Building Confidence to Tackle Mountain Bike trails with Roots Like a Pro

if you are reading this you already have the mountain biking bug? like me, you are hooked on the wonderful world of MTB.  The wind and rain on your face, the trail beneath your tyres, and oh no there a, a  massive slippery root ahead! If you've ever been taken by surprise by a tangle of roots on your trail, you know they can be a bit tricky and some people are really scared to ride over them.  But fear not! I am here to show you how to build confidence and conquer those pesky roots in no time. 

1. See it, Believe it, think it? 

This will sound cheesy bit bear with me here Before going back to the trail you struggled on. even try visualizing a successful run. Picture yourself riding and navigating those roots with confidence, agility and skill. Visualization is a powerful tool that many professional athletes use. So grab a cup of coffee, close your eyes, and see yourself dominating those roots or be like me I like to do it just as I fall asleep Goon, give it a go. 

2. Gear Up and Warm-Up

Get the right kit. Your kit is really important. You all know I rate all Endura Products so I recommend getting at least a good helmet knee pads gloves and glasses. Don't underestimate the power of the right kit and a good warm-up. I always like to start on an easy trail to get me back in the riding frame of mind before hitting the harder stuff. 

Ensure you have a well-maintained bike with appropriate tyre pressure for the conditions and suspension setup. I mean I could not have a better set you on either of my Hope Tech bikes. 

3. Know Your Line

When you're out on the trail,  Look ahead you need to be planning your line in advance. As you approach a rooty section, look for the smoothest line - often, this means aiming for gaps between the roots. or of course, you might need to go over roots, and that's okay too. The key is to anticipate and stay in control.

4. Loosen Up!

Now here's the fun part! You're about to tackle those roots. Get into a neutral riding position and keep your weight centred. Loosen your grip a little and let your bike move beneath you - think of it like dancing with your bike over the roots. You lead, and the bike follows! This is where Hope Tech breaks shine they have the perfect about of modulation to help you get over the roots whilst having the power to stop you too. 

5. Keep the Momentum

It's tempting to hit the brakes when faced with an obstacle,  and roots can be scary but with roots, momentum is your friend. Keep pedalling and maintain a steady speed. Remember, you have more control when you're moving forward. 

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

And finally, the best way to build confidence is through practice. Start with smaller, less intimidating roots in dry conditions and work your way up.  helping your gain confidence and skills. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and remember that every rider has been exactly where you are now. we all had to learn from the start just like you are. 

With these tips, I hope this gives you the confidence to move forward and start tackling the scary roots section and building confidence. 

You got this. 

Mastering Your Cycling Comeback: Top Tips for Regaining Cycling Fitness

So you have been away from your two-wheeled friend for a bit? Whether life's been extra busy, or you've been on a cycling hiatus, there's no better time to hit the pedals again. Here's your simple guide to getting back to cycling fitness. Sometimes finding the motivation to get back in the saddle can be hard but I promise the benefits of cycling is worth the first struggle. 

Step 1: Start with a Bang but at Your Pace

Remember, every cycling journey begins with a single pedal stroke. Cheesy but true.  Kick off with light, fun-filled rides. Don't rush! make it something really fun like going to your local cafe.  Gradually stretch your cycling miles and soak in the fun of each ride.

Step 2: Set Goals and Crush 'Em

Bring some excitement to your rides by setting fun, realistic goals. The key here is being realistic to start with. It could be conquering that pesky hill or cycling a certain distance. Celebrate every milestone with cake ha ok maybe not but that's what I do. Whether they are big or small. You're doing great! Just pushing those pedals is doing something wonderful for your body and mind. 

Step 3: Consistency is Cool

Regular rides are your ticket to regaining your cycling prowess. So, get into the groove and make cycling a part of your daily or weekly routine. The result? Enhanced stamina, powerful leg muscles, and impeccable cycling form. as well as being one of the best stress busters out there too. Cycling in any form is win win win. 

Step 4: Mix it Up

Who said fitness is all about cycling? Incorporate diverse exercises like strength training, yoga, or swimming into your routine. This will boost your overall fitness, making your rides smoother and more enjoyable and help you hit those Personal records or PRs. 

Step 5: Eat, Drink, Cycle, Repeat

Your nutrition fuels your rides. Keep your meals balanced and your hydration levels optimal. And don’t forget a protein-carb combo after each ride to refuel those hard-working muscles! It might seem very obvious but fuel is the road to perfection. A car can't run without it and neither can you. 

