Top Ten Gift Ideas for Mountain Bikers

With the holiday season around the corner, it's time to find the ultimate gift for the mountain biker on your list. Here's my top choices as one mountain biker to another - or least, what I would like to receive for my mtb hobby.

#1. Crank Brothers egg beater pedals. So I already have a pair, but they come in titanium which is a lot lighter than my current chromoly set. And for shedding mud, gunk, clay, sand, and all the other aspects of the trail that tend to cling, you'll find no better set of pedals. The "egg-beater" looking design allows for the quick release of buildup, meaning that no matter what the conditions, you'll always be able to clip in. Also, this pedal offers four sided entry. No struggling to get the pedal flipped to the right position to get your foot in.

#2. Tubeless Tires. Doesn't matter what brand, tubeless tires are a great addition to any mtb enthusiasts arsenal. Make sure you pick up the necessary "glue". Tubeless tires are just that, no inner tube. The tire is "glued" in place and the nut tightened on the valve stem. Most tires are thicker than normal, and a lining can be added for thorn protection. The addition of a little more "glue" (think similar to fix a flat) keeps small leaks sealed. And tubes add up.....

#3. Carbon Dioxide Tire Inflate Kit. This comes in handy for those frustrating flats. No need to carry a small inefficient pump on your frame or your back. These kits fit nicely in a pocket or a hydration pack. Add some extra canisters. One flat can empty one container, and spares ride really cheap. Every rider will appreciate the ease and speed of inflation; and it certainly beats wearing your shoulders and arms out trying to get enough pressure in your tire with one of those tiny portable pumps.

#4. New Hydration Pack. Again, there are a variety of brands to choose from and some offer women specific designs. Go for the better known brands - Camelbak, Gary Fisher to name two - it's worth it for the better fit. No name and department store brands tend to be cut looser and chafe more when riding. And if your biker already has one, a second one is always a good thing. Overtime, bacteria build up in the tube of the pack. So it never hurts to replace an old one.

#5. Nite Rider lights. Nite Rider offers a variety of lights, from bike mounted to helmet mounts. The Flame Thrower is one of their best and illuminates the dark like no other. Let your sweetie add the challenge of night riding to their repertoire for more fun. Lights can run from $20 (stay away from these if you will want to like night riding) to about $400. The top models are well worth the price. The difference is like using a penlight to light up the road in front of your car as compared to a spotlight. Spend the dough. If any problems occur, you'll find Nite Riders customer service to be above and beyond.

#6. Bike Work Stand: Park Tools offers a few varieties and are one of the best bike tool manufacturers on the market. They have several different models, any of which this rider would love to have. Every bike needs adjustments, repairs, and "tweaking". It's far easier to fix things using a bike stand rather than just flipping your bike upside down. Save your honey time and aggravation when it comes to fixing up their ride. And they just might clean their two wheels more often..... (Means less mud and dirt in the house? Maybe?)

#7. Small portable first aid kit. Never hurts. And some of the items can double as temporary bike fixes..... Adhesive tape can be great to fix a tear in a tire, or a seat. One of your hydration pack straps break, cable shielding cut? Bandaids or more adhesive tape. You'd be amazed at what works in any emergency. Not to mention that antibiotic cream would be nice on those cases of tree-rash. And that instant ice pack....

#8. Foot/Toe warmers. You've seen them in stores (from drug stores to department stores). Smash them and put them in your shoes to keep your toes nice and toasted warm. They also work to slip into gloves or under your helmet (although if you're helmet is snug and it should be you'll have to do some adjustment.) Even if they aren't used for during a ride, they are a welcome relief to slip in afterwards. I wouldn't mind a stocking full of them.

#9. Snake Bite Kit/Bear Repellant. Depending on what area you live in, these aren't bad things to have along. Even if they're kept in the car. They do work better when they're on you.

#10. A new carbon fiber mountain bike. Okay, so this will cost several thousand dollars. But if you want to go all out for your loved one, this is the way to do it. Nothing rides like carbon fiber. Many brands are available, most offer warranties on the frame.