Holiday shopping is often stressful, especially if you are trying to find the perfect gift for a mountain biker. An odd bunch that are typically most content in the solitude of the woods, it can be challenging to get a straight answer as to what we’d like to find waiting for us under the Christmas tree. To help you navigate the confusion of mountain bike gift-giving, we've compiled a list of our top gifts. Not finding anything compelling? Check out our entire gift-guide, here!
Fanatik Speed Team LS
Slick, clean, and embellished with racing checkers and the Fanatik logo, this long sleeve shirt is a safer bet than a pair of socks from your sweet old grandma. Sorry granny, this shirt is a wee bit cooler than those strange mid-ankle socks we all have stuffed in the furthest depths of our sock drawer. Designed in-house by our graphic designer Ian Morgan, this shirt looks the part out on the trail or in the local brewery.
Fanatik Logo Beanie
If you're in doubt of what size to get in the the Speed Team long-sleeve, look no further; the Fanatik Logo Beanie is for you! There are no gimmicks here, just a comfy, good looking winter hat that anyone would be happy to find in their stocking. Plus, it's guaranteed to fit.
Crank Brothers M17 Tool
The M17 multi-tool is the perfect item to add weight to a stocking. Packed with everything you'll ever need on trail, it's the do-it-all option for a packable multi-tool. The M17 has been a ride-saving addition to my kit, and I've used it more than once to keep my bike rolling mid-ride. I’d argue that saving a loved one from a hike-a-bike back to the car is one of the greatest gifts one can give.
Chromag Pilot Pedals
The Pilot and Pilot BA pedals are the latest creation of Whistler-based Chromag, and their first foray into clipless pedals. As a long-time manufacturer of highly-touted flat pedals such as the Dagga and the Scarab, we've had high expectations for them to match the same performance in a clipless variation. The result is visually striking and based around the exceptional Shimano SPD clip system. The Pilot BA features one of the largest platforms on the market, making it ideal for park laps and those who want to have as much platform underfoot as possible. The trail-oriented Pilot has a slimmer platform that is more similar to the profile of other clipless pedals on the market. Regardless of the model, Chromag’s latest pedal is an excellent gift for any clipless rider looking to replace old and battered SPD pedals.
Deity TMAC
Designed in collaboration with pro rider Tyler McCaul, the TMAC has been a shop favorite for years. This pedal is exceptionally grippy, boasting 14 pins per side on an oversized, concave platform. The beautifully CNC machined platform is available in nine colorways to accent any build.
FiveTen Trailcross Gore-Tex
Give the gift of dry feet this holiday season with the Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex shoes. Few products I’ve reviewed have impacted my riding to the degree that these have. The combination of the GoreTex membrane and neoprene collar creates a genuinely waterproof shoe. Even hub-deep puddles are no longer a threat when paired with overlapping waterproof pants. These shoes perform so well in the Pacific Northwest winters that they can pull me off my beloved clipless pedals for months at a time. These are a must-have item for any wet-weather mountain biker.
Smith Glasses
Eyewear is something I neglected for too long. It wasn’t until I had a chance to test a variety of Smith glasses that I realized how much of a difference quality eye protection makes compared to the cheap safety glasses I've tried in the past. With features like Smith’s ChromaPop Technology and Air-Evac system, Smith glasses are the gold standard for cycling eyewear. Available in a number of frame and lens profiles, there is a model suited for almost every rider.
SRAM Code RSC
The Code RSC is SRAM’s premium 4-piston brake for enduro and downhill riding. A staple across EWS and DH podiums, its elite-level performance is undeniable. Easily tunable with an external reach and bite-point adjustment, these brakes are a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking for more stopping power.
Specialized StumpJumper Evo
Our big-ticket gift, the Stumpjumper EVO is the perfect gift for anyone on the nice list that needs a do-it-all mountain bike. With 150mm of travel, adjustable geometry, SWAT door technology, and Specialized’s S-sizing, the Stumpjumper EVO is one of the most complete packages on the market today. Few trail bikes provide the balance of pedaling performance and downhill capability the Stumpjumper strikes. Frames and completes are available in either carbon or alloy and can be customized further with Specialized’s mixed wheel link.
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