Figuring out holiday gift ideas for enthusiasts can be a challenge. How do you know what's really good? How do you know if the mountain biker on your list already has something? Are you going to have to take out a second mortgage to surprise or impress your favorite rider? Well, here are a few affordable, small gift ideas. And don't forget, you can always help support your local economy by finding out what bike shop is your cyclist's favorite and buy them a gift card.
Pactimo Quick Release Changing Kilt
Pactimo has a brand new product that makes a lot of sense. Called the Quick Release Changing Kilt, it gives you a bit of privacy when switching to your bike clothes when a restroom isn't available. The Kilt has a silicone gripper and low profile velcro closure to keep it securely in place. It is available in four colors: multi (shown), red, manic/black, black. Of course, like many of Pactimo's offerings, the Quick Release Changing Kilt is customizable in your bike club or team's colors. Price: $25 | More info at www.pactimo.com
EEKOE Signature Series Crew Bamboo Socks
This sock has been a startling revelation for us, as nature delivers one amazing textile material in bamboo fibers. The wicking properties of this sock are quite impressive, as our feet stayed dry and odor free even after long rides. They control temperature as well, keeping feet warm on cold days and cool on hot days. And finally, construction is very well done as the stocks stay up in place and the seamless toe box never causes discomfort. Price: $14 | More info at www.eekoe.com
2016 IMBA Mountain Bike Calendar
IMBA stands for the International Mountain Bicycling Association and regardless of whether your mountain biker is a member or not, the 2016 IMBA Wall Calendar will make a great gift. You'll need to donate $40 or more to the IMBA Annual Fund to receive the calendar. But remember, you are donating to the single biggest organization for the expansion and growth of mountain biking world wide. You can't put a price on positive trail mojo. Price: $40 | More info at www.imba.com
White Lightning Chain Cleaner Kit and Chain Lube Kit
These two kits from White Lightning go hand-in-hand. First, the Bicycle Chain Cleaner Kit makes cleaning fast and mess free. Follow that up with the White Lightning No-Mess Chain Lube Kit with the all conditions Epic Ride lube and applicator. These will help your favorite cyclist save time and keep things clean around the garage. Both products work equally well on road bikes as well as mountain bikes. Price: $15 for the Chain Cleaner Kit, $13 for the Chain Lube Kit | More info at www.whitelightningco.com
SKS Flapguard Fender
SKS makes fenders of all kinds and they have a new mountain bike specific fender called the Flapguard Fender that is a simple and lightweight. It can be mounted on the front or rear and works with most forks and will fit 26", 27.5", 29" and plus wheels. If the mountain biker on your list likes to play in the mud, these are a must-have. Price: $15 each | More info at www.sks-germany.com
Fabric Cageless Water Bottle
We discovered the Fabric Cageless Water Bottle earlier this year and found it to be one of those products where you say, Why didn't we think of that? It is a very simple, yet functional design that eliminates the need for a water bottle cage and helps keep the lines of your bike clean. The Fabric 600 ML bottle stays secure even after months of usage. It does require a bit of learning to get the correct placement for taking the bottle on and off, but it is in no way difficult. It comes in a variety of sizes and there is a larger version coming soon. Price: $15 | More info at usa.fabric.cc
Colorado MTB Guide Books by Holly Annala
Colorado is a booming mountain biking destination and two great guide books from author Holly Annala can help anyone plan a dream vacation. Mountain Bike Crested Butte, Gunnison & Salida Singletrack covers those areas and explains in detail all the trail options, including options for beginners as well as high altitude epic adventures. Mountain Bike Durango, Cortez, Dolores and Rico Singletrack covers those areas in-depth, and she shares her 20+ years of living in Colorado with her fellow mountain bikers for all to enjoy. Price: $16 for Crested Butte, Gunnison & Salida Singletrack; $17 for Durango, Cortez, Dolores and Rico Singletrack | More info at www.amazon.com/Mountain-Crested-Gunnison-Salida-Singletrack and www.amazon.com/Mountain-Durango-Cortez-Dolores-Singletrack
unReal Mountain Bike movie DVD+Bluray or download
