8 Father’s Day gift ideas for bikers

People across the country are looking for ways to get outside closer to home, so it’s no wonder that people are turning to bikes, whether it’s mountain biking on dirt trails or road cycling through their neighborhoods and towns.

This Father’s Day, look for gifts on the list below. Though mountain and road bikes themselves can be expensive, there are plenty of useful accessories and helpful gifts that won’t break the bank.

Since Father’s Day is on June 21, it’s best to order as early as possible because some items or colors may be back-ordered or unavailable if you wait until the last minute.

8 Father’s Day gift ideas for bikers

A breathable bike helmet

Even if Dad hasn’t yet discovered just how high-tech helmet safety has become, it’s time he did with the Manifest Spherical Helmet from Giro. This high-tech helmet is breathable, padded, adjustable, and durable.

The helmet uses a Multi-directional Impact Protection System to reduce impact when his head hits the ground, but it prevents the impact from affecting his brain. This is an excellent choice for both experienced riders who like to try new tricks and those who fall a lot.

Instant coffee

The quality of instant coffee has improved a lot over the past decade, largely due to the rushed schedule of the average American commuter. But not all instant coffee is created equal, and Dad probably doesn’t want to wake up for an early ride only to drink bitter coffee.

Get dad an instant coffee that tastes just as good as freshly ground beans from Waka Coffee. They sell one-time packages as well as subscriptions. If you’re not sure what kind of coffee dad likes, go for the tried-and-true medium roast from Columbia.

Comfortable post-ride slippers

Mountain and road cycling shoes aren’t as uncomfortable on feet as ski boots or mountaineering boots, but after a few dozen miles on his bike, his feet will probably be hot and sore.

Felt slippers from Glerups are comfortable and cozy, and have a thick rubber sole so he can wear them on dirt or rocks when he’s off the saddle. They absorb moisture, which should be useful for dads whose feet get sweaty during long rides.

A lightweight, bike-specific jacket

For rides on both mountain and road where breezes and wind may cool sweat-soaked clothing, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer Jacket is ideal. It extends the life of a T-shirt and layer of clothes without bulking them out too much.

He can access a large back pocket while pedaling, and it has a generous shoulder width so it won’t pull when he’s leaning forward on the handlebars. And bonus: everything from this line is fair-trade certified.

Fitness tracking app subscription

It allows you to track your speed, elevation, and distance on both mountain and road bikes. Strava is free to use, but he’ll have to pay if he wants access to advanced features like leaderboards, route finding, or heart rate data.

At $59.99 a year, a membership isn’t that expensive. Having additional features at his disposal can help him track his training progress and inspire him to push himself an extra mile or two each ride.

Gift certificate for a gear upgrade

Providing Dad with a gift certificate to the Pro’s Closet (which sells new and used gear, as well as used bikes) is ideal if you know he wants to upgrade but aren’t sure whether he wants a dropper post or clip on pedals.

If he’s ready to upgrade his bike, he can do a trade-in and apply his old bike’s value towards a new ride. Gift cards start at $25 and are delivered electronically.

A surprising snack box

Cycling is one of the most effective sports available for burning calories. Even if Dad is taking it easy on the bike, he still uses a lot of energy on each ride. That’s why he would love a surprise snack box to tuck into after his ride.

The Pop Up Grocer snack boxes feature artisan products from all across the country, such as spicy dried chickpeas and small-batch chocolate treats. Dad will appreciate a box of tasty snacks after a long ride, and gluten-free and vegan options are available.

A space-saving first aid kit

While biking, accidents are common, but they’re usually minor – blisters and scraped knees are some of the most common – so Dad should always carry a basic first-aid kit with him.

With the new VSSL First Aid Kit, he’ll have everything from bandages to tweezers to medical gloves and burn cream. It’s also waterproof, in case he gets caught in a downpour or crosses an unexpected stream.