Cyclocross season is winding down in much of the U.S. and that means the holiday season, or Crossmas, is upon us. With Thanksgiving relatively late this year, we got on top of things and put together the first of our 2019 Holiday Gift Guides a bit early this year.
We take a look at some items we have personally used and reviewed during the past year we think could make good gifts for the favorite cyclocross and/or gravel enthusiast in your life. Our first guide has a mix of tech items, bikes, stocking stuffers and clothes.
Use the Next button to scroll through each.
PowerLight Mini: Bike Light, Latern and Backup Phone Power
Bike lights are an easy way to give the gift of safety and light up the tree at the same time. We’ve included the Cycliq Fly 6 light and camera in past gift guides, but this year we’ve got a different multi-purpose device that has found its way into our saddle bags.
Somehow while we weren’t looking, BioLite has built up a massive selection of cooking, lighting and charging products designed both for developing countries and outdoor recreation. It’s a noble mission that helps those in need, funded in part by those of us who crave useful, convenient gadgets.
The BioLite PowerLight Mini packs a lot of lumens, mAh and functions into a little package.
The BioLite PowerLight Mini is a neat little product that just might be a lifesaver for the cyclist in your life. The little LED light can put out up to 135 lumens in white or red light, in steady or flashing modes, for map reading, flat fixing or visibility, while the 1350mAh lithium-ion battery can offer a boost (but not a full charge) for modern mobile phones.
The BioLite PowerLight Mini won’t fully charge a modern phone, but will offer a much-needed boost for a “rescue me” phone call or navigation.
Worried it will get left behind? The PowerLight has a simple bike mount that turns it into a front or rear bike light, and it can still charge a phone while it’s keeping a cyclist visible.
The BioLite PowerLight Mini can charge a phone, serve as a front or rear light, or just light up a cyclist’s life. © Cyclocross Magazine
The only downside? The bike mount doesn’t fit a 31.8mm handlebar clamp area. We think it’s a better rear light anyway.
At $39.95, the PowerLight is a little pricey per lumen, but for a gift that delivers a small lantern, front or rear bike light and device charger? That’s not a bad deal. It doesn’t hurt that BioLite has a holiday sale for $7.99 off.
More info: biolite.com or buy at rei.com
