2023 Gift Guide: 20 Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
Gifts for Mountain Bikers, Gravel Bikers, and Bikepackers –according to Mountain Bikers
Published October 11, 2023
Mountain biking has rapidly grown in popularity over the years, becoming more than just a recreational activity – it's a lifestyle. Enthusiasts are exploring rugged trails, conquering challenging terrain, and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. With this surge in popularity, the demand for high-quality mountain biking gear and accessories has also risen, making it an exciting and vibrant niche in the world of sports and outdoor recreation.
Gift-giving for mountain bikers doesn’t have to be tricky. This gift guide for bikers, mountain bikers, bikepackers, gravel riders, and even bike commuters is the gear we’d give ourselves and would be happy to receive.
Based on our Bike Gear of the Year and all-time favorite MTB gear items, here are ideas for every outdoors person and every price range.
Looking for more gift ideas? See our guide to Best Gifts for Climbers.
Considerations before buying a gift
Selecting the right gift for a mountain biker is not just about grabbing the latest gadget or trend. It's about understanding their unique tastes and requirements. Does the rider enjoy downhill descents, cross-country adventures, or both? Are they particular about their gear, or are they more laid-back? Knowing the recipient's preferences, whether it's related to terrain, riding style, or gear brands, will ensure your gift aligns with their individual needs and enhances their biking experience.
When in doubt about what gift to choose, don't hesitate to reach out to the mountain biker in question or their close friends. Mountain bikers are often very passionate about their sport, and they may have a wish list or specific gear in mind. Alternatively, their friends might have valuable insights into their preferences, ensuring that the gift is both a surprise and a perfect fit for their biking adventures.
Consider the recipient's level of biking experience when selecting a gift. Novices might appreciate fundamental gear and accessories that enhance their comfort and safety, while experienced riders might be looking for advanced equipment or specialized components to elevate their performance. Understanding their skill level will help you choose a gift that aligns with their current capabilities and future aspirations in the world of mountain biking.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Gifts $200 and up
If you want to protect your loved ones’ heads on the trail, the POC Kortal Race MIPS was our best upgrade pick for a mountain bike helmet in 2023.
It’s comfortable, breathes well, and fits well. That’s despite it wrapping further around the ears and back of the head than other helmets, which would usually make a helmet feel heavier and less comfortable. Instead, it offers extra protection while still feeling lightweight and unobtrusive to the rider.
The rear adjuster knob is easy to tighten or loosen, and the frame can raise or lower to fit a rider’s unique head shape. The chin strap is easy to customize as well. POC also includes a unique, adjustable vizor that locks in place and is designed to snap off in a forward crash, reducing the risk of damage to the neck or head.
Treeline Review writer Chris Meehan wearing his POC Kortal MIPS helmet riding Maryland Mountain. Photo courtesy Chris Meehan
The helmet is pricey at about $250, but it has many extra safety features, including MIPS Integra, which provides rotational protection in an accident.
It also includes a RECCO reflector to aid search and rescue in finding a lost mountain biker and an NFC Medical ID Chip, which stores emergency medical information if the rider is caught in a severe accident and unable to talk. All this adds up to making it a thoughtful gift for someone you know who loves to get after it. —Chris Meehan, Treeline Review contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE POC KORTAL RACE MIPS
2. A WAY TO TRACK ADVENTURE AND FITNESS: GARMIN FENIX 7 SAPPHIRE Solar MULTISPORT GPS WATCH
The fenix 7X Sapphire Solar set up on Mike Unger’s bike handlebars on a bikepacking trip. Photo by Mike Unger.
I’ve used this GPS watch on numerous bikepacking trips (as my bike computer), on a month-long backpacking trip, and as my everyday fitness tracker—and I love the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
There is actually sufficient battery life to use it in GPS mode on longer multi-day trips (which was, for many years, a limiting factor in GPS watches). The fenix burned less than 20% of its battery per day when using the GPS-enabled activity mode for over 12 hours per day. The fenix 7X has a listed 89 hours of battery life in GPS mode, and the solar version adds 33 additional hours (assuming the watch has good sun exposure).
In addition to streaming and storing music, taking phone calls, and emailing, it also measures heart rate, oxygen levels, altitude, and barometric pressure and tracks that data in a handy app. Whether you’re giving to an athletic person, a hardcore outdoors enthusiast, or someone who loves tracking data, the Garmin fenix GPS watch makes a statement.
