Mountain biking is more than just a hobby; it’s a pastime of passion. It’s about conquering challenging trails, exploring new terrain, and pushing personal limits. If there are any MTB enthusiasts in your life, knowing what the best gifts for mountain bikers are can allow you to give them something meaningful, functional, and potentially essential to their favorite hobby.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of essential gifts, showcasing the best gear and accessories for 2023.
Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
There’s no shortage of fantastic gift ideas for mountain bikers, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best. Our top picks accommodate a range of needs and preferences, making it easy for you to find an ideal gift for the mountain biker in your life.
Now, let’s explore the ultimate 2023 guide to the choicest gear and accessories for everyone from the avid mountain biker to your weekend warriors and casual enthusiasts.
Table Of Contents
- Best for Maintenance: Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
- Best for Navigation: TrailForks App
- Best for Energy Boost: SaltStick FastChews Orange
- Best for Performance Tracking: Garmin Fenix 7
- Best for Comfort: Paceline Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle Chamois Cream
- Best for Eye Protection: Oakley Flight Jacket
- Best for Hydration: CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack
- Best for Post-Ride Clean-up: Waterproof Car Seat Covers
- Best for Brake Protection: Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers
- Best for Puncture Repair: Dynaplug Tubeless Kit
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool: The Ultimate Maintenance Companion
Price: EUR €36.00, USD $37.00, AUD $37.00
Specifications:
- Weight: 175g
- Brand: Crankbrothers
- Features: Chain tool compatible with 8-12spd chains; Allen keys #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; Screwdrivers Phillips #1 & 2, flat #2; Torx T10, T25; Wrenches 8mm & 10mm
- Materials: High-tensile steel
- Colours: Black/Red; Midnight; Gold; Nickel
Pros:
- Comprehensive bike multi-tool with 19 different tools
- Includes a chain breaker and various sizes of Allen keys, Torx keys, screwdrivers, spoke keys, and wrenches
- Made from high-tensile steel for durability
- Comes with a hard-shell case for protection
- Comfortable to use with a textured grip
Cons:
- Lacks some of the extras found in other bike multi-tools
When you’re looking for the best gift for mountain bikers, they don’t get much more useful than a multi-tool.
Every mountain biker should have a bike tool and the Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool is a fantastic companion for bike repair, offering a comprehensive set of 19 tools designed for on-the-go bike maintenance, including adjustments to the bike chain.
Its high-tensile steel construction ensures durability, and the hard-shell case provides extra protection. The textured grip makes it comfortable to use, even when tackling tricky bike repairs on the trail. A multi-tool of such high quality and functionality is even an asset in a workshop while your mountain bike is on a repair stand for more complex maintenance tasks.
With this versatile multi-tool, riders gain self-sufficiency and confidence. It easily fits in a bike saddlebag, backpack, or pocket, making it perfect for those unexpected repair needs during a ride. The Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool is an excellent investment for any mountain biker, and we can confidently say one of the most surefire gift ideas on this list.
PMTB Rating:
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Functionality: 4/5
- Portability: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
TrailForks App: Navigating Trails with Ease
Price: TrailForks Pro subscription: $36 USD per year
Specifications:
- Platform: Android and iOS
- Trail Data: Detailed trail maps, conditions, and navigation tools
Pros:
- Comprehensive trail information for mountain biking, hiking, and moto riding
- Downloadable offline maps for use during rides
- Discover new trails and track rides
Cons:
- Subscription required for some features
Revolutionizing the way mountain bikers explore new trails and track their rides, the TrailForks App is a must-have. This popular app offers:
- Detailed trail maps
- Conditions updates
- Navigation tools for mountain biking, hiking, and moto riding
- Ability to download offline maps
- Discover new trails
It’s the perfect tool to enhance any off-road adventure.
Compatible with both Android and iOS, the TrailForks App provides a plethora of trail information, simplifying navigation in unfamiliar terrain.
