2014 Triathlete Holiday Gift Guide: Upgrade It

A taste of cycling-inspired luxury.

Gore Power 2.0 windstopper soft shell jacket

$190, Goreapparel.com

A diverse winter cycling apparel wardrobe is the ultimate upgrade to make riding fun and comfortable on cold days. The Power 2.0 is amazingly soft and flexible, and still cuts through piercing wind. Wear it with just a base layer on moderate days or with an extra layer for all but the coldest (or rainiest) days. Its cut perfectly matches a cyclist’s posture on the bike.

Trek Emonda SLR 10

$15,750, Trekbikes.com

Lifting this collector-worthy build off the ground is a shocking experience. To achieve its weight (just 10.25 pounds), Trek specs carbon rims, hubs and a saddle from a tiny German composites engineering specialty company called Tune. The Emonda frame is a marvel of engineering, with remarkable lateral stiffness and a vibration-killing ride.

Brooks England Hackney Backpack

$225, Brooksengland.com

Brooks England has become synonymous with well-crafted and quintessentially stylish leather saddles. The Hackney puts the same style and craftsmanship on your back. Its minimalistic strap system isn’t as supportive as modern packs, but it’s still plenty comfortable for a short bike commute. And the classic look will earn you points with all varieties of cycling aficionados.

Shinola Black Blizzard 42mm

$1,500, Shinola.com

This beautiful watch (or should we say timepiece) is perfect for a person committed to the culture of cycling. The Black Blizzard is just as stylish as many Swiss-made watches and is made by a group of passionate cyclists at Shinola, a newer brand that also crafts gorgeously simple commuter bikes. Made in Detroit, the Black Blizzard is guaranteed for life.