If the riders in your life are anything like the ones in ours, they've already bought the latest gadgets & accessories they thought would make them faster on the trails.
So, with that in mind, we've worked with some of our partners to present a few gift ideas that any mountain biker would be happy to wake up to! If this page just happened to be left open on your loved one’s computer, we’re sure they would appreciate the hint.
Sponsored: this article is supported by Pinkbike's advertisers.
What better way to show someone you care about them than with a new lid?
Aimed at the all-mountain crowd, the 100% Altec features extended rear coverage to keep more of your head safe. The helmet is also equipped with 100%'s new ‘Smartshock’ rotational protective system, which features elastomers attached to the helmet's EPS foam and removable padding. There is no shortage of vents on the Altec with 24 of them placed strategically positioned around the entire helmet. There's also a multi-position visor and a channel on the side of the helmet that can be used to hold sunglasses when they're not in use.
Details:
• Multi-density EPS foam
• Rotational impact protection: Smartshock elastomers
• Sunglasses storage, multi-position visor
• Ratcheting fit adjustment dial
• Sizes: XS/S, S/M, L/XL
• Weight: 369 grams (size SM/MD)
• MSRP: $165 USD
Chromag Dominion Jersey and Feint Shorts
Winter and spring mean wet, muddy riding and fresh kit becomes a necessity.
Chromag has a cult following in mountain biking and for good reason. On show here is the BC-based brand's Dominion jersey, Feint short and Pace socks. The Dominion jersey features a mid-weight antibacterial and moisture-wicking fabric perfect for those cooler trail rides. The Feint short is made of a 4-way stretch fabric and the two zipped pockets are vital for snacks and a multi-tool. Unwrapping a full Chromag riding kit is sure to make anyone's day brighter.
Details:
Dominion Jersey
•Antibacterial, moisture-wicking & EPA certified fabric
•Mesh back & underarm panels for breathability.
•Hidden stash zip pocket
•$75 USD
Feint Short
• Durable 4 Way Stretch Fabric
• Laser Cut Venting
• Ratchet Waist
• Two main zip pockets
• Hidden Pass Pocket
• $115 USD
Shoes are the workhorse of any rider’s kit. Used day in, day out with some serious abuse, any rider would appreciate a fresh pair.
Ride Concepts are newcomers to the MTB scene but have already made a splash. The Livewire is billed as the do-it-all model, a flat pedal shoe that can be used for everything from dirt jumping to trail riding. The shoe features a synthetic upper and doesn’t go overboard with the padding, meaning your shoes won’t act like sponges on a wet ride. The sole features a hexagonal pattern keeping your feet in place and D30 protection in the footbed for those big hits.
Details:
• Rubber Kinetics DST 6.0 high grip rubber outsole
• D3O incorporated into insole
• Gusseted tongue
• Molded toe and heel protection
• Colors: charcoal/red, charcoal/orange, black/charcoal
• Weight: 525 grams (size 12, per shoe)
• $100 USD
It's no fun ruining a fast descent to pick mud and grit out of your eyes. The goggles and half lid look isn’t for everyone and the trail rider in your life will appreciate new riding glasses.
Rudy Project’s Defender glasses are definitely in line with the current trend of ‘Aggressive Racer’ style glasses. With a one-piece lens that's 50mm at its deepest point, these glasses provide ample protection from water, mud and any other flying debris you might face. Plenty of vents stop fogging and with an adjustable nose piece and arms, it’s unlikely you will find these a bad fit. The Defender also has a party trick up its sleeve. The lens is clear to keep vision sharp on dark rides, but photochromic technology allows them to quickly darken in bright light.
Details:
• 50mm deep one-piece lens
• Adjustable nose piece and arms
• Interchangeable photochromic lenses
• Weight: 28g
• $225 USD
A good pair of gloves makes it easier to get through the winter months.
Racer’s Factory glove features a tight-fitting lycra panel at the back of the hand which eliminates the need for a strap. It also helps lessen the drying time after wet rides. The palm of the glove is made from real leather and although it's thin, it's designed to offer maximum grip. If they’re good enough for EWS champ Isabeau Courdurier, anyone would be stoked to receive a pair!
Details:
• Premium leather palm
• Lycra back
• $41.00 USD
There’s no better time to get your bike some new rubber than when the trails get wet and you’re seeking that extra grip.
This new tire from e*thirteen may be the breath of fresh air your bike needs. The new A/T tire is designed with big side lugs to keep things planted when laying it over, while the tighter packed center lugs help keep rolling resistance low. The tires on show here feature e*thirteen’s MoPo compound which is a super tacky and slow rebound rubber, perfect for winter conditions. We chose the single ply option to keep weight down for a trail bike.
Details:
• Tubeless Ready
• Soft MoPo compound
• Protective Apex sidewall inserts
• Folding bead
• 27.5” or 29”
• 2.4” width
• Weight: 960g (27.5”) 1015g (29”)
• $71.95 USD
Flat tires suck, plain and simple, but especially so when it's cold out.
Over the last few years, foam tire inserts have become all the rage for those looking for extra puncture protection. Originally aimed at DH riders, they have proven so popular that multiple brands now make lightweight inserts aimed at trail riders. Cush Core was one of the first brands to truly perfect the current tire insert system and they now offer an XC version. The system allows you to run lower pressures for extra grip while gaining increased puncture resistance to avoid flats. Weighing just 140g for a 27.5” insert (150g for 29"), this is the perfect gift for the trail rider in your life.
