Cyclocross Gift Ideas For Christmas And Birthdays

Choosing the right Christmas and Birthday gifts can be a challenge. Especially if that special someone is a cyclists. There are so many different forms of cycling that it's often difficult to choose the right presents.

Cyclocross is a cycling discipline which is growing in popularity. Weather and ground conditions often become a factor as racers power across everything from hard-packed trailed to muddy fields. It's as hard as it is fun and combines many other aspects of other cycling disciplines whether a rider wants to compete at the head of the field or use it as great winter training.

Whether you're looking for a stocking filler, Christmas present or a Birthday surprise- This guide will help you to choose a great gift for a cyclocross lover.

It wouldn't be Christmas if you didn't get a new book. And cyclists usually end up with a copy of whatever sports books that might be on the shelves at the time without the buyer really considering what they're buying as they're a sports/ cycling book.

There are some fantastic books about cyclocross which would make excellent gifts.Books on cyclocross tend to fall into two camps.(i) Cyclocross training books and (ii)insights into the world of cx racing.

Cyclocross riders are very rarely big-headed about their riding abilities and understand that there is always room for improvement towards a faster race.

Simon Burney's Cyclocross: Training and Technique is the essential training book that any avid cyclocross racer should own. This practical guide takes riders through everything from the basic racing skills required for competitions through to the more advanced technical abilities which are evident at the higher levels of the sport. All in detailed illustration and text Cyclocross:Training and Technique covers aspects of bike fitting equipment, nutrition, health and race-day strategies for enhanced performance. A must own text for any cyclocrosser.

It's always hard to choose gifts related to someone's interests however there are some fantastic books out there on cyclocross culture.

Behind the Stare: The Pulse & Character of Professional European Cyclocross by Geoff Proctor gives a detailed insight into the European Professional Cyclocross scene which forms the upper echelons of the sport. The book provides both an intense visual impact and an education on the theatre that is European Cyclocross racing

Behind the Stare showcases some of the giants of the Cyclocross scene. From the Belgian demi-god that is Sven Nys to the American's of Johnathon Page and Ryan Trebon who have started what seems to be worldwide development of the sport. A fantastic insiders' view of a very European sport that would make an excellent gift.

Another great insight into the sport is the excellent Mud, Snow, and Cyclocross by Molly Hurford which looks at how Cyclocross has become successful in the USA. The book charts the rise and rise of the sport in the United States from it's early roots to present day success. A Socio-demographic insight which will captivate North American 'Cross fans and racers into a sport which has taken it's European roots and given it a decidedly American twist.

Mud, Snow and Cyclocross is not all about elite racing. It showcases how American courses are often less technical than their European counterparts to emphasise the inclusiveness of the sport where guys and girls can laugh at ourselves in a cold, wet muddy park while families watch the action without taking themselves too seriously. It focuses on all those involved in the sport, from racing to promoter and how they've seen changes over the years as the sport progresses from an underground, towards mainstream status.

This is a book for all who enjoy cyclocross and it's distinct culture

To race cyclocross a rider needs to keep themselves warm and their body prepared for riding. There are a number of embrocation products on the marketplace which would make great gifts for a cyclocrosser.

Cyclists love to say to the world "I'm A Cyclist".

One way to do just that is having a great mug for the office. You can pick up cycling related mugs at a lot of places although CafePress have some awesome designs including this Lift Here, Land Here, Die Here Cyclocross Mug which would make an awesome gift.

When the mercury drops a rider needs to keep warm to ensure their muscles work well. Cold muscles mean that it's much harder to generate power and turn those pedals.

Muscle warming balms are preparations which a rider applies to their legs to provide a heat effect for a rider. They're often formulated to provide some protection from the rain as well. A tried and tested product which performs well in cold weather conditions is ÖĂ - Leg Salsa which is completely natural to provide a natural warmth for winter cyclocross racing.

Everyone associates riding a bike with chafing. Cyclists should all be using a barrier cream or balm to protect against that chafing. Some go old-school and use petroleum jelly but for a thoughtful gift for a cyclist a tube of chamois cream can make an excellent stocking filler.

Assos of Switzerland produce some of the most comfortable cycling shorts on the market and also make a fantastic chamois cream which is a popular choice for many riders. The Assos name is one of luxury products within the cycling fraternity so any Assos gift for cyclist will be very well appreciated.

Alternately look for Pro road racer Dave Zabriskie's DZ Nuts brand for some excellent embrocation products for both men and women. DZ Nuts Chamois cream offers protection and comfort with excellent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-chafing and some great wound healing properties.

British brand Rapha is taking the cycling world by storm with their luxury clothing and accessories. The brand has embraced cyclocross as part of it's ethos (Including sponsoring the North American based Rapha-Focus Cyclocross Racing Team) and as a result produce some awesome cyclocross clothing.

Rapha's cyclocross clothing takes into account the demands of racing and training. Therefore any cyclocrosser will be seriously impressed with a gift from Rapha. See more at Rapha's Online Store For Cyclocross

Nothing looks or feels better than a bike with a brand new set of bar tape fitted.

You can easily pop into a local bike shop and pick up a pack or two of bar tape (A second set is ideal if that special person has two race bikes).

Go for cork tape or something with an almost leather like tough profile and choose colours that match the colour scheme on the persons bike and you're on to a winner. White looks great but it won't stay white for long so steer clear.

Ideally you should be paying ten bucks max per roll.