Only five shopping days remain before Christmas, and if you are like me, you are still wringing your hands over what to get the cyclist(s) on your list.

I called up Mike Schindler, co-owner of Sunnyside Sports in Bend, to solicit his ideas for this year’s hottest holiday gifts for cycling enthusiasts. These were his top picks:

For the traveler: Garmin Edge 800, a GPS (global positioning system) bike computer with an industry-first touch screen. The latest version of the Garmin bicycle computer includes all the bells and whistles of a cyclometer, but it also functions like the navigation system in your car. Riding vacation in France? Simply download maps from Garmin, and find the best riding routes while getting turn-by-turn instructions. The computer is also compatible with wattage meters. At a cost of $450-$650, this is a pricey gadget. But no unwieldy maps, and not getting lost on a bicycle vacation? Now that’s close to priceless.

For the do-it-yourselfer: Shimano Pro Torque Wrench. Schindler recommends this tool for home mechanics, particularly those performing work on high-end carbon bikes. The torque wrench, which retails for $120, is the consumer version of what the mechanics use behind the counter in the bike shop, a tool Schindler says can run up to $500. Torque wrenches prevent overtightening carbon parts, such as handlebars, seatposts and stems, which can cause them to crack, or undertightening, which can cause them to loosen.

“It’s easy to use and it’s made for tightening at a relatively low torque,” Schindler explains. “Carbon is strong, but not strong in crush strength. People will overtighten and crack it if they’re not watching it.

“This is a good investment,” he continues. “It would make a really nice tool for someone.”

For the commuter/bicycle transportation enthusiast: Soma bag by Chrome.

This messenger-style backpack and laptop bag is trendy, stylish and practical, says Schindler. The bag incorporates a seat-belt buckle to clasp in front and lies nicely across a rider’s back, he observes. Schindler notes that the bag has “crossover” appeal, serving both as a functional cycling bag, with organized compartments and a padded computer sleeve, and as a stylish over-the-shoulder bag or handbag, for carrying while off the bike.

Schindler says one reason he likes the Soma bag is that it is not “a boring computer bag, but still (is) based in bike culture and more useable than a big messenger bag.”

The Soma bag by Chrome retails for $140 and comes in an array of colors.

For the novice: 7 Tool from Knog. Knog is an Australia-based maker of stylishly designed bike accessories, tools and lights, and its 7 Tool would be a much-appreciated gift for the beginner cyclist on your list.

A pocket-sized multitool is a must for quick repairs when riding on the road or on the trail. The Knog version features seven tools: 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-hex keys, plus a Phillips-head screwdriver and a bottle opener. At 2 inches wide by 2 inches long, this light, 117-gram tool costs $30 and fits easily into a seatpost bag or a jersey pocket.

“Along with your spare tube, patch kit and bike levers, this tool would get you through most incidents you’re going to run into riding outside,” says Schindler. “It would be a good one for someone to build their emergency kit with.”

—Heather Clark