Another great gift for the cyclist in your family is to advocate for better infrastructure in your community! Citizen comments at council meeting, give feedback on planning and zoning changes, volunteer to be on a citizen advisory board!
And if your country is already somewhat 'bicycle organized' report dangerous situations, where you see them, to your local and national organization. The more attention, the sooner resolved!
One cheap (£15) essential gift is a bike alarm triggered by someone touching the bike. It’s a lot harder to cut through a lock with a hi pitched siren attracting everyone’s attention. Which brings me to a major bike safety thing, we need to keep an eye on each other’s bikes.
As a Dutch person I would like to contribute the reflector pants clamps (I have no clue what they are called in English or if there even is a name for them), but they are great for adding extra visibility and preventing your pants legs getting snatched by a bicycle chain -- more importantly though being Dutch and all, they are inexpensive! 🤣
Dutch things might be inexpensive in the Netherlands, but ship them to Australia and add the Australia tax... I have been trying to buy the mounting clips for one of those frame mounted locks here, probably a euro or two there, upwards of $40 if you can get them at all!
Hi Tom! you're channel has been so inviting and you're one of the cornerstones of **CASUAL CYCLING** in this expensive gatekeeping hobby / lifestyle. Since its American thanksgiving today, I would like to say, thank you so much, I know you read every one of these days, i'd love to meet you and buy you a beer. Your effort does not go unrecognized. Keep on dude!
Absolutely. Hostility towards cyclists here in the UK is often centred around a lazy caricature of a man on an expensive road bike who works as an IT consultant and likes to play squash with his ex-private school friends in his spare time. Encouraging people of all ages and walks of life to view cycling as a fun, healthy and convenient way to travel is essential if we are to move beyond the motorists vs cyclists culture war that puts many people off getting on a bike. Keep up the good work Tom!
I love that leather holster. So sleek and functional! I think an underrated gift for winter cycling is a good pair of merino wool socks. The cost can be hard to justify buying for yourself, but so appreciated as a gift!
One gift I might recommend for folks in colder climates is a nice cycling cap with ear flaps. They're not to expensive from places like Walz and it can make regular winter and shoulder season riding a lot more comfortable.
For anyone wanting gps tracking of their bike, I would recommend using both types of products you featured. A highly visible gps device to prevent theft AND a hidden device for the case where the bike is stolen and the other the other device destroyed or disabled.
@Stoner Somethin Airtags are an Apple specific product, which I hate because you'll need an expensive phone and be chained to the Apple way of doing everything including charging cable and wireless ear buds. My commuter bike cost less than the Apple products mentioned above. Very few bike recoveries have been made because of an Airtag as bikes are parted out so fast in my town.
The dynamo works on the eddie currents generated by the motion of the aluminium rim passing the pickup. There are other manufacturers that also provider offerings using a similar principle.
From a long-time cyclist who is hard to find gifts for, you had some gem suggestions to pass to the people who are always pestering me for ideas. Thanks!
The saddle is the most under appreciated piece of equipment your bike in my opinion. You don't think about it when you have a good one, but if you get a bad one it's all you think about.
One idea I'll add is the step captain clock. No affiliation, I just have one and love it. It's a clock that goes on your stem. Yeah, my computer has a clock but this is just easier than having to click the settings to see the clock on the computer.
I really like the "Huldit" bike lock mount. It's similar to the one you presented but is meant to attach to the frame itself. I got it to reduce the rattling that you mention. Another stocking stuffer is a bottle of their favorite chain lube. A lot of brands also sell little sample bottles that can totally fit in a stocking if you know they are thinking about trying another brand. Glad to see an everyday commuter version of this type of video by the way.
11:21 i can see one more problem with it, car jacks. Get a cheap 2 ton car jack from harbor freight and you spend maybe $150 and get a $500+ bike. Hopefully we can combat this without just making the lock skinnier(and less effective cause it cant get the wheel and frame inside the lock) but yea, im definitely hoping for more improvements to this design in the near future.
Some genuinely good suggestions there. I've got a rechargeable illuminated bottle (called The Orb) which gives better side visibility than any frame or handlebar-mounted lights, but not many people seem to know about it.
My lovely wife watched this episode and bought me the handle bar jack a Christmas gift this year and I am 100% impressed with their quality and how helpful they are! Great substitute for a bike stand, especially for routine maintenance! Also, she referred to you as the "nice Canadian guy". Instantly knew who she was talking about! 😅 Thanks @shifter and @handlebarjack !
Chain locks all day - I have a Kryptonite Fuggetaboutit Noose lock and it is 1. half the weight of comparable chain locks, 2. Harder to cut because it isn't rigid like a u-lock, 3. super-convenient bcause I can lock it to nearly any bike rack(I can even lock up two bikes to the same rack in some cases), 4. easy to carry assuming you have some manner of rack(at one point, I didn't have a rack, but I could still wrap it around the seat post and lock it to the tiny bars under the seat) and 5. easy to clean since the chainwrap can be removed and washed in the clothes washer.
Thanks a bunch. I just now watched your other gift buying video from last year. I ordered those small front and rear lights. I only need a front light for being seen, not so much so I can see the road, so I ordered the pair to have a spare rear light. Thanks again!
Great idea, awesome products! In think I found more options for myself 😅 One more idea, if the bike commuter in your life likes caps, Walz had the best cycling cap I've seen. I wear their merino wool cap year-round and it's truly improved my life.
