Over the last week, we’ve been bringing you our annual gift ideas over the 12 Days of Crossmas, and going a bit more in-depth on each product. And we continue today with gifts that will keep your friends and family warm. These items are ones that you can hopefully find at a bike shop near you as the final days of Crossmas are here.
If you need something fast, a digital subscription to Cyclocross Magazine or a subscription combined with our latest issue are two quick, easy options to get something in the lucky recipient’s hands.
(As always, we’re never paid to feature such items, so you can trust someone on the CXM Pit Crew likes these products).
Grimpeur Bros. Specialty Coffee
Maybe not available in every local bike shop, but great beans none the less from this specialty retailer born from a need for something other than gas station joe or caffeinated gels on race morning.
Grimpeur Bros. Specialty Coffee officially launched at Cross Vegas 2012 on a whirlwind trip through Interbike. In three short years, they’ve proven not only their coffee chops, but also their love of cycling. Hosting pop-up coffee shops at events like the 2013 Cyclocross World Championships, the 2014 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships as well as the 2015 championship event, the Breck Epic and numerous races around Texas where they are based.
They also support cycling teams at every level of the sport. From folks like Mo Bruno Roy and Gabby Durrin and Jeremy Durrin at Neon Velo to regional squads, along with great causes like the Amy D. Foundation.
The passion for cycling, and cyclocross in particular, comes through in their marketing, which is mostly via social media, especially the Grimpeur Bros. Instagram feed. They are #hashtagfamous to many. And they frequently use social media to announce special offers and deals.
As of the coffee, it’s fantastic. Rich flavors and sensual aromas with every brew regardless of how the one you’re shopping for prepares their morning cup (French Press is a preferred method around here). Grimpeur Bros. generally has 8 to 15 roasts on their site, ready for order, and typically both espresso and single origin beans. Of all we’ve tried, Red Bud Trail single origin is our favorite.
Either by the bag or through their subscription service, which makse a great gift that keeps giving, Grimpeur Bros. Specialty Coffee delivers roast-to-order beans to those in your life who cherish great coffee. Of course, you can always get some for yourself too.
$17 to $71, USD.
more info: grimpeurbros.com
Embrocations For Wintery Rides
While not for everyone on your list, embrocation is a great small gift for those riders on your list that love the warming sensation a quality embrocation offers. Embrocation is a part of the tradition of our sport and show the cross rider in your life that you’ve been listening to the little details as they recount what makes cyclocross unique.
Small Batch Embrocation © Cyclocross Magazine
A current favorite that we featured an in-depth review of last month is Small Batch Embrocation, based in Los Angeles, California. Small Batch offers various blends for different conditions and to cater to those that want to feel the burn or simply experience a soft warming sensation. In fact there are seven formulas from a spring muscle rub with no heat, to the ominously named “Smoke” with a heat index of 10. Each though is aromatic with the scent of the natural ingredients used and has the consistency of a balm. Small Batch’s 6 ounce jar offerings are simple but well-thoughtout and are sure to keep your favorite rider pedaling through the winter.
$15, USD. more info: smallbatchembrocation
Mad Alchemy Embrocation © Cyclocross Magazine
A well-known name in embrocation is Mad Alchemy. They’ve been making their offerings in 4 ounce jars since 2008. Like Small Batch, the handcrafted, all-natural offerings are produced in California. There are over 10 formulations on offer for every rider and riding condition, from a warm weather offering to their “Madness” formula designed for use in a temperature range of 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If your cyclocrosser is not one to get their hands covered in embryo, Mad Alchemy has many of their formulas in stick form for cleaner application. Aside from the various embrocations, Mad Alchemy also offers a number of different skin care products and other goodies for the rider on your list.
$17.99 to $20.95, USD. more info: madalchemy.com
