Gift guide for urban cyclists and bike commuters 2023

Ho ho ho. It’s time once again for the Shifter gift guide. Here are some of the products that I’ve been interested in, or used a lot this year, that may make a great gift for that urban cyclist or bike commuter in your life. This isn’t about bikes or gear. It’s more about the little things that can make your bike life a a little better.
Don’t forget to share your gift ideas in the comments.
0:00 Merry Christmas welcome
0:32 Bumper Pedals by Intrinsic: intrinsiccycles.com/products/...
1:54 Arclight City Pedals by Redshift: redshiftsports.com/products/a...
3:27 Tiny Pump Cube: www.cycplus.com/products/tiny...
4:20 Air Tool Flex Pump by Specialized: www.specialized.com/ca/en/air...
5:15 Rear View Cycling Glasses by Hindsight: hindsight.store/collections/g...
6:56 Clutch Bar Bag by Two Wheel Gear: twowheelgear.com/products/clu...
8:26 Tack Strap by Two Wheel Gear: twowheelgear.com/products/tac...
9:33 Matrix bike helmet by Lumos: ridelumos.com/shifter
11:07 Winter socks (any decent merino wool brand will do, but Ibex makes good stuff) www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
12:00 Bike roadside assistance. You'll have to find the one in your region.
12:59 There Are No Accidents by Jesse Singer: amzn.to/3G776ND
14:04 Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar: amzn.to/47ASP8h
14:48 The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro: amzn.to/3sy896l
#cycling #bike #commuting
The products above are a mix of items that were sent to me try out, affiliate links and items I purchased myself. But a particular thanks to Two Wheel Gear for being Shifter’s bag and pannier sponsor. Not only are their products great, but they are also amazing people who care deeply about urban cycling. They support me, so please support them: www.twowheelgear.com/
Buy my book Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling: rmbooks.com/book/frostbike/
I don’t really do proper product reviews, but here are some products that I’ve tried on this channel that I like. (Of course you don’t need anything fancy to ride a bike, other than a bike, but these are Amazon affiliate links, and I get paid a small commission if you buy them 😉)
• Here's the winter bike I'm riding these days: bit.ly/2PhqUqF
• Cliq Smart Bike Light (nice rear brake light): amzn.to/39lfqwo
• RedShift Acrlight Smart LED Pedals (clever lights for your pedals): amzn.to/3NL1Npg
• Aftershokz Titanium bone-conducting headphones (if you want to listen while you ride): amzn.to/3e9Tofa
• JBL CLip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (for your party-pace group rides): amzn.to/3pcMLPm
• Crane Bicycle Bell (the ding is sublime): amzn.to/3OwfZCu
• Ibex Merino Wool clothing (good for summer and winter): bit.ly/3xXkbEd
• Bicycle Cargo Net (why did it take so long for me to buy one of these?): amzn.to/31s1Ovu
• Vaude Cover II Rain Poncho (for higher-end, try Cleverhood or People’s Poncho): amzn.to/3jLkift
• Kryptonite U-Lock (your bike is going to get stolen eventually, sigh, but at least make it hard): amzn.to/3tPWcGi
• Peak Design phone case (the one I use, paired with the Peak Design phone mount): amzn.to/3HGM0FU
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[@moliver000]

"I'm a Schraeder man but for some reason I have Presta on here right now." Is the most relatable thing I've ever heard.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

In a perfect world, there would be no Presta 😉

[@tconnolly9820]

Buying a new tube online and realising when it's delivered you clicked on the wrong valve type! 🤦‍♂️

[@XxXx-Evo]

​@@Shifter_CyclingAgreed. I don't like presta as well. Here in the Netherlands a lot of bikes have Blitz (the successor of Dunlop). I like those, but I guess they are not very well known in the rest of the world.

[@drwork2491]

@@Shifter_Cycling there is so much infrastructure to take advantage of when you've got Schrader valves, and I don't just mean gas station air pumps. You can easily and cheaply get various screw cap widgets that either use color indicators to show pressure or even wireless computerized ones designed for motorcycles that give accurate readouts, or caps that have tooling built in that allows you to unscrew the valve (e.g. evaporating the only practical advantage Presta has re: removable valves). Presta has no reason to exist besides pleasing aesthetics and weight weinies.

