This just in: mountain bikers can be a bit tricky to shop for, simply because there are several types of mountain biking these days. Without getting too granular, you’ve got cross country, trail, enduro and downhill, each with specific gear needs. Thankfully, there are still lots of items that’ll please just about anyone who prefers rocks and logs and dirt to paved roads — such as the following…
1. Pearl Izumi Merino Wool Sock
Price: $13
From: backcountry.com
When it comes to comfort, performance and durability, few fabrics come close to merino wool. Throw in mesh ventilation and a bit of style and you’ve got the perfect sock for any MTB faction.
2. Pro Bike Mini Tool 22 Functions
Price: $34
From: amazon.com
As the name suggests, this gadgets packs tons of tools into a small space, including a dozen hex and spoke wrenches, a screwdriver, a chain tool, a tire lever and brake pad spreader. No doubt you can find a way to pop a bottle open with it too.
3. RxBars Real Food Protein Bars Variety Pack
Price: $35
From: amazon.com
We at GP have long been fans of RXBars’ winning balance of bonk-proof protein and carbs and taste. Note that the flavors in this box are “randomly picked upon availability,” but specific bars are available on Amazon as well.
4. POC Essential DH Glove
Price: $40
From: backcountry.com
Yes, these gloves have DH in the name, but EVA padded knuckles, ventilated palms and touchscreen compatible thumbs work great for all kinds of riding.
5. Wiley-X WX Vapor Sunglasses
Price: $75+
From: amazon.com
Were these shades designed for mountain biking? No. But considering Wiley-X makes the toughest eyewear we’ve ever seen, and this pair features shatterproof Selenite Polycarbonate lenses — in three hues to swap out depending on the light — they are just about perfect for it.
Gear Patrol Magazine Subscription
Price: $39
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Gear Patrol Magazine is a deep dive into product culture. Inside each issue, you’ll find seasonal buying guides, rich maker profiles and long-form dispatches from the front lines of product design. Get four print magazines — delivered quarterly — with an annual subscription.
6. Troy Lee Designs 7605 Ultra Protective Riding Short
Price: $80
From: amazon.com
The protection with this liner isn’t just external. In addition to those thigh-saving side panels, it also packs an integrated chamois pad: throw on under item no. 8 on this list and ride comfortably all day long.
7. Dainese HG Jersey 1
Price: $90
From: dainese.com
Dainese is best known for motorcycle gear, but the Vincenza, Italy-based brand makes a ton of smart bike stuff too. This stylish knitted jersey boasts mesh zoning and different yarns on either side of the fabric to promote optimal ventilation, moisture-wicking and general stoke.
8. ElevenPine Uprising Short
Price: $90
From: amazon.com
For the mountain bike enthusiast who finds himself road cycling to get to the trails (we New Yorkers can relate) these shorts do double duty. Zip the sides closed for a streamlined feel, then unzip to get back to the classic MTB style.
9. Velofix Gift Card
Price: $129
From: velofix.com
Sometimes you wanna wrench, and sometimes you just wanna have someone else come do it for you. That’s where Velofix — a fleet of mobile bike shops packed with tools, gear and passionate mechanics — comes in. Snag a $129 gift card and your giftee can redeem for Velofix’s Broken Spoke mountain bike tuneup, ensuring she can’t blame the next ride’s endo on the bike.
10. Henty Enduro 2.0 Backpack
Price: $132
From: amazon.com
Two factors make this pack a mountain biker’s delight: 1. the bulk of it — including the hydration reservoir — sits right on the lower back, minimizing back sweat and maximizing movement; 2. it’s loaded with pockets and webbing to stash all the trail gear you could possibly need.
11. Destroyer Equipment Thrashcan Mt. Bike Helmet
Price: $175
From: destroyerequipment.com
This helmet had us at “Thrashcan.” The downhill-friendly matte fiberglass shell, articulated venting system, EPS foam insert, custom printed pad liner and general brain-saving nature just help close the deal.
12. Bontrager Avert Stormshell Mountain Bike Jacket
Price: $200
From: trekbikes.com
We could wax technical about this super light and packable mountain bike jacket. Or we could just say we wore it for two straight insanely drizzly days of mountain biking Whistler, and it kept us drier and comfier than we would have dreamed possible after checking the forecast.
13. Specialized Ambush Helmet With ANGi
Price: $200
From: specialized.com
This helmet boasts two game-changing four-letter words. First is MIPS technology integrated into the padding, which minimizes rotational impact. Second is ANGi, a sensor that detects crashes and texts specified contacts, just about ensuring you don’t become trail furniture.
14. Shimano SH-MW701 Cycling Shoe
Price: $206
From: backcountry.com
This is the mountain bike shoe for those who suit up no matter the weather or season. Highlights include a high-cut ankle cuff to fend of the elements, awarm, waterproof Gore-Tex insulate liner and a fleece lined insole to keep those toesies cozy no matter how hard Mother Nature wishes to party.
15. Diamondback Mission 2C Mountain Bike
Price: $5,000
From: amazon.com
We’ve been riding this bike’s predecessor, the $4,000 Mission 1C, for the past couple months and have been thoroughly impressed with how well it competes with other full-suspension carbon bikes twice its price. Both versions feature long, low, mountain-ripping geometry supported by 7 inches of travel up front and 6.3 inches in back. However, the newer edition incorporates some higher-end Fox and SRAM components for an extra edge when tackling the gnarliest lines.
Outer Shell Rolltop Saddlebag
Price: $50
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Outer Shell produces premium cycling-focused overlanding bags with a focus on functional design, backcountry security, and minimalist style. Their gear uses fewer seams, the best available hardware and fabrics, and implements rugged weatherproof construction as much as possible. The Rolltop Saddlebag can expand and contract — owing to the roll top closure — to carry the essentials for any ride.