The fenix 7 series has bike-specific features that connect with training tools like speed and cadence sensors and power meters and is Bluetooth Smart enabled. It can record enhanced training rides and track ride details. As the ultimate outdoor activity watch, it is also the Best Upgrade watch in the Best Hiking Watches. While Treeline Review doesn’t have a bike watch story, we think the bike-specific features on the fenix 7 series are great and highly recommend it for bikepacking, too.
If battery life isn’t their biggest concern, I would strongly recommend checking out the other options in the fenix 7 series. There are three different sizes, and they come in different display options. If they don’t need the extra features (and extra expense) of the fenix series, Garmin now has a solar version of my old standby, the Instinct 2. It increases the battery life of the watch in GPS mode from 30 to 48 hours (with good sun exposure).
There is nothing more iconic to give as a gift than a watch, and with the fenix 6X Pro, it’s one that they’ll have a lot of fun using to track activity.
See our detailed review of the fenix 7 for why we think it is the best Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass Watch you can give. —Mike Unger, contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE GARMIN FENIX 7 SAPPHIRE SOLAR MULTISPORT GPS WATCH
Guided mountain bike trip in Scotland. Photo by 57Hours.
3. A GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE TRIP
If the mountain bikers in your life have always dreamed about cycling in another country or a destination in this country someplace far from home, get them a guided mountain bike trip. All guides are trained and certified, speak the local language, and 57Hours makes it easy to find a guide for any destination and any sport.
You can search all the guided mountain bike trips by destination, but here are a few that stuck out:
And if they're looking to up their MTB technical skills, there are classes and clinics, including this mountain biking skills clinic near Kingdom Trails, Vermont
There is always the super popular adventure gift card. The gift card covers classes as well as education.
Related: How to Get Started Mountain Biking
Read More: How to Get Started Bikepacking
MTB GUIDED TRIPS
4. GARMIN INREACH MINI 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 may be the best present you can give a mountain biker (because it’s actually a present for yourself).
It's a way to stay in touch with mountain bikers—even deep in a desert canyon far from cell reception or way up in the backcountry on a remote bikepacking trip.
This two-way satellite transmitter turns a smartphone into a use-anywhere two-way texting machine. Plus, it has an SOS button to alert Search & Rescue in the case of an emergency.
Treeline Review Partnerships lead Sara Kruglinski tells us more and more mountain bikers in the Tahoe area, where she resides part-time, are visibly carrying the Garmin inReach Mini 2 as they ride. It makes sense as mountain biking is a sport where crashes and injuries are common. Having a way to communicate with medical professionals is a huge advantage in this sport.
The inReach Mini 2 easily fits into a pocket or backpack at only 3.5 ounces and 2" tall. See our detailed review for more details about the Garmin inReach Mini 2. —Treeline Review Team
COMPARE PRICES ON THE GARMIN INREACH MINI 2
Gifts $100-200
Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike SHoes
The winner of our best all-around flat MTB shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro. They’re one of the most popular MTB shoes on the market for good reason.
I like the Freerider’s sticky dot rubber outsole, which makes it easier to pedal uphill. They’re also is also comfortable to hike and walk in.
The Freerider Pro comes in multiple versions and styles, such as canvas, trailcross, high top, and GORE-TEX waterproof. Some versions are made with recycled materials as well.
What’s better than putting your breast foot forward? —Chris Meehan, Treeline Review contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ADIDAS FIVE TEN FREERIDER PRO MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
2. Machines for Freedom Summerweight 2.0 Long Sleeve Jersey
This one is for the ladies who live on two wheels. Machines for Freedom makes ultra high-quality gear designed by women, for women. They’re thoughtful about every detail of their gear—from the fabric to the fit—and are the most size-inclusive cycling brand we’ve found yet.
Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell wearing her favorite Machines for Freedom jersey. Photo courtesy Chris Meehan
If you want to splurge on someone, get them a jersey from Machines for Freedom. My personal favorite is the Summerweight 2.0 Long Sleeve. It’s a dreamy, silk-like lightweight fabric that wicks sweat and protects from sun exposure (rated for UPF 50+). The fit is tailored without being restrictive, and the jersey is the most comfortable I’ve used. Three back pockets hold bottles, layers, and snacks, and a small zippered pocket stashes small essentials like car keys and credit cards.
Whoever you gift this to will look great and feel great in their new high-performance kit. —Stasia Stockwell, Treeline Review contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SUMMERWEIGHT LONG SLEEVE
3. Light & Motion Vis 500 and Vya Switch Combo
The Light & Motion Vis 500 and Vya Switch Combo is a great gift for any cyclist in your life. This light combo is inexpensive and reliable enough for daily use. We’ve been using Light & Motion lights for commuting, night, and trail riding for many years. Many of our favorite mountain biking lights are made by Light & Motion, too. Give yourself the gift of knowing that the cyclist in your life will be able to see and be seen this year.