[@michellewhite6692]

I always enjoy these gift guides. Mostly to gift myself. 😁

[@Shifter_Cycling]

If I’m being honest, me too 😆

[@WheelsonaBike]

Excellent gift guide! I'd add a merino wool neck buff. Can be worn as a neck buff, a toque, a face mask, a headband, soooo many use cases.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Yes! A Buff is so versatile. Good one.

[@philwyeth]

Good one. Merino wool buff is the kind of luxury I wouldn't buy myself but would cherish.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Funny thing Agnieszka, I just wrote that and am now scrolling through the comments and of course you suggested it!

[@WheelsonaBike]

@@geoffreyhoney122 Great minds think alike. 😉

[@ChinmayaNagpal]

The "there are no accidents" idea is really powerful. The book seems interesting.

[@gingermany6223]

Another great gift for the cyclist in your family is to advocate for better infrastructure in your community! Citizen comments at council meeting, give feedback on planning and zoning changes, volunteer to be on a citizen advisory board!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

The gift that keeps on giving

[@jonevansauthor]

Ohhh... write to your MP asking for better infrastructure and and end to wasting money on painting cycle lanes instead of Dutch ones and copy your family member. :) Nice.

[@scootladychicago]

yes!!!!

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

Those soft pedals,#1, theyre like hockey pucks for pedals. So Canadian I love it

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Softer than pucks, especially when it gets cold.

[@ChinmayaNagpal]

LOL The bit when you were talking with the sunglasses on and simultaneously in awe checking them out-I couldn't help but find it quite endearing

[@grahambonner508]

My suggestion is perhaps not so much for commuters but for people interested in leisure cycling - join a club that runs regular leisure rides, made a huge difference to me, I still ride solo but it's great to also ride in groups with like minded individuals.

[@DominicTorres-ef9xh]

To expand on this to find these local clubs go to your local bike shop and ask them about group rides. You can find these style of leisure rides usually called cruiser rides. Or a gravel road, etc.. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction or might have their own ride them selves

[@tconnolly9820]

Grrreeeaaatt suggestion! I ride a lot for commuting and utilitarian and all of that kind of stuff but I'm always an my own. It's something that I've been meaning to look into to be more involved in a "community" of other cyclists rather than just doing my own thing on my own all of the time. And I'm totally not a "roadie" so I have no interest in joining anything to do with that end of the cycling community.

[@joeswanderings]

I also like the support for newbies in our recreational club. You are never alone and can count on the support of others. Buy them a membership subscription to your local club.

[@markhay1664]

Leisure cycling is my new go to cycling after years of riding. Slowing things down and enjoying the the ride seeing more of my local area taking photos and stopping at coffee shops is so much more pleasurable than years of head down pushing myself. I joined of leisure cycling face book group and sometimes go with them on group rides. It gets me out riding more than I did before. Win win

[@grahambonner508]

@@markhay1664 Definitely, ride down some of those 'no through roads' just to see what's there. Exploring is what it's all about.

[@quijadriss7650]

No idea why, but my dad had a pair of those mirror glasses back in the 80s. Kept them in the garage at the work bench and we'd play with them pretending to be a spy.

[@doris41236]

Wintertime glove recommendations: neoprene paddling gloves, lined fishing gloves and lined waterproof work gloves, all of these have worked for me. And wool socks! with shorty rubber boots. And a snowboarding helmet ❤

[@imptiger8260]

I've been using mirror sunglasses for over a year now but didn't know there was a dedicated product marketed for biking. If you have a small head / are buying for a youth, kids "spy glasses" are awesome. I got a pack of three as a gift and they've been a true hidden gem

[@grantbeaudry8634]

Just found your comment after commenting that I had similar looking spy glasses as a kid. Wasn't sure they were still around.

[@edwardwilliams9185]

Love how you made a video as an excuse to buy yourself a load of cool bike things 🚲

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I mean, do we need an excuse to do that?

[@blep8563]

so happy to see jesse singer's book recommended here! i read it a couple of months ago and really loved it

[@Shifter_Cycling]

It’s such an eye opener. Glad you liked it

[@statelyelms]

Oh my god, I had something like those sunglasses as a kid! Mirrored sides. It was part of a spy kit, probably from scholastic. Always wondered why there weren't more of them!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Now that you say this, I vaguely remember them from the back of comic books.

