Mountain bikers are some of the hardest people to buy for in my opinion because they are pretty picky about what they use. For example some are die hard SRAM users while others are Shimano. Some use flat pedals, other only use clipless. Some are all about the lycra and some are only wear baggie shorts.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers to these or even know what some of these words mean. Below I have currated a list of what I think are the best gifts that are both useful and functional for any mountain biking family out there. These are items that I personally would love to give and love to give to my fellow riders.
Wild Rye Keller Crop Top
Another multi functional piece that pairs super well with the Wild Rye Freeda or Rita shorts. I also wear mine with everything actually. It’s super cute with jeans, yoga pants and even overalls. I love the high neck and crop top combo. It is flattering and works for mountain biking and running outside super well because I often forget to put sunscreen on my neck/chest area and this naturally covers it.
Women’s Wild Rye shorts
I love these shorts because they can be worn with a chamois, with out one and are super comfortable and fashionable for off the bike as well! The patterns are fun, the fit is loose and relaxed and the pocket placement are both on point and deep enough for a snack, phone or sunglasses. I have been wearing these non stop since I got them. I put them on in the mornings when I know that eventually I will be going on a ride and then I don’t take them off till well after my ride. They are amazing. The only choice you have to make for your person is what length you think they will like. My advice is to check out what else they wear to ride and go off of that.
Patagonia Mens Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts:
I love these Patagonia shorts because they can be worn with a chamois, with out one and are super comfortable and fashionable for off the bike as well! The patterns are fun, the fit is loose and relaxed and the pocket placement are both on point and deep enough for a snack, phone or sunglasses. I have been wearing these non stop since I got them. I put them on in the mornings when I know that eventually I will be going on a ride and then I don’t take them off till well after my ride. They are amazing. The only choice you have to make for your person is what length you think they will like. My advice is to check out what else they wear to ride and go off of that.
Dirt Roamer Storm Pants
I love these shorts because they can be worn with a chamois, with out one and are super comfortable and fashionable for off the bike as well! The patterns are fun, the fit is loose and relaxed and the pocket placement are both on point and deep enough for a snack, phone or sunglasses. I have been wearing these non stop since I got them. I put them on in the mornings when I know that eventually I will be going on a ride and then I don’t take them off till well after my ride. They are amazing. The only choice you have to make for your person is what length you think they will like. My advice is to check out what else they wear to ride and go off of that.
Branwyn Essential Racer Back Sports Bra
This bra and the Essential Bralette have been my go to’s for the past few months now. For the high impact trail runs and single track mountain bike rides the racer back is my new favorite bra. It hugs me in all the right places while still letting me breathe and fully expand my rib cage during high intensity workouts. And since it’s wool, it breathes well and does not stink even after my big big days where I am a sweaty mess. Instead it wicks and keeps me cool even on the hottest days. The bralette has been my everyday choice as it’s perfect for everyday activities. I have even worn it on some gravel and road rides where I won’t be bouncing as much, and it has held everything in place surprisingly well. I don’t have the biggest bust, so if you have more than a C cup, I would still only recommend this bra for yoga and other low impact activities.
Dyna plugs
I had honestly never had to use these until last November when I got a side wall puncture in 24 Hour mountain bike World Championships. It literally saved my race. All I did was stick a plug in, pump my tire up and it held until I got into the pit. Later on at another adventure race, we had to put one in my teammates tire and it held for over 100 miles and honestly is still in the tire! They are so small and can fit anywhere on your bike or in your backpack. These are a must and even if your biker already has some, they will gladly accept more.
Tubulito:
I had honestly never had to use these until last November when I got a side wall puncture in 24 Hour mountain bike World Championships. It literally saved my race. All I did was stick a plug in, pump my tire up and it held until I got into the pit. Later on at another adventure race, we had to put one in my teammates tire and it held for over 100 miles and honestly is still in the tire! They are so small and can fit anywhere on your bike or in your backpack. These are a must and even if your biker already has some, they will gladly accept more.
Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair+ Home Mechanic Starter Kit
I got this for my husband who works on my bike already but we were missing a few tools AND he wanted to know a bit more about maintaining our bikes more effectively. The book is easy to follow and read, and the tools (15 of them) are all tools that we either needed a few more of or didn’t have yet. All in all it’s a great kit for the beginner to intermediate home mechanic!
