Just like last year, for the 2019 holiday season we crafted a special gift guide that includes some of our favorite hard and soft goods from the year that are sure to please all the gravel cyclists in your life. This year we focused on smaller items that we feel offer a uniquely good value, while still meeting our standards for quality, design and/or proven durability.

5. Snek Cycling Lifeboat Tire Lever

lifeboat tire lever review - gravelstoke

stainless steel gravel bike gear review - gravelstoke

Starting with number five is a new take on something that’s often overlooked. Products that combine useful features into one tool is typically a good thing, and the Lifeboat by Snēk Cycling is a perfect example of this done well. We always have a tire lever in our saddle bags, so when we learned that the Lifeboat was also a valve core remover and bottle opener it was an easy choice to make the switch and have been using the tool on every tire change since. Constructed with a stainless steel core, this lever is built to last and it looks great. Made in the USA, be sure to put the Lifeboat on your gift list.

Pair of Snek Lifeboat Levers | $25

4. Velocio Trail Gloves

gravel cycling gear review - best gloves 2020

Gloves can be tricky business. A proper fit and lasting quality are key to successful hand coverage. If you’re looking for a well designed glove for protection, while not sacrificing the feel of the ride, the Velocio Trail Glove is a great place to start. The Trail Glove is part of Velocio’s growing Trail Collection, pieces specifically designed for both mountain and gravel.

Constructed with synthetic microsuede in high wear areas, these gloves have a premium feel and look great. While they may not be ideal for the colder months, they do seem to offer sufficient warmth above around 45°F/10°C while also great for warmer rides. The Trail Glove comes in sizes from XS to XL.

Velocio Men’s Trail Glove | $79

3. Hiplock Z Lok

zlok hiplock bike lock review gravelstoke

UK based Hiplok is crushing it in the bike security business, and the Z Lok is a perfect example of a well designed product that solves a problem. The innovative bike lock is a lightweight, simple solution to protect your bike on short pit stops or car racks. Essentially a reusable zip tie made from reinforced steel and frame-friendly plastic, the Z Lok offers unparalleled convenience for securing your bike. This key version is smart and simple, while a “combo” version is also available. If you’re looking for great gift option that offers basic security anyone can appreciate, definitely consider the Z-Lok. It comes in several colors and is available as a single or in pairs.

Hiplock Z LOK | $11.99

2. UnTapped Sample Pack

The UnTapped Sample Pack is hard to beat if you’re looking for a great gift for the discerning cyclist. Race-proven and all natural, New England based UnTapped has been taking maple syrup to a new level since 2013. Everyone loves some home grown maple syrup, and it turns out the ingredient is a great option for fueling your ride. The Sample Pack is a great way to go too if you’re just trying UnTapped for the first time, easily customizable with different flavors of their gels (pure maple syrup), hydration (Mapleaid) and waffles.

UnTapped Sample Pack | $25

1. ENVE Handlebar Tape

It goes without saying that a little ENVE goes a long way. So when we heard that the brand was entering the bar tape market I couldn’t wait to give the product a try. Unsurprisingly the experience from unboxing to wrapping and riding was a step above the rest. For starters, the tape seems longer than most, offering plenty of length to work with while wrapping. The underside has silicone backing that provides stretch, durability and cushion. The outer surface has perfect amount of feel and grip, while uniquely giving you the choice of two designs to expose. ENVE Bar Tape is 3mm thick and comes in either black, grey or white.

ENVE Handlebar Tape | $39

Bonus: Gravelstoke Explore Wallet

Finally, we leave you with our very first original product launched just last week. In collaboration with Orucase, we introduced the Explore Wallet. An ultralight, yet extremely durable case that features our unique Dyneema phone sleeve on one side, and an overlap closure for cards, keys and cash on the other. The body of the wallet is made from LiteSkin X-Pac, an ultralight waterproof pack material designed specifically for abrasion resistance at the lightest weight possible.

Gravelstoke Explore Wallet | $25