From the folks that brought us "From the Inside Out", "Arrival" and "Strength in Numbers", Anthill Films created the hottest video for 2015 simply titled "unReal". Featuring such riders as Thomas Vanderham, Steve Smith, Brandon Semenuk, Brett Rheeder, Cam McCaul and more this flick will not disappoint. For a gift to put under the tree, the DVD+Bluray is available but this is a great last minute gift as it is available for download on iTunes or Amazon Video ($13). Price: $30 for DVD and Blu-Ray Combo Pack | More info at anthillfilms.com
Continue to page 2 for more genius stocking stuffers under $50 »
Ergon GE1 Limited Edition Laser Lemon Grips
Ergon was founded on their grip technology and they are keeping true to their roots with the all new GE1 and GE1 Slim grips. These grips are specifically designed for today's wider bars and they are the grip of choice for World Champion Fabien Barel. They support the correct body position for a more aggro riding position and include vibration damping technology. Available in this super flashy new Laser Lemon color and they also come in a "slim" version. Price: $35 | More info at www.ergon-bike.com
Lizard Skins Dry-fiant Shoe Cover
Well known for their grips and bar tape, Lizard Skins also makes gloves and protective shoe covers. If the mountain biker on your list enjoys riding in cold weather, these are a good option to help keep their favorite set of shoes clean and keep their feet warm. The Lizard Skins Dry-fiant Shoe Cover is insulated for warmth and is also wind and water resistant. The logos are reflective in case the ride includes any street riding and it is available in 4 sizes (SM, MD, LG, XL) to fit almost any size shoe. Price: $42 | More info at lizardskins.com
Park Tool PTD-5 Preset Torque Driver
No gift guide would be complete without some type of tool in it. Highlighted here is the brand new Park Tool PTD-5 preset torque driver that comes in 3 different torque ratings (4, 5, 6 Nm) so your favorite cyclist doesn't damage their delicate carbon bits with too much brute force. The driver limits torque applied to fasteners while rotating clockwise. This tool has an all metal internal construction for long life and durability. The PTD-5 includes 3, 4, 5mm and T25 bits stored in the handle. Not sure which torque rating your cyclist needs? Park Tool also offers the ATD-1 adjustable torque driver for varying torque specs (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 or 6 Nm) at a bit higher price than the PTD-5 featured here. Price: $45 | More info at www.parktool.com
Canari Paramount Short
The Paramount Short from Canari works equally well whether you are bombing downhill on your favorite trail or just cruising to the coffee shop down the street. It is a functional baggy that has two front pockets and a zipper fly with snap closure. It also comes with a detachable mesh liner. Available in black or khaki, the Paramount is available in five sizes from SM to XXL. Price: $45 | More info at www.canari.com
Voler Jet Men's Wind Vest or XC Men's Jersey
From Voler we have two options in the under $50 range. The first is the Jet Men's Wind Vest which is a lightweight and packable vest that provides solid wind blockage. It comes in black (shown) and also hi-viz yellow for pavement use. The Jet Wind Vest is available in seven sizes from XXS to 3XL. The Voler XC Men's Jersey is a simple design that has a more relaxed fit than non-MTB specific jerseys. The material is fast wicking and the jersey has 3 rear pockets and an 8" zipper. It is available in grey (shown) and red in four sizes from MD to 2XL. Take your pick or be generous and buy both. Price: $49 each | More info at www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1010H25 and www.voler.com
Bontrager Stormshell Over Sock
The Bontrager Stormshell Over Sock is a unique way for cyclists to keep their feet warm and dry. Unlike the traditional booties that fit over the riders shoes and socks, the Stormshell Over Sock does exactly that, it goes over your socks but inside the shoe. The fabric is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It comes in five sizes (SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL) and has an elasticized top opening for a stay up fit. It can be used in conjunction with overshoe protectors as well. Price: $50 | More info at www.trekbikes.com
Leatt DBX 4.0 Lite Gloves
The Leatt DBX 4.8 Lite Gloves are new for 2016 and they are designed from two levels of impact protection and three cutting-edge materials. These are vented for cooling and pre-curved for comfort. They come in four colors and six sizes (XS-XXL). Price: $50 | More info at www.leatt.com
This article is part of Mtbr's 2015 Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas and holiday guides, CLICK HERE.