[@ballyhigh11]

@@Shifter_Cycling Now I'm beginning to wonder if those X-Ray glasses they advertised work too!

[@joetilman7227]

Regarding roadside assistance: if you live in a city with a bus system, see if they have day passes or e-passes - the bus system can become your ride home (or to the bike shop). Been doing this for years! 😊

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I’ve used the bus as a rescue a couple of times too, but we’re still behind on all of our buses having bus racks, which annoys me to no end.

[@benjamingeiger]

​@@Shifter_CyclingAll of the buses here in Tampa have bike racks. However, they only have space for two bikes, and if the rack is full, you're waiting another hour for the next bus.

[@derekjolly3680]

@@benjamingeiger We don't even have buses here. It's drive or use the bike only.

[@bikecommuter24]

Keep a twenty in the saddlebag just in case. I also know from personal experience that you can sometimes get a ride share van to carry your bike if you take both wheels off, of course I asked first and tipped very well. LOL at one time Uber in my area had vehicles with bike racks, sadly they stopped doing it. I use the bus and train with my bicycle quite often since I got rid of my car last year, its also nice that I had a card and app that lets me ride the train and bus, and if I go the nearest large city I can also use it to rent one of the car share vehicles where you rent by time, never used it but its a nice option.

[@wm7195]

Some ideas. Pedals with reflectors, reflector at the back of your bike, tires with reflectors or reflectors in the wheels for side reflection. A bell. All of this is mandatory in the Netherlands. And of course a front light and a back light. I think helmets with lights are not allowed.

[@JustClaude13]

I'm already getting a premium present. I sent my brother a box of parts and a sketch of the cargo bike of my dreams. He just started welding this weekend.

[@leonisaacs3512]

Cudos to this channel because I found it due to looking for keeping dry on my bike and had the fantastic recommendation of the “people’s poncho” Been watching since pandemic days; really appreciative of this channel!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you for spending some of your time watching.

[@derekjolly3680]

The main deal with the pedals isn't that they're made of metal for the outside it's that they can be made too spikey. That's what hurts and that's what makes you bleed. When I sold a MT bike I didn't need, and those ridicules spikey pedals with it, that fixed the problem with the lower leg getting beat up rarely.

[@user-ci9lm5cx2r]

I love proviz jackets. As a bike commuter the visibility improvement is very very noticeable. I notice it on other bike commuters on the streets

[@tims_builds]

I know a couple of bike shops and collectives near me offer bike maintenance classes which could be a good gift for someone who want to ride more but isn't sure how to care for their bike. In a similar vein, a voucher for a tune up at a local shop can also be really nice (and is a great way to support your local community)

[@thecaveofthedead]

In public health I learned the term 'road traffic injuries.' I use this term routinely now instead of 'accident.' It's specifically used because it's long been known by experts in the field that almost all such injuries are preventable and hence not 'accidental' in any real sense. When I was learning this, Sweden was implementing a zero road fatality goal - because such a thing is possible with the right combination of policies, infrastructure, design, and enforced regulations.

[@ballyhigh11]

In the UK various jurisdictions are trying to implement zero road fatality goals too, but apparently not wanting kids smashed to death by cars is 'woke' to certain sections of our fetid media.

[@HallsEmporium]

I picked up the CAA “Community” (bicycle) membership this summer and it paid off! First flat on my new electric bike too far from home and they helped me out 👍. Very helpful until I learn now to do it myself 😊.

[@derekjolly3680]

Sometimes you well know how to do it yourself, but based on the nature of the rides, you don't have the stuff with you. I've had to carry bikes back, three miles both times, from total flats. That's when you really notice the weight difference between one being 24 and the other being 32 lbs. Being fit from rides, for the purpose of carrying the bike! Ha ha!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Great to hear!

[@jonevansauthor]

Yeah it makes perfect sense that they should be able to help cyclists. Worth looking into for some people. :)

[@derekjolly3680]

The caveat is that with cities ripping out proper pay phones right and left, you might not be able to get to a phone unless you get to a gas station or a hardware store or something like that and beg to use a desk phone. As for me, cell phones kind of conflict with the spirt of getting out on a bike. So I never have one. Frankly I think it's a disgrace that they don't have at least one in every pubic park or sports area. They just assume everyone is an addict with mobile phones.

