First things first, for our American and Australian audience: don’t panic. Mother’s day isn’t until May 8th – you’ve still got plenty of time to get your gifts sorted. For readers in the UK, or perhaps more appropriately: for readers whose mothers and in the UK, the date to remember is March 27th – so start getting those wheels in motion.
The great thing about having a mother who likes to cycle is that it really broadens out the range of gifts you could potentially get here. From practical gifts (that keep on giving!) to more ornamental and luxury items, you can really show some thought and originality – although that doesn’t necessarily mean you can forget about the flowers...
Any element of high-quality cycling kit will make her rides more enjoyable, whether it’s better bib shorts, jerseys or more breathable waterproof jackets. Or for cyclists whose purpose is utility rather than recreation, more functional and easier to use panniers, racks or more effective mudguards can make a whole world of difference.
With many of us still not feeling quite ready to return to the gyms just yet, indoor trainers, exercise bikes can help fit training into a busy lifestyle – making riding in better weather of the spring and summer more enjoyable once the seasons make their change.
To help you on your search, we’ve split this guide into categories including gifts for road riding, gifts to aid training and gifts for the home mechanic. We've included products across a wide range of price points, so it's easy to hone in on gifts that match your budget. You can use the navigation tab to hop around the page.
Best gifts for cyclists this Mother's Day
Our top picks
Tiny Bicycle Earrings
Although not everything in a cyclist's life needs to signal their fondness for bikes, there will always be occasions where a low-key hit towards their two-wheeled travels wouldn't go amiss. These particular earrings are made from solid 925 Sterling Silver and plated with 18K white gold, making them hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin.
Personalised Top Cap
Sitting on top of the steerer tube, top caps are right there in almost every cyclist's line of sight – but generally they're just plain, boring and dull. On the other hand, this makes them ripe for an upgrade: whether that's just adding in an accent colour or inscribing a personal message they'll always see.
Muc-Off Essentials Case
Cyclists' pockets can be something of a Pandora's Box, complete nightmare that, once filled, are best left untouched. With an internal divider to keep your phone and tools separate, as well as a zipped pocket for cards, a good case helps to keep things organised and in one manageable place.
There are more muted colours too, should bright purple be not quite to the taste of your mother.
Elite Fly water bottle
Used by the majority of pro teams thanks to the soft cap is easy to use while riding and wide mouth making filling quick and easy, it's also BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and for any weight-weenies out there, it weighs about half as much as a standard water bottle, saving around 50 grams.
dhb Merino Arm-warmers
Cosy socks and jumpers always make a good present. But if you want to make things a little more cycling-specific for your bike-mad mum, merino arm warmers are a great gift to give.
A natural fibre, merino wool gives a luxurious soft feel, is naturally odour resistant, and is great for a huge range of riding conditions. Even better, the sheep are guaranteed not to be subjected to mulesing, which is a painful and archaic practise.
Ornaments and novelties
Love You Mug
It could be bought as a sweet affirmation of your own sentiment – or it could be given as a less-than-subtle reminder for your bike-obsessed mum. Either way, you should know the real warning sign is when an 's' gets Sharpie'd onto the end...
Wheelie love you tote bag
What better a way to affirm your affections than through a bicycle-based pun? Joking aside, for maximum impact, make sure to fill your bag with chocolate, wine, flowers, coffee beans, tickets for a show – or anything else appropriately thoughtful, it'll be a lovely touch.
Tiny Bicycle Earrings
Of course, not everything in a cyclist's life needs to reflect their fondness for bikes, but a low-key hint towards their two-wheeled travels rarely goes amiss. Made from solid 925 Sterling Silver and plated with 18K white gold, they're hypoallergenic too.
Chain Bottle Opener
It might not be as flashy as a Campagnolo corkscrew – but it's no less useful and sure to get the evening off to a good start. There are any number of chain-based gifts to choose from though, from key rings to fidget toys. If a bottle opener doesn't strike the right note, there's still plenty you could go for.
Personalised Top Cap
Just about every modern bike uses a top cap (otherwise known as a headset cap). Up front in the cockpit, it's always right there under your cyclist's nose – but hardly ever do they really accent a bike. With a personalised top cap, you can keep leave a message they'll always see – and you can make them nicely colour matched.
e-gifts: last minute present ideas
If you need a guaranteed gift and don't want to chance a delivery – or if you'd just prefer to let that special someone chose what's right for them – instantaneous e-gifts can make the perfect present.
