Dakine, Ergon, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2013, IMBA, Lezyne, SockGuy - December 5, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Stocking Stuffers for Mountain Bikers

Every holiday season, we here at Mtbr try to come up with lists of items that would make a good gift guide. But often times these lists end up being more personal “wish” lists than actual helpful buying guides for those who may not be the most passionate biker in the household.

With that in mind, we have compiled this list of small items that are actually affordable and desirable. Another good option is to buy a Gift Certificate at your local bike shop and help support local businesses (and the guys who keep your bikes running smoothly). Check out these gift suggestions and if you have a gift suggestion of your own, please let us know in the comments below.

IMBA Calendar

The Angry Single Speeder may say “You Are Not a Real Mountain Biker” if you don’t join IMBA, but we think you should join for your own reasons. Sure, there’s currently lots of controversy in the Mtbr forums about how well IMBA is working for certain locations, but we think helping IMBA is just good trail karma! Even if you don’t want to join, you can still get the sweet IMBA 2014 riding calendar for only $17.95. Since MudBunnies doesn’t have a calendar this year, this one is really the only choice!

Price: $17.95 or donations of $40 to the IMBA Annual Fund receive the calendar for FREE
To Buy: IMBA.com

SockGuy Socks

SockGuy socks have been some of our favorites for a long time. Well known for their comfort and hilarious (and sometimes outrageous) styles, SockGuy offers socks in acrylic/nylon/spandex blend as well as wool. Lo-cut to 6″ crew, men or women, SockGuy has you covered. Shown here are some of their latest styles featuring jolly Santa, flame breathing Dinosaur, and the ever popular and official licensed Sriracha Cock Sauce. These socks really make a statement and what you choose to say is up to you!

MSRP: $10.95 – 12.95
More Info: www.sockguy.com
Also Worth Considering: Save Our Soles www.sossocks.com, DeFeet www.defeet.com, Pearl Izumi www.pearlizumi.com

Book: Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Brian Lopes & Lee McCormack

Mountain bike skills camps are a great way to learn how to be a better rider. Outfits like BetterRide.net or the Trek Dirt Series give you hands-on, real world training. But if the cost of a camp is outside of your budget, you might consider giving the mountain biker on your list a little reading material in the form of Brian Lopes’s book: Mastering Mountain Bike Skills. Be sure to get the latest second edition, which includes such topics as suspension choice and setup, 29ers, women specific bikes, saddle choice and fit, gearing, body position and more. I had the chance to meet and ride with Brian recently and besides being a super nice guy, he truly knows his stuff!

MSRP: $23.95
More Info: BrianLopes.com

Lezyne Pod Caddy QR Saddle Bag

The Lezyne Pod Caddy QR saddle bag is a slick little pack that easily attaches to any saddle without any tools required. The QR mount also allows you to remove the bag with the push of a button and easily transfer it to another bike (additional Caddy QR mounts are available for $6.99). Available in a small or medium size, it will hold all your favorite mountain biker’s essentials. Due to its sturdy clamshell design and internal mesh divider, the items inside will remain neat and organized instead of flopping around (like inside a soft bag). The Pod Caddy is lightweight, durable and functional. It is available in black and black/gray.

MSRP: $27.49 (small), $29.99 (medium)
More Info: lezyne.com

Arrival – Mountain Bike Movie

From the crew that brought you “From the Inside Out”, Secondbase Films released their latest MTB epic titled “Arrival” at Crankworx this season. Featuring star riders such as Kyle Norbraten, Dylan Dunkerton, Curtis Robinson, Matty Miles, Mitch Ropelato, Stevie Smith, Logan Peat and more. Filming locations include such amazing places as the Sunshine Coast, BC; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Whistler, BC; Retallack and more. Give that favorite rider on your list something to keep them stoked even when the weather, work, family or other facts of life keep them from getting outside. The BluRay/DVD combo makes a great gift, but if you are pressed for time, Arrival is also available immediately for download from iTunes.

MSRP: BluRay/DVD Combo ($29); download from iTunes ($12.99)
More Info: secondbasefilms.com

Ergon GA1 EVO Enduro Grips

Ergon makes several different types and styles of grips including ones with platforms for more palm support, some made from cork and others that have built in bar ends. Highlighted here are the enduro style GA1 EVO grips that provide a secure grip and comfort with increased damping due to a new compound. The GA1 EVOs are also the choice of the Ergon Factory Racing Team and they are carbon bar compatible. Shown here in Ergon Team Green, they also come in Red, White, Black and Blue.

MSRP: $24.95
More Info: www.ergon.com

Dakine Riders Duffle

At 80 liters in size, the Dakine Riders Duffle is just the right size to hold all your crucial gear for travel. It has two zippered pockets on each side that are tarp lined which makes them handy for keeping your helmet on one end and your shoes in the other. There is also a zippered front pocket for small items and a fold out changing mat. It comes in enduro friendly blue, officially called “Pacific” (shown) as well as basic “Black” (with blue highlighted lettering) and “Hood” (grey with green highlights). All 3 are quite stylish and any mountain biker would be proud to sport his goods in this bag.

MSRP: $85.00
More Info: www.dakine.com