[@kenmcclow8963]

@@derekjolly3680there are plenty of phones you can get for emergency use. For a long time I had one from Walmart for $10 and just enough prepaid minutes to keep it active. I don’t anymore because the cellphone can get hit satellites for emergency use if the cell network isn’t in range. But a dedicated satellite beacon would be an alternative. Maintaining a network of public pay phones is expensive when very very few people would use them, not to mention the amount of vandalism

[@tomj7461]

When I cycle in the winter, I always wear Heat Savers brand clothing. The fuzzy lining is incredibly warm.

[@jhoff80]

Pretty sure I had those rear view sunglasses 30 years ago as a kid advertised as a spy toy. 😂

[@zeemon9623]

I think under-helmet caps as well as arm and leg warmers are a fantastic gift. They are cheap, compact and really effective. Especially during those days on which the temperature changes a lot you can always bring your bit of additional warmth in case you need it. Outside the middle of summer I'm pretty much always taking them wherever I go.

[@Novalarke]

The problem with wool anything in Ontario are the ubiquitous moths who eat wool.

[@andreahughes1500]

My friend, you need lavender and cedar sachets for your wool closet or drawer. Remember to replenish them to maintain the scent. They smell great to most people. But moths hate it. Hope this helps.

[@philwyeth]

We have them here in Suffolk UK too. Yay! it's summer, dam here come the moths. +1 on the Cedar wood, works well but I'd get in early so the smell really permeates.

[@itzdono]

I love my Arclight Pros from Redshift. They have more traction than the regular Arclights. They're a little pricey, but totally worth it. Great build quality & customer service.

[@miketrebert7788]

Great channel. I never miss a video. Thanks so much.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I appreciate that!

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

Those little battery pumps are fantastic, light, and pretty affordable. That is a fantastic suggestion and even weight weenie roadies love them. Great suggestions for the holidays!

[@tconnolly9820]

Have you ever had that time when you got a slow puncture and needed to quickly pump up your tyre half a dozen times on the way home? I have and that's why I'm sticking with manual only. The electric pump would probably have run out after the third use and I'd have no choice but to fix the puncture on the side of the road maybe in the freezing cold or lashing rain. 🤷‍♂️

[@kenmcclow8963]

@@tconnolly9820they can fill two tires from empty to 100 psi, or bump up the pressure many times. They recharge very quickly with usb-c. I always have a charging cable and external battery for my phone unless I’m on a short ride anyway, but I could also bring my co2 pump, or manual pump, or use the spare inner tube

[@jasonarthurs3885]

Arclight pedals seem a natural fit for e-bikes; Hook & Loop tape is great, but an added benefit to the Tack Strap is ease of cleaning; if wool socks are inadequate, try heated socks or heated footwear liners (heated gloves are amazing, see below); these were all thoughtful suggestions, thank you Tom. I'm on Vancouver Island and my winter cycle commute (likely the mildest in Canada) has me employ a merino base layer - top & bottom - outer pant, frequently additional rainpants, polar fleece top under rain/wind proof shell and winter boots, plus two layers of socks. I was gifted a pair of heated waterproof cycling gloves last year - gamechanging in wet conditions at near zero temperatures. I also travel with a few activated charcoal hand and foot warmers, just in case. Also, I highly recommend Tanus tire armour for any cyclist/commuter putting serious kilometres behind them - I'm averaging 1200kms/month and and haven't had a flat since installing them nine months ago. Before that I was experiencing flats frequently (I once had three flats in one day).

[@fireh3211]

Definitely headband, when salty sweat get into the eyes.

[@sufpnancy]

"Rail roaders" gloves are good for winter riding and are usually less that $15 USD. These are the ones with a strip of reflective material across the knuckles. Oncoming traffic's headlights reflect back to them, and when you need to signal a turn, cars coming from behind can see your intention. They blink, too--just rotate your hand front to back. No batteries required.

[@test40323]

Or donate to a good cause!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

This is the largest single Super Thanks contribution to this channeled so far. Wow, thank you very much. I’m taking this as a show of support for the channel, and this will help keep things going. Thank you very much! 🔥

[@Lex.S.theonlyone]

Tom, the way I understand it, the new Arclite pedals are not really new, but it's an extension of the product line specifically geared towards mountain bikers this time. The added grippinness is such that you don't slip when going up and down the hills or climbing rocks. The "old" pedals are still sold alongside these and I actually prefer them and have them on three bikes. When I checked out their website, I realized one can purchase a set of pedals without the lights, thus saving money, since I already have one set I can just swap between bikes. I am thinking something like a 30-40% savings over purchasing a complete set with lights. The reason why I have three bikes that I rotate, is in the winter one would have snow tires on them, and the other two are just for regular riding around town a non-snow covered days

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Great tips, thank you!

