Gift guide for bike commuters and urban cyclists 2024

[@vendettarules1]

You joke about that clown horn but I have one and everyone ignores my tinkle tinkle bell but that gets their attention every time!

[@readyplayer2]

Always have a bungie cord on my rack. The monkey finger design is new to me, I have to check that out. One tip - if you store the cord on the bike, keep the tension low. If taut, the elastic will eventually stretch and the cord won’t work well.

[@john-r-edge]

I have a Topeak beam rack on my commuter bike which incorporates a neat bunny cord - and when stored it is not stretched much (so meets the criteria of @readyplayer2).

[@tomreingold4024]

Way back in 1980, I got one of those clown horns for my bike. It had one bulb and three horns! They played a diminished (dissonant) chord, perfect for a horn. Twice I got great reactions. 1. A pedestrian stepped off the curb without looking while I had the light. I squeezed my horn, and as if he was in a ballet, he JUMPED BACKWARDS onto the curb. 2. A driver was about to give me a right hook, cutting me off. I honked, and he stopped. Then when I passed him, I guess he realized I was "just" a bike, which he resented, so he honked back. Well, hey, it worked. Nowadays, those horns are not well made and don't produce a good enough sound.

[@Path_Less_Traveled]

BarMitts, absolutely essential riding below 0°C. You can get away wearing thin gloves or even none at all. Tremendous quality of life improvement!

[@vkmi5776]

wow, the first one for mounting lights on the wheel is a game changer my handlebar is already crowded, and I cant even direct the light where I want that's great

[@timoteoserna]

I’m the person that suggested those for the list. They’ve been a great little addition on my commuter and freed up space on my handlebars. I hope they help you out as much as they’ve helped me!

[@GreenJimll]

Double legged kickstands are great. One of the best £15 I ever spent on ebay. 🙂

[@comounaverdura]

@@GreenJimll me too.

[@lawrenrich-nf3ni]

Daily commuter, road rider here. I’ve bought more gear than I want to mention. Trust me that most of this stuff is ridiculous and gimmicky. You’ll end up just going back to basic after a bit. I bought many smart lights but they drive me nuts trying to figure out how to set the cycles,etc .. and the battery performance is usually worse than rated on those … the only suggestion here is get a basic light but make sure it has the newer usb-c charging that allows faster charging and maybe better battery performance. The rest … don’t bother

[@Tarkov.]

The reflective decals are basically just 3M reflective tape but cut into fancy shapes.

[@gerekappo]

Nooooooooooooo, really?

[@comounaverdura]

@@Tarkov. And four times the price.

[@kevinmurphy5679]

I don't you are just paying for the tape.

[@zigarten]

It is a GIFT guide. 😂

[@Cameri760]

Hi! I'm local to Calgary and you have inspired me to begin commuting by bike! I got a Trek FX 2 Disc after doing a bunch of research, so hopefully it gives me many years of great rides! Winter is very daunting because I'm new to this, but I'm trying to overcome my fear

[@jezzarisky]

Best tips I have for winter cycling, dress like it’s ~20F warmer than it is(this does take some experimenting for each person), and bike pogies/bar mitts are amazing once temps hit 40F and below.

[@fredericaudet25]

I got a collection of buffs, with different type of fabrics (warmer, ligther, "flashy" ones....) Great idea!

[@zeemon9623]

I can't recommend the accessory section of cycling clothes enough. Arm and leg warmers and most other things can roll up really small but turn an unbearably cold ride into an enjoyable experience. And they are generally cheap to boot. Also, headlamps are great. I've been using one on some unlit paths and it's a game changer for those stretches. Many of them can be attached to a helmet, too. Finally, some quality tools make every repair/maintenance job much more pleasant. I got a torque wrench this summer and I love the satisfying click that tells me a bolt is tightened to perfection.

[@241baka]

7:21 I like bike bells where you can control the loudness and tone with the pressure on the lever. There are many situations where you want to announce your presence but don’t want to bully the pedestrian into a ditch. Bells like this only have the get out my way tone. 😢

[@shpurk]

I also found reading Killed by a Traffic Engineer quite insightful. I have been fortunate enough to live in the same city as the author (Denver, Colorado, USA) and have gotten to hear him talk about the book as well. The book is currently half off for anyone who is interested!