While some features do require a paid subscription, the wealth of information and convenience it provides makes it an invaluable resource for any mountain biker.
Say goodbye to getting lost on rough trails and hello to endless exploration with the TrailForks App – it’s amazing how software can help riders get the most out of their hardware, i.e. mountain bike.
PMTB: Rating:
- Features: 4.5/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
SaltStick FastChews Orange: Energize Your Ride
Price: $16.95
Specifications:
- Count: 60 tablets/container
Pros:
- Provides a similar ratio of electrolytes to what your body loses through sweat
- Buffered ingredients to help minimize heat stress and muscle cramping
- Delicious, chewable tablets
Cons:
- None
Long rides are demanding, and maintaining energy levels is key to sustaining performance. Enter SaltStick FastChews Orange, chewable electrolyte tablets that provide a similar ratio of electrolytes to what your body loses through sweat.
These tasty tablets are formulated with buffered ingredients to help minimize heat stress and muscle cramping, ensuring that you can keep pushing through even the most challenging rides.
Not only do SaltStick FastChews provide essential electrolytes, but they also come in a delicious orange flavor, making them a treat to consume during a ride. With 60 tablets per container, you’ll have plenty to keep you going. Stay energized and focused on the trail with SaltStick FastChews Orange – which are, in our humble opinions, among the best mountain bike electrolyte supplements around.
PMTB Rating:
- Effectiveness: 5/5 (one of the best in its category)
- Taste: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Garmin Fenix 7: Track Your Performance
Price: $699 – $1,199
With its myriad features and superior performance, the Garmin Fenix 7 is the ultimate GPS watch for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, offering a wide range of advanced features that track your position, health, performance and more.
Highlights:
- Impressive battery life and water-resistant design ready for a wide swath of outdoor activities
- Advanced mapping and navigation features ensure you always know where you are and where you’re going
Specifications:
- Model: 7S, 7, 7X, 7 Pro
- GPS: Built-in
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Activity Tracking: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 12 days
- Water Resistance: Yes, up to 100 meters
- Mapping and Navigation: Yes
Pros:
- Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant design
- Advanced mapping and navigation features
Cons:
- High price point
- Complex interface for beginners
The Fenix 7 line up has so much to offer, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and activity tracking capabilities, this watch is one of the best gifts for riders who want to explore new routes and track their performance.
If you buy one of these for someone and their jaw doesn’t hit the floor, something is wrong.
PMTB: Rating:
- Features: 5/5
- Battery Life: 4.5/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Paceline Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle Chamois Cream: Comfort For Any Mountain Biker On Long Rides
Price: $15.49
Specifications:
- 8oz Jar
Pros:
- Provides long-lasting comfort and protection
- Prevents chafing and saddle sores
- Made with natural ingredients
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Easy to apply and absorbs quickly
Cons:
- None
Paceline Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle Chamois Cream is your solution to chafing and saddle sores, which makes it an excellent gift. This high-quality cream is designed to provide long-lasting comfort and protection during cycling, allowing you to ride longer and more comfortably.
Made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and tea tree oil, it’s gentle on your skin and helps soothe and moisturize during those long rides.
The smooth and creamy texture of the cream makes it easy to apply, and it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. The 8oz jar offers plenty of cream for frequent use, ensuring you always have the comfort and protection you need to tackle even the most challenging rides.
It may not seem like the sexiest of gift ideas but we can guarantee all mountain bikers will appreciate it and likely be impressed by your effort to find something useful.
PMTB Rating:
- Comfort: 5/5
- Protection: 5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
Oakley Flight Jacket: Protect Your Eyes
Price: $246
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Oakley
Pros:
- Excellent optics
- Storage case
- Advancer nose pad
- Good eye protection
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only comes with one lens
Shield your eyes from the elements with the chic and high-functioning Oakley Flight Jacket sunglasses. With their unique design, excellent optics, and advanced fog management system, these glasses are perfect for mountain bikers who want both style and protection.
