Whether you are thinking about joining Cyclescheme for the first time or you’re a returning rider now eligible for a fresh agreement, finding the right kit can make every commute feel easier, safer and more enjoyable. That’s why many cyclists use the scheme not just to get a bike, but to treat themselves to the accessories and upgrades that make a real difference day to day.

In this guide, we’ve put together a selection of expert-approved gifts for cyclists. These are the kind of products real riders genuinely use, rely on and often ask for when birthdays or Christmas roll around. They’re highly rated pieces of kit that cycling experts from the likes of Cycling Weekly, Bike Radar and road.cc consistently recommend because of their safety features, durability or performance.

And because they are eligible through Cyclescheme, you can enjoy them in a tax-efficient, pay-monthly way. Whether you are choosing your first commuting setup or looking to upgrade the kit you already own, these ideas will help you get more from every journey.

What you can get through Cyclescheme

Before we dive into the gift ideas, it’s worth quickly recapping what Cyclescheme actually covers. The scheme is far more flexible than many people realise, and most commuting essentials fall well within the guidelines.

Through Cyclescheme, you can choose any type of adult bike, including hybrids, road bikes, folding bikes and e-bikes. You can also add the practical accessories that make everyday cycling safer and more enjoyable. Many scheme participants select helmets, lights, panniers, locks, mudguards, clothing and basic maintenance tools.

There are a small number of items that sit outside the HMRC rules, such as GPS computers, turbo trainers and cameras, so those won’t appear in our recommendations below, but our retail partners will be able to advise you on those types of products.

Cyclescheme is designed to support your cycling journey over the long term, which is why many employers allow you to use the scheme roughly once every 12 months. That means it works just as well for first-time riders building their setup as it does for returning cyclists who want to upgrade, replace worn-out kit or adapt to a new type of commute.

For new riders, the scheme is a chance to put together a complete, confidence-boosting package without worrying about upfront cost. You can choose a bike that suits your route, the right safety gear and a few accessories that make riding to work feel straightforward from day one.

For experienced cyclists, treating yourself to new equipment can make a surprising difference. Maybe your commute has changed, you’re riding through winter for the first time or you’re carrying more than you used to. Oftentimes those who go through the scheme multiple times simply want the comfort, safety or performance boost that comes from newer kit.

Whatever stage you’re at, Cyclescheme makes it affordable and convenient to get what you need. There are three package types to choose from – just a bike, just accessories, or a mix of both. With tax-efficient savings of up to 47% on the cost of your chosen package, the notion of treating yourself to a more expensive or better-quality piece of kit feels far more manageable. 

Top 5 gifts for cyclists

To help you choose kit that genuinely improves everyday riding, we’ve picked out five expert-approved gifts that real cyclists consistently rate highly. Each one offers practical benefits for commuting, comes recommended by cycling reviewers and is widely available through Cyclescheme’s retail partners.

These are the kinds of upgrades people often ask for as gifts, but they work just as well as a treat for yourself when you’re setting up a new Cyclescheme agreement.

Gift 1: Helmet – as recommended in Cycling Weekly’s buyers guide

POC Cytal MIPS Helmet – from £154.98

A high-quality helmet is one of the most valuable investments any cyclist can make, and the POC Cytal MIPS is a solid recommendation among commuting and road-riding experts. It combines a lightweight shell with excellent ventilation, and the MIPS protection system adds an extra layer of rotational impact defence.

Why commuters love it:

• The safest road helmet (according to Virginia Tech Helmet score)

• Excellent cooling performance to prevent sweaty hairlines

• MIPS system gives added peace of mind in busy traffic

Best for:

• First-time riders who want maximum safety from day one

• Returning cyclists upgrading from an older or heavier helmet

Why it’s a smart Cyclescheme treat:

It’s a noticeable comfort and safety improvement, and using Cyclescheme means you can spread the cost of a premium helmet through affordable monthly payments.

Gift 2: Premium Front Light – as recommended in Bike Radar’s ‘Best Bike Lights 2025 Review’

Knog Blinder 1300 Front Light – from £63.50

If you commute through winter or ride at dawn or dusk, a powerful front light transforms visibility. The Knog Blinder 1300 is voted as Bike Radar’s ‘Best Overall Front Light’ thanks to its 1,300-lumen output and impressive battery life. Reviewers praise its balance of brightness, functionality and value.

Why commuters love it:

• Good peripheral lighting for unlit paths and country lanes

• Long battery life keeps you safe on longer rides

• Single control button for ease of use

Best for:

• Good for cyclists who might spend part of their commute riding off-road

• Those who are looking for more lighting modes – this front light boasts six!
  
  

Why it’s a smart Cyclescheme treat:

It’s a premium level of performance without a big price tag. The perfect accessory to add to your agreement.

Gift 3: Waterproof Pannier Bag – as recommended by road.cc

Carradice Odyssey Saddlebag 26L - £122.99

This Carradice saddlebag achieves a 9 out of 10 in road.cc’s review with its huge 26-litre capacity and waterproof durability. Bike bags are ideal for use when commuting with spare changes of clothes, laptops and personal belongings. The mark of a good bag is a sturdy fit to the bike and the ability to carry significant weight, both of which the Carradice Odyssey does with ease. 