As far as locks go, I use a U lock for maximum security, and a light, cheap ($5) cable lock for those quick trips to the store, and to keep honest people honest. I wrap it around the top tube and the head tube, and keep it on the top tube and lock up a wheel or lock it to something. In this way it always stays attached to the bike.
I ride a super portable electric kick-scooter. I bought the perfect one for me to always keep it with me .. dollies around. But, all the recommendations for security expect leaving a vehicle out of view and locked. I just needed convenient to stop someone just walking off with my $600 scooter when I turn around for a second. I bought a laptop lock added a plate to my scooter with a Kensington port from Amazon. It is lightweight, convenient as hell and always in my little case. Find the right amount of security for you. :)
Cheap panniers the kind that are joined together. Just flaps that cover the openings no zippers required. Like they do in the Netherlands. Bike camping panniers are a different topic. Milk crates work great. Love your videos
Thanks for featuring Lobster Lock, Shifter! To answer some of the questions you had- our current offering tests to sold secure bronze, in line with the abus bordon 6000 series (abus security rating of 7-10). And the demo generally goes a bit smoother when down tube mounted! Tom could use a locking tutorial ;)
And here’s a smoother demo- the key is to not let go of the locking ends, everything else will end up where it is supposed to be. ua-cam.com/video/bkroiEZ9u58/v-deo.html
Thanks! The Reelight Nova looks amazing. I have a different Reelight product that uses 2 magnets, one on the spoke and one on the fork, to generate a small electromagnetic current to power a small LED, not so bright but has saved me a couple of times when commuting home in the dark when my battery powered lights have failed. Your videos are amazing, even if we have to agree to disagree about helmets.
Hi Philip! Your ongoing support means so much. Thank you for helping keep this channel going, and for being open to a rational discussion even when we disagree!
As a Minnesotan who has been using this holster on my daily commute for the last 6 months, it’s held up great! I did zip-tie the grommets in the leather to my rack for extra stability but it’s a great product. Never had it rattle or shake with my heavy u-lock.
here me out you know that light on 15:42 i found a cool way for handlebar lights to save space on your handlebars just like that light just put your handlebar light on your suspension fork and you can put one on each side and still have space for everything else I just found that out thanks to this video
Having recently read a report that says 99% of people ignore car alarms, I don’t get very excited about bike alarms. But this is still a great product, and the alarm is just an added bonus
@@Shifter_Cycling yes, that’s sadly right on fully public space. I find it useful e.g. by my workplace, where storage is near to the entrance and reception of the building, where the security guys are. I hope they would go out and check what’s going on if the alarm activates, or at a shop, but maybe it’s just calms me down and in the reality it doesn’t help. 🤷♀️😀
To be honest... I find these alarms so annoying that I will probably help whomever will get the source of that noise out of my life. Steal the bike, break the alarm, or just throw the whole thing in a canal: you have my blessing. Many scooters in my city (Groningen, NL) are fitted with alarms and will wake up the whole neighborhood when a dog comes up to close to the damn thing.
Same! I ordered one with a plug in chain so I can secure it to a bike rack. Several of my cyclist friends have gone out and ordered them after seeing mine.
I love mine. And I have them on several bikes. One made by Abus and a couple made by Mwave... I did not use the expensive Abus plug in accessory chain. I have a long, heavy cable of my own that I just secure with the locking ring of the frame lock. Without an extra cable or chain, however, they are pretty minimal in terms of securing your bike.
Tom has talked about them before but absolutely agreed that if your bike has mounts they're so worth it. I have the wheel + chain on two of my bikes and they work great
We like to think of Lobster Lock as the next evolution of frame integrated security like the Dutch ring wheel lock, with ours being similarly unobtrusive but allowing for locking to an anchor point without additional hardware that needs to be carried around.
I bought Tannus Tires because I am a commuter and they are the best/worst unintentional white elephant that I could have gotten. It took me an hour of study and two hours per tire of manual labor to get them installed. Now that they're on, it's fine, but getting here was a battle.
Abus folding locks come with bottle cage holders that do almost exactly the same thing without the awkwardness of the actual lock being permanently attached to the bike. That's been my go-to on my thick stepthrough frame ebike that struggles to fit a lot of u-locks.
I was waiting for that first object for so many weeks, even looking online for solutions. Thank you! I think I even saw one at a bike store but thought it was a bottle holder 🙃
I always have low expectations for gift guides, as they are generally lists of overpriced gadgets of dubious utility. But you have solid choices here. Only problem is I may be tempted to gift myself.
5:17 Note for Dutchies: spoke reflectors (reflectors vertical along the spokes) are illegal in the Netherlands and could get you a fine. As for the lights inside the pedals, I think they would not be legal either, but the law is not entirely clear to me. They are pretty cool tho
@@fallenshallrise Is it bizarre? Depends on how it is regulated. All bikes in the NL require certain reflectors, and need lights in predictable places. If it were a free-for-all it would be messy, and could get confusing in the dark.
Someone told me that flashing lights are illegal here in Sweden. Its a misconception. You are required to have non flashing lights but that doesn't mean you can't additional flashing lights. Maybe it's the same with spoke reflectors in NL?
Bicycle lighting (and reflectors) are carefully regulated in Europe (such as German's StVZO). In North America, the most you'll find is a recommendation for white on the front, and red in the back. The choice of light is up to the discretion of the cyclist. If you want to light up your bike like a xmas tree, there's nothing stopping you from doing that. I would stick to colors that are recognized in transportation use. You can get penalized if you use lighting that can be mistaken for an emergency vehicle (definitely avoid blue LEDs, which are also an eye hazard).
