're unsure what they already have, you can never go wrong with nutrition. Cyclists are always replenishing their fuel supplies, so find out their favorite drink mix, gels, or bars. For winter trainer sessions, something like Skratch Super-High Carb Mix makes for a practical and appreciated gift.
Gravel Gifts
Gravel riders, with their adventurous spirit, are some of the most fun to shop for. Think long distances, relaxed rides, and vibrant colors. The Specialized/Fjällräven Handlebar Bag, available in a bold Ox Red, is a perfect gift. It’s spacious enough to carry plenty of snacks—trail mix not included.
Although much of the local gravel may be snow-covered now, spring will bring clear paths. The 7Mesh Atlas Jersey is an excellent option ranging between a relaxed and race fit. Available in both a men's and women's option!
Given how much gravel riders love to explore, navigation is essential. SP Connect offers a range of phone mounts that make using apps like Trailforks or maps a breeze. From case-specific mounts to options with built-in batteries and universal compatibility, there’s something for every rider’s needs.
MTB Gifts
Finding gifts for mountain bikers during winter can be tricky, as many aren’t hitting the snowy trails. However, it’s the perfect season to work on their bikes and sharpen their mechanic skills. The MSW Essential Tool Wrap Kit is an ideal gift for tackling those annoying clicks or creaks and learning basic repairs.
If they’re lucky enough to ride during the winter, chances are the trails are wet. The Syncros Trail Fender is a thoughtful gift to help keep mud at bay—but be sure to check their fork model to ensure compatibility. For these same riders, in areas with less snow, shorter daylight hours are often the biggest challenge. Many mountain bikers hit the trails after work with lights, making a high-quality light an excellent gift. The Outbound Lighting Portal Bike Light is a fantastic option, providing an impressive 1,650 lumens for bright, reliable visibility during evening rides.
Stocking Stuffers
Need other ideas? Here is a list of great gifts that are the perfect size to fit in a stocking!
- Chain Lube – Find out their favorite brand first
- Bars/Waffles – Bars and waffles from Skratch, GU, and Honey Stinger are simple, and small enough to fit
- Gloves – A solid set of winter gloves fit well, one of our favorites for commutes is the Giro Xnetic H20 gloves
- Spare Co2 cartridges
- Mini-pumps – Ones like the Silca Gravelero Mini-Pump are on sale and an awesome gift!
- Multi-tools – Options from Blackburn, and Silca are on our site