Father's Day for dads in Australia is just around the corner, and of course there’s only one theme when it comes to Father’s Day gift options. The BikeRoar team has done the tough research for you. Here’s their list of top goodies for the coolest cycling dads Down Under, from some cheap and cheerful last-minute ideas to some much larger... er... investments.
Park Tool MTB-7 Rescue Tool - $19.95
There's nothing worse than needing to fix or adjust something before or during a ride, only to find out that you don't have the proper tools. This compact multitool will be perfect for dad; it comes with six hex wrenches, two tire levers, three box end wrenches, and two screwdrivers. It’s a miniature workshop in the back pocket of his jersey!
Iconic Col Road Marker Models - $17
If your dad loves to tick off the great cols of the cycling world, these road marker replicas will make the perfect gift. Each one can be purchased to commemorate days spent on some of the most iconic climbs in the world... better and far more permanent than an Instagram post or a selfie on Facebook.
Fast After Fifty by Joe Friel
Before you buy this for your dad, stop for a moment. Is he going to be insulted by the title? If he’s in his late 30s he probably will be, but if he’s in the ballpark of the big Five-O, then he’ll love it. Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting slower, or losing strength or health. The book is based on the most recent research on aging and sports performance and is written by America’s ultimate cycling training guru, Joe Friel.
Nathan LightBender LED Armband - $19.99
If keeping dad safe is your top priority, this little gadget is just the ticket. The Nathan LightBender is a lightweight illuminated armband that wraps around your arm to provide 360-degree visibility. Better yet, it’s completely sweatproof, waterproof, and powered with an easily replaceable watch battery for 100+ hours of illumination.
Ibera IB-BA9 PakRak Panniers - $86
If your dad is one of the cool ones that ride to work, this set of panniers is going to go down a treat. Practical, high quality and super-quick to clip on and off, these are the real deal... and a rain cover is included.
Canari Men's Atlas Gel Baggy Shorts - $60
Lycra is not always the way to go for some dads. These baggy shorts from trusted manufacturer Canari are ideal for commuting and leisurely weekend rides. Pop in the detachable inner liner with GEL Shock padding for more comfort as needed. The polyester outer is exceptionally durable and repels rain, while the inner poly/spandex blend gives a comfortable, stretchy fit. Mesh-lined pockets up front breathe well and hold up to being loaded up.
A new helmet...
Giro Hex MTB Helmet - $80
The Hex from Giro combines rugged style and durability with the coverage and ventilation dad wants out on the trails. It’s stocked with all the features he needs for a day on the dirt, including the comfort and stability of Roc Loc® 5 adjustment system and Giro’s patented P.O.V.™ visor that doesn’t require any tools for adjustment.
If the road is more dad’s thing, how about this helmet?
Oakley ARO3 Blackout Helmet - $180
This sweet lid is designed to thrive under the scrutiny of the hot summer sun, keeping dad cool as the temperatures start to rise. The ARO3 utilizes large cooling vents to maximize the flow of air around the head, helping to avoid the build-up of sweat and odors, and the inclusion of the anti-microbial X-Static brow pads eliminate those nasty smells for the entire life of the helmet. It will come as no surprise that Oakley, famed for their sunglasses, have incorporated an eyewear dock to store dad’s shades should the sun disappear.
Bont Blitz Road Shoes - $240
Dad’s tired old feet will thank you for this one. These lightweight 100% 3K carbon road shoes combine a perfect fit, maximum performance and an incredibly low weight. The heat mouldable carbon chassis provides the best fit on the market, and each Blitz shoe comes in at a meager 235 grams. They have a 3.6 mm stack height for direct feel and power transfer, air vents and mesh panels for ventilation, and replaceable sole guards (for when dad forgets he’s wearing his bike shoes and walks around on concrete or asphalt).
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt GPS Computer - $249
A direct competitor to the Garmin 520, this neat, compact computer is designed to be more aerodynamic, lighter, and easier to use than all of its major competitors. Currently available in black and a limited edition run of yellow and red, there’s an Elemnt Bolt out there with your dad’s name on it.
Rotor INpower 3D+ Power Meter - $839
Training, racing, and riding with a power meter has become commonplace in the last few years – but it can still be expensive. Rotor have come to the rescue with their INpower crank, allowing your lucky dad to record his power readings via any ANT+ head unit. Inconspicuously integrated inside the crank axle, INpower is protected from shocks, crashes and outside contaminants…and its sleek lines look really cool.
The tool-free battery replacement is another bonus; the power pack is located within the bottom bracket spindle and uses a standard AA battery that typically lasts 300 hours. And unlike most of its major competitors, INpower offers a wide range of cranks for both road and off-road riding.
Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 27.5 - $5,500
If dad has been extra awesome this year, maybe this is the time to max out the credit card and get him this new Stumpjumper. The 2019 model features a radical new frame design that's so agile, lively, and in-tune with the trail, that it seems almost telepathic. It’s also one of the lightest, stiffest and most responsive trail bikes on the market.
RockShox suspension front and rear, Roval Traverse Carbon wheels, and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset, complete with a truly enormous 10/50-tooth rear cassette, mean that not only will dad sail across the gnarliest trails and drop-offs with ease – he’ll also be the envy of every other rider on the dirt, dads or otherwise.
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