It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I know a cheesy start but it is. Christmas is always the time of festive cheer, but if you are like me you spend half your time trying to find people the perfect gift. The mountain biker can be tough to buy for, especially if you are a non-mtber. But even for us mountain biker, it can be difficult to find gifts that your recipient don't already have or that is from a smaller brand. This is the year to support independent brands. So there will be some in this guide. Anyways let's get to the gift guide I hope this helps you find some lovely gifts for your loved ones or yourself. Some of these items I haven't tried myself but have been recommended to me and are one my list. So let's get to the gift ideas.
Bigger items
Clothing
This is the dirtlej pro dirtsuit I actually got this for Christmas last year. You can check out my full review . But in short, I love this suit. When the weather has turned to winter and you want to be out on the bike, this is your best friend. I have ridden in everything from a storm to snow in this and stayed dry. I love this suit.
What pinned Attire says
"This is the new long-awaited Pinned trail pant. This flexible lightweight super comfy trail pant is a must-have as a do it all pant! Quick-drying, 2 pockets and a rad chrome finish.Fitted lower leg with a stretch panel to eliminate getting tangled up in the drive-train. Waist ratchet system and zipper to give a perfectly secure fit."
What the brand says
"This is the new long-awaited Pinned trail pant. This flexible lightweight super comfy trail pant is a must-have as a do it all pant! Quick-drying, 2 pockets and a rad chrome finish.Fitted lower leg with a stretch panel to eliminate getting tangled up in the drive-train. Waist ratchet system and zipper to give a perfectly secure fit."
Bike wash
This is the Mobi V-15 Portable Bike Pressure Washer. I have an older version of this and it is amazing for the van conversion. We use it to clean bikes and as a shower. I will be writing a full post on this soon. but defo one for the Christmas list.
"With its variable pressure output - from 45.5psi to 130.5psi - this portable pressure washer will clean everything from your dog to your bike and anything in-between. Extremely portable and versatile, it's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, its 15-litre capacity ensures you'll be able to tackle the job at hand.
Light and Quiet Operation. Irrespective of water pressure, the Mobi V-15 model remains quiet when in operation. At only 5 kilograms for a 15-litre capacity, it's lighter than its rivals in the UK market.
Portable and Mains Powered. Suitable for use at home or on the go, it can be plugged into a 12V vehicle power outlet for convenient use"
Light and Quiet Operation. Irrespective of water pressure, the Mobi V-15 model remains quiet when in operation. At only 5 kilograms for a 15-litre capacity, it's lighter than its rivals in the UK market.
Portable and Mains Powered. Suitable for use at home or on the go, it can be plugged into a 12V vehicle power outlet for convenient use"
Hope Technology
I would be doing an injustice if I didn't mention Hope Technology. Full discloser I am a Hope ambassador. But I have also been a Hope lover for many years. I actually got my first set of Hope Tech E4 brakes for a birthday a few years ago. I credit them to changing my riding for the better I am not exaggerating. Hope product just hit differently. I fully recommend if you are going to buy one big item from Hope to start your love affair with you need their brakes. They are ride changing. I will write a full post on these brakes. Hope also has a collaboration with endura if you need kit it is insane.
Smaller items
Mudguard
A mudhugger these are fantastic mudguards for your bike. Mudhugger does a huge range of options in mudguards and accessories. I have had these on the previous bikes. I like that these are customisable too. You can buy decals for your mudhugger. They have won numerous awards and they really are awesome for this time of year. Another awesome British brand.
Bike protection
Rimpact is also known as the things that save your wheels. I have tyre inserts in all my bikes they are worth there money ten times over. Especially with the type of riding I do. I would not be without tyre inserts.
What the brand says
"There is more to a good tyre insert than meets the eye. We learned this the hard way, buying some off the shelf foam, shaping it and proceeding to wreck our wheels. We've tested prototypes, learned, redesigned and tested again. And again. And again. The result is two high-performance products that are unique in providing an improvement in performance without any of the drawbacks tyre inserts from other brands cause"Clothes and googles.
