2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Would your significant other rather ride the trainer than go powder skiing with his buddies? Maybe you have a son or daughter gunning for a spot at the 2024 Olympics. Or perhaps it is you who is always charging up the climb, knowing that hard work now could pay podium dividends later. If any of this sounds familiar, these 10 gifts for the crazy competitive cross-country racer should be on your holiday shopping list.

SRAM XX1

SRAM XX1 Drivetrain

For the ultimate in lightweight precision, you can't go wrong with SRAM's flagship 1x11 drivetrain system. The single ring set-up provides enough gear range for all but the toughest cross-county courses - and it makes shifting decisions while cross-eyed in the pain cave simpler: click here for harder, click there for easier. Chain security is bolstered by the XX1's thick-thin X-SYNC chainring, and the clutch rear derailleur keeps mind-numbing chain slap at a minimum. Price: $1,600 including brakes | More info at www.sram.com

Trek Pro Caliber 9.9 SL

Don't be swayed by those silly "December to Remember" Lexus commercials. Put a bow on a bike instead of a luxury sedan. And for hammerhead racers, few (if any) rigs will match the pure speed of Trek's top-of-the-line Pro Caliber 9.9 29er. Our size medium tester weighed a scant 19.8 pounds out of the box, and before you balk at the lack of rear suspension, remember that this bike utilizes Trek's innovative Isospeed decoupler, which allows the seat tube to move independently of the connection between the seatstay and the top tube, adding a small but detectable amount of ride smoothing compliance, traction and control without weight penalty or loss of pedaling efficiency. Sounds perfect for chasing the top of the podium. Price: $8000 | More info at www.trekbikes.com

Louis Garneau Gravel Shoe

Louis Garneau Gravel Shoe

No, this isn't the lightest or stiffest cross-country shoe on the market. But at just $99 it's a great value for the rider who is just getting into racing and wants to save a few dollars for entry fees and post-race burritos. The Louis Garneau Gravel Shoe's grippy outsole provides plenty of traction when off the bike and it's designed to shed mud well if Mother Nature decides to rain on the parade. Closure straps are offset, increasing heel security, and these shoes have cleat position indicators, making set-up easier. Price: $99 | More info at www.louisgarneau.com

Ergon SMR3 Pro Saddle

Ergon SMR3 Pro Saddle

The choice of the Topeak Ergon Racing Team (and recent Leadville 100 record breaker Alban Lakata), the SM3 Pro has increased give for more freedom of movement. Padding is enhanced with AirCell technology that has micro air pockets for better support and damping. TiNox rails and a carbon composite shell help keep weight low, and it comes in three different sizes to assure you get the right fit for your backside. Price: $130 | More info at www.ergon-bike.com

Togs

TOGS Thumb Over Grip System

This ingenious little invention from TOGS creates additional hand positions on your handlebars, allowing you to change your grip on longer rides when numbness and hand fatigue might otherwise be an issue. And now it comes in a lightweight 18-gram version that's 40 percent carbon fiber. Price: $23-$35 | More info at togs.com

Continue to page 2 for more gifts for the crazy competitive cross-country racer »

Vee Tire

Vee Rail Tracker Tire

Built with XC racing in mind, Vee's 120 tpi Rail Tracker has low profile center knobs for fast rolling, but plenty of side knob grip when you're blasting though tight turns. Available in 2.0 and 2.2 for 29" and 27.5, with both standard and tubeless ready versions. Price: $53 | More info at veetireco.com

FOX Fork

FOX 32 Suspension Fork

If it's good enough for former XC world champions Julien Absalon and Catharine Pendrel, the FOX 32 is good enough for the cross-country racer in you life. FOX's lightest fork platform features lockout mode for increased efficiency, and a new FIT4 three position damper for improved control. Available in 26, 27.5 and 29-inch models with optional Kashima coating and travel ranging from 100mm to 150mm. Price: $850 | More info at www.ridefox.com

Kask Rex Helmet

Kask Rex Helmet

Italy's Kask has a dedicated cross-country helmet (the Vertigo XC), but we prefer the Rex for its greater amount of head coverage on the side and back. Top line features include 20 vents for max ventilation, a ratcheting adjustable visor, and a leather chin strap for increased comfort. There's also a protective polycarbonate layer that covers the shell on the top, on the base ring and the back. Seems like a no brainer when you are buying this to protect the brain of a loved one. Price: $200 (available starting in January 2016) | More info at www.kask.it

AbsoluteBlack Oval Chainring

AbsoluteBlack Oval Chainring

There is no shortage of anecdotal evidence that oval chainrings can make you faster. They've certainly worked well for that Chris Froome guy. During the power portion of you pedal stroke, the ring acts like a normal round ring, but the oval shape lessens resistance when your foot is coming over the top. Britain-based AbsoluteBlack has a vast suite of oval ring offerings with compatibility with SRAM and Shimano drivetrains. Price: From $66 | More info at www.absoluteblack.cc

Showers Pass

Showers Pass Bamboo-Merino Henley Shirt


You need something to wear after the race, right? You might as well be comfortable and look good. Enter the Showers Pass Bamboo-Merino Henley Shirt. The bamboo fibers are soft and cool to the skin. Merino wool provides warmth and keeps stink at bay, even if you skip the post-race shower in favor of a trip to the brew pub. Price: $95 | More info at www.showerspass.com

This article is part of Mtbr's 2015 Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas and holiday guides, CLICK HERE.