For this year's annual Holiday Guide, we thought we'd showcase products we've actually used (hence the emphasis on practical over fluffy). This eclectic mix runs the gamut from shades to socks, but trust us, it's all stuff that'll enhance your ride.
LeatherMan Surge Tool $94.95
There must be a reason this portable tool box usually appears on our end-of-year lists. Probably because its utility-to-weight ratio is off the charts; ounce for ounce, we can't think of a more useful item than a Leatherman multitool. The powerhouse of the lineup is the Leatherman Surge, packed with Leatherman's largest pliers, longest tool blades and a system of user-friendly locks. A handy blade exchanger, large and small bit drivers and four outside-opening blades give you easy access to the bits you use most. The Surge isn't too geeky to take up an entire saddlebag's worth of space, but it's utilitarian enough to be essential for any road trip.
www.Leatherman.com Pink Battery Tender Plus $69.95
Don't let one of the winter's rare nice days pass you by because of a dead battery. A battery charger is an essential component of a well-equipped garage. The Battery Tender Plus is a 1.25 amp battery charger designed to fully charge a battery and maintain it at proper storage voltage. Included is a quick connect harness for those hard-to-reach spots. This model features a diagnostic where the red and green lights will flash for reverse polarity, a bad DC connection, or a sulfated battery. In the spirit of giving, the company has teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation. With each purchase of a pink Battery Tender, a percentage of the retail price will be donated to the Foundation.
www.batterytender.com Arctic Drystar Gloves $109.95
Good all-weather riding gloves can make a cold ride much more enjoyable. The Arctic Drystar Glove from Alpinestars is a short-cuffed glove that doesn't sacrifice weather protection. Alpinestars' exclusive Drystar liner and Thinsulate insulation combine to keep your hands warm and dry. The textile gloves have a goatskin palm for durability and protection. You'll have free range of movement due to the accordion stretch inserts on top of the hand and fingers. To top it off, the hydrophobic knitted soft cuff provides an extra barrier against the elements.
www.alpinestars.com Ride Patch $5.95/ea or 4 for $20
GMan's Ride Patch is a fully-embroidered, waterproof patch that can be colored in with a sharpie to keep track of states, provinces or countries you've conquered. There are seven different patches available from USA to Australia and everything in between. GMan can even provide custom Ride Patches for specific groups with their logo embroidered on the patch upon special request. All that's left is to color in the places you have officially been to on your bike. Show off your riding accomplishments without having to say a word.
www.gmanindustries.com