Shopping for the ideal gift can be stressful, especially if you are unfamiliar with the needs of a mountain biker. To simplify the process, we’ve curated a list of our staff’s favorite items they hope to find under the Christmas tree this holiday season. Can’t find something fitting? Explore our whole gift guide here!

Popular Gift Ideas 

Outbound Lighting Evo Downhill Package

The gift of an Outbound lighting system allows your loved one to ride safely at night. The Trail Evo handlebar light and Hangover headlight combine to provide excellent vision in pitch-dark conditions, allowing riders to continue to rack up miles in the dark days of winter. Gifting a set of Outbound lights gives someone more opportunities to ride, which is what we mountain bikers truly want this holiday season.

 

Smith Wildcat Sunglasses 

A quality pair of glasses is something every rider should have, but very few will actually buy for themselves. The oversized lens of these Smith Wildcats offers goggle-like protection while maintaining the feel of traditional sunglasses. The Wildcats are a great option for high-speed descents or road rides, as their large profile protects them from the elements and debris. Their extensive coverage makes them the best option for muddy trails and puddle splashing, helping to keep my eyes clear of grit and grime. 

 

EVOC Hydro Pro 3 + 1.5L Bladder

This EVOC hydration vest has quickly become one of our staff's preferred hydration packs for big days and is the ideal gift for riders looking to increase storage and hydration on long adventures. Not to be confused with a clumsy backpack-style hydration system, this vest is sleek and compact, even when its 1.5L bladder is full. The Hydro Pro sits relatively high on the back, and its two adjustable chest straps keep a close-fitting feel, even when hitting jumps or pinning it through rock gardens. EVOC’s bite valve hydration tube can be easily actuated and remains securely in place via a magnet on the chest strap. For riders who don’t like the weight distribution or feel of a hip pack, this EVOC vest is a fantastic option.

 

Stocking Stuffers 

Lezyne Bottle Cage

A quality bottle cage is one of those items riders only realize the worth of once they've had to deal with the headaches of a cheap one. This Lezyne cage features a side-loading profile for easy access in compact frames and keeps  bottles securely seated on rough descents. Oval mounting holes allow for fine-tuning positioning on the frame, and the cage is available in left or right-side configurations.

 

Fanatik Water Bottle

With many colors and designs to choose from and available in 22 and 26-ounce sizes, these water bottles will help keep your favorite rider hydrated. The simple truth is most bikers are probably using a gross bottle that should have been replaced many years ago, so a fresh one will never go unappreciated. Purist technology shields the inside of the bottle from any bad taste, mold, or staining, so this bottle stays clean longer, and the water always tastes pure.

 

Tifosi Swick Glasses 

The Tifosi Swick glasses provide the clarity and protection of high-end eyewear at a fraction of the cost. Unlike most cheap eyewear that feels like flimsy hardware store safety glasses, these glasses feature a solid construction. Shatterproof lenses offer protection against flying debris, while the slip-resistant nose pads keep the glasses securely in place no matter how rowdy the trail gets.

 

Apparel / Protection

Trailcross GTX

The Trailcross GTX is such a game-changer for winter riding that it is the only repeat item from last year's gift guide. The ultimate wet-weather riding shoe, the Trailcross, was built from the ground up, starting with the Five Ten dotted outsole for maximum grip in slick conditions. The sole was further refined with hiking in mind, bringing the additional ridged grip to the toe and heel. The shoe's hi-top design allows for use in more extreme conditions alongside GORE-TEX waterproof technology for all-weather protection. The Trailcross GTX utilizes a reinforced upper for added stability—a neoprene hook and loop ankle cuff help to keep debris out of the shoe, keeping one's feet dry no matter the conditions. 

 

Hydromatic Brisker Glove

Low temperatures are one of the biggest obstacles keeping riders off their bikes in the winter months, but thankfully, Mother Nature has met her match with the 100% Hydromatic Brisker Glove. It's a low-profile glove engineered to keep riders going fast in cold, wet weather. The insulated shell is waterproof and breathable, keeping riders dry without sacrificing bike control. 

 

Smith Forefront 2

Give the gift of safety this holiday season with Smith's premier half-shell helmet, the Forefront 2. Most notably, the Forefront 2 has more Koroyd paneling that encompasses nearly the entirety of the helmet. This model also has integrated front and rear storage for eyewear and a mounting point for Smith's light mount for winter night rides.

 

Components

Mucky Nutz Mud Guard

 

 

Specialized Hillbilly Tires

Riding in the winter comes with a particularly heightened lack of traction due to copious amounts of mud, slick roots, and the occasional snowfall. Thankfully, the Specialized Hillbilly is perfect for tackling these exact conditions, featuring well-spaced, aggressive center spikes that deliver traction in winter weather. The Hillbilly's larger shoulder knobs bite in sloppy conditions making it a fantastic option for wet, muddy conditions.