[@deusexmachina000]

i used to use bungee cords then i discovered ROK straps. way better, no snap back, different sizes (I have the commuter/small and the next size up), reflective

[@jonathanrhodes8200]

Seconded. Although I need a spare because I keep lending them out to family members 😊

[@heldemel2035]

Beautiful snow! Thanks for the suggestions 🤩

[@michelle_pw]

I love these gift guides. Thank you.

[@alexengelman8568]

For anyone like myself who prefers a pretty clear handlebar with minimal clutter, I’d also suggest the bike bells by Knog, the whole bell wraps around the handlebar instead of sticking up, most people who notice it on my bike don’t even realize it’s a bell. Also has built in clearance for cables to run underneath

[@baddriversofcolga]

That bungie cord is genius. Also good to see a new option in turn signals that actually looks useful.

[@gingermany6223]

Yay. I was hoping to see this. I asked for and received the Redshift pedal lights last year.

[@Johnthetripper]

You could get super creative with those reflective stickers.

[@miniveloman3642]

Shifter is a great channel but don't forget today is Buy Nothing Day.

[@mikekeenan8450]

Some good ideas here. One major caveat though - if you're considering a gift that actually mounts to the bike, like those cool fork-mounted lights in the video, you'd better know the recipient's bike well enough that you're sure the gift you're buying is compatible with it. Many bike commuters (including myself) ride bikes that are decades old and don't have the attachment points that are thought of as standard nowadays.

[@whitefluffydogs9278]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Gonna see if my library has the book!

[@jezzarisky]

Crane also makes small bells like the spur cycle bell. I haven’t tried other brands to see which one is “best” but Crane is still a nice simple bell.

[@jonathanleach3914]

Thank you. I have a Spur bell. It’s excellent even if a bit expensive

[@jamesomahony8082]

I have a bell of the same design (a cheaper rip-off). The mount isn't great, but the sound is lovely and clear.

[@timwightman4473]

Thank you shifter that book was a great suggestion for my brother not a cyclist but a traffic engineer

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I hope the book doesn't ruin your relationship 😉

[@erikk7643]

Some really great ideas here. Thank you. I'd also suggest Wolftooth grips. I use the Karv on my flat bar and they are amazingly comfortable.

[@supaklaw]

I like that light peg. I feel like lights are too high when you need them at street level.

[@Traildude193]

I use bungee cords on my bike since I haul rc truck. and I believe fenders make a huge difference and rack is a must as well.

[@timoteoserna]

Thanks for the shout out for my suggestion, Tom! Also, 9.5/10 on the name pronunciation. Thank you!!

[@Nynke_K]

Ooh, snow! 😍 (I'm Dutch, we don't get much snow) I should look into some cool reflectors to attach to my arms so people can see me indicating a turn in the dark...

[@tomreingold4024]

I love my Buff™. Mine is made of merino wool, and I recommend it. Nothing could be better.

[@Graptos]

Buffs: merino for the winter, and cooling/SPF fabric for the summer.

[@sagehiker]

Dual leg kick stands are a delight on my commuter and winter commuter. They are a mounting problem on some of my older 90s mountain bikes clearing 50mm tires like my 45NRTH studded tires on 26" wheels with short chainstays. I love my hand painted Crane bell. This is one of the only channel that takes ice/snow North American winter seriously, and not too seriously when possible.

[@jasonschubert6828]

I would have loved those LED indicators when I was a kid! I always wanted to create a brake light that worked with my bike.

[@TheRealE.B.]

I was going to suggest the dual kickstand about 2 seconds before you pulled it out of your bag. It is still possible to tip with one, but you have to be carrying some PRETTY heavy stuff.

[@lakrids-pibe]

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

[@comounaverdura]

Ha ha ha. Me too.

[@jenpopkey6690]

Thanks!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Amazing, thank you so much for the support. It really means a lot!

[@tvuser9529]

Small bells are cute, but if you want to be heard I find that nothing beats a big old 8 cm double dome bell, like on classical bikes. They make a nice loud two-tone "ding-dong" rather than a single "ping". (Clown horns and electric horns are illegal on bikes where I live. That's an anti-safety regulation which I'm willing to violate in some cases, for safety.)

[@pault1289]

Crane make a proper 'ring ring' style bell called the Riten, it comes in several colours line brass, silver, black, etc. I thoroughly recommend and you can modulate the volume easily.