These lights are rechargeable and run for six hours on the lowest brightness setting. In our experience, using the lowest setting is adequate most of the time with this headlight. And when you need to see a little better, it’s easy to hit the button while riding to turn the brightness up.
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild with his favorite bike lights from Light and Motion. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
The mount is a simple elastomer band that allows you to securely mount these lights anywhere on your bike. We’ve mounted this headlight onto forks, the front rack's underside, and even our helmet. The mount on this headlight is seriously versatile. You can also purchase a dedicated helmet mount separately if you want.
The taillight uses a similar elastomer strap, which lets you mount it anywhere. These lights also have amber side lights so you can be seen from the side. We’ve used a lot of bike lights over the years, and none compare to the versatility and reliability of Light & Motion. —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE LIGHT & MOTION VIS 500 AND VYA SWITCH COMBO
Gifts $50 to 100
We recently got an ABUS uGrip Bordo 5700 for a friend, and after over a month of use, they still talk about how much better this lock is to carry than a U-lock. The lock folds down into a small footprint and mounts to the water bottle bosses on any bike. It’s almost as secure as a U-lock but takes up half the space when unused. This feature will make any cyclist’s life a little easier, making it a great gift.
The lock consists of six flat steel links joined together at hinges. The steel is coated in a durable rubberized plastic so it won’t scratch your bike frame.
These hinged links fold into a rectangular cube that’s small enough to fit in most pockets. However, the best part of this lock is that you don’t have to carry it in a pocket if you don’t want to. It comes with a rubber bracket that mounts anywhere on a bike you can attach a bottle cage and uses the same standard bike bolts you’d use to mount anything else on your bike.
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild loves his Abus uGrip Bordo 5700 folding bike lock for locking up in downtown Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy Sam Schild
We’ve used one of these locks for the past 5 years and have never had any serious problems. Once, someone attempted to cut through this lock while we were inside a building. We returned to our bike, and the lock was a little mangled, but the thief didn’t successfully cut through it.
While this lock certainly isn’t as secure as a U-lock, it’s much more secure than a cable lock and easier to carry than a U-lock. This lock hits the sweet spot for protection for most bike commuters who regularly lock their bike outside for a few hours or less. —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
Related: The Best Touring Bikes
Read More: Bike Touring Packing List
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ABUS UGRIP BORDO 5700 FOLDING LOCK
2. Topeak Barloader Handlebar bag
The Topeak Barloader Handlebar Bag is a great gift for that bikepacker in your life who also does other kinds of cycling. This versatile, fully-waterproof roll-top bag performs as well as more expensive handlebar bags but has more use cases than most. The Barloader works as a standalone handlebar bag and as an accessory bag added to a front roll bag on a bikepacking setup.
The Barloader’s simple design makes it easy to use, and the roll-top holds an impressive amount of stuff. We initially only used this as a secondary bag for small items on our bikepacking setup. But, one day, we used this directly on our bars as a standalone handlebar bag, and it hasn’t come off our bike since. The roll-top lets you roll the bag down to a minuscule size, but it holds 6.5 liters of gear when packed full.
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild with his favorite Topeak Barloader handlebar bag. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
It has two mounting systems—a more robust webbing and buckle system that will wrap around another bag and two small velcro loops. The straps and buckle system make it clear this bag is primarily intended as a bikepacking bag, and it’s great for that.
Our main gripe with bikepacking bags is that there often aren’t good places to pack small items you need to access frequently. This bag solves this problem. The interior has multiple zipper pockets and an additional mesh pocket to further organize those small items. When you’re not bikepacking, though, this bag is a great addition to your daily ride. —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
Related: The Best Bike Handlebar Bags
COMPARE PRICES OF THE TOPEAK BARLOADER HANDLEBAR BAG
Treeline Review writer Chris Meehan’s setup with the OneUp EDC Tool System and pump. Everything fits inside the pump handle utilizing that otherwise dead space.
3. Oneup Components EDC Tool System V2 and EDC Pump
For many reasons, the OneUp Components EDC Tool System V2 and EDC Pump is one of our favorite bike tool systems; you could call this the ‘one tool to rule them all!’
We’d be stoked to receive it as a gift! On its own, it’s a hidden multitool system with just about everything you need that fits in your bike’s head tube—with some modification.