[@CodeDeb]

What I could really use is some winter gel cycling gloves 🧤🙏

[@mdzi]

The Power Broker is a great gift suggestion to anyone who enjoys cities and urban spaces in general.

[@grantbeaudry8634]

Those mirrored glasses are an expensive version of the spy glasses I had as a kid in the early 2000's. Got them at the toy store for like $5. They looked identical too.

[@hennrysmustache]

I always appreciate a useful stocking stuffer. I like throwing in a set of latex tubes with some CO² canisters

[@junkandcrapamen]

What I need is a helmet with a large led screen on the back with a microphone and voice translator that will display what I'm saying if I want it to.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Please send me one if you every find this.

[@StrategicGamesEtc]

I could use that with a single button to play a pre-recorded message giving the legal minimum passing berth which must be given to cyclists in my area :D too many drivers ignore that

[@MrBlueSky2112]

Pen and paper ready

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

I wish I get some bike lane for this xmass

[@jantwehncke1528]

I know glasses similar to Hindsight from kids magazines in the 90s - called Spyglasses back then.

[@Livewellwendy]

This was great! I plan on bike packing in the near future and the road side assistance will definitely put my mind at ease.

[@yehoshua2099]

Yay! Ive been waiting for this!

[@mtbboy1993]

7:49 I recommend getting Lock-On grips so they don't slip or/and twist. Also Timber bell cus you don't have to ring it.

[@becyk_du_quebec]

man purses are amazing!

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

The soft pedals seem like a pretty good idea. Here in the U.S. bike pedals by law have to have reflectors, front and back. I didn't see any reflective surface on the soft pedals. I suppose a person could install some reflective tape or something. I heard about the roadside assistance idea from a Great Britain vlogger. I thought it was a terrific idea and wondered how to get something like that here (U.S.) Good to find out that Canada has instituted such a helpful project. 👏👏 Overall a pretty good list. Thanks for giving such good gift suggestions.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Some US states have it too

[@wsams]

I looked it up for anyone curious §1512.16(e)

[@dutchman7623]

The soft pedals are not legal in most of Europe either, because they have no reflectors.

[@nbartlett6538]

In the UK it's also a legal requirement to have reflectors on the pedals, but this seems to be completely ignored. The SPD-SL clip-in pedals used by "serious" roadies never have reflectors. So I'm not sure how seriously to take this requirement.

[@dutchman7623]

@@nbartlett6538 Most professional racing bicycles are illegal for normal road use, due to lack of reflection or lights. During daylight hours in summer police will not be strict about it, but else they will fine you in the Netherlands.

[@vicentereyes9582]

The product that's made me happiest when cycling in winter is a bandana, to wear inside the helmet and keep my ears warm

[@Hibbs4Prez]

I listened to the audiobook version of Singer’s book about this same time last year. I learned about her book through the War on Cars podcast. Great book. Great choice.

[@joshbenner2784]

Slap bags! Great for holding your wallet, phone, keys or anything within reach. I also would say a handlebar bag. Basically your front console. I like my Chrome double track as it also is my crossbody sling off the bike, but specialized has one that is also quite roomy and a little stiffer

[@esgee3829]

though as a gobal culture we're pretty into getting and receiving stuff (usually in that order) and clicking on links gets tom paid, which i'm all for, as a bike commuter myself i have a low/no cost suggestion for someone with more time than money to give as a gift (because those 175 usd mirror sunglasses aren't going to pay for themselves!): offer to do bike washes for your bike commuter. where i live fall has lots of rain and leaves and they combine to mean the bike needs at least weekly washings and biweekly degrease/lube. in drier months, i can get away with monthly washes and degrease/lube. it takes fairly little skill to learn how to wash a bike, clean the braking surfaces, chain, gear, sprockets, and lube the chain, gear, and sprockets. and i also do weekly tire pressure/inflation checks. and chances are if they're a bike commuter (not commuting on a 10K usd bike) in those conditions they'll appreciate the time saved more than they'll care about the maintenance not being done exactly the way they would have done it.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you for the link clicking support, and for sharing 👍🏼

[@alextorresphoto]

Been using Intrinsic cycles pedals since the first release. On one pedal, the grippy tape did lose some of the grippy material on one of the corners after a few months. The other side is going great. They sell a pack of replacement tape for $5 and it has plenty in the pack for a long long time. I just replaced the tape in 2 minutes and kept riding. I was also skeptical but they have saved my shins and my calfs, walls, etc and my foot doesn't seem to slip. Not a performance enhancement but def great for comfort.