Step 6: Rest and Revive

Repeat after me rest days are important! 

Hey, even cycling professionals need some rest. Your muscles crave recovery time to adapt to the new challenges you're throwing their way. Ensure you include some downtime in your routine for rejuvenation and to avoid burnout. Your body will thank you I promise. 

Step 7: Keep the Fun Rolling

Staying motivated can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, see what I did there?  but here's where the fun part comes in. Join a cycling group or community, participate in friendly competitions, or simply take time to admire nature as you pedal. Remind yourself why you love cycling, and the ride will become a breeze.

Jumping back into cycling fitness is more of a fun-filled journey than a race. Revel in every ride, pay attention to your body's signals, and stay consistent.  You can do this. Your patience and efforts will soon have you cycling like a pro, leaving no trail unexplored. So, get set and go. 

Essential Tips for Bouncing Back After a Mountain Bike Crash

We all know that mountain biking is a thrilling yet challenging sport and adventure, and it comes with its fair share of offs, bumps and bruises. If you've recently had a tumble, big or small don't worry you're not alone. We all have them if you're not filing you're not trying, right? 

Here's a helpful guide to help you dust yourself off, pick up your bike, after you have checked it right?  and get back on the trail with confidence and with less fear. 

First Things First - Addressing the Ouchies

After a crash, it's important to check yourself for injuries. This might be a bit obvious, but hey, adrenaline can sometimes make us forget the basics! Do a head-to-toe scan to ensure you're okay. If you're in doubt or it's more than just a scrape, always seek medical advice.  Concussions are not a joke remember, even minor injuries need proper care. Clean any cuts and use a good antiseptic to ward off any potential infection.

Concussions are a big risk with mountain biking taking care of your brain is paramount if you think you might have one seek medical attention straight away. Just look at our top-performing athletes Concussions can be serious so take it seriously. 

Get Back On (When You're Ready)

Biking is all about balance, both physically and mentally. After a crash, it's essential to get back on your bike when you're ready no rush, no pressure. Start off with an easy green or blue trail or even a gravel ride. You don't have to conquer the most challenging terrain right away. The goal is to regain your confidence, bit by bit. So take it easy. 

Take it as a Learning Curve

Hey, even the best riders have had their share of spills! Just pop on the downhill and you will see some epic crashes. Even Pros eat dirt just like us. Take this opportunity to learn from what happened. Was it a sharp turn you misjudged? Or maybe a lack of concentration?  slippy root?  handling a jump wrong? 

Whatever it was, identifying the cause can help you prevent similar situations in the future. Remember, every fall teaches us something new. 

Equip Yourself

Crashes can sometimes happen because of a lack of proper equipment. Make sure your helmet is up to standard and that your bike is in good working order.  Wear knee pads gloves and a helmet as a minimum. If your crash was due to mechanical failure, rectify it before getting back on the saddle. Dont do a me and check your bike before you get on it. I forgot last year and ended up 6 miles from the car with no brake pads. This was 100% my fault and it was a hard lesson to learn on the 6-mile pushback. 

Investing in quality safety gear and maintaining your bike is not just sensible - it’s a crucial part of your biking journey. I recommend Endura for all your kit. They are the best around.  

Stay Positive

Keeping your spirits up after a crash is just as important as physical healing. Surround yourself with supportive mates, share your experiences (the good, the bad, the ugly and the funny!), and remember to keep your sense of humour. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine!

Mindful Riding

After a crash, it's important to focus on mindful riding. Be aware of your body, your movements, and the trail ahead. Don’t zone out maintaining concentration is the key to confidence on the trails. Remember, riding is not just about speed, but also about being in control of your bike and the environment and gauging the trail ahead. 

Seek Support

Consider joining a mountain biking group or community if you haven’t already. They can provide great support, tips, and camaraderie. You'll learn from their experiences and build your confidence faster.

Mountain biking is the best adventure filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. A crash might knock you down, but it won't keep you down. So, put on that helmet, and check your brakes, I, of course, recommend Hope Tech for brakes and get ready to ride the trails with renewed vigour and confidence. After all, it's the bumps along the way that make the ride worth it! 