I feel like U-locks are way more popular in the USA and Canada than they are here in the Netherlands. Most people in the Netherlands simply use a ringslot and in the cities an additional chainlock that is often wrapped around the "beam" of the saddle mounting point when not in use. U-locks are pretty rare here. Does anyone know why different locks are popular in these different places?
Great video! Nice to see the rational approach to security choices commuters face. The two locks featured here are great examples of the tradeoff between security and convenience. TiGr BLUE u-locks offer a lighter weight lock option without sacrificing convenience or security (relative to the folder). SECURITY-WISE - TiGr BLUE are ART2 accredited. That means they meet/exceed Dutch insurance industry criteria for locks they deem appropriate for bicycle security. Some popular u-locks with 12mm diameter shackles have the same ART rating. In comparison to the two featured locks we’d say that puts the TiGr BLUE in a similar category as the Lobster in terms of security rating. The X1 is in another category in terms of security. The Litelock site says the X1 cylinder is ART4 accredited and it is rated for motorcycle security in the UK. WEIGHT-WISE - the X1 u-lock weighs about 4 times more than a TiGr BLUE and the Lobster weighs about 3 times more. TiGr BLUE locks weigh 431g or 472g depending on size. That puts the TiGr BLUE in another category in terms of weight-to-security ratio. We may be in a category of our own in that regard. CONVENIENCE -WISE - The TiGr BLUE comes with a frame mount that attaches to a bike frame like a bottle cage; similar to the Lobster in terms of there-when-when-you-need-it convenience. But the TiGr BLUE also fits easily in a pack and won’t smash up your eggs on the ride home. The flexible BLUE steel shackle, push-button lock cylinder and u-lock-like form factor help make lock ups with the TiGr BLUE quick and easy. TiGr BLUE u-locks provide a good amount of security for the quick stops commuters make to/from work and for moderate theft risk situations in general. Please check out tigrlock.com if you’re interested in another bike lock option for the bike commuters in your life. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Why aren’t bike lock tubes filled with fluorescent dye like security’s money cases? Anyone using an angle grinder would be lit up like a Christmas tree 😂
The Skunklock does that. The shackle of the lock has sealed enclosure that contains a non-toxic, but noxious smelling substance that will also stain the clothing, and equipment that the thief might be using.
Tom, you’re the beans. Love this video. You should do a competition with Ryan Van Duzer like you did with NJB. This is an incredibly entertaining concept which will push bike infrastructure.
Thieves also use airtags, they stick them on expensive bikes they like the look of. They'll then either find out where you live and burgle you or just follow you on a moped and knock you off your bike.
You can get electrically heated grips for motorcycles, but then you'd have to supply your own 12V power source (this might be a better option if you have an ebike, along with a step-down voltage converter. A few companies do make electrically heated gloves for cyclists. Check out Ekoi, as well as Vulcan Sportswear.
Thanks for taking the time to share useful gift information that encourages bicycle commuting. I have not read all the comments and apologize if this is a repeat but quality rain gear is essential for the committed commuter. Maybe a review of a few key pieces would be helpful?
I think that for security you really need a lock with some alarm. Also, you can take the seat of the bike with you to make it even less attractive to steal it.
"shifter holiday gift guide for cyclists who don't consider themselves cyclists but still ride their bikes everywhere because it's a practical, affordable, healthy and fun transportation option that makes our cities and our world a better place" Okay, you didn't have to personally attack me like that.
Lol. However people choose to ride a bike is fine by me. I'm just trying to make some space for transportation cycling in a world where sport cycling dominates.
Everything in this video is so expensive!!! Mostly around $100, that's a lot... Except for the airtag holder, which requires a expensive phone. Could you do a budget video just like this one?
Lobster lock is definitely harder to use than e.g. Abus Bordo, but some people may just take it because of frame protection - you can actually secure the bike without any contact between the lock and the frame (apart from the base mount). Some people just like their frames in immaculate condition - not that it holds for long in a commuter bike. What I don't like is that this lock is actually very large and protrudes from the frame a bit more than e.g. a Bordo would. I normally mount locks to the bottom screws that you often get on gravel and trekking bikes these days (under the frame). This lock just seems too large to fit.
It is a bit wider due to the side by side orientation of the links to enable locking without detachment- I used mine on a single speed bike for many years and it never got in the way of pedaling or felt overly large, but I may be a bit biased ;)
While I'm a bike commuter I don't live in the city. I live on the outskirts of a small metropolitan area (pop. 200k) and most of my commutes are out into the country(15 different worksites scattered throughout the area.). I have a lot in common with "bikepackers" for that reason...
Hadn’t watched your videos before but happened to notice a thumbnail of a place I see a few times a week (fenced off bike path at South Centre Leisure Centre) I commute from fish creek to MRU, I’ll look for you on the pathways!
I'd gift rainlegs to myself. Yes, they only cover the top of your thighs but that's the part which gets wet most. Unlike traditional rainpants rainlegs can be taken off (and put on) without sitting down, without taking shoes off, without bending down and (un)zipping dome zipper or any shenanigans like that. (Yes, rainlegs only really work on bikes with fenders and short distances, say a ten minute ride to the supermarket. On a two hour road bike ride in the rain you'd be better off with traditional rainpants...but for a quick ride to the supermarket rainlegs are it)
It's so hard to call something that powers a light that needs a capacitor to stay lit a dynamo. It's just magnetic pulses that are turned into DC each time the magnet comes around. I have flashing lights at the center of each wheel that are powered that way.