[@MrBlueSky2112]

I ordered the Priority Continuum Onyx today. A new bike for Christmas!!! 😃

[@thatguythatdoesstuff5899]

I don't know any specific manufacturer, but a mudflap for the front wheel, especially in the winter. I made one myself and it makes a big, nay, a huge difference. Keeps shoes dryer and chain cleaner.

[@Ruth-tu9mu]

Mudflaps are definitely an essential for the urban cyclist! Mine have made a huge difference in my commute!

[@sufpnancy]

My city bike has full fenders, I added an extension made from a large plastic soda bottle (any large bottle will do). I leave the curved bottom part on, and hang it from the end of the fender. It flops around (less wind resistance) until it catches water or snow in the bottom cup, the weight then holds it in place, so it catches all the glop, keeping the dive train and my feet pristine.

[@christopherwebb3517]

I have an older version of that helmet. Instead of having the full LED screen on the back, it only has three LED strips in a triangle pattern. I like it. It's bright enough to replace your bike mounted lights. But yeah, it's a bit heavy, and I find myself using a lighter helmet or no helmet at all if I know I'll only be riding in the daylight.

[@lazylonewolf]

As an alternative to the expensive Lumos helmet, buy one of those rear LED lights from Decathlon. It comes with the usual strap-on mount (which is terribad, it breaks eventually), but also a mount with double-sided tape that you can then attach to your or someone's helmet. A lot less noticeable than the Lumos of course, but heck, you can get it together with a new helmet from Decathlon so it makes for a cheaper but great gift! I use this combo myself when rain or night might reach me while I'm out on a ride.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Great suggestion, thank you!

[@tomreingold4024]

Any light that follows our pedaling motion is fantastic. I've had trouser bands with lights in them, but they weren't well made. Those straps are great because they do the work of bungee cords but are easier to get to the right tension, and they have no dangling hooks which are dangerous. Amazon has them under the name Voile and other names. I live in NYC where it's not as cold as in Calgary, and I wear wool socks 12 months a year. Cotton socks hold moisture which encourages fungus to grow. I have There Are No Accidents. Excellent book.

[@newttella1043]

TPU tubes. They are a quarter of the size and weight of regular tubes. Brands like Ride Now have them reasonably priced at only a couple of dollars more than a regular tube.

[@limeallens6160]

The lumos ebike helmet is nice it has lights on the front side and back.

[@TroubleshootGamingMeds]

thanks again tom

[@bikecommuter24]

Maybe a workshop by a local Bike Shop or Bicycle Mechanic would probably be worth the time to learn to fix it yourself, I wouldn't want to wait in a sketchy part of town waiting for someone to come fix my flat tire and learning to keep your bike in shape is always a good thing. I know of a few Motorcycle Riders who had the Road Side Assistance program through their insurance company and it sometimes took a couple of hours for someone to come to fix their problem, I do realize sometimes you get problems that can't be fixed on the road.

[@cbyron9308]

Titan straps, same thing as the other, good impromptu bike stand when riding loaded in a treed area.

[@MylifeofTao]

Great content! Thanks Tom!

[@marakuyovimalesh3793]

Thanks for these ideas

[@o-o_pingu]

Thanks for the video, got some great inspiration :)

[@hrishikeshac]

Thanks for the book recommendations! They seem great.

[@limeallens6160]

Ih yeah the hammer head karoo 2 is an excellent bike computer/gps.

[@kevinwhited984]

Another excellent video and was I was especially interested in the helmet. I’ve been looking for a Bluetooth helmet so that was extremely helpful. Also, my local MPO (Indianapolis, Indiana) just hosted Jesse Singer and her presentation was excellent. I haven’t read the book yet but it’s on my reading list. Thanks for the gift ideas!

