When it comes to compiling a list of rad gift ideas, we wanted to create a legit list so here’s a compilation of some of the best gear we’ve used all year, stuff we actually want (yes, you can totally use this list to find something for me mom), and cool stuff that we know people can totally use and would be stoked. Some gear, like ultra light tubes — are things we want, but have a hard time justifying the sticker price. (and therefore would love to see under the tree) And some of it is just cool shit we’re obsessed with.
And you can never go wrong with performance socks – unlike 12 year old me, forty-something me loves new socks and underwear.
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Accessories
Let’s start with accessories as these are all great things. Our favorite is the classic water bottle, which is available in a variety of configurations. For riders that carry a bottle on a waist pack a soft flask is the way to go; in the event of a crash, a regular bottle could hurt and result in chiropractic visits for the rest of the year. In contrast, the soft flash adds a bit of cushion, and that’s nice.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Soft Flask Water bottle — $33+
We got one of these in for a review a while back and still have it in rotation. Most of the time, I just use it to refill the bottle on my bike, but with the built in water filter, you can refill it from local water sources, giving it dual use.
Speedflask Stainless bottle — $40
I may be a bit obsessed with water bottles, but this year I splurged and added a Stainless Steel water bottle to the collection. It fits a bottle cage securely, has great flow, is super easy to clean, and the water just tastes good. Plus, being insulated, it’s awesome in the summer with ice cubes added. Although its a bit heavier, more expensive, and less durable/disposable than a typical water bottle, it comes along on any ride on smooth terrain. Check out our write up here, or order one on Amazon here.
Multi-tools & Repair Kits
I love multi-tools. I have a bunch of them, and I keep getting more. Sure, I’m a bit obsessed with this sort of stuff but I like to keep one in each pack/waist pack to make switching back and forth easier, so having spares is nice. We’ve used and reviewed a bunch and our favorites include the Crank Brothers m19 Multitool, OneUp Components EDC Tool (and pump), and Topeak Ratchet Rocket Mini tool kit.
Shop for multitools at JensonUSA.
Fix Manufacturing belt — $49
It’s a belt. It’s a multi-tool. It’s a belt that holds a multi-tool! The Fix Manufacturing All Time Belt is one of those products that you may not splurge for for yourself, but you sure as heck would wear it all the time, because not only is it super handy, it’s also a great belt. Read our review here or shop for it at REi.com.
Flat tire repair kits
Even with all the updates to tire casings and tubeless sealants, we’re still getting flat tires, which means riders still need to carry repair kits to finish the ride. Having some quality tire levers is key, as is tire plugs to keep things going. At a minimum, we carry tire plugs, 1-2x tire levers, and a spare tube.
At a minimum, I carry a mini pump, tubeless plugs, a tire lever or two, some compact energy food, and a spare tube and some stick on patches.
The DynaPlug tubeless repair kits ($30+) are super light but there for me when I need it. They come in a few varieties and they’re all good things; they also make a great gift. Read our review of the carbon racer model or get some at Amazon.com
With tubeless sealant and tire plugs doing such an effective job keeping air in your tires, its rare we’re actually having to use tubes, so most of the time, that tube is just extra weight. However, as its something we all should carry, having the lightest option sure is nice. At $35, the Tubolito tubes are pricey, but they’re so small and lightweight you barely notice it’s there. The downside is at that price, if a homie gets a flat and needs to borrow a tube, they’re gonna have to Venmo you first. Find them at JensonUSA, REI, or Amazon.com.
CushCore Tire liners — $78 to $149
The best way of repairing a flat tire is to avoid one, and that’s the value the CushCore Tire Inserts offer. I am admittedly late to the game in terms of the CushCore tire inserts, but I have seen the light. If your favorite mountain biker doesn’t have these tire inserts installed yet, they would be an excellent gift. (we generally run them in the rear wheel for our trail bikes – full write up in progress) If they’re not mechanically inclined though, I’d consider adding a gift certificate for their favorite bike shop service center to cover the cost of installation, as they can be a challenging install. Order some now on Amazon.com or JensonUSA.