I know which one you're talking about, but I thought this one was slightly different, although still super anemic. The one I'm thinking of actually spins a small magnetic wheel by being very close to the aluminum rim and using the eddy currents the magnets create in the rim to spin the generator wheel. Either the one you describe, a magnet attached to the wheel sweeps by a coil in the light pickup, or the one I'm describing can be most charitably described as a supplemental lighting only. Definitely not enough wattage to qualify as primary lighting.
This rim dynamo looks very interesting. I noticed that you don’t have any front brake. I guess the dynamo would interfere with a front rim brake? Best regards from Zürich
What are your thoughts on a Ring lock + tube lock combo? I see that some classic dutch bikes come with the ring lock that is attached to the rear guard and looks very convenient to use
I had a neighbour who used a ring lock and it lasted about a week before a thief just walked away with the bike and, I suspect, threw it into the back of a pickup truck. They may work in some cities, but certainly not mine
I've had an abus pro-tectic with the chain attachment for four years so far. I imagine thieves here in Washington State don't encounter them much and if they try to cut it, they have to cut several spots. I saw a UA-camr pick it but they needed different sized tools than they normally use. Probably too much hassle over a priority classic
Do not buy that Nog conspicuous gps tracker if you are Canadian. The Apple “Find My” function is not accurate enough to get a warrant. Especially in urban environments where another apartment or building is nearby. The radius is actually surprisingly large. The burden of proof to get a judge to deny someone their right to privacy in Canada is very high. An Air Tag however, is very precise and accurate enough to obtain a warrant. There was a recent case in Sudbury Ontario Canada about this regarding a stolen Mac Book computer, and the Find My Function pointing to his neighbours house was insufficient to get a warrant.
Another great gift for the cyclist in your family is to advocate for better infrastructure in your community! Citizen comments at council meeting, give feedback on planning and zoning changes, volunteer to be on a citizen advisory board!
And if your country is already somewhat 'bicycle organized' report dangerous situations, where you see them, to your local and national organization. The more attention, the sooner resolved!
Also, consider a donation to a local bike advocacy group!
The best gift of all!
This 100%
One cheap (£15) essential gift is a bike alarm triggered by someone touching the bike. It’s a lot harder to cut through a lock with a hi pitched siren attracting everyone’s attention. Which brings me to a major bike safety thing, we need to keep an eye on each other’s bikes.
As a Dutch person I would like to contribute the reflector pants clamps (I have no clue what they are called in English or if there even is a name for them), but they are great for adding extra visibility and preventing your pants legs getting snatched by a bicycle chain -- more importantly though being Dutch and all, they are inexpensive! 🤣
Great idea. I think visibility at night is very important. Thanks for sharing.
They would be called Bicycle clips:)
A must for anyone wearing regular pants on their commute. Chain grease or shredded dress pants not a good look at the office.
Dutch things might be inexpensive in the Netherlands, but ship them to Australia and add the Australia tax... I have been trying to buy the mounting clips for one of those frame mounted locks here, probably a euro or two there, upwards of $40 if you can get them at all!
ooh, reflector ones is clever. I've been using hair scrunchies for the same purpose!
Hi Tom!
you're channel has been so inviting and you're one of the cornerstones of **CASUAL CYCLING** in this expensive gatekeeping hobby / lifestyle.
Since its American thanksgiving today, I would like to say, thank you so much, I know you read every one of these days, i'd love to meet you and buy you a beer.
Your effort does not go unrecognized.
Keep on dude!
Thank you so much! This is great to hear, and I appreciate the support. If we can get past the gatekeepers, I think we'll be so much better off.
Absolutely. Hostility towards cyclists here in the UK is often centred around a lazy caricature of a man on an expensive road bike who works as an IT consultant and likes to play squash with his ex-private school friends in his spare time. Encouraging people of all ages and walks of life to view cycling as a fun, healthy and convenient way to travel is essential if we are to move beyond the motorists vs cyclists culture war that puts many people off getting on a bike. Keep up the good work Tom!
I love this guys enthusiasm about bikes. It really resonates with me, how much value and passion it adds to his life, and the happiness it brings him.
Unrelated but your channel helped me become a bike commuter in one of the worst cities for cyclists in the US (hint: Texas). Love your channel!
This is exactly why this channel exists. Thank you for sharing, and welcome to bike commuting!
I love that leather holster. So sleek and functional! I think an underrated gift for winter cycling is a good pair of merino wool socks. The cost can be hard to justify buying for yourself, but so appreciated as a gift!
Merino wool socks are the difference between hating winter and embracing the season to its fullest.
Merino wool production is incredibly cruel 😱
One gift I might recommend for folks in colder climates is a nice cycling cap with ear flaps. They're not to expensive from places like Walz and it can make regular winter and shoulder season riding a lot more comfortable.
For anyone wanting gps tracking of their bike, I would recommend using both types of products you featured. A highly visible gps device to prevent theft AND a hidden device for the case where the bike is stolen and the other the other device destroyed or disabled.
Two airtags: One for them to find, one for you to keep tracking with :)
Yep. As they say, one equals none👍
@Stoner Somethin Airtags are an Apple specific product, which I hate because you'll need an expensive phone and be chained to the Apple way of doing everything including charging cable and wireless ear buds. My commuter bike cost less than the Apple products mentioned above. Very few bike recoveries have been made because of an Airtag as bikes are parted out so fast in my town.