[@SnoopJeDi]

Crane makes a compact bell very similar to the Spur Cycle bell: the E-ne. I have the brass one and I love it! The PDW light peg makes me so sad that my retro Fuji doesn't have mounting holes, it looks awesome 😭

[@ecopennylife]

If you haven't got a buff yet, get one, I have one for the eBike, 2 for bushwalking, 2 for dragon boating & 2 for running so I'm never without one if I need it 😊

[@pollyhasanasbo]

For cold weather I have a buff thats longer than standard with normal stretch fabric at the top then fleece at the end, keeps you very warm and makes it easier to pull over your head/ ears for extra warmth without creating a gap around your neck, highly recommend! It was like £5 from decathlon

[@garyseckel295]

Excellent content of affordable accessories for cyclist gifts!

[@angrypenguin956]

A good list! Well done

[@BaldyBally]

Seeing the snow🥶 me glad that I moved from Calgary to Vancouver Island 15 years ago! Love your channel…

[@EKsUrbanTracks]

I own MANY (Survivor) Buffs. Perfect as a neck protector and ear cover when temperatures start dropping. Blinking front lights are a big big no. I might be interested by the Ligt Nug! It would declutter my handlebar for sure!

[@johnduggan4993]

I'd recommend the Voile or Nite Ize Gear Pro straps. These come in different lengths. When riding on the metro, I use these to secure the front wheel to frame and lock the brake handlebars so the bike never wobbles around. The Voile straps come with more color and rack options. These both have just a small amount of stretch and seem much more secure than a bungee under load.

[@billdavies868]

You might not be concerned, but your Amazon links include a delivery location. To avoid this, copy the amazon URL only up to the first question mark ? Everything after that (including the question mark) is metadata including delivery location but much more.

[@MasterOfTheRealm]

Always fun to watch these and dream about what I would get myself 😂

[@wiscadams]

Buffs are great in the summer too. They catch a lot of sweat that would otherwise roll down your back and help keep the sun off the back of your neck. I often wear one on hikes in the summer or when out on the water.

[@-NateTheGreat]

I have a cooling one you get wet with cold water and it's like air conditioning

[@chow-chihuang4903]

They also keep the bugs out.

[@Paul_C]

Still can't get over the fact people actually ride without fenders... seriously, don't you people don't like the clothes you wear. You can't do without fenders when it rains. Oh, crap, you do not cycle when it rains. I stand corrected. 😂

[@weebmaster9913]

Fenders ruins the looks

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I use fenders in the winter. I intended to install fenders on my summer bike, but went the whole season and it never rained on me

[@IdrisFashan]

There are sexy fenders. Classic, agro or modern.

[@ReportReport-fz2pn]

@@weebmaster9913 Fenders complete the look of the bike. Depending on the bike of course.

[@comounaverdura]

@@Paul_C I say thank you to the fenders for keeping me dryer when it is wet outside.

[@rbranch234]

Great mittens too

[@punkdigerati]

Buff also makes warmer gaiters in merino wool or just thicker insulation

[@esgee3829]

i like bright lights on helmets. esp for urban cycling. up high. suvs can see them better. can turn head and get light wherever you look. could add to guide in future?

[@john-r-edge]

Don't tell Shifter that Brits love his pronunciation of "pannier" - maybe that is a French Canadian artefact.

[@Josukegaming]

Your video filming skills and editing have really come far, great job! That collapsible helmet does not seem safe though, I don't think the thing protecting your skull should be collapsible.

[@JosephBreen]

Love your videos. Just to let you know the Clown Horn and the Bungee Cords both link to the same link - Bungee Cords. I was mostly interested in finding out your taste in Clown Horns. 😃

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you. The link has been fixed. I chose this clown horn because the description included the word "hooter" amzn.to/4fT1Z3V

[@bikebikerides]

So many cool gifts for people who do not identify as bikers!

[@newmobile1455]

tires and cycling clothes either one or both

[@Graptos]

Spur bell ❤

[@joeymccormack4944]

My favorite part is when he started talking about his thneed

[@cosmin1931]

Buff is the best!