Muc Off Bike Pressure Washer
All bikes get dirty, but a clean bike is so pretty, and so much easier to work on! We use this almost every other day. It has become a neighborhood staple, as all of us ride most days rain or shine. It’s so fun to use as well and has actually become the kids job. As an extra bonus, it also works great on cars! For the full kit you can get nice cloths and special soap for the drive train, frame and even a finishing coat that keeps the dirt off for longer.
Fenix Lighting Taillight
For any rider, I feel having a tail light on your bike is a must. You never know when you are going to be caught out after dark, and it is just a good thing to always have on your bike for when you are on busy streets. I commute on my mountain bike a ton and I race 24 hour mountain bike races so my taillight just lives on my bike. I love this one from Fenix because it is rechargable. I really disliked always having to change the battery of my previous one. This one runs forever. I charge it maybe once a month and it’s super bright. I now have one on all of my kids bikes as well, as now they are super into night rides! Use Bendracing25 for 20% off!
4 Hour Fuel
I’ll be honest, this is my husbands company. But if you know me, you know that I won’t go on any long ride or run with out this stuff. I race with it, I train with it and I absolutely love it. It has everything you need nutritionally for those big and long efforts. So for those riders that LOVE to get after it for 3 hours or more, gift them this and I bet they will love you for it. One serving is 4 hours worth of calories and it fits in a bike bottle! It’s light, it’s yummy and it’s the only thing like it on the market.
A Gift Card to The Feed
Every rider that I know loves to eat, and if they are not eating while they ride, well then send them to me because we need to have a chat. Food is fuel, and for many riders, a mixture of gummies, gels and bars is what they love. The Feed is amazing because it’s like Amazon for riders. On one site it has everything from protein powders, to recovery tools, to backpacks to energy food. I’ve been using them for a few months now and have been impressed with their selection of protein powders and supplements! Use the code above and get $20 off your first order.
Kids Bikes:
If it’s time for a new bike for your kid, check out my article “The very best kids bikes out there!” it covers all the bikes from balance to mountain. And while my kids are not yet on 24 or 26er bikes, the brands I cover go that far, and all of them would be great choice depending on where your family likes to ride!
Maya Full Face Helmet
This full face helmet is lightweight, easy to put on and seems to be comfortable as my kid will wear it even when he is not doing jumps or big downhill rides. It converts from an enduro full face to a regular helmet with the press of two buttons, making it super easy to take on and off mid ride. Max will always want to start with it on a trail ride, and then will ask to take it off if it gets too hot. It adjusts in a way that is intuitive and easy which I really appreciate. I also love this company, as Brad the owner is on a mission to make the safest helmets on the market. Through constant testing and pushing the limits, he is making some amazing strides and I have loved watching from the sidelines and wearing his ultra light and super protective helmets!
Ride PDW Sipp Bottle Holder
While my youngest loves to ride with a camelback with his own hydration bladder, my oldest wants to carry as little as possible. This water bottle holder has been a game changer because he can carry his own water for our family rides with out needing to carry a backpack. An honestly, I am fine with carrying all of the water, but I love not having to worry about getting everyone water all the time. Instead, when we stop at the junctions, all I have to say is “everybody drink!” This would be a fun stocking stuffer, especially if you are getting your little one a bike!
Woom Kids Pop Basket
Woom bikes are my absolute favorite bikes for kids under 6. Their line of bikes have been instrumental in helping my kids find the joy in riding on two wheels. From their balance bikes to their Woom Off’s, I am always impressed with what they have thought of as far as the fit, components and weight of their bikes. This little basket has been a great little accessory that makes riding around even more fun. My 5 year old loved being able to carry his favorite snack and stuffed animal with him to the park. I highly recommend it as an add on to their bikes!
Specialized Youth Trail Shorts:
If your kids love clothes like mine do and get excited to wear their “mountain clothes” when they head out on adventures then take a look at the Specialized clothing selection. These shorts are my absolute favorite (and my son’s too) as they adjust to his tiny waist thanks to the inner adustable elastic band and they are longer which keeps his legs protected and he likes how they both feel and look. They are breathable, not too hot and keep him comfortable. I see him wearing these same shorts for many years because of their length and adjustability!
Five Ten Free Rider Hook and Loop Mountain Bike Shoes
If your family is riding some bumpier single track or heading to the pump track a lot, I highly recommend these shoes. The grip on them helps them stick to their pedals which is crucial for more technical terrain. Note that even if it does not see that technical to you, even a dirt road can seem very bumpy to little kids. I learned this the hard way when my son kept on flying off his pedals over and over again. At the time I was riding clipless so I just thought it went with riding on flat pedals. However, now that I am also riding flats more and more, having mountain bike specific shoes helps build their confidence immensely! These are easy on easy off, and have exceptional grip. Now my kids love to wear them as their everyday shoes because they are so comfortable.