I have bought 2 items that I have seen from this channel. Companies really need to support this channel.
The dynamo works on the eddie currents generated by the motion of the aluminium rim passing the pickup. There are other manufacturers that also provider offerings using a similar principle.
From a long-time cyclist who is hard to find gifts for, you had some gem suggestions to pass to the people who are always pestering me for ideas. Thanks!
Thank you! Hope somebody fills your stocking
Fenders/mudguards are good gifts too.
Yes! Totally underappreciated here in North America too.
This year's Shifter Gifter. Thanks Tom.
Gloves, slim fit weather proof shell, a bell, a handlebar mirror
The saddle is the most under appreciated piece of equipment your bike in my opinion. You don't think about it when you have a good one, but if you get a bad one it's all you think about.
I love the Cygolites for front and read illumination and visibility-best lights easily and can be turned on/off with winter gloves...
One idea I'll add is the step captain clock. No affiliation, I just have one and love it. It's a clock that goes on your stem. Yeah, my computer has a clock but this is just easier than having to click the settings to see the clock on the computer.
Great gift guide! My husband is a hesitant biker but a big gear fan so I think these ideas would be great to motivate him to want to ride more 👍🏻
I love this! If a little gear can push him over the edge, then wield your spousal gift-giving powers for the greater good!
I really like the "Huldit" bike lock mount. It's similar to the one you presented but is meant to attach to the frame itself. I got it to reduce the rattling that you mention.
Another stocking stuffer is a bottle of their favorite chain lube. A lot of brands also sell little sample bottles that can totally fit in a stocking if you know they are thinking about trying another brand.
Glad to see an everyday commuter version of this type of video by the way.
11:21 i can see one more problem with it, car jacks. Get a cheap 2 ton car jack from harbor freight and you spend maybe $150 and get a $500+ bike. Hopefully we can combat this without just making the lock skinnier(and less effective cause it cant get the wheel and frame inside the lock) but yea, im definitely hoping for more improvements to this design in the near future.
Some genuinely good suggestions there. I've got a rechargeable illuminated bottle (called The Orb) which gives better side visibility than any frame or handlebar-mounted lights, but not many people seem to know about it.
My lovely wife watched this episode and bought me the handle bar jack a Christmas gift this year and I am 100% impressed with their quality and how helpful they are! Great substitute for a bike stand, especially for routine maintenance! Also, she referred to you as the "nice Canadian guy". Instantly knew who she was talking about! 😅 Thanks @shifter and @handlebarjack !
Chain locks all day - I have a Kryptonite Fuggetaboutit Noose lock and it is 1. half the weight of comparable chain locks, 2. Harder to cut because it isn't rigid like a u-lock, 3. super-convenient bcause I can lock it to nearly any bike rack(I can even lock up two bikes to the same rack in some cases), 4. easy to carry assuming you have some manner of rack(at one point, I didn't have a rack, but I could still wrap it around the seat post and lock it to the tiny bars under the seat) and 5. easy to clean since the chainwrap can be removed and washed in the clothes washer.
Thanks a bunch. I just now watched your other gift buying video from last year. I ordered those small front and rear lights. I only need a front light for being seen, not so much so I can see the road, so I ordered the pair to have a spare rear light. Thanks again!
Great ideas once again, Tom. Wondering about the "magic" dynamo now.
Great idea, awesome products! In think I found more options for myself 😅 One more idea, if the bike commuter in your life likes caps, Walz had the best cycling cap I've seen. I wear their merino wool cap year-round and it's truly improved my life.
Awesome idea. Thank you for sharing!
Their merino wool caps with ear flaps are GLORIOUS!
I bought purple lights to go through the spokes of my bike. Really fun and great for biking in the dark winter. I get lots of fun comments about them
As far as locks go, I use a U lock for maximum security, and a light, cheap ($5) cable lock for those quick trips to the store, and to keep honest people honest. I wrap it around the top tube and the head tube, and keep it on the top tube and lock up a wheel or lock it to something. In this way it always stays attached to the bike.
This channel discusses sustainability a lot, so perhaps adding "buy these stuff only if you're confident your loved cyclist want one".
You always forget the best part of those pedal lights. They make your shoes look fucking awesome!!!!
Yes! Note to self: Upgrade your shoes
How many people went straight to the lockpickinglawyer channel to search how many seconds it takes to open those locks?)
I ride a super portable electric kick-scooter. I bought the perfect one for me to always keep it with me .. dollies around. But, all the recommendations for security expect leaving a vehicle out of view and locked. I just needed convenient to stop someone just walking off with my $600 scooter when I turn around for a second.
I bought a laptop lock added a plate to my scooter with a Kensington port from Amazon. It is lightweight, convenient as hell and always in my little case.
Find the right amount of security for you. :)
Cheap panniers the kind that are joined together. Just flaps that cover the openings no zippers required. Like they do in the Netherlands. Bike camping panniers are a different topic. Milk crates work great. Love your videos
Thanks for featuring Lobster Lock, Shifter! To answer some of the questions you had- our current offering tests to sold secure bronze, in line with the abus bordon 6000 series (abus security rating of 7-10). And the demo generally goes a bit smoother when down tube mounted! Tom could use a locking tutorial ;)
And here’s a smoother demo- the key is to not let go of the locking ends, everything else will end up where it is supposed to be. ua-cam.com/video/bkroiEZ9u58/v-deo.html
Thank you for the info! And I’ll try it on a downtube and report back. 👍🏼
Try a dutch-style frame lock for us. Key-retaining with plug-in chain. Axa defender?