Endura Women's Xtract Lite Short Review The best Zwift padded shorts

I spend a lot of time on the saddle. I averaged 120 miles a week last year on the bikes. So you could say padding is very important to me. I mix my riding between mountain biking and zwifting. I can spend hours on Zwift so getting the right padding for the turbo is a very important thing. No one wants sore girl bits lets face it. We have all been there right? 

I have put lots of different padding to the test over the years and I think I have finally found the holy grail of zwift shorts The Endura Women's Xtract Lite Short. I have a lot of wants in a zwift shorts. I want them to be comfortable enough to keep me on the saddle for hour and hours They need to be lightweight and cooling and or course look and feel good. 

The design 

The Endura women's Xtract Lite Short is made from lightweight yet supportive Lycra® fabric with Thermoregulation in mind as it was designed for wearing on road rides in warmer climates or hot days here in Scotland. The Xtract Lite short has been designed to move sweat away from your skin to help keep your core cool. It also included a UPF50+ treatment on the fabric. But let's talk about what's really Important The Women's 500 series pad.

The Women's Xtract Lite Short has been designed with temperature regulation and comfort in mind. When you are getting hot and sweating when riding temperature regulation is super important. This pad is where we can gather a lot of heat. Which in turn raise our core body temperature. Which is not what we want on a long ride. 

So Endura put a lot of research and design in to this problem. This resulted in a new generation of water expelling foam called Dispersefoam™. Dispersefoam™ features a foam cell construction which has been proven to provide superior drying and it also improves air permeability compared to coventail PU foams. 

The Women's 500 Series Pad is smooth with a low profile and provides high stretch properties which in turn helps prevent chafing and discomfort in the saddle. It also has Silver yarm fabric with cooling touch and rapid drying and antibacterial properties. 

The extra features 

Endura Women's Xtract Lite Short has double layer direct silicone printed on the hem for extra comfort. The short have a soft double layer waistband and selected seams flatlock for comfort and extra toughness. They also feature reflective trims if you want to wear them outside. 

The Endura Women's Xtract Lite Shorts comes in two lengths there are also the Endura Women's Xtract Lite shorty Short. These are the longer version I am talking about. 

The sizing

Endura Women's Xtract Lite Shorts come in XXS to XL. Endura womens sizing in these are XXS is a UK 6/8 and XL UK 16/18. I am a UK 6 and I am wearing a size XS. These are really stretchy and I think I could go for a XXS in these. I am an hourglass shape. I have a small waist and bigger hips bum and boobs.  I hope that helps with your sizing. 

I wear size XS in all my endura MTB gear if that is an indicator of sizing too. If you do need help give me a shout. I am always happy to help. DM me on instagram if I don't respond on here. 

My review 

I have been using these Endura Women's Xtract Lite Short for about a year. Before this I tried so many different options for Zwift padded shorts and spend hundreds of pounds on kit. Here is my strava if you want to see how many miles I do. This will give you an insight how many hours I spend on a saddle. 

I think I am a really good person to review padding as I put it through its paces. I can honestly say I have never found a better pair of womens zwift shorts. I really struggled to find womens padding that was light weight could keep me cool and keep me comfortable enough to spend hours on the bike. They are pull on style with no adjustments or pockets. Which is perfect for zwift or summer rides. 

Before I found the Endura Womens Xtract Lite Shorts I would have to swap padding half way though some of the big badges on Zwift. But I have found with these I can spin for hours and just forget I am wearing them which is exactly what I want in a Zwift short. I want to be comfortable enough to completely forget about the shorts. I mean it hard enough struggling on a 100km route let alone thinking about having to stop because you are uncomfortable. 

I personally prefer the longer version of these Endura Women's Xtract Lite Shorts as I find the shorty short version a little too short for me. But I am not really a booty short kinda gal. But that option is there if you like that style. I really feel endura is really putting thought and energy in to the women's road biking market and they are making kit we want and need to keep us on the saddle for longer. I love these shorts and completely recommend them. They just work and that is so hard to find in zwift padding.

What GPS tracker I use on my Traildog

I get asked a lot about Mylo. I have had Mylo's dog since he was a puppy and we put a lot of work into training him to be the trail dog he is today. Mylo is a dalmatian. Yes, that seems strange to point out looking at him but I have been asked about him. Mylo loves to come biking with us and he loves nothing more than following bikes in the mountains with his humans. 