Fox Racing Youth Protection Gear:
A few weeks ago, I took my boys to the pump track thinking that they would only want to do the small rollers. However much to my excitement and absolute terror, my oldest son wanted to go bigger and bigger. He didn’t have anything on but a full face helmet and so I let him go as far as I was comfortable. The next time we went, I geared him up with elbow and knee pads and let him play all he wanted. At first he whined, but then after falling down a few times, he thanked me at the end for protecting his skin. If you have a kid who is showing interest in the downhill or jumps realm of mountain biking, I highly recommend these elbow and knee pads. They fit even the skinniest of kids (mine!) and will grow with them- I know because they fit me!
Industry Nine Wheels
Looking for something blingy, light AND durable?? Input Industry Nine wheels. Customize the spoke color to match your person’s bike or personality. It will turn heads and make your partner feel so good when riding their bike. Trust me, on the days where I am not feeling like riding my bike, I go out and just look at my bike and immediately get excited to ride. Not only do they look good, but their wheels are some of the best made wheels on the market. No matter your riding style, enduro, cross country or gravel, you can get the fun colored spokes that shimmer and shine in all types of light.
AX1 Infinity Bike Seat
My team and I have been riding on Infinity Seats for 2 years now. While I was skeptical for the first couple of rides, It did not take me long to realize that I was only resisting the change because I was so used to wearing a chamois. The Infinity Bike seat is made by a US based chiropractor who has a ton of knowledge in bike fitting, the human body and cycling for long periods of time. After an injury, he spent a huge amount of his time researching, tweeking and finally making what is now known as the best long distance bike seat out there. I have ridden this seat now for 1000’s of miles and have yet to get any saddle sores, and this is with out wearing a chamois! I now only wear regular bike shorts or orienteering pants with out any padding. The simplicity is amazing and the no sore spots is even more incredible. I recommend this bike seat to anyone now. Commuters, weekend warriors, gravel bikers, road bikers and more.
Full bike tune up at a Bike shop
An amazing gift to any avid mountain biker is a complete tune up at a nice bike shop by a good mechanic. If you don’t know who this is in your town, ask around or even slyly ask the person you are going to give this gift to. If anyone gave me this, I would be so excited. There’s nothing better than getting your own bike cleaned and tuned up by a great mechanic who knows what they are doing. Many shops offer different packages such as getting the brakes bled or getting the shock serviced. If you know your someone needs this, I’d say go for it. And if you don’t, you could always get them a gift certificate for when they do need to get their bike serviced!
Garmin Enduro 3
An amazing gift to any avid mountain biker is a complete tune up at a nice bike shop by a good mechanic. If you don’t know who this is in your town, ask around or even slyly ask the person you are going to give this gift to. If anyone gave me this, I would be so excited. There’s nothing better than getting your own bike cleaned and tuned up by a great mechanic who knows what they are doing. Many shops offer different packages such as getting the brakes bled or getting the shock serviced. If you know your someone needs this, I’d say go for it. And if you don’t, you could always get them a gift certificate for when they do need to get their bike serviced!
Smith Bobcat Sunglasses
Eye protection is key when riding, especially on dirt. I love my Smith Bobcats, they have been all over the world and my main glasses in countless mountain bike and adventure races. They have the right amount of wrap around coverage and fit my face super well. Every woman I see them on looks great, in fact I have yet to find a face they don’t look good on. However, more than looks, they stay on my face even on the roughest descents and many times I forget I have them on. They come with three different lens and are easy to switch between the lens. 10/10 recommend!
Crank Brothers Stamp 7 Pedals
For the past year I have gone from full clipless pedals to full time flat pedals. There are many reasons for this, but for the most part it is because of adventure racing and my training for AR. To my surprise it has also helped up my mtb skills and has also completely taken away my knee pain! I credit this to being able to move around on the pedals through out my long rides. Getting use to them took some time, but once I found Crank Brothers, I was hooked. These pedals have so much grip and power transfer. They are also super light
(345g per pair) and have the added bonus of matching my wheels! While yes they are not the lightest flat pedals out there, they are very durable and have the best warranty out there!
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