2023 Gift Guide
Gifts to Enjoy the Ride
10 gift ideas for the mountain biker in your life!
Every year prior to the holiday season I think through the items, experiences, and health/wellness products from which I’ve found particular joy or benefit. The items always span the categories of MTB, Strength, Nutrition, and Mindset. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, or even yourself, I hope you find this gift guide helpful! Feel free to look at my past gift guides as well: 2022. 2021. 2020. While I do have product and brand affiliations, I am not being paid or earning commission on any of the below products, they are truly items I use and love!
A true local partnership, Mt. View Cycles is offering 20% off anything in their online store with code BRAVEHOLIDAY23. Code is active through Dec 25th and can have the products shipped to you! This is a great way to support a local business AND shop from your couch:) Although, you know I’m going to tell you to get off you butt and go walk around, in which case, you can walk into the store and use the code in person as well.
#10) Wilderton Spirits
Not sure if it’s my age, increased information, or simply improved body awareness regarding the way alcohol makes me feel, but more and more I’ve been opting for a NA (non alcoholic) drink over an alcoholic bevy. I still love a good cocktail here or there, or a cold refreshing beer after a massive ride, but 95% of the time I find I’m reaching for an NA drink because I’m addicted to feeling my best.
When I first learned about Wilderton Botanicals, I thought it was pretty silly and a waste of money. Then I actually tried the product and was completely blown away at the depth of flavors and aromas. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative for an after work cocktail or fancy date night drink, you owe it to yourself to check out Wilderton Botanicals, distilled in Hood River! $36.99/bottle
#9) LMNT
Have you gotten on the salt wagon yet? Electrolyte drinks experience trends akin to fashion and hairstyles and right now, salt is the mullet and high waisted jeans of fashion. The science supports this trend and salt to your water has two big benefits:
You increase your overall hydration
Increase your intake of the key electrolytes: Sodium, Magnesium, and Potassium
LMNT is one of the few stevia sweetened products that doesn’t make me want to gag. They have a large variety of tasty flavors and I find I stay much more hydrated on rides when I drop a packet of LMNT into my bottle. When I’m off the bike, I fill a large mason jar with water along with 1 packet of LMNT and the more diluted taste is delightful!
Get a free sample pack with the BE code! Simply click here to grab your free salty sample pack with purchase of a regular pack. I’m currently obsessed with drinking the chocolate hot! $45/box
#8) Comfort Contact Points: Saddles, Grips, Bar Tape
Comfort for your contact points! Bike saddles should NOT create numbness, tingling, or anything other than comfort and power. The same goes for grips and bar tape. When it comes to the finer points of contact points, Ergon has their science dialed. I’ve raved before about their saddles and how I now rarely wear a chamois, even for 4+ hr MTB rides. Their Gravel BT Bar tape is absolutely mind blowing. It’s basically like upgrading your bars to the nicest set of carbon bars you could find, but for a fraction of the cost. If you have a friend or loved one in your life and they’ve ever complained about private part pain or hand discomfort on a ride, you owe it to yourself and to them, to stick an Ergon product in their stocking or under the Menorah. Use your Mt. View Discount on these products! It’s rare to find a discount on Ergon! BRAVEHOLIDAY23 for 20% off!
#7) 50 hr Service
When was the last time you had the oil in your car changed? “Wait one moment,” you’re thinking, “I’ll go look at that handy sticker in my windshield!” But do you have any idea when you last inspected your bottom bracket or torqued all your fasteners? If you’re scratching your head, it’s time for the 50 hr bike tune! Or equivalent at your local shop. The 50hr bike tune at Mt View Cycles includes the following and is the perfect gift for the person who doesn’t especially love to clean and inspect their bike:)
Bike Inspection
Front & Rear Brake Adjustments
Front & Rear Derailleur Adjustments
Check/Straighten Derailluer Hanger
Bike Wash
Inspect Bottom Bracket
Lubricate Drive Train
Torque all fasteners
Headset Adjustments
$89.99 (Normally $154.99) at Mt. View Cycles
#6) Frame Protection
What’s the first thing you do when you get a new phone? Other than take a selfie, you get a new case! Right?? I think the same way about a bike. Protect that thing! As bikes continue to get better and better, they also get more expensive, which means it’s worth it to spend a little extra time and money to protect your precious ride. There’s a wide variety of frame protection products on the market today which, as an added bonus, can provide some fun flare and customization! I personally love the Ride Wrap and Ground Keeper Products. Both are fairly easy to apply to your frame and provide a wide variety of options. RideWrap offers excellent protection and the ability to select a product specific to your bike whereas Ground Keep provides fun stock designs and will allow you to create your own design! RideWrap $65+ Ground Keeper $50+ Take 20% off your RideWrap order HERE!
#5) Trail Forks Pro Subscription
If you ever visit new trail systems where you are left to your own devices to pick your routes, you definitely want full access to the Trail forks app! The pro version get you complete access to global routes, trail descriptions and updates, and a few other bells and whistles such as heatmaps and the ability to record your own route and waypoints.
As mountain bike trails continue to expand, traveling to ride becomes increasingly complicated by the wide variety of options. Although this is a good problem to have, figuring out which trails to ride can be a daunting task. I was amazed this past summer by the number of folks I encountered on the trails who either did not have Trailforks at all, or didn’t have the pro version. If you’re planning to take a mountain bike trip this year, the $36 is well worth the cost to have an essentially unlimited amount of trail beta in your pocket! $35.99/year
#4) Resistance Bands
Glute activation? Check. Shoulder rehab? Check. Workout on the road? Check. Increase the capabilities of your Dumbbells? Check! Requires minimal space? Check.
1-2 sets of resistance bands is an excellent add to your workout arsenal without breaking the bank or taking up much space. Especially for the frequent travelers, resistance bands can be the difference between sleepy glutes and a sleepy you! Grab a set of the small looped bands for glute and shoulder work, or a set of the pull up assist bands for full body workout options while traveling!
You can check your local sports store, or Amazon has these for FitSimply Small looped bands $12.95 or the Leekey Pull up Assist Bands for $33.99
#3) Portable Jump Ramp
Don’t live close to a bike park or trail system but want to work on your jumps? Ninja MTB has a whole host of MTB jump ramps that are very portable, adjustable, and fun! I have the approach jump ramp and it’s super easy to move around, set up to different levels, and a fun activity for a wide variety of riders! $219+ Check out all Ninja Jump Ramps HERE!
#2) Strength Training Routine for Mountain Bikers
The perfect gift for the person in your life who:
claims they don’t have the time to workout
desires to feel strong in their body and on the bike
wants guidance on a strength training routine specific for female mountain bikers
doesn’t want to go to the gym
buildCLASS is a fully guided strength training program for mountain bikers. Can be completed with simple equipment such as 2 dumbbells and a cooler! Get a class subscription or gift card! buildSOLO $38/mo and buildTEAM 75/mo
#1) Private MTB Lesson or Skills Clinic
Gift your spouse or buddies the opportunity to tackle that tricky section of trail, corner with speed, and learn to get your wheels off the ground with comfort and control! Receive one on one feedback, see video analysis of your riding, and improve at a faster rate than you thought possible with a private lesson!
Gift your spouse a lesson to save trail side quarrels, or put your own crew together for a private jump or drops session.
Looking to improve your gravel or CX skills? We will pair you with the Brave Endeavors instructor that's best for you from jumps, drops, corners, and tech to XC and gravel. Check out the offerings from Brave Endeavors! $275+