Even the die-hard, multi-bike enthusiast looks for ways to beat the weather, defy the bad guys and bounce back from mechanicals. Active Junky’s got gift-giving options to relish the two-wheeled life on – and off – the road. And toast your rides with a well-earned espresso.
Here’s what makes this product work better than many bike phone mounts: a soft case that adapts to multiple models. While the included, rigid handlebar clamp is among the most secure we’ve tested, the phone case itself not only defends against bad weather – it stops crashes from causing injury to the rider as it flexes on chest or torso impact. How do we know? Trust us, and play along with a touch-sensitive front panel and sure-lock connection to the bike that features a quick-detach phone case. Add in 360-degree rotation and the ability to use RideMate with scooter and motorcycles for non-stop value under $30.
Best For: Any rider, season or phone
Few tools earn their weight and place in the seat bag or jersey pocket like Fix It Sticks. Not only are the bits locked to rock, the anodized aluminum crossbars connect to deliver torque. Active Junky loves the gloves-or-not handling of the t-shaped tool that lands at a mere 55 grams. Six, two-stick configurations fit any bike with a pair of road-configured models along with a mountain-focused setup with 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex and Torx 25 drivers. Bronze-orange bodies and bright bits are easy to find even deep in the bag. While the product’s been out for a few years, the timeless utility of Fix It Sticks is impossible to ride by. So don’t let it.
Best For: High-mileage road, mountain and cross riders
ABUS puts this at 10 on their security scale of 1 to 15. Active Junky gives this bike lock a 20 for gracefully guarding custom titanium road bikes as well as single-speed cruisers. Five tempered steel bars fold out to lock down with a stainless steel-bodied lock carrying over 750,000 possible combinations. Designed to fit diverse frame sizes and shapes, the look of this lock elevates security to a new level. At about $150, the lock wings its way from Germany in a wooden gift box that’s ready to tag and triumph for high-end gift giving. Unleashed from the box, testers couldn’t wait to get to café or office to unfurl the Bordo Centium. As with any lock, safeguarding your ride takes discernment so park when and where the odds of assault are their lowest.
Best For: Urban commuters, weekend recreational riders
This is a test. Anyone who’s ever pounded up a mountain and swept through corners on the descent needs this setup. Every rider who pegged out their front shocks and ate a mouthful of maple leaves and black mud needs to grab the long-handled, 3oz LINO this season. Not only does spirited line drawing on each cup pull together a bike’s worth of components, but the saucers radiate spoke lines to own the table. Fine porcelain looks podium-worthy but takes a reasonable level of abuse as dishwasher (and microwave) safe is the promise here. Active Junky testers, after filling garages and apartments with frames, bikes and spares, are up for spending on this limited-edition design. At under $50, it feels like Italy’s been under your tires all along.
Best For: Any respectable rider, mountain or road, who loves to celebrate