I have been using the redshift pedals since the crowdfunding, they could be more grippy but the lights are awesome
Thanks! The Reelight Nova looks amazing. I have a different Reelight product that uses 2 magnets, one on the spoke and one on the fork, to generate a small electromagnetic current to power a small LED, not so bright but has saved me a couple of times when commuting home in the dark when my battery powered lights have failed. Your videos are amazing, even if we have to agree to disagree about helmets.
Hi Philip! Your ongoing support means so much. Thank you for helping keep this channel going, and for being open to a rational discussion even when we disagree!
Subject request: navigation options for unfamiliar places.
Either when you have your bike or you rent one.
Thank you for the great content!
The Likelok X1 U Lock is definitely a great choice, thanks for the tips!
That U-lock leather holster looks nice but I wonder how the leather would hold up to extended exposure to the elements.
I'll report back, but I'm actually looking forward to it getting some worn patina. I think it will look better and soften p a bit.
As a Minnesotan who has been using this holster on my daily commute for the last 6 months, it’s held up great! I did zip-tie the grommets in the leather to my rack for extra stability but it’s a great product. Never had it rattle or shake with my heavy u-lock.
If you are looking for an alternative, I really like the "Huldit" U-Lock holster which is made of a nylon strap type of material.
Some good suggestions there, Reelight Nova looks very interesting.
here me out you know that light on 15:42 i found a cool way for handlebar lights to save space on your handlebars just like that light just put your handlebar light on your suspension fork and you can put one on each side and still have space for everything else I just found that out thanks to this video
This sounds great, as long as you can ensure the light is directed downward and not into the eyes of passersby. Thanks for the tip!
Knog Scout is not just a gps tracker, it is an alarm too. If the bicycle is moved it becomes very noise there. I think that’s a very good feature too.
Having recently read a report that says 99% of people ignore car alarms, I don’t get very excited about bike alarms. But this is still a great product, and the alarm is just an added bonus
@@Shifter_Cycling yes, that’s sadly right on fully public space. I find it useful e.g. by my workplace, where storage is near to the entrance and reception of the building, where the security guys are. I hope they would go out and check what’s going on if the alarm activates, or at a shop, but maybe it’s just calms me down and in the reality it doesn’t help. 🤷♀️😀
To be honest... I find these alarms so annoying that I will probably help whomever will get the source of that noise out of my life. Steal the bike, break the alarm, or just throw the whole thing in a canal: you have my blessing.
Many scooters in my city (Groningen, NL) are fitted with alarms and will wake up the whole neighborhood when a dog comes up to close to the damn thing.
Thanks! that was a a fun holiday guide. Now, I just need to send this video to a few people. 😏
Ha! I hope they fill your stocking. Thanks Brad for your ongoing support. It means a lot
If you like already-attached locks, how about a Dutch ring/wheel lock? I love mine.
Same! I ordered one with a plug in chain so I can secure it to a bike rack. Several of my cyclist friends have gone out and ordered them after seeing mine.
I love mine. And I have them on several bikes. One made by Abus and a couple made by Mwave... I did not use the expensive Abus plug in accessory chain. I have a long, heavy cable of my own that I just secure with the locking ring of the frame lock. Without an extra cable or chain, however, they are pretty minimal in terms of securing your bike.
Tom has talked about them before but absolutely agreed that if your bike has mounts they're so worth it. I have the wheel + chain on two of my bikes and they work great
We like to think of Lobster Lock as the next evolution of frame integrated security like the Dutch ring wheel lock, with ours being similarly unobtrusive but allowing for locking to an anchor point without additional hardware that needs to be carried around.
I bought Tannus Tires because I am a commuter and they are the best/worst unintentional white elephant that I could have gotten. It took me an hour of study and two hours per tire of manual labor to get them installed. Now that they're on, it's fine, but getting here was a battle.
Sweet! Happy Holidays Tom!
Just ordered the Redshift Arclight pedals as a gift for my Dad for Christmas! (For me, I picked up Frostbike and it's now on my Kindle!) Thanks!
Abus folding locks come with bottle cage holders that do almost exactly the same thing without the awkwardness of the actual lock being permanently attached to the bike. That's been my go-to on my thick stepthrough frame ebike that struggles to fit a lot of u-locks.
Agree - see locks by the brand Foldylock as an example
Can't wait for next year!
I was waiting for that first object for so many weeks, even looking online for solutions. Thank you! I think I even saw one at a bike store but thought it was a bottle holder 🙃
Ever ridden a fat bike for winter? I love mine.
I always have low expectations for gift guides, as they are generally lists of overpriced gadgets of dubious utility. But you have solid choices here. Only problem is I may be tempted to gift myself.
if arclights were powered by the pedal motion they would be SO perfect!
Would have loved to see a good bell recommendation to gift to myself 😁.
Crane Suzu or Knog Oi Luxe 👍
I had one in last year’s gift guide: Crane Bells are amazing
5:17 Note for Dutchies: spoke reflectors (reflectors vertical along the spokes) are illegal in the Netherlands and could get you a fine.
As for the lights inside the pedals, I think they would not be legal either, but the law is not entirely clear to me. They are pretty cool tho
What? That's a bizarre thing to make a law about.
