Republic Team Picks: Great Holiday Gifts for the Cyclist in Your Life
Ryders antiFOG eyewear – So, I’ll be honest, in the past I have not been much of a riding glasses guy. I try to fake it, bring some along, but they would always fog up and I’d find myself shoving them into my helmet vents or throwing them in my hip back (fanny pack?!). I’ve been using the Ryders antiFOG lenses for most of this season and they have performed quite well – minimal fogging and they keep the mud out of my eyes. Have you ever hit a jump with one eye closed? It doesn’t need to be that way 😉 Ryders has a nifty video on their website showing the antiFOG technology being used over boiling water!
Bontrager Rapid Pack – Hip packs, fanny packs, bum bags; whatever you call them, they are great for keeping accessory/water weight close to your centre of mass and unnecessary heat off your back. I’ve tried a few hip packs over the seasons and I seem to keep coming back to the Rapid Pack. Its a simple design, 2 zippered pockets and a spot for a water bottle to fit in, but I think the simplicity is what I like most about it! Inside the right pocket is a clip for your keys and both zips have internal pockets for a phone, wallet and a multi tool. The pack itself is very light, the material is comfortable on the body and the waist strap has generous length for larger folks!
North Shore Billet Overlord 35 AM stem – I like to support local businesses wherever possible. Amazon are not building our trails, supporting people who live locally, or helping build local communities. To that end, my bikes tend to have a good splattering of local businesses representing. My Chromag frame was welded in Squamish and of course is a Whistler based company. My One-Up parts employ many people in town and from a performance perspective, their carbon handlebar would be a great staff pick and can be found on both my bikes.
But I ultimately chose my North Shore Billet Overlord 35 AM stem. It’s machined in Whistler by a company with a tradition in keeping manufacturing local. I like it’s almost retro appearance, but at 35mm long and competitive weight, it is 100% up to date for a product that you will probably want to move from bike to bike in the future. It might not be a ‘game changer’, but instead an example of a great product at a realistic price that also happens to help the community that we live in.
HandUp Gloves – I love riding with gloves but I tend to go minimal and avoid anything with stitching on the palm. That’s why I like the HandUp Gloves; they have a single piece leather palm and no bunchy pinch points you get with padding or stitching. Just a simple glove that is comfortable and gives you protection without losing the feel of this all important touch point with your bike. Plus, they come in many ‘not boring’ colours.




Will’s pick: Bontrager Team Issue SE4 2.6″ Tire
27.5″ and 29″ options for $109.99
(Bontrager offers a 30 day unconditional guarantee. If you don’t like the tires return them, clean with a proof of purchase, no questions asked!)

Chain Lube – it’s not a glamorous gift but it’s extremely practical and makes a great stocking stuffer. It’s a necessity for every rider. Cleaning and lubing your chain is the key to getting the most life out of it. And if they already have a bottle, it’s ok, they’re bound to run out sometime!
Socks – they don’t have the ‘boring gift’ stigma any more. In fact, socks are the new form of self expression! A single pair will usually fit a range of foot sizes which is a plus.
OneUp EDC tool – your friend in question may already have a multi tool but this new product is just too darn cool not to mention. It is a multi tool that is stored neatly inside the fork steerer tube! All the trail side tools you’d ever need always with you and right at your fingertips. Beware, bike geeks everywhere will come flocking when you pull this tool out.
Water Bottle – another gift that is ok having two of; one always seems to be in the dishwasher or on the other bike. Another great stocking stuffer if your stocking is big enough!
Service Voucher – last but definitely not least, every cyclist will inevitably need a bike service at some point in the season. Give them a gift card to use on their next routine service. It shows you care that they are having a great ride on a well maintained bike.


Pair it with a Bontrager Flare Tail light and ride safely into the night, sunset and sunrise.




Helmets with Mips include Scott, Giro, Bell, and Lazer starting at $95.


DM Chainrings start at $55.