As soon as the bikes come out Mylo gets excited. I wouldn't have it any other way. But it is along road to training a good trail dog. 

I will write a full post on what we did to train Mylo But in a quick run thought.

• Worked endlessly on recall
• Did long leash training without bikes
• Made sure to modify voice tones in commands so he can distinguish the commands with ease.  
• Made him feel safe and confident around bikes
• Made sure he knows commands for drinking. Ours is drink drink drink with hand gestures. He can get excited and not want to stop for a drink or snack so this is imperative for Mylo. 
• Hand gestures for some commands 
• Spoke to our vets for help and information
• Started very small with very short trails. 
• Understood his boundaries

We are very lucky with Mylo is what is known as a velcro dog. He wants to know where myself and my husband are at all times. 

But now after years of training, he does have the freedom on trails to follow us.  He will know to take his time on the trails if he likes. I trust Mylo I know I can he is a very well-trained dog but he is a timid dog and can be a bit fearful at times. So I am always close by him. 

With this in mind, I want to talk about a new PAJ GPS PET Finder 4G I have been using for Mylo whilst out and about. 

The PAJ GPS Pet finder 4G is small and fits on any collar but does come with a collar if you like. It is £29.99 for the device and to use PET Finder you also need a subscription to the pet finder portal. This is £4.58 per month or £54.99 for a year's subscription. You just download the app which is available on apple and google play. Other payment options are available with bigger discounts for longer contracts. 

How to use The PAJ PET Finder 4G

The PAJ PET finder 4G is super simple to use. After you have registered your device with PAJ Portal and paid the subscription. Just charge the device with the charger provided and you are ready to get started. 

You just press the on/off button for 5 seconds until the green and blue lights come on. This shows the tracker is on and receiving the GPS signal and you are ready to go.

Log on to the portal and you can start tracking your dog in real-time. It's as easy as that. 

 

What is special about the PAJ PET Finder 4G

• Suitable for all dogs, as it is lightweight and comfortable to have on a collar.
• Simple to attach to your dog's collar.
• Robust device.
• Live location update indoors and outdoors. 
• Alarms via e-mail and push messages.
• You can view all your dogs routes from the last year.
• Waterproof so no matter how wet your dog gets you will find them .
• GPS accuracy of 5-10 metres depending on the GPS reception of the finder.
• Radius alert letting you know you are near your dog.
• Speed alert this will let you know when your dog reaches a certain speed Ie they are in a car.
• Long battery standby mode last 5 days, and in tracking mode 9 hours of GPS tracking. 
• Battery alert so you know how long you have left and when to recharge.
• 2 g and 4g network coverage.
• Geozone Alert You are will be able to set a geo zone or "safe area" around your tracker. Should the tracker enter or leave this predefined area.
• Sound function: you can make the tracker emit a sound to help you find your pup or use it in training your pup. 
• Light function (incl. light sensor): Activate the tracker LEDs will light up if it is dark enough you can turn these off also.

My thoughts 

As you can see this is one helpful piece of kit to have for your trail dog training. This really can help if you lose your dog when you are out on your bikes Or if your dog is liable to run away. 

This can save your dog's life. There is nothing scarier than losing your beloved dog and with PAJ PET Finder you will know where to find your dog if the worst does happen. It really does give you peace of mind when you are out with your dog and it is so simple to use and gives you your dog's location from your phone. 

I can not recommend this enough if you have a trail dog. It is lightweight and simple to use and will become second nature to have when hitting the trails with your pup. Plus it gives you complete peace of mind you know where your dog is at all times. Plus it is really affordable too. 

Christmas gift guide for mountain bikers 2022

Well, Christmas is nearly upon us, isn't it? I did a Christmas gift guide for mountain bikers a few years back and it did really well. I think because we, mountain bikers are quite hard to buy for it you don't actually mountain bike or are just lost for gift ideas. So I thought It is time to update the list and get some new products on your radar. 

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 on my list. So let's get to the gift ideas. 

Bigger items 

 

Clothing 

I am obsessed with Endura kit. Everything they make is amazing and you would be doing any mountain biker a favour with any item from Endura but I can't put them all in the guide so here are a couple of top picks. 

Endura X Hope Tech long-sleeve jersey Two of my favourite brands on a jersey! yes, please. Plus just look at it that's one cool jersey. 