[@xzcion]

Nekocycles makes my fav dangly reflector dohickies. Puppy faces, cats, food, and pochito!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sumyrda2772]

Have you tried airbag bike helmets? They're somewhat of a trend around here among people who want to use a helmet but not ruin their hairstyle ;)

[@Davmm96]

ROK straps are better than bungee cords in my opinion.

[@80y3r9]

Bloody love redshift

[@freshfreshfreshfresh]

7:32 wait, what do they look like and why would we make assumptions?

[@minimoose921]

You have 2 hemisphere. North and South both have drastically different weather for Christmas. You have the potential to have 2 Christmas gift videos.

[@freshfreshfreshfresh]

Damn there's already snow in Saskatchewan?

[@carlos.m0791]

Do you have to become a paid member in order to enter the raffle? Or can you join as a free member? Thanks!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Free members will also be put in the draw.

[@carlos.m0791]

@ awesome, thank you. Great recommendations!

[@Victor-kh5rh]

Needs to add the Stutterheim rain pants. Finally someone made pants that zip all the way, meaning I don’t have to take off my boots to put them on/off.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I can give these a try, but I'm more of a rain poncho man

[@krob9145]

@@Shifter_Cycling I use ponchos too. If you're worried about your lower leg getting a little wet there's always those waterproof chaps that just wrap around your leg.

[@supaklaw]

Marmot makes full zip too.

[@brbrbrbreannad3610]

Don’t get me started about the relative lack of kickstands in NA. Honestly bikes without them can be a danger to people, other bikes, and whatever you have strapped to, or in the basket on the back of your bike. Say, for example, that bike parking in front of the building where you have class is almost full and you need to squeeze your bike in next to a precariously balanced bike that has no kickstand and doing so disturbs that bike and that bike falls on you and your bike, causing you to stumble, your bike to fall over, and the delicious snack and lemonade in your back basket to fall onto the ground, causing the drink lid to come off and splashing sticky lemonade all over the ground and the back of the bike… and dealing with this causes you to be late to class. Hypothetically, of course.

[@lunasleeping]

This probably not the best place ask but, aint no one know of some kind of passive noise maker that provides a sort of sound to passively alert pedestrians of my presence without having to scare them off with a horn or a bell, my old bike’s chain made clicks which usually alerted peds without making me seem like a pretentious cyclist 😅

[@thehousecat93]

Well, the classic is affixing a playing card to the frame so that it hits the spokes and goes brrrrr. Realistically, unfortunately, with the rise of noise cancelling headphones and everything, people are unlikely to hear anything.

[@zigarten]

Yeah, it's tough. They either yell at you for not doing the bell, jump 5 feet into the air and completely off the path in panic or are oblivious. We can't win

[@IanMcCausland]

“Full Bazooka Joe” is the gen X deep cut I didn’t know I needed

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I was convinced nobody would know what I was talking about

[@mrsaucy1112]

A dual kickstand helps but does not solve the tipping over problem. -two years experience using dual kick stand on cargo and regular bike

[@SpinozicTroll]

I was preparing to try biking this winter and once temp hit 0 I got a bus pass.

[@stevenleith7237]

BUFFS use them all year all the time

[@Charlie-sr6dv]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@viken2073]

Gift idea to this guy; A helmet

[@Dellvmnyam]

I don't consider the turn signals for bikes a gift for cyclists but rather a product of a car-centric society

[@Jackie-oc7vj]

5: 08 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYKpl4iJhbF4jLcsi=IcUepak-xYWjPWA9&t=308 , 'me being an emotionally suppressed, aging white guy, raised in a very narrow masculine culture' 🤣Was not expecting this lvl of self awareness from a cycling holiday gift guide. Thanks for the list Tom!

[@CosimaNonymouse]

A helmet that folds like that does not seem like a good idea. Seeing how apparently little pressure it takes to unfold it, it probably folds just as easily.

[@Mr1982shawn]

I am surprised you didn't include an electric bell/horn. They are significantly louder than mechanical bells and work much better at a distance or when moving quickly.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Good suggestion, thank you.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

I use my brass bell for pedestrians and my electric horn for cars or pedestrians wearing earbuds. They definitely hear that!

[@borisstanislav4560]

What about dork discs?

[@kookamunga2458]

For Doug Ford .

[@-NateTheGreat]

Best gift is gift cards to your local bike shop.

[@gem3132]

🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

[@Bigbossperson]

First