C&V Holiday gift-giving ideas
 

It's about that time (okay, well past that time, but still...), and I thought it might be fun to post cool stuff we find that would make good gifts for others or for ourselves. What do you suggest?

The Data Book, 'Hand-drawn illustrations of bicycle components from the late 1890s thru 1959. It’s kind of like an illustrated history book with no comments. It was put together in Japan, but the parts illustrated are European, lots of French.' Deeply nerdy and sold out, sorry. Still cool.

If you like hand-drawn illustrations, Rebour hasn't sold out yet.

Here's a nifty stocking stuffer; Save the Front Derailleur stickers! Also available as a t-shirt elsewhere in the shop.

All the misc frames and bike parts in my garage! I like collecting old bike junk - shouldn't everyone else?

Have we ever thought about a forum ‘White Elephant gift exchange? Similar to the Box o' Crap where we get a signup list and a few basic ideas for each person (as well as riding size), then randomly assigned.

Some (actual) potential gift ideas: BF membership? Campy/Shimano coffee cup, patch kit, bar wrap, 6/7/8 speed chain, cables, ferrules, riding cap, gloves, socks, one of those cool Italian/French/USA brand maps.

For me personally: A copy of 'The Huffy-Campagnolo Connection: A 100 Year Racing Heritage', but it is out of print and so rare apparently no copies exist:lol:

So, a data book with no data? :foo: Cool, but apparently sold out. Eh, the grapes were probably sour anyway.

For the stockings: RideNow tubes from AliExpress.

These came up on my facebook feed;

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...186d1bedb.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c4962c9c3.jpeg

Tools. After many years of all-thread and "washers" I finally got a Park headset press. Paid for itself on the first headset in the ease and satisfaction. That's what I would give.

Appointment with a reputable bike fitter.

map of classic Italian marques:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/~GgAA...i4/s-l1600.jpg
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334839062240
this guy made similar maps for British and French bike builders as well.

Wasn't it ghost-written?

And American.

Crown race puller to follow?

It removes more anxiety than crown races and also pays for itself. ;)

I've got the crown race tool too, I can't believe that I didn't get one decades ago. I was using the plastic rod/mallet technique. Sheesh!

I have an older Nashbar HS press that was dirt cheap and has always worked great.

It was a tad short when I went to put the cups in the Strawberry, pulled the roll pin at the top and it worked just fine. ;)


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5c831d9ceb.jpg

Back on topic. :innocent:

I would suggest any tool like these that we're too stubborn (cheap) to buy.

Top of the line chain tool, I have a Pedro's Tutto.

Rear derailleur hanger alignment gauge.

Digital caliper

Small torque wrench

Park T-handle hex wrench set THH-1 with Strip Gripper

Compact rechargeable inflator

PDW bindle rack
https://ridepdw.com/products/bindle-...nt=24752815873
This is good for a bike that you don't want anything contacting the frame but want to carry a fair amount.

Brooks small Scape seat bag
https://www.brooksengland.com/en_us/...-roll-bag.html
Small and spendy but very cool IMO. ;)

Most anything Castelli, also often spendy but well worth it when you find a piece that works good for you which is often for me.

Proper coffee cups. https://nonstopciclismo.com/products...cup-saucer-set

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...48d2161311.jpg

And a proper coffee machine. Named Giotto, after Cino's brother.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...50a6f128c1.jpg

I would suggest socks ….really wild socks! Ok I’ll get back on track here. A new set of riding gloves, cycling cap , plastic tire levers(either the red Bontrager or the yellow Pedro’s) , or maybe some new riding glasses. Tools are always welcome , cone wrenches , headset wrench (you need two) , BB wrenches and crank removal tools( I have 3 or 4 different ones including the Campagnolo one ) .

I encourage everybody to get the oldschool Sugino BB tools, their hook spanner is the best in the business IMO.

It has a "spring loaded" quality to it that wraps and grabs the lockring and has never slipped off on me.

Never broken their pins either.

I also have Campy and Park, their pins break easy IMO.

I almost never use any but the Sugino's for over 50 years. ;)

Not cheap nowadays but well worth the $$$$$.

I wouldn't say no to a 63 to 65cm Confente. Just sayin . . . . :innocent:

As Zonker Harris would say: "Joyeux Noel, y'all."

https://www.campagnolo.com/us-en/big...IZE&quantity=1

https://www.campagnolo.com/dw/image/...pg?sw=885&q=85

Where's that list?? Sign me up for a 56-58cm, please!

I’ll take one of those!!!

My Park adjustable lock-ring tool met its demise on a particularly stubborn BB ring a few years back. It did provide about 25 years of service before that point, however.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2dcd7bfb3.jpeg

As you can see I'm no fan of Park, I know plenty get good service from them.

I would be surprised if you get the same good use out of a new Park. ;)

This......to buy all of the above....
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8f5e92f661.png
In times of need, I always find this useful

In the end nothing will beat friendship and good health....wishing that for all.

Cold weather cycling shoes.
Ski boot dryer- they work well for drying cycling shoes and gloves.
Nice, bright lights.