USA
- Wiggle.com Gift Voucher: One of the go-to websites for all the best cycling kit – with a particularly good line in clothing
- Chain Reaction Cycles: Similar to Wiggle, but with more of a tilt towards mountain bikers
- Backcountry eGift card: Not just bikes, but just about everything else outdoors too – perfect for a multidisciplinarian
- Amazon.com: No introduction needed – the sheer range of products available is difficult to image
- Cycling Weekly gift subscription: With screens taking over almost every moment of our lives, kicking back with an actual, physical magazine can be just the gift that's needed
UK
- Wiggle.co.uk Gift Voucher: Has a particular reputation for great value cycle clothing but also sells just about anything else you could want
- Chain Reaction Cycles Gift Voucher: Similar to Wiggle, but geared slightly more towards mountain bikers
- Sigma Sports eGift Voucher: Stocks some of the most exclusive and desirable kit, but is also known for some pretty large discounts
- Amazon.co.uk: Really needs no introduction – there are plenty of great cycling products being sold
- Cycling Weekly gift subscription: With screens taking over our lives in so many places, the clean break of reading an actual physical magazine can be the greatest gift
Gifts under $20 / £20
Muc-Off Essentials Case
Carry all your cycling bits in style with the Muc-Off Essentials Case. This version comes with the distinctive Muc-Off style, but you can gift the Essentials Case in more muted colours too. There's an internal divider to keep your phone and tools separate and a zipped pocket for cards, a durable facing and water resistant zip.
Muc-Off Wet Chain Lube
Of course, Muc-Off doesn't just make smart-looking cases to carry all your bits in! Its wet lube formula is well-suited for winter riding conditions. It contains no harmful acids, CFCs or solvents, as well as being biodegradable. It also features the company's integral Extreme Pressure Additives coat for increased efficiency in the drive chain. As a gift for cyclists with perhaps questionable maintenance schedules, this adds a thoughtful touch.
Clif Bar energy bars
For many cyclists, a Clif Bar is their go-to energy top-up as they ride. A bit more substantial than many energy bars, Clif Bars are all-natural and plant based. There's a wide range of different flavours, for plenty of variety, and all the ones we've tested (plenty of them!) taste great too. Another little gift for cyclists that's a great little sweetener.
'Butcher, Blacksmith, Acrobat, Sweep: The Tale of The First Tour De France' by Peter Cossins
Peter Cossins' account of the first Tour de France in 1903 is a remarkable tale full of larger-than-life characters and painfully long stages. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly-changing France at the turn of the century, it not only paints a vivid picture of bike racing as it once was but also helps to bring a fresh context to 'la Grande Boucle' that we know and love today.
Pinnacle Toe Warmers
Toe warmers make a great little gift. Created for those in-between days when overshoes are overkill but you still need a bit of protection against the damp and the cold. This pair from Pinnacle fit the bill. Made of neoprene and featuring some reflective detailing they're just what the roadie in your life needs to keep their toes toasty on cooler rides.
Gifts for road cyclists
Elite Fly water bottle
The Elite Fly is the water bottle used by the majority of pro teams. That's because it's designed to help you drink more quickly, with a wide, soft cap that's easy to operate while riding. Its wide mouth makes filling simple and it's dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Plus it weighs about half as much as a standard water bottle, saving you around 50 grams.
dhb Merino Armwarmers
There are more expensive arm warmers out there but dhb's merino offerings provide just the right balance between performance and price. They're made from a soft and stretchy merino yarn that feels great against the skin and, importantly, comes from a guaranteed non-mulesed source.
Lost Lanes guide books
Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes books are a series of guides to some of the most beautiful bike rides in the UK. There are four books available covering the South East, the West Country, Wales and the border counties and Northern England. Each ride featured includes handy maps as well as recommended pubs and pit stops.
Topeak Race Rocket HP minipump
A quality minipump can really save a ride, making them a great gift for cyclists. The Race Rocket is built to last, with an alloy body and an in-built hose with a presta/schrader-compatible smarthead. There is a range of Race Rocket designs for MTB and road bikers, but this version is designed to pump road tyres to high pressures, while still being pocketable.
Colombia Es Pasión! by Matt Rendell
The influence of Colombian riders in today's pro peloton is certainly pronounced. In this wonderful book Matt Rendell tells their incredible stories - from Rigoberto Uran to Egan Bernal - detailing the often extraordinary road they've had to navigate to reach the pinnacle of the World Tour. It's an inspiring read and an ideal gift for cyclists looking to spend some time away from the screens.
Castelli Head Thingy
Castelli is being vague about its HeadThingy - it's a buff, one of the most useful pieces of kit for the cyclist, keeping their neck warm on cold starts or cold days and stopping airflow down their collar. If things warm up, it's got to be the most stashable accessory out there too.
Muc-Off tubeless valve set
Tubeless tech is rapidly taking over road cycling and many wheelsets are now tubeless ready. It needs a set of valves to screw into the wheel rim and Muc-Off's are high quality, available in a longer length to suit deeper wheelsets and come in an amazing range of colours to add a bit of razzle dazzle to any bike.
Fabric Chamber multitool
Fabric makes some neat variations on the usual bike kit and the Fabric Chamber multitool is a good example. All the tool heads stash inside the tool body, which includes a ratchet at its top. It's a compact solution that's smart and easy to use. Another little gift for cyclists looking to upgrade the contents of their saddle bag or tool roll.