Clothing
If you’re going to buy your favorite mountain biker bike clothes, if you don’t know their favorite color, black will go with anything. Just saying. Here in the Pacific Northwest, performance flannel shirts and mountain biking pants are pretty damn sweet in a variety of our riding conditions, and we’re rather fond of them – plus you can’t own too many flannel shirts.
MTB Performance Flannel shirts
Performance flannels generally feature moisture wicking and quick dry materials; often polyester or wool fabrics, they’re warm and function similarly to a shirt-jacket. Plus you can wear them after the ride by the camp fire, win-win.
There are tons of options these days, but you can’t go wrong with models from Patagonia, Club Ride, Fox, and Pearl Izumi. Though there are cycling specific models, we’ve found they aren’t really that different from performance flannels offered by outdoor brands, other than featuring snaps instead of buttons for easy and quick ventilation.
Shop for his and her performance flannels at Competitive Cyclist, REI, or JensonUSA.
MTB Pants
Pants for mountain biking are pretty much the best thing ever. Back in the day, some of us would run motorcross pants for gravity riding, and while they were great for shuttle runs, the modern mountain bike pant is far more comfortable and can be worn almost year round. Our favorite models are solid black and we lean towards less flashy(ie, racey) models, so we can pair them with different color jerseys, jackets, helmet, and accessories.
Some models still don’t feature pockets which is annoying as hell, so make sure to make sure there are at least two front pockets with zippers. Our favorite pants feature additional pockets located the back of the thigh, which hold the weight of a phone in a way that doesn’t bounce around or is even noticeable. And yes, we always have a phone in our pocket for quick access, (some brands don’t get this yet) how else do you get the footy for the ‘gram?
Note that there are few different types and applications for cycling pants. You have the water proof rain pant with taped seams, the all around trail riding pant (you can’t have too many of these), and the warm, soft-shell winter pant variety.
We’ve owned, worn, and tested a number of models of cycling pants, and for the money, Fox Head has impressed us the most providing value and performance.
In terms of brands and models, there are tons of great options these days. Fox, Leatt, Endura, are all solid. It’s hard to beat the Backcountry Slickrock pant for the money; the new Apex MTB pant from Showers Pass has really been impressing us with how comfortable it is, as well as how well it performed in the backcountry.
Where to buy:
JensonUSA and Competitive Cyclist have some of the best selection of MTB pants, and at the moment of this articles publishing, some are even on sale. Seeing as how pants sold out early in the season last year, we’re stoked on all the selection available this year.
A few solid Women’s Pants at JensonUSA.
Showers Pass Waterproof socks — $35+
Showers Pass makes our list here very year, and I repeat this every year, but these water proof socks are amazing.
We’ve tried a bunch of water proof sock options, and our goto are the ones from Showers Pass as they feel like socks. Just a bit thicker… and more like mid weight socks.
While we’re on the sock front, I’ve never not been stoked to get performance socks. All bikers love socks.. 12 year old me may not believe it, but the adult me loves his socks. A classic dark color is the way to go, you can never go wrong. Ideally, a few pairs of identical socks are preferred as well, because it’s frustrating to be missing one.
Stio Pinion Down Hooded Jacket — $200+
Everyone should own a lightweight puffy jacket. I didn’t realize incomplete my life was without one until now — I own a number of insulated (puffy) jackets, but I’ve never owned a lightweight, packable down jacket. I’ve been wearing the Stio Men’s Pinion down jacket with a hood the last few weeks and it’s like putting on a lightweight piece of heaven. Ok, that could be a slight exaggeration, but I love this thing as its so light and warm, that putting it on puts a smile on my face. It also comes in a range of aesthetically pleasing colors.
Check them out at Stio.com.