But couple it with their EDC Pump, and you’ve got a true wonder kit. The hidden tools fit inside the bottom of the pump handle and can stow a CO2 cartridge or a tire plug kit—your choice.
The tool itself has just about everything you need, including 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches; T25 Torx bit; a flathead screwdriver; chain tool; spoke wrenches; Presta valve core tool, EDC top cap tool, spare chainring bolt, sealed storage; tire levers. The pump’s head unit also unscrews to become a CO2 cracker if you don’t want to pump your tire up with the pump itself.
The only downside is that the pump and the tool aren’t sold as a kit. Each piece is around $65, a little more expensive than other tools and pumps, but the capabilities and well-thought-out design make it a worthy investment for your favorite trail rider this holiday season.
—Chris Meehan, Treeline Review contributing writer
COMPARE PRICES OF THE ONEUP COMPONENTS EDC TOOL SYSTEM V2 AND EDC PUMP
TOOL SYSTEM
PUMP
4. MOUNTAIN BIKE HIP PACK
Hip packs are a helpful accessory for easy access to your water, phone, wallet, extra layer, or snacks. A mountain bike waist pack is arguably the best way to carry the water, snacks, and gear you need for your two-wheeled adventure for all rides, from a post-work hot lap to all-day epics.
These days, you can find a fanny pack in every color and style imaginable. Our favorites are:
The Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3 Hydration Waist Pack: In the early stages of our research for our Best Mountain Bike Hip Packs guide, this consistently came up as a front-runner. After putting it through testing for a season, our testing lined up with overwhelming customer and media praise. The Evoc Hip Pack Pro stands out as the best overall hip pack for mountain biking thanks to a winning combo of versatility, features, comfort, and solid construction. It's the best option for riders who like hydration bladders.
The Osprey Savu 5: is a great option for riders who prefer bottles. It's stable and comfortable without feeling overly bulky.
Whichever hip pack you get, it’s a practical and fun gift. For even more creativity, you can stuff it with other presents like gift cards, chamois butter, energy gels, or even electronics like earbuds or a GPS watch. —Treeline Review Team
Related: The Best Fanny Packs, Waist Packs, and Lumbar Packs
Read More: The Best Mountain Bike Hip Packs
EVOC HIP PACK
OSPREY SAVU 5
5. Knog Scout Bike Alarm & Finder
The Knog Scout is one of the coolest bike gadgets we’ve seen in a long time. One of the main questions we hear from cyclists is: “how can I track my bike in case it’s stolen?” Well, this device answers that question.
The Scout allows you to see the location of your bike, so if it gets stolen, you can track it down. It also has an extremely loud 85-decibel alarm that goes off if your bike moves, so you probably won’t even need to use the tracking capabilities.
The Scout attaches to your bike’s water bottle cage mounts and connects to your phone with an accompanying app. You can mount a bottle cage on top of this device, so it doesn’t prevent you from carrying water. It comes with security bolts that require a special removal tool, so a potential thief can’t simply remove the device. Through the app, you can activate or disarm the alarm. The app also sends push notifications when you leave your bike somewhere to remind you to set the alarm.
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild activates his Knog Scout that uses Apple’s Find My network to track a missing bike. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
The Scout uses Apple’s Find My network to track your bike if it goes missing. We’ve found this tracking to be extremely accurate. It’s waterproof, USB-C rechargeable, and the battery will last up to six months. This device is currently only IOS compatible, though. Though Knog is developing an Android-compatible app, we don’t know when it will be released. —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
KNOG SCOUT BIKE ALARM AND FINDER
Gifts $20-50
Treeline writer Stasia Stockwell has geared up her bike with this unique top cap by artist Bryn Merrell. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Bike Accessories from Bryn Merrell Art
You’ve got a special someone who loves their bike more than most things, and because they love biking so much, they’re already decked out in all the gear they could need. This situation is where a little creativity comes in handy.
Give someone a gift that adds some personality to their gear while supporting a small artist. Bryn Merrell is an artist and outdoor adventurer based in the California mountain town of Tahoe City. Along with beautifully unique paintings, she sells a smattering of bike accessories featuring her artwork—everything from fanny packs to top caps.
Is your friend a mountain biker in the wet PNW? An artsy fender makes a perfect gift. For bikers of any style, a fresh top cap painted with colorful wildflowers or rad mountains adds personality to any bike. I recently swapped my boring black top cap for Bryn’s Indian Paintbrush one, and it makes me smile every time I glance down at my bike.