The Road Book 2021
Now in its third year, The Road Book is professional cycling's ultimate almanack. At over 800 pages it covers the 2021 season in great detail, featuring some 174 races and 517 stages. There are also essays, infographics and photographs, all helping to bring the 2021 season to life. Beautifully produced, it's an ode to racing in 2021 and makes the ultimate gift for cyclists who are dedicated followers of bike racing.
The Road Book 2021 costs £50 and is bought directly from the publishers at theroadbook.co.uk
Knog PWR Road front light
This light from Knog is designed for the road rider, with 700 lumens max output that's good enough to ride with on unlit streets. You can program the light output to match your requirements. Pull off the lighthead and there's a USB port underneath to power up phones and bike computers.
Castelli Gabba RoS jersey
The first, and many would say still the best, cycling jersey for poor weather riding, the Gabba RoS adds taped seams at the shoulders to keep more rain out, but still has the water resistant facing, breathable fabric, insulation and windproofing of the original, making it ideal for riding when the weather's not ideal.
Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals
Wahoo's Speedplay Zero pedals are a beautifully constructed lightweight pedal, notable for their dual-sided entry and easy float adjustment. You have to know someone really quite well to buy pedals for them, but if you do have that bond, you'll know if they'll be grateful.
Fizik R4 Tempo Overcurve shoes
Gifting a cyclist a great pair of shoes makes a lot of sense, after all comfy shoes help make for an enjoyable ride.
Fizik's range of Tempo Overcurve shoes are designed to be comfortable straight out the box thanks to their curved profile. The R4 model features a carbon injected sole that's pretty stiff but not too rigid and a Boa dial for micro adjustment.
Gore Shakedry C5 1985 rain jacket
A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket is a godsend for a cyclist when the weather deteriorates and this is one of the best out there. It uses Gore's innovative Shakedry fabric, which is waterproof, highly breathable and doesn't wet out, so when it does dry up the rain can just be shaken off and it can be stowed in a jersey pocket.
Oakley Sutro cycling glasses
The Oakley Sutro was originally launched as an urban style, but it's been taken up with gusto by the pros, with Egan Bernal a prominent wearer. It's still a good bet for the more casual cyclist and has spawned a Lite version with half frames and the Sutro S for smaller faces. A gift for cyclists with a penchant for style.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt cycling computer
Wahoo GPS units have some clever features that you don't see on rivals units, making them some of the best cycling computers out there. That includes smart navigation features, a programmable LED array and really good connections to its smartphone app that up usability. Plus the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has a slick mount that is designed to make it more aerodynamic. A recommended gift for cyclists looking to explore new roads in 2022 and beyond.
Gifts for commuters
Lezyne Zecto Drive bike light
Bike lights make perfect gifts for cyclists. The Lezyne Zecto Drive light is a good option for both daytime and night use, with seven output setting, up to 250 lumens output and long runtimes, along with quick recharging. It attaches unobtrusively to the handlebars or seatpost, with quick rubber mounts.
Spurcycle bell
No commuter bike is complete without a bell. It's still the best way to let others know that your heading in their direction - especially on shared access paths. The Spurcycle bell is beautifully made and has plenty of retro appeal. Proof that not all bells are created equal!
Endura Windchill II jacket
Every commuter needs a warm and visible jacket to get them through the colder months. The Endura Windchill Jacket II is simple yet effective. For the price it offers warmth, water resistance, and practical features, such as the under arm venting.
This jacket is ideal for anyone looking for warmth, without a skin tight fit, making it a great option for just chucking over bulkier non-bike attire for a commute home.
Garmin Varia RTL515 radar tail light
The Garmin RTL515 isn't just a high quality tail light, it includes a radar that can spot a vehicle approaching up to 140 metres away. It flashes to make sure that the driver has seen you and sends an alert to your bike computer, telling you how many vehicles are approaching and their relative position. You get a green light once all's clear.
Gifts for gravel riders and bikepackers
De Feet Woolie Boolie cycling socks
Receiving socks might be somewhat cliched but as a gift for cyclists it's likely to be well received. Their 48 per cent merino wool content adds warmth – wet or dry – and helps keep foot odour away, ideal for those multi-day bikepacking trips.
Crank Brothers Candy 1 pedals
Any gravel rider or bikepacker will appreciate a dual-sided pedal that's easy to clip in and out of. Crank Brothers' Candy 1 is just that, with a straightforward design that's a doddle to keep clean, they also come in a decent range of colours.
Restrap Bar Pack
We found the Restrap bar pack to be one of the best bar bags out there. It boasts a large capacity, an handy roll top entry and and easily accessible front pocket. There are also compression straps to keep everything in place, helpful when you're riding off-road. In short, it's a well-made, functional bar bag that makes an ideal gift for cyclists looking to enjoy a few bikepacking adventures.