Presents for the Biker

Thailand Photos: Biking Bangkok

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Chrome Telegraph Knickers
$100, www.chromebagsstore.com, 14.4 ounces
What difference do a few extra inches of fabric make? Bang a naked knee into your bike's cross bar, and perhaps you'll realize that a little coverage can go a long way—which is why the Telegraph Knickers are perfection for autumn and early-winter foul-weather rides. The loose-but-not-baggy three-quarter length capris provide surprising warmth—and silences the cuff-vs-chain conflict endured when wearing full-lengths pants. Four-way nylon/spandex stretch fabric keep things comfortable on and off the saddle, and you find the kinda weather protection and urban-centric tweaks you'd expect from a brand based in San Fran: quick-drying, water-resistant DWR, a traditional four-pocket design, and a secure cell phone pocket on the mid-thigh. Only caveat? They size in M, L, and XL, so dialing in the exact fit might be challenging; belt loops help if you fall between sizes. But one thing's certain: no matter what, they'll look better than leg-hugging nylon.
Product Type: Pants
Good For: Mountain biking, road biking, city biking, courageously announcing your manhood by wearing three-quarter length pants
Tested In: The muddy, rainy, boggy singletrack of Scotland

Princeton Tec Swerve Tail Light
$30, www.princetontec.com, 2.9 ounces
Anyone who bikes in traffic knows the value of being seen, especially in the endless ink-black of winter nights. But rather than wearing a bright yellow vest adorned with reflective tape, opt for Princeton Tec's Swerve Tail Light. This simple yet functional device boasts two settings—a solid glowing red and a flashing pattern that casts out a 180-degree strobe—via a simple switch that's easy to trigger, sight unseen, while pedaling. Two AAA batteries power the twin half-watt Maxbright LEDs for up to 70 hours, and the built-in clip makes for easy in-and-out for when you need to zip inside a store but don't want to return to see your light stolen. What's more, the revolutionary (yet oh-sooooo-simple) mounting system, which is composed of a rubber band that wraps around two anchors on the light, lets you mount the Swerve pretty much anywhere on the bike, from seat post to handle bar to fork mount to seat stay. See, you just ran out of excuses.
Product Type: Bike Accessories
Good For: City biking, emergency red strobe light for impromptu dance parties
Tested In: Washington, DC's VERY chaotic rush hour

Keen Springwater Bike Shoes
$130, www.keenfootwear.com, 18.72 ounces
Once you go clipless you never go back. Instead, you just struggle to find the right pair of shoes. Mountain bikers and commuters, struggle no more. Keen's first cycle-specific closed-toe product is the Hummer of cycling shoes, with a hard rubber toe, three durable Velcro straps , and a heady mixture of PU coated leather uppers and moisture-wicking internal textures. The tread under food is aggressive enough to find purchase in the most slick of mud, but—unlike stiffer cycle-specific shoes—you don't walk like Frankenstein's monster when out of the saddle, nor do you sacrifice much power transfer while pedaling. The heel boasts a few triangles of reflective treatment, and the footbed pulls out for faster drying when you step into the drink. They may not be the lightest bike shoes on the market, but they're one of the most comfortable and durable cycle-friendly kicks going.
Product Type: Bike Shoes
Good for: Mountain biking, city biking, not looking like a wanna-be tour rider when you're off the bike
Tested In: Scotland; Phoenix; countless commutes in Washington, DC