@@fallenshallrise Is it bizarre? Depends on how it is regulated. All bikes in the NL require certain reflectors, and need lights in predictable places. If it were a free-for-all it would be messy, and could get confusing in the dark.
I had no idea these things might be illegal. There is almost no regulation for bike lights here, so this is good info. Thanks for sharing.
Someone told me that flashing lights are illegal here in Sweden. Its a misconception. You are required to have non flashing lights but that doesn't mean you can't additional flashing lights. Maybe it's the same with spoke reflectors in NL?
Bicycle lighting (and reflectors) are carefully regulated in Europe (such as German's StVZO). In North America, the most you'll find is a recommendation for white on the front, and red in the back. The choice of light is up to the discretion of the cyclist. If you want to light up your bike like a xmas tree, there's nothing stopping you from doing that. I would stick to colors that are recognized in transportation use. You can get penalized if you use lighting that can be mistaken for an emergency vehicle (definitely avoid blue LEDs, which are also an eye hazard).
I feel like U-locks are way more popular in the USA and Canada than they are here in the Netherlands. Most people in the Netherlands simply use a ringslot and in the cities an additional chainlock that is often wrapped around the "beam" of the saddle mounting point when not in use.
U-locks are pretty rare here.
Does anyone know why different locks are popular in these different places?
I really love this channel. Greatings frio Curitiba, Brazil
Garry ,Raleigh N.C.
Thanks for all you do
Thank you for watching!
Great video! Nice to see the rational approach to security choices commuters face. The two locks featured here are great examples of the tradeoff between security and convenience.
TiGr BLUE u-locks offer a lighter weight lock option without sacrificing convenience or security (relative to the folder).
SECURITY-WISE - TiGr BLUE are ART2 accredited. That means they meet/exceed Dutch insurance industry criteria for locks they deem appropriate for bicycle security. Some popular u-locks with 12mm diameter shackles have the same ART rating. In comparison to the two featured locks we’d say that puts the TiGr BLUE in a similar category as the Lobster in terms of security rating. The X1 is in another category in terms of security. The Litelock site says the X1 cylinder is ART4 accredited and it is rated for motorcycle security in the UK.
WEIGHT-WISE - the X1 u-lock weighs about 4 times more than a TiGr BLUE and the Lobster weighs about 3 times more. TiGr BLUE locks weigh 431g or 472g depending on size. That puts the TiGr BLUE in another category in terms of weight-to-security ratio. We may be in a category of our own in that regard.
CONVENIENCE -WISE - The TiGr BLUE comes with a frame mount that attaches to a bike frame like a bottle cage; similar to the Lobster in terms of there-when-when-you-need-it convenience. But the TiGr BLUE also fits easily in a pack and won’t smash up your eggs on the ride home. The flexible BLUE steel shackle, push-button lock cylinder and u-lock-like form factor help make lock ups with the TiGr BLUE quick and easy.
TiGr BLUE u-locks provide a good amount of security for the quick stops commuters make to/from work and for moderate theft risk situations in general.
Please check out tigrlock.com if you’re interested in another bike lock option for the bike commuters in your life.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
I like you very much Tom, you're funny and informative, and you do have a very strong resemblance to my favorite actor, Michael Sheen... Kudos!!!
Decent ideas. The ulock holster looks cool and hopefully won't rattle like most of the plastic frame mounts do.
Hi Tom, I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Love you channel, we have a really good bike lane system here in BA. You should come and visit!!
Why aren’t bike lock tubes filled with fluorescent dye like security’s money cases? Anyone using an angle grinder would be lit up like a Christmas tree 😂
This is an amazing idea
The Skunklock does that. The shackle of the lock has sealed enclosure that contains a non-toxic, but noxious smelling substance that will also stain the clothing, and equipment that the thief might be using.
@@lihtan ooh, good to know- thank you! Mind you If it skunks the bike too, I might not be able to ride home without barfing 😂
Do a review of a Brompton! I think it’s worth a look
I think a Brompton is in my future someday
@@Shifter_Cycling is there a folding bicycle that you would recommend thats cheaper than the brompton?
@@outtrigger He did a folding bike review a few weeks back.
@@Shifter_Cycling If you go Brompton you won't go back😁
Great content, thanks Shifter.
Tom, you’re the beans. Love this video. You should do a competition with Ryan Van Duzer like you did with NJB. This is an incredibly entertaining concept which will push bike infrastructure.
Thieves also use airtags, they stick them on expensive bikes they like the look of. They'll then either find out where you live and burgle you or just follow you on a moped and knock you off your bike.
🥰 i love that pedal.
Wow i have been debating with myself whether or not to buy a Reelight Nova rear light , but now it feels like a done deal!
I have the x1 and I really like it
Nice gift guide for summer biking! Any news of heated handle bars for us winter commuters?
You can get electrically heated grips for motorcycles, but then you'd have to supply your own 12V power source (this might be a better option if you have an ebike, along with a step-down voltage converter. A few companies do make electrically heated gloves for cyclists. Check out Ekoi, as well as Vulcan Sportswear.
I should have sent this video to friends. May be they will get the hint I want cycling related products as gift.
The dynamo light gave me a Simpsons flashback
"There's a 4:30 in the morning?"...
Good one Tom. Btw you having 2 different tires is maddening 😅
😂. Well, one was on sale
Thanks for taking the time to share useful gift information that encourages bicycle commuting. I have not read all the comments and apologize if this is a repeat but quality rain gear is essential for the committed commuter. Maybe a review of a few key pieces would be helpful?