WOMENS MT500 SPRAY BAGGY TROUSER II women's or men's MT500 trousers are hands down the best winter trousers I have ever owned you will see a full review on here it you look at the gear tab. 

 MT500 BURNER FLAT SHOE I mean they look good and keep your feet planned on the pedal. 

These teamed with Hope Tech flat pedals are my sweet spot. 

THERMOLITE® II SOCK these are the reason my feet are toasty. I suffer really badly from cold feet until I found these. I also recommend Endura waterproof socks.

MT500 FREEZING POINT WATERPROOF GLOVE I have written a full review of these so check that out. 

Hope Technology 

We all know how good any Hope Technology products are so I would be doing an injustice if I didn't mention Hope Technology.  

I have also been a Hope Tech lover for many years. I actually got my first set of Hope Tech E4 brakes for a birthday many years ago. I credit them with changing my riding for the better I am not exaggerating. Hope Tech products just hit differently. I fully recommend if you are going to buy one big item from Hope Tech to start your love affair with, you need their brakes. They are ride-changing.  They have this year realised a new version of their cult breaks and I will write a full post on them but to put it simply they are game changers. 

I also need to mention their pedals with the release of their new union clip pedals everyone has covered whether you are a flat pedal user or like to be clipped in.

I mean if we are going there is no spending limit have you seen their bikes? I mean My HB130 is pretty special, right? And if you fancy something hot off the press you need to check out the HB916 that is almost too nice to ride. 

But if you are on a budget why not buy some Hope technology bling for the person's bikes. They do everything from top caps to handlebars. The choice is endless. 

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. 

What the brand says

"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"

Smaller but mighty gifts 

A stunning calendar by the amazing Pete Scullion. This man is well-known in the mountain biking industry for his photography skills, Pete has won many awards and he's pretty nifty on a bike too. 

You might know him for his endless cover shots in Single Track World magazine and for his bike reviews. This man has photo skills for sure he can even make me look good on a bike. 

You can buy his amazing calendar by contacting the man himself on Instagram. I promise this will impress the mountain biker in your life. This year's calendar is filled with incredible mountain shots. Hey, you don't have to be into mountain biking to love these calendars. All photos were taken in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Only £20 delivered They are super high-quality A3 size with the cover in a Matte laminate. I don't want to spoil the calender too much but this is my favourite photo. 

Mudguard

A mudhugger these are fantastic mudguards for your bike. Mudhugger does a huge range of options in mudguards and accessories. I have the Evo bolt-on, on my bikes. I love that these are customisable too.  You can buy decals for your mud hugger. They are hands down the best mudguard I have used. It keeps the mud out of my eye and looks pretty good too. Mudhugger has numerous awards and they really are awesome for this time of year. Another awesome British brand. 

Bike protection

Rimpact is also known as the thing that saves your wheels. I have tyre inserts in all my bikes they are worth their 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"

Goggles 

My Goggles of choice are 100%. I have never had so many questions on IG about goggles then when I started posting these 100% Accuri 2 MTB Goggles. I was looking for ages for a pair that matched my Endura full facer and I also wanted a bit of pink. Because well it's me. I really like these goggles and they fit my helmet really well. They don't steam up and the field of vision is really good too. Plus they just look cool. 100% have a massive range of goggles and price ranges. 

The Accuri 2 returns to set the benchmark for a premium performance goggle. Delivering utmost protection, visibility and comfort for sight to line while performing, with an ever wider field of view that ever before.

Phone and GoPro accessories

Using a GoPro is becoming commonplace. So with this, you need to mount it somehow to yourself or your bike. Enter Snap mounts for your GoPro. These are gaining popularity in the MTB community. They look super clever and are 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."

We all know Muc-off they do a great range of bike cleaning products. But I am talking about their Essentials Case. This is currently on sale for £4.50. Perfect for keeping your phone or repair kit safe in your riding bag. I know I am always worried I'm one big crash from having to pay for a new phone screen. 

Looking for a hard-as-nails Essentials Case for your phone, essential tools and/or puncture repair kits? Roger that! We’ve engineered a handy storage solution, ideal for all bike riders; from the trails to the tarmac and everything in-between.

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 don't 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 have come from. Zwift itself 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 - Ruffwear

There is no getting away from the quality that Ruffwear offers. We have used their front-range harness for years and I have to say they are the best. Mylo has just been sent the new Flagline™ Dog Harness with Handle and I think this might be our new favourite for trail dogs. It's light but has great handles for control and it looks really good on him. 