The Flight Jacket features Oakley’s signature Prizm lenses, which provide impressive optical clarity and help enhance definition and increase contrast for a better view of the trail.
The frame is thoughtfully designed with adjustable arms to work with bike helmets and the unique adjustable Advancer nose pad for fog prevention.
Though the Flight Jacket may come with a higher price tag, its exceptional performance and quality make it a worthy investment for any avid mountain biker looking to protect their eyes while hitting the trails. It also ranks as one of the greatest gifts for cyclists because it is both highly functional and uber-stylish.
PMTB Rating:
- Optics: 5/5
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 3.5/5
CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack: Stay Hydrated on the Go
Price: $100
Specifications:
- Compatibility: Standard road or mountain rotors (140-203mm)
- Reusable: Yes
- Cleanable: Yes
- Corrosion Protection: Yes
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable hip belt
- Super-sized 1.5-liter reservoir
- Multiple pockets for storage
Cons:
- None
The CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack features:
- Lightweight and comfortable lumbar pack design
- Carries 1.5 liters of water for hydration during rides
- Load-bearing hip belt with cargo pockets for additional storage space
- Convenient and practical for off-road adventures
When you’re pushing your limits and tackling the hardest trails aboard your mountain bike, an easy-to-use water source is a real comfort.
With its easy-to-use design and ample storage, the CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack is an essential accessory for any mountain biker. No more worrying about dehydration or stopping to search for a water source – with the Repack LR 4, you can focus on conquering the trail and enjoying the ride.
PMTB Rating:
- Comfort: 5/5
- Hydration Capacity: 4.5/5
- Storage: 4/5
Waterproof Car Seat Covers: Protect Your Car After the Ride
Price: $26 – $249
Specifications:
- Provides protection against sun exposure, spills, and scratches
- Customizable look with various material options
- Machine washable and easy to install
Pros:
- Protects car seats from dirt, sweat, and scratches
- Easy to install and remove
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons:
- None
Your mountain bike isn’t the only thing that needs some love to make the most out of your riding adventures. After a rigorous day of mountain biking, you certainly wouldn’t want to spoil your car’s interior with grime, sweat, and scratches.
Waterproof Car Seat Covers are a practical solution to protect your car seats from the aftermath of a day on the trails. Most mountain bikers need to drive to reach their trails, you can be as careful as you want with your mountain bike and all your gear and accessories, but dirt and stains will catch you off guard! This is what makes waterproof seat covers a smart choice.
These protective covers are designed to fit over car seats, shielding them from dirt and grime while adding a touch of style to your vehicle. Your love for mountain biking doesn’t need to bring stains, dirt, and grime into other parts of your life, with a well-made seat cover, mountain bikes can even be carried inside your car, with no issues.
Highlights:
- Protects from the biggest messy culprits – your mountain bike tires and bike chain
- Even with your mountain bike on an exterior car rack, other bits of gear, from your mountain biking socks to a grimey tire pump can cause bad stains
- The car seat covers become exceptionally convenient if you need to lock your mountain bike in your car while running errands or going about your day
PMTB Rating:
- Protection: 5/5
- Ease of Installation: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers: Shield Your Brakes
Price: $29/£22.50
Specifications:
- Material: Neoprene
- Compatibility: Standard road or mountain rotors (140-203mm)
- Reusable
- Cleanable
- Protects your bike from corrosion
Pros:
- Protects bike rotors from contamination during cleaning or transportation
- Easy to install and remove
- Reusable and cleanable
Cons:
- None
To protect your mountain bike brake rotors from contamination during cleaning or transportation, Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers offer a simple and efficient solution.
Made from neoprene, these covers securely fasten over your rotors, providing a barrier between the rotor and any contaminants that may be present. Compatible with standard road or mountain rotors ranging from 140-203mm, these covers are reusable, cleanable, and provide protection against corrosion.
By using Muc-Off Disc Brake Covers, you can ensure that your bike’s rotors remain free from contaminants, leading to improved brake performance and reduced wear and tear.
