Last minute shopping

   Yes it is the season of giving.  The gift giving tradition goes back thousands of years I understand.  In the ancient European culture, the Winter Solstice would mark the beginning of the twelve days of Yule which they celebrated by sharing the annual gains with their loved ones.  Being older, less educated versions of us, they also didn't pay any attention to what the people around wanted and were too embarrassed to ask at the last minute. So everybody went to Target for tree decorations and last minute baubles and stale popcorn.  But I have some better suggestions here at year end.
   There is this, just released, new track bike.   For the one who already has a stable, this cannot be matched:

from "Aurumania" (for those not linguistically inclined it means something like "crazy about gold") its a 24 k gold plated track bike with Swarovski crystals encrusting the lugwork. 

 If the $91,000 seems a little steep when faced with Obamacare, there is an alternative:

Hermes has produced a city bike for the budget minded at a more affordable $11,200.

Being fully equipped and built on a proprietary carbon fiber frame it is advertised as the most advanced  ultra light bike for the city.  At 24 lbs it weighs as much as my lugged steel Hillborne, but I'm just being vindictive and jealous.

On the more budget minded side there are some accessories and upgrades like

                                   

The Copenhagen wheel.  At 6-700 dollars this might actually be something people will like.

If they are gadget hungry and dead set to ride a bike with the least possible amount of effort or energy expenditure, this nifty looking little gizmo will electric assist them around town without looking
 like a motorcycle or electric scooter.  

A seemingly useful gift for the gizmo freak who as everything is

Something which turns your wheels into sparkling circles of  glow with the aid of black lights attached to the frame.  These do not need a car's headlights like crude reflective material.
So even if the cars aren't there, they, and the squirrels will see you.
But for the hipster on your list, we go from the vaguely impractical to

The Gear Grinder. It's an "elegant" accessory which attaches to an extra cog on your hub and grinds your roasted beans while en route to... wherever you plan to brew them.  I'm kinda having a hard time getting my head around this idea, but it's like having the privilege of stomping your own grapes before you make the wine.  I think.

Only three more shopping days left, have a happy.