The Flagline Harness is a fast, light, and comfortable body harness with a nimble design that keeps dogs in their flow, from scrambling in the backcountry to conquering everyday obstacles.

A handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel make for easy lift-and-assist in a minimal design good for all-day wear. High adjustability and easy on/off make the Flagline secure and accessible, especially popular among tripods, deeming it the harness of choice for giving dogs a little boost and a lot of freedom when the path ahead is anything but flat

There are no bad products from Ruffwear if you need any advice pop me a dm on Instagram, 

 

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, a lightweight 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 a self-tightening tool and a neoprene bag. The perfect tool for endurance racing, training and touring"

This is a very helpful gift Dynaplug Air tubeless MTB tyre repair and inflation kit. If the worst thing happens and you get a flat tyre on the trail. This handy kit can save the day. 

An all in one tyre repair and reinflation solution, there is no faster way to get yourself back up and rolling than the Dynaplug Air

Dynaplug is the fastest, easiest and all-round best way to repair a tubeless tyre mid-ride. When needed, just remove whatever caused the puncture, firmly push the novel insertion tube straight into the hole and extract the tool depositing the repair plug in the tyre, done!

The Air system has an added twist. If a tyre has lost too much pressure, just discharge the CO2 cartridge to reinflate the tyre before withdrawing the plug insertion tool, leaving you ready to go in seconds

The sealant-friendly repair plug is a unique viscoelastic impregnated rubber that bonds instantly and permanently with your tyre, and the nonabrasive brass tip will not scratch your rim or puncture your rim tape

No need to remove the tyre, no messy glues or solvents, just plug and ride!

Long MTB version designed to ensure the CO2 vents end up well inside the tyre, even past aggressive treads, for 35c or smaller road tyres please use our ROAD Air with a shorter insertion tube

Stocking fillers.

Ducks

Well, isn't this the cutest little thing! This is a bike duck. I have to say I had never heard of these but apparently, they have a bit of a cult following. I would like to thank the admins of a woman's MTB group I am part of for this entry. To be honest they helped a lot with this guide. So thank you, lovely ladies. But how friking adorable is this little fellow. No more lonely solo spins when you have your Bike duck. They come in a range of styles and they are lights and bell and under £4. I mean how can you not order one? 

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. 

Tough Women Adventure Stories: Stories of Grit, Courage and Determination

I have this book sat beside me to read and it looks incredible. Making it the perfect gift. 

What the author says
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 clips together so you don't lose them and you can fit them in your pocket or bag. 

What the brand says
"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 amazon as we used to actually order them from the USA. 

What the brand says

"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 fave sweets is Candy Kittens I love them they do a wide range of flavours and gift options. Some of their 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 Banana & Chocolate Porridge Oat Bars. Stoats are a nice little British brand that offers 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 gifts from smaller brands. 

Happy Christmas & Feel free to share this post. 

 

Endura Women's MT500 Spray Baggy Trouser II Review

Today it is time to talk winter kit. The weather up here has changed and we have more wet and windy days than anything else. So that means one thing it's time to get the winter kit out. I am going to do a series of these winter kit reviews as I know a lot of us wonder what to wear in winter. 

I like to think living up here in the Highlands having Fort William as my locals I know a thing or two about riding in all weather but up here we spend more time in our winter gear than most people. My go-to winter riding trousers have been the Endura Women's MT500 burner pants if you look at my Instagram you will see I have lived in these over the years. I love them. After years of not being able to find a pair of mountain biking trousers that fit me. I had found a pair that not only fitted but that looked incredible and kept me warm. Thanks to one of my close friends for the recommendation. 

I am super lucky to have got my hand on the newly released Endura Women's MT500 Spray Trouser II in cayenne. They also come in Black.

First the elephant in the room. The Endura MT500 baggy pants look a bit crumpled on me and that is because this ride was some of the worst rain showers I have ever ridden in but I really wanted to put these trousers to the test. Standing for these shots I was very blue and I completely forgot to adjust them. My cameraman couldn't even see the screen so we just had to hope we actually got some photos for you all. 