Details:
• Includes 2 inserts and 2 valves
• Inner Rim Width: 22mm-32mm
• Tire Widths: 1.8″-2.4″
• Weight: 140g (27.5”) 150g (29”)
• $149 USD
What's on your wish list this festive season? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay tuned for our Gifts Under $100 Guide next week
now that you're flatting every 4 feet, get an insert!
Too heavy? Time for carbon rims!
I think you've uncovered one of the bike industry's marketing secrets there. Not that it's exactly a secret to begin with anyway...
Tires: yes.
Those tires: Maybe not if the criteria is the best blend of weight, grip, and durability.
I don’t find too much caked sealant on them. I don’t know. Never really had that as a consideration. Quick wipe off with a paper towel and you can get any appreciable amount of sealant off if that’s an issue. In my experience, the old sealant generally sticks more to the inside of the old tire than anything.
I don’t see old sealant an issue in installing a new tire. As I mentioned, it is harder to install a tire with cushcore. In fact, it can be a pain in the ass. A bit of old sealant stuck to it is not really an issue.
How much do they weigh with old sealant? Who the f*ck cares? I don’t know. Maybe an extra ounce....
I don’t know what a “shill post” is. I’m certainly not sponsored by them (Or anyone else for that matter) if that’s what you’re implying.
All I know is that I went from getting rear flats a lot, and killing rims a lot, to never flatting and not denting any rims. I probably went through 3 rims last year without cushcore. Since I got it, I’ve been on the same Rear rim for basically a year, running much lower pressure. For me, as someone who rides pretty aggressively through some pretty rocky terrain, it is a no brainer. And definitely worth every penny (it’s certainly saved me money from having to buy new rims and building new wheels)
I wouldn't run a rear tire without it. Exo casings, in a land of chunder and sharp rocks.
100% reccommend!
Rebound control in the tires is not to be miffed at.
www.uline.com/BL_8951/Visitor-Specs
Now the big problem: photochromatic lenses mean rainy weather, mud and the need to clean them mid ride. What normally happens is that this type of lenses scratch really easy and you destroy them fast.
it sucks.
Australian standards state that all glasses sold in oz must comply with fairly strict UV ratings. Additional protection is of course welcome but none are unsafe. Best riding glasses I've found are the $15 safety specs at the local hardware shop.
www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/sun-protection-sunglasses
@RudyProject that's excellent!!! you'll have a new fan soon;D
As a myopic and clear vision freak who also hates wasting money these are my conclussions:
-For snow sports you need real protection. many brands are fine, but Oakley and Smith mirror coating are the best and won't go off easily if stored wet or whatever, like other brands. Spheric lenses look cool but they always get scratched in the center when you leave then in the table for lunch,a so I pass.
-For bike goolgles buy whatever, but transparent ones with cheap and available replacements, and replace often, cause $60 lenses will turn into shit at the same pace. Also, mirror lenses are cool and ok for a sunny mx track with uniform light (where the trend came from) but for mtb'ing in the woods they're silly.
-For bike glasses just use whatever clear lenses that doesn't cause too much distortion and stay put. I used safety glasses for a while too. $100 clear lens glasses are a placebo, anti fog coatings go away just by looking at them.
For the good stuff, I ride Tifosi, my glasses of choice for over twenty years!
That's where the core "ohh it's so expensive vs I prefer the alternative - they look the same!" comes from.
No wonder Luxotica is buying more and more brands.
.....when questioned, he had NO COMMENT
I was running magic mary SG casing. When changing to try the XC i found it not as supportive or offer the dampening. So next i tried same tires but in snakeskin and full weight cushcore, it still offers the support as with the SG and still no punctures, just saving 250g or so per wheel so offsetting the insert weight totally.
Cush core mullet for the win!
I was in NW Arkansas (Back Forty) when BOTH my Rock Razor and Nobby Nic punctured. Neither sealant nor bacon strips stemmed the flow. On the recommendation of local bike shop personnel, I purchased a set of Bontrager XR-4 Team Issue 29x2.4 tires (Phat Tire Bikes installed then for free while we had lunch near by). They are about 750 g each, but seem very tough (so far so good). Traction is massive, but they roll a bit slow. The XR-3/XR-2 is much faster, a little lighter, and works well in dry conditions. Also, the Team Issues are a bit cheaper than Schwaxxis.
Also: surprised the Christmas buy buy buy stuff didn't start in September.
Just gotta do everything to be better than the others
On the tire insert side - i have flats once in a while at the rockiest area’s such as vallnord using exo tires, still did not find use case for them, racing aside
Hopefully PB will include this in their upcoming test.
tubolight.bike/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tubolight-exploded-view.jpg
A stick giving you a scratch on the top of your head isn't really the biggest concern mid-crash.
Begin discussion now...
Maybe the most efficient multiple speed gearing ever seen on a bicycle.
Almost drag free gearbox less then we have with current derailuer systems.
And the form factor of their steps ebike motor. So they could have them in frames very quickly.
18 pack of Cliff -Bars is about $15