You know who we're talking about. The guy who shaves his legs twice a week, LOVES interval workouts, thinks headset spacers are a sin, and believes office parks were made for bike racing, not parking cars. Here are five perfect gifts for the Type A Crit Racer in your life.



Specialized S-Works Evade Helmet

Yes, this helmet is aero. And in case you haven't heard, according to Specialized, aero is everything. Highlights of the S-Works Evade include a lightweight, micro-dial fit system, oversized cooling vents that are aligned with exhaust ports, a unique web split system that improves strap comfort and ease of adjustment, and of course it's aero, which according to Specialized, will save your Crit Racer 46 seconds over 40km when compared to a standard road helmet. And hey, 46 seconds could be the difference between getting that Cat. 2 upgrade and being stuck in the 3s for the rest of their racing life.

MSRP: $250
More Info: www.Specialized.com




Stages Power Meter

Arguably the most significant new product to hit the cycling market in 2013, the Stages crank-mounted power meter brought power measuring to the masses. Or at least a little closer. Seven hundred bucks is still a lot of cash, but it's a huge leap forward from the days when the barrier to entry was $2,000 or more. Stages' aggressive pricing has also forced the hand of some of its competitors, who've lowered their prices. We also love the fact that with the simple swap of a non-drive-side crank, your Crit Racer can move their power meter between bikes as long as they're running the same gruppo - and the cranks are alloy. The Stages power meter doesn't work with carbon cranks.

MSRP: From $700
More Info: StagesCycling.com




Reading The Race Book

Bike racing is known as a rolling game of chess, and who better to learn advanced moves from than 2013 Vuelta a España winner Chris Horner, long known as one of the sport's most cerebral in-race tacticians. Along with race announcer Jamie Smith, Horner reveals the strategies and tactics he's learned over thousands of races. In the Reading the Race, he's outlined the key mechanics of reading a race - and more importantly, how to win. Starting breaks, forming alliances, managing a lapped field, setting up for a sprint, it's all there.

MSRP: $19
More Info: VeloPress.com




Mavic Zxellium Ultimate Shoes

Mavic fully revised the Zxellium Ultimate this year, shaving about 25 grams per shoe. Available in black or Mavic's iconic yellow, the carbon-fiber soled Zxellium Ultimate is designed to be more comfortable while maintaining efficient power transfer. Gone is the rigid plastic Mavic used in the past. It's been replaced by laminated carbon, which is more pliable on pressure points but has less stretch. That keeps retention secure across the instep without losing rigidity.

MSRP: $475
More Info: www.Mavic.com




Tegaderm Bandages

Best way to care for road rash? Don't crash in the first place. But if your significant other races crits - or just rides a lot - at some point skin is going to make an unscheduled visit to the tarmac. And that means you'll probably be caring for a wound. Save yourself that emergency run to CVS and stuff his stocking with some Tegaderm, a thin, clear dressing that's adhesive on one side. Place it over road rash to keep dirt and germs from getting in, while at the same time being able to keep an eye on the healing process. Tegaderm also breathes well, which helps reducing scaring.

MSRP: $19
More Info: www.cvs.com

2013 RoadBikeReview Holiday Gift Guides:

Cold Weather Warrior »
Cyclocross Fanatic »
Digital Cameras For Cyclists »
For The Cyclist Who Has (Almost) Everything »
Gear For The Endurance Junkie »
Gear For the Gravel Grinder »
Great Gear For Under $50 »
Presents for the Urban Jungle »
Repurposed Gifts for the Green Cyclist »
The Newbie Road Rider »
Type A Crit Racer »
When Money Is No Object »

2013 Mtbr Holiday Gift Guides:

Digital Cameras For Cyclists »
For The Beginner Mountain Biker »
For The Tech Geek Rider »
Gifts for that Special Angry Singlespeeder in Your Life »
Mtbr's All-Mountain Brown Friday »
POV Video Cameras and Electronics »
Stocking Stuffers for Mountain »