One obvious tracker and one hidden one
I think that for security you really need a lock with some alarm. Also, you can take the seat of the bike with you to make it even less attractive to steal it.
The Scout has an alarm as well.
"shifter holiday gift guide for cyclists who don't consider themselves cyclists but still ride their bikes everywhere because it's a practical, affordable, healthy and fun transportation option that makes our cities and our world a better place"
Okay, you didn't have to personally attack me like that.
Lol. However people choose to ride a bike is fine by me. I'm just trying to make some space for transportation cycling in a world where sport cycling dominates.
Everything in this video is so expensive!!! Mostly around $100, that's a lot... Except for the airtag holder, which requires a expensive phone.
Could you do a budget video just like this one?
Thanks
Thank you so much for the support! It means a lot and truly helps keep this channel going. Thank you!
olight flashlight mount is great too it cheap was to mount a flashlight to your bike
Lobster lock is definitely harder to use than e.g. Abus Bordo, but some people may just take it because of frame protection - you can actually secure the bike without any contact between the lock and the frame (apart from the base mount). Some people just like their frames in immaculate condition - not that it holds for long in a commuter bike.
What I don't like is that this lock is actually very large and protrudes from the frame a bit more than e.g. a Bordo would. I normally mount locks to the bottom screws that you often get on gravel and trekking bikes these days (under the frame). This lock just seems too large to fit.
It is a bit wider due to the side by side orientation of the links to enable locking without detachment- I used mine on a single speed bike for many years and it never got in the way of pedaling or felt overly large, but I may be a bit biased ;)
While I'm a bike commuter I don't live in the city. I live on the outskirts of a small metropolitan area (pop. 200k) and most of my commutes are out into the country(15 different worksites scattered throughout the area.). I have a lot in common with "bikepackers" for that reason...
Hi tom i love your channel! Do you think you ever see yourself reviewing a commuter E-bike for people with a bit of a longer commute?
Hadn’t watched your videos before but happened to notice a thumbnail of a place I see a few times a week (fenced off bike path at South Centre Leisure Centre) I commute from fish creek to MRU, I’ll look for you on the pathways!
Good stuff
Casual Cycling is important, not everyone is so passionate about bikes and cycling.
Garmin Varia would be great
I'd gift rainlegs to myself. Yes, they only cover the top of your thighs but that's the part which gets wet most. Unlike traditional rainpants rainlegs can be taken off (and put on) without sitting down, without taking shoes off, without bending down and (un)zipping dome zipper or any shenanigans like that.
(Yes, rainlegs only really work on bikes with fenders and short distances, say a ten minute ride to the supermarket. On a two hour road bike ride in the rain you'd be better off with traditional rainpants...but for a quick ride to the supermarket rainlegs are it)
Got a kick out of the Farkas dig.
It's so hard to call something that powers a light that needs a capacitor to stay lit a dynamo. It's just magnetic pulses that are turned into DC each time the magnet comes around.
I have flashing lights at the center of each wheel that are powered that way.
I know which one you're talking about, but I thought this one was slightly different, although still super anemic.
The one I'm thinking of actually spins a small magnetic wheel by being very close to the aluminum rim and using the eddy currents the magnets create in the rim to spin the generator wheel.
Either the one you describe, a magnet attached to the wheel sweeps by a coil in the light pickup, or the one I'm describing can be most charitably described as a supplemental lighting only. Definitely not enough wattage to qualify as primary lighting.
@@47f0 Exactly, I want to blind drivers. 🤣
The 3 things Tom thinks people like: cats, nachos, and Jesus.
Nacho cat Jesus is my friend.
What I need are carbide studded fat bike tires that don't cost $700 here in Canada! 😆
Love it!
This rim dynamo looks very interesting. I noticed that you don’t have any front brake. I guess the dynamo would interfere with a front rim brake?
Best regards from Zürich
This bike has pedal brakes, but thee Reellight is pretty flexible so I suspect you could find a way to make it work with rim brakes.
@@Shifter_Cycling sounds promising. Thanks for your reply!
Cheers!
What are your thoughts on a Ring lock + tube lock combo? I see that some classic dutch bikes come with the ring lock that is attached to the rear guard and looks very convenient to use
I had a neighbour who used a ring lock and it lasted about a week before a thief just walked away with the bike and, I suspect, threw it into the back of a pickup truck. They may work in some cities, but certainly not mine
I've had an abus pro-tectic with the chain attachment for four years so far. I imagine thieves here in Washington State don't encounter them much and if they try to cut it, they have to cut several spots. I saw a UA-camr pick it but they needed different sized tools than they normally use. Probably too much hassle over a priority classic
Do not buy that Nog conspicuous gps tracker if you are Canadian. The Apple “Find My” function is not accurate enough to get a warrant. Especially in urban environments where another apartment or building is nearby. The radius is actually surprisingly large. The burden of proof to get a judge to deny someone their right to privacy in Canada is very high. An Air Tag however, is very precise and accurate enough to obtain a warrant. There was a recent case in Sudbury Ontario Canada about this regarding a stolen Mac Book computer, and the Find My Function pointing to his neighbours house was insufficient to get a warrant.
I would love to hear more about the case when an AirTag was used to get a warrant.
You are looking extremely high def recently, i think i missed a camera upgrade 😂
New phone, who dis?