[@AustinEschweiler]

I had a pair of sunglasses like that back in the 90s from a fundraiser goal thing at school haha

[@cebryan333]

This is so good want to get some of this for my bike! 🚲

[@lazmotron]

This is s great video. I have been looking for glasses like these hindsight glasses for a while. Can can serve for safety while riding bike and also as a pedestrian to see who is behind you. Great urban road and survival product!

[@Threewisejavi]

Thank you for these videos! I bought the arclight pedals last year. I also bought the two gear backpack because if you. And both have been great!

[@aarons3008]

Thanks!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you for the support! I appreciate it.

[@karenkeller9805]

Thanks Tom! This was super helpful and yes, I did make a purchase based on these reviews. Thanks!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I hope you like whatever you bought!

[@een_schildpad]

I read and loved those first two books this year as well!!! I'm thinking this year I might put a purse (er, clutch), and copied of Frostbike and Power Broker on my list :-) Happy holidays Tom and fellow Shifter fans!

[@BikecommuterUS]

I love my Sheyd Bags double pannier backpack. It's works great on my bike, I love the versatility of it and love supporting a small business too. It was a great Amazon find this year.

[@Michael_Hamburg]

Bumper pedals - no reflectors, so in germany not allowed. I like the helmet

[@joetilman7227]

Note about the Rear View glasses: they won't work for folks that wear regular glasses. They might work with contact lenses, but I can't wear contacts, so I can't testify...

[@doris41236]

Great idea, but expensive too. I've been using a Mirrycle rear view attached to the handlebar for more than a decade, and I'd highly recommend it. They are about a tenth of the price of those glasses.

[@kurt.dresner]

I loved Paved Paradise. So I'll have to read There Are No Accidents. Thanks, Tom. (I read Paved Paradise right before I read Frostbike :) )

[@PellyAaron]

Thanks for the recommendation for the Arclight pedals! Just ordered myself an early Christmas present. I've got a sketchy section on my route to/from work. It only takes me ~ 5 min to ride, but I'm looking forward to the increased visibility as I ride home in the dark this winter. FYI: Your link goes to the city pedals, but it's the pro pedals that have the improved design you mention. That was a little confusing when I landed on their page from your link.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Great ideas Tom! Can't recommend merino wool socks/base layer enough! I would add gifts to allow utilitarian/ commuting friends to keep riding all winter: Schwalbe studded snow tires, leather mittens/ snowmobile gauntlets, downhill ski goggles that fit over glasses, a merino wool buff, Eargrips earmuffs that band at the back of the head/ neck so you can wear your helmet, and last.....FROSTBIKE by some guy named Tom Babin who runs my favourite bike channel!

[@bobtitterson70]

Yet another great video with some fantastic & smart ideas for Christmas 👍 Also a big fan 2 wheel gear and their products… but I had to laugh when I saw the Tack Strap, like you do know they’re just repurposed snowshoe straps right? I’ll give the company credit for finding a new purpose for them, but at $12 cnd each (not even a pair) that’s a big NOPE for me. PS: watch out, dogs love to chew on them.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I think they come from the bikepacking world, but if you can steal them from snowshoes, go for it!

[@jfmezei]

You're supposed to be sitting on Santa's lap when listing all the gifts YOU want for Christmas, and at the end, since you are publishing this a sa KZbin, you're supposed to provide the gift registry service you have used so we know what gift to get you from he list that hasn't been offered to you yet 🙂 As my "urban" bike remains in building's garage/basement, I am weary of gadgets that require recharging as I would need to always "commute" these between appartment and garage, consider their recharge etc. And not sure how those fancy ligted pedals would behave in winter with road grime/salt/water impacting the battery connection to the lights.

[@graemetunbridge1738]

My wife likes her Merida urban eBike.

[@mtbboy1993]

6:33 I think mirrors on the bike would be better for me, as I have horrible allergies, goggles and a Respro mask is a must if it's summer, I might need that, not always. If pollen is really bad I need both. But take off mask when I am away from pollen.But when riding in cold temps, below freezing or it's muddy goggles is a must, but if there are insects it's a must too, I will never experience an insect behind the lens again. So I quit using glasses. The silent cars then suddenly blasting past me is annoying, so I think I need a solution for this, so possibly mirrors. This of course will lead to hate comments.