The Endura Women's MT500 spray trousers are favoured by some pretty special women riders like Mikayla Parton and Rachel Atherton. So I knew they would be good and I have of course been wearing an older version for years but just how good are they and can they hold up in a Highland storm? 

The design 

The Mt500 spray baggy trousers have been designed with expertise and precision. Endura has spent a lot of time developing these new woman's spray trousers. They are the ultimate all-rounder trouser. Designed to excel in damp and changing conditions. 

This trouser features a waterproof taped seat panel. Which I put to the test this day and it kept my bum nice and dry considering the conditions I am not sure how that was possible. The waterproof seat panel helps save your bum from water spraying up from your rear wheel. Or your friends trying to soak you in the puddles. We all have that one friend, right? 

The spray trouser is made from durable stretch nylon fabric giving comfort and complete moveability on the bike. The front panel is made from a 4-way stretch front panel allowing better movement on the mountain bike. The women's spray trousers are finished DWR coated to help water to just bead on the non-waterproof parts of the trousers. This means the water will not soak through the trouser and should just bead off and that is what it did for me.

DWR is a ground-breaking treatment that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, PFC free and is part of Endura's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Yes, Endura go you. I could go on and on about Endura as a company and all their amazing policies but If you have a few mins go and read it here. 

The sizing 

I am a size 6/8 I am wearing a size xs. When I was a size 10 I wore a small. Hopely that gives you an indication of sizing.  I am also wearing the Endura women's single track liner underneath. The women's MT500 Spray baggy trousers II have the Clickfast poppers feature so any of Endura's Clickfast liners can be worn with them also. 

The Women's Spray trouser comes in a size XS to XXL. This gives a UK dress size range from 8 to 20. With XS being 8/10 and XXL being 18/20. Which I am loving! You might not know this about me but I have been on the larger side having been a size 22 in the past. So I love seeing an inclusive sizing range.

 

Adjustments 

The Women's MT500 Spray Trouser have quite a few adjustment features. There is a velcro waist adjuster Which acts like a belt to keep the trouser in the right place. I normally have them on the tightest fitting and they work great for me. The waist at the front has a zip and popper fastening to really make sure there is no way of your pants falling down. I mean that would be pretty embarrassing. 

 

The baggy spray trousers also have lower leg adjustment so you can easily get your trousers on and off. These make the trouser a really nice shape on the bike and allow a lot more freedom of movement and no change of any material catching on your bike. 

The Endura woman spray trousers also have some thigh vents for some extra ventilation. 

 

Knee pads compatible 

Of course one of the most important thing about any mountain biking trousers is do knee pads fit underneath them. I have tried all my Endura knee pad under these from the bulkiest Endura's MT500 hard shell knee pads to the slimmer line one and they all fit like a dream and still allows you to have full freedom of movement on the bike. You can actually see the water beading in these photos. 

Other notable features
The Endura Spray trousers also feature two zip pockets to secure your items.

My Review

I was at first completely drawn to the colour of these. They remind me of team Atherton. Now I am not saying if you buy these you will be able to shred down a trail at Rachel or Gee's speed. These MT500 spray trousers were built for riders who are not afraid to hit the trails in any weather and we know that is me. 

I really like the cut of these trousers I like that they are baggy but not too baggy. Being overly baggy just wouldn't work for me on the bike. I would be all tangled and headfirst in a bush. These are a great shape for me. 

They fit me really well which is no mean feat as I am an unusual size. I am pretty small thanks to all the cycling and training I do. I am over the moon with Endura sizing range in these trousers.  

They are so comfy to wear you forget you are wearing MTB trousers. I have complete freedom of movement on my bike. I move around my bike a lot, especially when riding wet loamy trails. It is always best to be able to do some crazy moves on the bike than fall right and that is me. I will use my body to save me sometimes. 

The Women MT500 spray Baggy trousers II have been crashed in and they survived. As I said I like to move about the bike that doesn't always mean I ain't coming off. The trouser held up really well without any marks or anything. 

So the storm test. They might not be fully waterproof but they did help keep me on the trails when the weather was wet and awful. I get cold really easily and these kept me drier for long enough to stay out on the bike even in a hoolie. The waterproof back panel is a god send and just amazing for winter and autumn riding. 

So all in all I would highly recommend the Endura MT500 Spray trousers II to any woman who is looking for winter riding pants that will keep you pedalling for longer this winter season. Plus the red colour is amazing.