We here at The Cyclist ride quite a bit. In the years of trail riding and general cycling that we've done, certain things we use rise to the top as things we really like and that work well. Then there are always things that come along we'd like to have as well. (Hey! We're gear freaks too!)

So, here is a list of five things from Grannygear and five things from Guitar Ted that we really think would make any cyclists ride a better one.

Grannygear's List:

Magicshine light#1 Night Riding setup:  Nothing has changed the experience of night riding as much as LED lighting.  Longer run times with smaller and lighter battery packs driving bright and reliable LEDs are the way to go for extending your riding season past sundown.  I made my own DIY lights, but the hottest light on the market is the under $100.00 Magicshine light.  Rated at 900 lumens and mounted in a tidy package, you would have a hard time building it at home for that cost.  As a viable alternative for lightweight commuting or as a ‘back-up light/get you out of the hills when things go wrong’ set-up, the Flea lights from Blackburn (tested here on the Cyclist ) have become one of my fav products of 2009.  Incredibly tiny and light with USB and solar charging options for the rechargeable batteries, they are slick and practical to own.  $30.00-$55.00 depending on options.

#2 Brain Bucket:  A helmet is my constant companion on any ride and finding one that fits well, provides protection, and is not terribly costly is a worthwhile goal.  Our review of the 2010 Vice helmet from Specialized has been a great replacement for my aging Giro helmet and the Headset SL fit adjusting system is easy to adjust even with gloves on and gives me a shake free fit.  The added coverage at the back of the helmet and the stout construction are worth the tradeoff for a bit of weight compared to an ultra light helmet. You can spend less and you can spend more, but for $110.00 the Vice is well worth a look.

#3 Wrap your feet in nice rags:  I can think of few ways to make your feet happier than putting them into Swiftwick socks. Since a review of a sampling of the fine stockingware on The Cyclist, I have been wearing them almost exclusively and I am spoiled.  If on Christmas morn you found Swiftwick stockings in your Christmas stocking, you are a fortunate cyclist indeed.  At around $15.00 a pair, they are not cheap, but they are an investment in happy little piggies.

#4 Technology for getting out there and back again:  If you spend a great deal of time riding, especially if you are getting far a way from civilization in your travels, it is of great comfort to know where you are and for others to know the same!  GPS has put a map of the world in your pocket or on your handlebar and is something that few backcountry travelers should be without.  While it is true that a paper map never runs out of batteries, a GPS unit allows for sharing of files, backtracking your route, letting emergency services know where you are EXACTLY, and will even compile stats on your rides and download them into custom software to keep a record of elevation changes, mileage, heart rate, etc.  GPS is here to stay.  The king of GPS units for cyclists seems to be the Garmin units.  They are small, have a good stem mount and can be had in various models, depending on what you want.  From $250.00 to $500.00, there is a model for nearly everyone.  However, just because you know where you are does not mean others do.  To make that happen and provide a way for others at home to track your progress and to let you send an emergency message to those that care, the SPOT has become an adventure racers friend.  Becoming common as a way of tracking racers competing in self supported endurance races, it also will let you send pre-programmed messages like “I am OK” or “Help, I am being chased by bears” or even “I am out of Snickers bars”.  Gotta’ love that last one.  The SPOT is keeping mothers from worrying all over the country and that can’t be bad.

#5 Titanium:  If I had to find one blingy thing under the tree this year, it would be a Ti frame.  I have owned several custom steel frames, one custom aluminum frame, ridden carbon, and thought about Ti.  A lot.  I have no desire for a Ti FS frame, I consider that a poor use for the material and a Ti road bike frame seems to have been eclipsed by carbon in all ways but longevity or exclusivity.  But, a Ti singlespeed hardtail 29er would be killer, even if it really is not that much better performing then high end steel, and even if carbon can be made lighter and stiffer, I would like it to be mine.  It is extravagant, it is costly, it is tricky to build with and it is, after all this time, still the king of bling. 

Guitar Ted's List:

#1: Chris King Bottom Bracket: If you are a cyclist and are using a two piece crank set from Shimano or SRAM you should check out the Chris King bottom bracket. Made with King's legendary attention to detail and environmentally conscientious manufacturing techniques, this U.S.A. made component is guaranteed for five years and is serviceable! Plus, it spins on its stainless steel bearings better than anything out there that is stock and as well as most ceramic bottom brackets costing far more. Bonus: You can choose from any of King's luscious palette of anodized colors. MSRP $135.00 http://www.chrisking.com

#2: Ergon GA 1 Grips: Ergon is probably better known in the cycling circles for the "paddle" shaped ergonomic grips, but don't let that stop you from checking out Ergon if you are a more aggressive rider that needs a secure grip in the "gnar".  Ergon has that covered too with the well designed, lock on GA 1 model. It features a multi-textured surface and sculpted shape that relieves pressure points and yet gives the rider maximum control. The picture shows my well worn pair, but you can get your own brand spanking new ones from most any discerning bike shop for about $30.00. http://www.ergon-bike.com

#3: Bontrager Race MTB Cycling Shoes: First off, the shoes in the picture are mine and this is right after two straight days of Bootleg Canyon dust in Nevada. They are really black! I put these on the list because they are the most comfortable cycling shoes I have ever owned, and I have had some pretty nice Shimano, Lake, and Sidi kicks. Bontrager has a "Derby Cut" to the upper that allows the shoe to fit wide feet and skinny alike. Add to this that any orthotic can slide right in, (or you can use the included "e-soles" insert) and you have a very versatile, very comfy pair of shoes. Bontrager has several models available for road, mountain, or triathalon riders. MSRP on the Race model, $89.99 http://www.bontrager.com

#4: Oakley "Jawbone" Eyewear: Well, what can you say? It's Oakley after all, and yes- they are spendy! But with Oakley you get top quality optics, the latest features in lens swapping, lense treatments, and comfortable frames. These are so good I quit wearing all my other eyewear, they don't even compare. Especially cool: The Hydrophobic treatment causes sweat and water to flee the surface of the lenses without a trace. Cool stuff when you are in the middle of a busy ride and can't afford to take your hands off the bars.  Several models available from about $200.00-$260.00 http://www.oakley.com

#5: Gary Fisher Bikes Superfly SS Frame/Fork: Okay, if I wake up on Christmas and find this under the tree I would be ecstatic. The ultimate single, ( or should I say blingle) speed frame, the Supefly is light and sexy. Plus it comes with a Fox fork, head set, seat collar, and a Bontrager stem. Pretty good deal for a MSRP of $2089.99 See your local Fisher dealer, (I take a size 19" by the way!) http://www.fisherbikes.com

Okay, that wraps up my take on the five things I'd recommend for the serious cyclist on your list for this Holiday Season.