Bike / Moto: Christmas gift ideas

Quad Lock : fix your phone to the handlebars

Founded in 2011 in Melbourne, Australia, Quad Lock first attracted cyclists with a crowdfunding campaign, before expanding into motorcycles. The system relies on a case designed for each phone model, which has a plate that clips into the mount and locks with a quarter turn, using just one hand. For motorcycles, a vibration dampener slips between the mount and the phone: it protects the optical stabiliser of the camera, which is sensitive to engine vibrations. Before gifting, check the exact model of the recipient's phone, as each case only fits one device.

Other sports

The Christmas selection is also themed by sport:

• Running.
• Outdoor.
• Football.
• Indoor.
• Winter Sports.
• Fitness and Weight Training.

All the selections are gathered on the sports page.

Beeline and Helite : navigate and stay safe on a motorcycle

The Beeline Moto, designed by a young London-based company, replaces the map screen with a minimalist display: an arrow shows the direction and distance to the next turn, based on a route prepared in the smartphone app. Round and compact, it can be operated with buttons that are usable while wearing gloves. For the motorcyclist equipped with a Helite airbag vest, the gas cartridge is a very practical gift: the mechanical trigger, connected by a strap to the motorcycle, empties the cartridge in a fraction of a second during a fall. You just need to screw in a new cartridge, appropriately sized for the vest, to reset it.

For the cyclist: Shotgun seat, helmet light and winter gear

The Shotgun seat, designed in New Zealand by mountain biking parents, attaches to the horizontal tube of the mountain bike, in front of the adult: the child, around two to five years old, within the manufacturer's weight limit, can see the trail and holds onto a small handlebar. The Giro rear light clips onto the fitting system of the brand's compatible helmets, without obstructing the adjusting wheel, and charges via USB. For winter, the thermal outfit Elite Lab, which includes a long-sleeve jersey, waterproof jacket, and bib shorts, keeps the cyclist warm and dry on cold rides as the days shorten.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school promotions.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Quad Lock mount work without a dedicated case?

Yes, thanks to a universal adapter that sticks to the back of the phone or its usual case. The dedicated case remains the most secure solution for heavy use on a motorcycle or mountain bike, as the plate is integrated into it.

Does the Beeline Moto work without a phone?

No, it connects via Bluetooth to the smartphone, which calculates the route in the dedicated app. The phone can stay in a pocket or a bag: only the unit, mounted on the handlebars, provides the directions.

At what age can you take a child on a mountain bike front seat?

Front seats like the Shotgun are designed for children around two to five years old, who can sit up and hold on. You must respect the manufacturer's weight limit and choose easy paths for the first rides, with a helmet required.

What bike rack should you choose for a family outing?

A strap-mounted trunk bike rack fits without a hitch and carries up to three bikes on many cars. If the bikes obscure the number plate or lights, you must add a number plate and rear lighting.

What is a cadence sensor used for?

It measures the number of pedal strokes per minute and sends this to the computer or watch. Maintaining a steady cadence, often between eighty and ninety revolutions, saves the legs and helps with managing climbs better.