What the brand says
"Sustaninable + Ethical apparel + prints inspired by life's greatest adventures. Wheel + Rock brings you an exciting new range of products inspired by the best adventures - mountain biking, trail running, hiking, road cycling and much more!"
Waterproof socks. These make the best gift. I do not know a mountain biker that doesn't have waterproof socks. You need them These are by Dexshell. They are fun and practical. Plus they do these cool designs they also do more plain ones so there is something for everyone,
"It’s official! We’re now market leaders, with our technically advanced, reliable and proven Element Repellent range of socks, hats and gloves. Recently tested against leading rivals, our products came out 30% more efficient on overall performance. They can effectively defy the cold, the wet, the dry as well as the heat. They protect as reliably as they perform, they are proven to be the best in the market and we intend to keep them there!"
Every biker needs some goggle and these are Melon. I haven't tried these ones myself but one of my best friends loves them. He swears by them and that recommendation is good enough for me. This is another small brand. I love that with melon you are in full control of your goggles. Everything is customisable. From the frame to the strap and lens you are in charge of your perfect goggles. meaning you can match them to any helmet.
What the brand says
"Melon is an independent brand made up of hard-working, shred loving, outside of the box kind of people.
We truly love the products we make and the brand we build. We can’t get enough of the sports we craft our products to perform in, and we cheer a beer to anyone who makes the choice to rock our eyewear for their adventures. Based wherever we feel is right for our soul, we collaborate remotely and use our many friends across the world to help us in testing and approving our performance products before they reach your face. Join us in seeing things differently, and take creative control of your eyewear."
Phone and GoPro accessories
Using a GoPro is becoming commonplace. So with this, you need to mount it somehow to yourself of your bike. Enter Snap mounts for your GoPro. These are gaining popularity in the MTB community. They look super clever and an interesting way to mount your GoPro instead of the normal harness.
What the brand says
"The versatile, two part magnetic GoPro action camera mount that allows you to mount your GoPro and DJI Osmo Action to any material less than 1/4″ as well as most metallic surfaces. Compatible with GoPro Hero 9 also the GoPro Hero 3/4/5/6/7/8 and Session 4/5. Two part, magnetic compression design allows for quick and easy attachment to shirts, jackets, backpacks, windows or any ferrous metal surface."
Next up a recommendation from my other half. Quad lock phone cases. My husband has had this for ages and swears by it. It uses it on his bike and in the car for mounting his phone. He uses it more on his road bike and Zwift than on his MTB but this does look really good. The case it really protective too.
What the brand says
"Quad Lock® is the strongest and most secure mounting system in the UK that integrates your smartphone into an active lifestyle. The unique approach of integrating the mounting interface into a slim and durable everyday case allows the Quad Lock® mounts to be much smaller than any other mount on the market."Fitness
Something that has changed my riding for the better was joining Zwift. I have been on Zwift for quite some time. I credit this to my bike fitness. If you dont know what Zwift is about click the link above. It is basically an online road biking app. But it is so much more than that. It is where my fitness and my weight loss has come from. Zwift its self is not expensive £14.99 a month but you do need quite a bit of equipment so I have put it in this section.
What the brand says
"Zwift blends the fun of video games with the intensity of serious training,
helping you get faster. Level up in the virtual worlds of Zwift with a community
that motivates you every minute. Choose from training plans, group rides,
races, and more. You’ll get fitter and stronger. Discover the world of Zwift today."
Trail dog
I would be doing an injustice if I didn't mention The trail dogs right? Here we have a fantastic Scottish brand. Bark and Ride they Based not too far away from me in Aviemore. I am that person who always buys my dogs Christmas presents. I judge you if you dont if I am honest. If you are looking to treat that faithful trail companion why not take a look at Bark and rides products. They have everything from this warm and cosy jacket to leads and harness to gifts for the humans too. They stock candles to T-shirts. I am pretty sure you will find a gift there and support a little British brand. Win.
What the brand says.
