Christmas present ideas

Stuck for ideas for a Christmas present for a Cambridge cyclist? Here are some seasonal gifts for a cyclist in winter.

A pair of reflective leg bands is especially useful in the dark evenings. These are highly effective at making sure drivers see and notice you, and they help stop trousers getting oily, too. For someone who already uses those, you could buy a pair of reflective arm bands instead.
For the all-weather commuter, a fleece neck tube is much cosier and better streamlined than a scarf. Buy in outdoor shops such as Open Air or Rohan (£12).
A thin Balaclava to wear under a cycle helmet. This can be a very effective boost to comfortable cycling in cold weather.

Now some gifts which are not specific to winter or Christmas.

Every family with cyclists can make good use of a track pump - a big tyre pump with a pressure gauge. Keep it at home and use it every few weeks to keep tyres properly inflated with very little effort. You'll go faster and have fewer punctures. From good cycle shops (from about £35).
Why not buy a cyclist friend membership of the Cambridge Cycling Campaign? This present lasts all year. £7.50 for one, or £12 for a family.
A mobile phone charger which connects to your lighting generator (dynamo) is available from Friends of the Earth's Natural Collection shopping catalogue for £25.
Arrange a place on one of David Green's useful cycle maintenance courses for any everyday cyclist who isn't confident about looking after her or his own bike.

Mark Irving