All these bike accessories are reasonably priced and make for a fun and thoughtful gift that doesn’t break the bank, all while supporting a local artist instead of big box stores. —Stasia Stockwell, Treeline Review contributing writer
BIKE ACCESSORIES FROM BRYN MERRELL ART
TOP CAP
Fenders
Intro to Winter Fat Bike Riding is one of many bike courses offered at REI. Photo by REI.
Want to give an experience rather than a thing? REI has classes and events across the country covering various activities and interests. Bonus — they’re reasonably priced.
Here’s a (tiny) sampling of their cycling classes, from intro to advanced:
Women's Flat Tire Repair and Women's Introduction to Mountain Biking
Arizona Mountain Bike Development Workshop Levels 1 & 2
Here's a tiny sampling of their bike events:
VIEW ALL cycling events AT REI
3. PORTLAND DESIGN WORKS BOTTLE HOLDERS
For anyone who bikes, we fell in love with the nature-inspired artistic designs by Portland Design Works. These bike cages shaped like birds are beautiful and functional. They add some beauty to a commuter bike or road bike.
This beautiful piece of simple gear is a creative and memorable gift for the bike commuter or bicycle enthusiast in your life. —Treeline Review editorial team
Related: Best Bicycle for Touring
PORTLAND DESIGN WORKS BOTTLE CAGES
4. BUFF NECK GAITER
Are you looking for a practical gift for bikers that is a stocking stuffer with some personality? We’re fans of Buff Neck Gaiters, which makes its way into our Gear Lists for Bikepacking trips of the White Rim Trail.
Buff neck gaiters double as beanies for cooler nights in the sleeping bag, and ski masks protect your face from cold air. We’ve even seen some people use them as tube tops or skirts in a pinch (not recommended)!
There’s a Buff fabric and design for everyone. Whether your loved one is:
a high-visibility bright orange with UPF sun protection
a National Park fan who wants to rep their favorite parks
a winter enthusiast who wants something extra warm for snowy adventures.
Gifts $20 and less
BOX OF ENERGY BARS, GELS, AND POWER DRINK MIXES
Giving a box of chocolates may be a traditional holiday present. But a hand-picked box of performance energy foods, including energy bars, gels, and drink mixes, is even more exciting than chocolate for anyone who spends time on two wheels.
Almost every rider loves to try new flavors of gels and performance drinks.
Here are some of the most popular energy foods for bikers this season:
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder (our one of most popular items at Treeline!)
Honey Stinger Energy Waffles (also available in Gluten-Free)
Tip: If you’re giving Performance Food Gift Sets to several people, you can get items like Ultima Replenisher or GU 24-Pack in bulk to save even more.
Plus, REI runs a deal where you save 10% if you purchase 10 or more performance foods.
Related: The Best Electrolyte Powder
2. Chamois Butt'r
Chafing and uncomfortable rubbing are just a part of the bike riding experience. Nothing says 'I care' like a stick of chamois butter. Chafing may be uncomfortable, but Chamois Butt'r is a way to talk about it with some humor and even makes a good gag gift. Plus, since it is smaller, it also is a good stocking stuffer or add-on for bigger presents.
While the tube is the most common form, it's also available in a tub of Eurostyle cooling gel, or as an ultralightweight package of ten 9-ml single use packets, for stuffing into a jersey or bike bag.
CHAMOIS BUTT'R
Name Your Own Price
A GIFT TO A BIKING ORGANIZATION IN THEIR NAME
To keep playing outdoors, we must conserve nature.
Our writers and editors included a few of their favorites:
Wheels4Life: Founded by a former professional mountain biking world champion, works in developing countries to provide access to bikes for work and school.
Women in Transition: A non-profit program that creates a safe space for women in transition from domestic abuse and incarceration with the guidance, skills, and equipment to safely ride a bicycle for exercise, transportation, and personal growth. Run out of the non-profit organization Women in Transition, this data-backed program
People for Bikes: A non-profit organization that works on pro-bike advocacy in all 50 states to make biking safer for everyone. It offers a Community Bike Grant program for local bike projects.
2. THE GIFT FOR WHATEVER THEY WANT:
REI GIFT CARD
Still not sure what to get the mountain biker in your life? Consider the REI Gift Card. Even if you’ve got an excellent grasp on what a person likes, it can be tricky to know what bike gear they already own. REI Gift cards never expire and can be used on anything–including bike repair and maintenance services or classes.
Best yet, this season, REI will donate $1 for every gift card purchased–no minimum purchase required. —Treeline Review staff
REI GIFT CARD
