Fit Gifts: Gifts for my bicycle commuter

Every morning (well, every morning that I don't absolutely need the car), I look out the bedroom window at the snow and ice, then I turn to my husband and say, "Really. You can take the car today."

"Nah," he usually says. Then he bundles up for the cold and heads off to work. Once you start commuting by bicycle, it just seems wrong to let a little snow stop you, I guess. I can respect that, and it gives me a few ideas for gifts to put under the Christmas tree:

• Winter commuting means traveling in the dark. Keep your commuter safe with head and rear lights. These are battery powered, but you can also find solar or even hand-crank powered versions.
• Whether it's a crucial project for an important meeting or gear for a back-country bike trip, your biker needs a place to stash his or her stuff. My hubby uses a backpack, but I'm partial to this waterproof pack/pannier.
• A bicycle computer helps cyclists keep track of their trip or workout, if they're into that sort of thing.
• Keep hands warm with CliMitts, which attach right to the handle bar, or with a pair of lobster-style gloves.
• If you really want to spend some cash, many winter cyclists outfit a second bicycle with all the necessary gear. That way, no matter what the conditions, they always have a bike that's ready for anything. Since I don't do much riding in the winter, my bike usually plays the role of second bike for my commuter.

Bicycling is excellent exercise, and there really isn't any reason you can't continue to do it in the wintertime. Like any outdoor sport, you just have to come prepared for the elements.



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