Give your bike the care it deserves and invest in these practical and effective disc brake covers.
PMTB: Rating:
- Protection: 5/5
- Ease of Use: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
Dynaplug Tubeless Kit: Handle Punctures with Ease
Price: $24.95 – $109.95 AUD
Specifications:
- Product: Dynaplug Tubeless Repair Tools
- Contact: Dynaplug
- Price: $24.95 – $109.95 AUD
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Easier to install than traditional tire plugs
- Narrow and wide plug options
Cons:
- Pricey compared to traditional tire plugs
Overview: Though punctures are a common occurrence in mountain biking, they can be managed effortlessly with the Dynaplug Tubeless Kit. This tire repair tool is of superior quality. It includes:
- An insertion tool
- Multiple plugs
- A micro-knife
- An air-stopper
Designed with metal tips, Dynaplugs are far easier to insert than traditional tire plugs and, in our experience, tend to be more reliable.
Whether you need the Dynaplug Racer Pro or the classic Dyna Plugger, these tubeless repair tools have become a must-have for off-road adventures, getting your bike back on the trails efficiently and instilling confidence in the rider.
Invest in a Dynaplug Tubeless Kit and be prepared for those unexpected punctures.
PMTB Rating:
- Effectiveness: 4.5/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3.5/5
Choosing the Perfect Mountain Biking Gift
Finding the perfect gift in the world of mountain biking is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Keeping in mind that every mountain biker has unique preferences and needs, the recipient’s passion and the potential benefits each gift can bring to their overall experience and their mountain bike itself should be considered.
With this guide, we’ve highlighted a variety of essential gifts, showcasing top gear and accessories that cater to different needs and preferences. So, if you’re looking for a gift for mountain bikers, this guide has got you covered.
From maintenance tools to navigation aids, energy-boosting supplements, and eye protection, there’s something for every mountain biker on this list of mountain bike gifts, including bike lights. Take the time to consider the recipient’s specific interests and requirements, and you’ll be sure to find just the right gift that enhances their mountain biking experience.
Keep in mind, a perfect gift doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive. Sometimes, it’s the thoughtful, practical, and unique gifts that will be most appreciated and put to good use.
So, whether it’s the holiday season or a special occasion, show your favorite mountain biker how much you care with a selection from our list of the best gifts for mountain enthusiasts. With literally endless ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your mountain biker friend.
Related Article: The Mountain Bike Cure: Exercise, Fresh Air and Fellowship
Summary: Essential Gifts for Mountain Bikers
In conclusion, the world of mountain biking is full of exciting adventures and challenges, and the right gear and accessories can make all the difference. This 2023 gift guide has something for everyone, from essential tools and equipment to innovative apps and stylish accessories.
When choosing the gift, we encourage you to consider some simple but important factors. First and foremost is your budget – there are some great mountain bike gifts out there that don’t break the bank. The second is to understand a little bit about what kind of rider the recipient of the gift is and what part of their riding experience could be enhanced by a particular gift.
We are confident in saying that choosing any item from our list or something similar will make a great gift and truly elevate the adventures of any rider every time they swing their leg over their mountain bike from then onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to buy for someone who loves mountain biking?
Treat your mountain biking enthusiast to an upgrade with Race Face Handlebar Grips, a magazine subscription, extra bike tubes and grease, a tire plug, a Crankbrothers Bike Tool, a standard tire pump, or the Park Tool Mechanic Repair Bike Stand – all under $25!
What are some essential maintenance tools for mountain bikers?
Get your bike trail ready with the Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool – a must-have for mountain bikers, complete with 19 different tools for maintenance and repairs!
How can I find new trails and track my rides?
Discover new trails and track your rides with the TrailForks App, which offers detailed maps, conditions, and navigation tools!
How can I stay hydrated during long rides?
Stay hydrated on long rides with the lightweight and comfortable CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack – perfect for mountain bikers!