Why commuters love it:

• Made with an incredibly durable and waterproof material for reliable all-weather commuting

• Huge capacity for laptops, lunches and layers

• Very sturdy when used in combination with a saddlebag support rack

Best for:

• New riders who will regularly carry a large or heavy load

• Experienced cyclists switching from a backpack and looking for more storage

Why it’s a smart Cyclescheme treat:

It improves comfort instantly and makes commuting feel easier. The aim of a saddlebag is to take the burden of carrying kit off the cyclist, promoting a less sweaty ride and a better riding posture.

Gift 4: Best Maintenance Multi-Tool – as recommended by Cycling News

Park Tool AWS Multi-Tool – from £8.50

Cycling experts regularly list a multi-tool as an essential piece of kit for all riders. Thanks to its build quality and ability to handle most roadside adjustments, the Park Tool AWS-10 was voted as ‘best for reliability’ in 2025. Lightweight yet packed with practical functions, it has a long body that provides plenty of leverage and its simple design makes it easy to use.

Why commuters love it:

• Reliably covers common mechanical issues you may run into during the commute

• Lightweight but extremely sturdy

• Covered by Park Tool’s limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

• All cyclists, from beginners to long-time riders

• Anyone who wants peace of mind on longer or rural commutes

Why it’s a smart Cyclescheme treat:

It’s inexpensive but incredibly useful, making it a great addition to a Cyclescheme basket when you’re rounding out your setup.

Gift 5: Best Value Commuter E-Bike – as recommended by Cycling Electric

Estarli e28.x – from £1,895

Voted as the best value commuter e-bike, the Estarli e.28.x is primarily built for urban commuting, with a step-through frame option available to enhance accessibility. It’s lightweight and agile with a healthy range that is supported by automatic gear management.

Why commuters love it:

• E-bikes significantly reduce effort on longer or hillier routes

• Two-speed automatic gearhub and motor means faster commutes

• Lightweight with a range of up to 95km per charge

Best for:

• Returning cyclists who want an upgrade that changes their daily ride

• Anyone wanting to replace car or public transport journeys with ease

Why it’s a smart Cyclescheme treat:

High-end e-bikes are usually out of many people’s upfront payment budgets, but with Cyclescheme’s tax savings and monthly payments, many riders find e-bikes such as the Estarli far more affordable than expected.

How to shop through Cyclescheme (and what to check before you buy)

Shopping through Cyclescheme is straightforward. You can use your Certificate at 2,600+ partner bike shops and online retailers, giving you plenty of choice when picking the products that suit your ride.

If you’re starting a new agreement, you can spread the cost monthly through salary sacrifice, which makes higher-quality kit and bigger upgrades easier to budget for. 

If you’re mid-agreement and can’t add items to your current package, you can still visit partner retailers and buy accessories directly.

Before you choose where to shop, it helps to run through a few quick checks:

• Confirm your employer’s limit

• Make sure your chosen products are eligible

• Think about security, storage and your daily route

• Choose a retailer with good stock, fitting services or aftercare

Treat Yourself to Something That Makes Every Ride Better

Upgrading your cycling kit is one of the simplest ways to make each commute safer, smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re joining Cyclescheme for the first time or you’re ready for a new agreement, choosing to buy one of these expert-approved top gifts for cyclists is a great way to treat yourself and get more from every journey.

Take a moment to browse Cyclescheme’s partner retailers, build a quick wishlist and think about the accessories or upgrades that would genuinely improve your ride. When you’re ready, starting or renewing your agreement is an easy way to spread the cost and enjoy quality kit that lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Accessories Through Cyclescheme

Can I get accessories through Cyclescheme even if I already own a bike?

Yes. Many cyclists use the scheme to pick up accessories, clothing or maintenance gear. As long as the items are eligible and your employer is happy for you to start a new agreement, you can request a Certificate for accessories only.

Can I use Cyclescheme for a second bike or upgrade?

Often, yes. Many employers allow employees to start a new agreement roughly once every 12 months, which means you can use Cyclescheme to upgrade your bike, switch to a different style or add new equipment. The exact timing depends on your employer’s scheme rules.

Which accessories are eligible?

Most practical commuting essentials are included: helmets, lights, locks, panniers, bags, clothing, tools and adult bikes (including e-bikes). A few items fall outside HMRC rules, such as GPS computers, cameras, turbo trainers and car racks. It’s worth saying that these items make excellent gifts for cyclists once they’ve got their main kit via the scheme!

Can I use the scheme to buy gifts for other cyclists?

Unfortunately not. HMRC rules state that all purchases must be for the purpose of the individual’s commute due to the tax-efficient savings on each package.

Does Cyclescheme let me spread the cost monthly?

Yes. When you start a new agreement, you spread the cost through salary sacrifice. This reduces your tax and National Insurance payments and makes higher-quality kit more affordable.

Can I shop with both local stores and Cyclescheme online retailers?

Absolutely. Cyclescheme works with thousands of partner retailers across the UK, including independent bike shops, national chains and online stores. You can choose whichever retailer suits you best.

What happens if I’m mid-agreement but want more accessories?

You won’t be able to add items to your current salary sacrifice package, but you can still buy accessories directly from Cyclescheme partner retailers. If you want to include accessories in a new salary sacrifice agreement, you’ll need to wait until your employer’s next eligibility window.