After a few decades spent thrashing plenty of riding gear we’ve realized, there are a few things we always love to receive this time of year. From hip packs to online skills training; these are our best gifts for mountain bikers. Some of the best gifts are things mountain bikers rarely buy themselves but are some of the most treasured. If you didn’t know this, most of us are tightwad dirtbags that never want to throw things away. Just ask my wife why I keep so much rubber (old tires) hanging in the garage.
Their $5000+ mountain bikes, however, matter! For some, their travel experiences with friends to mountain bike destinations also MATTER! Replacing 20-year-old dirt-stained and tattered gear is less important.
10 Best 2017 Holiday Gifts for Dirtbag Mountain Bikers
1 – Gloves
Gloves are easy and normally less than $35. We are really into Handup gloves currently. They’re fun, simple and reasonably priced. http://crankjoy.com/review-handup-gloves/
2 – Socks
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Swiftwick, Save our Sole, Ridge Supply Co and DeFeet are some of the first that come to mind. Our feet are really into Swiftwick
lately due to their superior design at preventing blisters.
3 – Clothing
Choosing a great clothing gift can be challenging due to sizing and personal taste. Jersey’s are much easier than shorts to shop for as well as generally being less expensive. Our current favorite is anything with a 3/4 length sleeve since they are great for both cooler spring and fall days. You can show your style with these jersey’s in the summer too, just push the sleeves up on warmer days!
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Brand favorites and affiliate partners (we make a percentage of the sale) are Compel Wear and Zoic. Use the code “joy15” for 15% off at the checkout at Compel Wear. For Zoic use “CJ20OFF50” for $20 off any purchase of $50 or more (good for any full price items). Another favorite of ours is the new super casual Pearl Izumi Versa line, for clothes you can wear for coffee shop rides and serious trail riding too.
4- Helmets
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
The helmet is the MOST important piece of safety gear for mountain biking. Far too many riders continue to use their helmets WAY beyond their useful status protecting their head. Helmets are basically a piece of styrofoam. Once the helmet has taken a hit and compressed the foam, it is likely useless and needs to be replaced.
At a minimum, the helmet needs a visor and some sort of concussion reducing technology such as MIPS or other alternatives. Leatt, Giro and Bolle (for more XC type riding) are always great choices.
5 – Bike Maintenance Products
These products are the exception on the list in that most mountain bikers don’t skimp on these. They are products that you never seem to have enough of though. Chain lube and tire sealant- DuMonde Tech and Prolink are our normal go-to lubes. Stans Sealant is the standard, but we are finding Truckerco to be a great alternative that’s working nicely and comes with a syringe injector for a little less $.
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
6 – Bucket List Trips
There are guided trips and tour companies available in nearly every popular riding destination. This is a great way to go somewhere new while not having to worry about the detail of planning routes and logistics. Chasing Epic (AZ, CO, NM, UT) and Red Wolf Mountian Bike Tours – (NC Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest) are a couple we really like. For the competitive type Moab Rocks and Singletrack 6 and Blue Ridge Adventures offer some great challenges! Vacation + Mountain Bike Racing= always winning!
7 – Bags – hip/fanny packs
Traditional hydration packs are still the way to go for long rides where you need lots of water food and “just in case” emergency items. On the average 2 hours or less ride that most of do, fanny packs are much more comfortable and get plenty of unwanted weight off your back. North St and High Above are two that we have used and been happy with.
8 – Arm Warmers/Knee Warmers
Arm warmers are one of the best ways to keep warm and regulate temperature in cooler weather. The Elite Thermal Arm Warmers from Pearl Izumi are the best I’ve used. Unlike many others, they are plenty long and actually stay up!
9 – Grips
We are VERY partial to Ergon, but there are other popular alternatives such as ESI, ODI and Lizard Skins.
10 – Training
Ryan Leach Connection online skills coaching, Killercoach online fitness coaching, Ladies All Ride skills clinics are amazing gift ideas. Why not give your beloved mountain biker more skill and fitness. This is an area I think way too many new mountain bikers overlook. Learning proper technique not only can make a better rider but can reduce injuries by teaching proper ways to fall (crash). Coaching may not sound fun to some, but the results most DEFINITELY make riding more FUN!
Many of these products are easily found online, but also don’t forget your local bike shops! Supporting your bike shops is a great way to give back to your local economy. It also supports those who are most likely directly involved with your local trail systems. Everybody wins.
Happy Holidays!![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