[@whazzat8015]

Garmin VARIA Pricey, but they will love you

[@JasonWood100]

Wool socks for me are a no go because i think it's wrong to commodify animals. When it's cold I just double up my cotton socks 👍

[@davidsaxby5400]

Hi Tom. Another great video. I really enjoy your content even though I don’t commute or live in a city. I do cycle regularly and have recently enjoyed the approach of using the bike for anything within range, shops, library, swimming pool, friends, pubs, cafes etc etc. I am therefore adding cycle suitable clothing to my wardrobe and ditching the Lycra. I’m keen to find some shoes/ boots just like the ones you wear in this video, so without seeming like a stalker, could you share the make and add if you find them good for regular rides. Thanks

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Those shoes did not last long, so I wouldn't recommend the brand I bought. Hopefully you can find something similar in a higher quality. A nice liner inside might make them good for the winter as well.

[@davidsaxby5400]

Thanks for the heads up . I’ll keep looking.

[@shuttle461]

Thanks for your suggestions. The only thing I find kind of useless is that type of helmet. Would you please post the names of the books?

[@GoneZombie]

Clutch sounds no less feminine than a purse lol. I'm right there with you though, I've had a purse for years XD

[@better.better]

honestly while wool socks are ok, I think you're forgetting what part of Canada you're living in versus other places. well I've never been there my impression is that Vancouver is basically the California or UK of Canada, by which I mean that you could probably get away with wool socks being your only concession to the cold. everybody else is going to want some 45Nrth Wolfgar boots, or flat pedals and mukluks. here in NY it gets to -20°f, but I've seen places like Toronto at -30°f or -40°f. flat pedals and mukluks probably give folks the most options, but if you want to use your cleats, 45Nrth Wolfgars are rated to -20°f, but I've seen comments where people buy larger, and double up two different sizes of liner

[@ThePianoman--]

Here are the prices, if you don't wanna look it up for yourself: Bumper Pedal Set $49 Arclight City Pedals €131,99 Tiny Pump Cube $89 / €81,57 Air Tool Flex Pump $40 HindSight Glasses Artemis €174,95 Clutch Bar Bag (1.5 L) €69,95 Tack Strap - Bike Frame, Handlebar and Rack Multi Strap €8,95 Helmet Lumox Matrix $149.97 / €249.95 (!) Ibex Winter Socks Light Cushion $22 Books: There Are No Accidents $25.99 Paperback / $13.99 Kindle Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World $35.25 Hardcover / $18.99 Kindle The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York $31 Paperback / no Kindle(?)

[@tconnolly9820]

The difference in the $ and € prices for the fancy helmet are absolutely mad Ted, mad!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you for compiling this! Very helpful. For everyone else, just remember prices can vary in different countries and regions.

[@CareFreeCommuting]

3:21 I would want these pedals if they were spd or build for Fixation pedal straps…also, I’d want them light.

[@barretg.8203]

Those rearview glasses looked promising until I saw the price and it appears that they ship from the UK. Ka-ching.

[@csmcghee830]

I’m not strong enough to deal with a hand pump and get it where it needs to be pressure wise, I was always running low tires because of that.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I have a big floor pump at home for when I need a full inflation, for the same reason. In my mind, these little pumps are more just to get you back in the road in case of a problem.

[@lafamillecarrington]

As a wearer of glasses, I don't think the mirrored glasses are for me (do they narrow your field of view?), but I do like the idea of a rear-facing radar to warn me of cars approaching from behind. Garmin make one as part of a rather expensive rear light, but I guess that others are available.

[@eric106071]

How about a spare tube?

[@mtbboy1993]

1:16 These pedals will be useless, the platform is way too small, but for me even regular pedals are too small, I use Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedals, only pedals that actually fir me, and they even got XL version for massive feet. Pedals need pins, and in the winter long pins is a must, or snow will pack up and you have zero grip. But a product to solve the issue and still have proper pedals exists, it's a cover for the pedals, it's called NoxSox. It's secured by two buttons. The Large model fits Pedaling Catalyst Innovations pedals. It's been around for a few years, but see Granite also has a solution. It's Granite Pita. I guess Pita stands for Pain in the A$$. But I've not tried these products.

[@mtbboy1993]

2:09 Lights on pedals is a nice idea, but the platform is too small for me.