"BARK + RIDE “adventures are for sharing”
BARK + RIDE IS AN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE BRAND FOR ACTIVE PEOPLE AND THEIR DOGS. WE PROVIDE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO INSPIRE FELLOW OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TO GET OUT THERE AND SHARE THEIR ADVENTURES WITH THEIR K9 COMPANIONS."
Multitool
This is our favourite multitool Topeak Mini 20 Pro Bike Multitool - Gold. This has everything you need on it for hitting the trails. A must for every rider.
What the brand says
"Professional quality, one piece, light weight folding tool offering hardened steel tools with 20 functions. A forged aluminium body resists torque.
Tools Include : 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm Allen keys, T25 Torx wrench
Tools include : Hard-anodised alloy tyre lever, Spoke wrenches (15g/14g/Mavic M7/Shimano compatible), Phillips & flathead screwdrivers and Steel bottle opener with spoke holder
Chain tool - compatible with all chains except Campagnolo 11 speed hollow pin chains. Includes Chain Hook.
Includes self-tightening tool and a neoprene bag. The perfect tool for endurance racing, training and touring"
Stocking fillers.
Books
Bikepacking: Mountain Bike Camping Adventures on the Wild Trails of Britain (Mountain Bike Adventures) This book is for the adventurer who wants to hit the trails bike packing. This has come highly recommended to me. You just need to talk a look at the reviews on amazon to know this is a winner.
I have this book sat beside me to read and it looks incredible. Making it the perfect gift.
It’s time we celebrated women in adventure
"What does "toughness" mean to you? Perhaps it’s being physically fit and mentally resilient. Perhaps it’s doing something no one else has done before. Perhaps it’s breaking down boundaries and proving what you can do, in spite of the naysayers. Perhaps it’s travelling alone, immersing yourself in new cultures and meeting new people. Perhaps it’s running ultramarathons in the blistering heat and beating the competition. Perhaps it’s conquering your fears.
The badass adventurers in this collection are all fearless, intelligent, compassionate and curious about the world – and they all happen to be female. From endurance obstacle races to arctic expeditions, from mountain climbing to wingsuit flying, from horse trekking to swimming the English Channel, they have set the bar high for what women are capable of. Let yourself be inspired by their stories of grit, courage, determination, triumph and heartbreak – you never know, it might lead to something incredible!"
The little helpful bits you don't think about.
These are hands down the best tyre Levers they are the Pedros Pink Tyre Levers (Pair). You can get other colours If pink is not your style. What I will say is the pink ones are the cheapest. These clip together you don't lose them and you can fit them in your pocket or bag.
"Ergonomic shape is easier to remove tyres rather than standard levers. Made from strong, durable plastic, that won't bend and break. Ideal for difficult tight-fitting tyres"
Next up we have Spokey Pro . This is the best spoke wrench we have ever owned. I have managed to find these in a UK store for you as we have actually ordered them from the USA.
"Professional standard spoke wrench in a classic design.
Comfortable to use with its large round shape.
Brightly coloured and easy to find in your tool box.
Two alloy inserts grip the maximum surface area on all four sides of the nipples surface.
Perfect for use with alloy and coloured nipples.
Fits US and Euro spoke sizes (3.25mm)."
Trail snacks
One of my include sweets is Candy Kittens I love them they do a wide range of flavours and gift options. Some of there products are Vegan too. So if you are vegan they are for you. These are super tasty sweet treats to push you around the trails.
More on the healthy side why not get some really good quality trail snacks. Like these Stoats Hazelnut & White Chocolate Porridge Oat Bars. Stoats are a nice little British brand who offer fantastic oat bars in a range of flavours. Come on food puts a smile on most riders faces so Why not buy them their favourite snack as a thoughtful gift.
I hope you have enjoyed this little gift guide. I hope you have found some interesting gifts for the mountain biker in your life. I tried to ver away from the big brands and showcase some amazing smaller ones. This year is the year to support the smaller brand in the industry. I am not saying to forgo your favourite brands but what not include a couple of gift from smaller brands.
Happy Christmas
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