2024 Gift Guide: 25 Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
Gifts for Mountain Bikers, Gravel Bikers, and Bikepackers — according to Bikers
October 30th, 2024
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–all while on two wheels. With this surge in popularity, the demand for high-quality mountain biking gear and accessories has also risen, making it an exciting niche for gift giving.
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 guides to Best Gifts for Hikers and Best Gifts for Climbers.
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.
Mountain Biker Gifts comparison table
| GIFTS | MSRP | |
|---|---|---|
| $200 and up | ||
| POC Kortal Race MIPS Helmet | $270 | |
| Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch | $800 | |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 | $400 | |
| Guided Mountain Bike Trip | Varies |
What to consider 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. That way, you can ensure that your 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 both their current capabilities and their future mountain biking aspirations.
Gifts $200 and up
POC Kortal Race MIP Helmet
If you’re looking for the ultimate head protection for your favorite mountain biker, the POC Kortal Race MIPS is a top-tier gift choice. Named our best upgrade mountain bike helmet, it offers premium safety features without compromising on comfort.
Treeline Review writer Chris Meehan wearing his POC Kortal MIPS helmet riding Maryland Mountain. Photo courtesy Chris Meehan
Why It’s Great for Mountain Bikers:
Full Coverage: Wraps around the ears and back of the head, providing extra protection
Customizable Fit: Easily adjust the rear knob, frame, and chin strap for a perfect fit.
Safety Technology: Equipped with MIPS Integra for rotational protection and a visor that snaps off in crashes to reduce injury risk.
Extra Safety Features: Includes a RECCO reflector for search and rescue and an NFC Medical ID Chip for emergency medical info.
Is It Worth the Price?
At around $250, this helmet comes at a premium, but it’s worth every penny for the added safety and peace of mind. It’s a thoughtful gift for any serious mountain biker who loves pushing limits on technical trails.
"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.” - Chris Meehan, Treeline Review contributing writer
The fenix 7X Sapphire Solar set up on Mike Unger’s bike handlebars on a bikepacking trip. Photo by Mike Unger.
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS watch
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to track adventure and fitness for your favorite mountain biker, the Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Multi-sport GPS watch is hard to beat. Named our best upgrade winner in our best GPS watch guide, this multi-sport watch excels at tracking bike trips. We’ve used this GPS watch on numerous bikepacking trips (as a bike computer), on a month-long backpacking trip, and as my everyday fitness tracker—and we love the fenix 7X Sapphire Solar.
For more in-depth details, you can read our detailed review of the Garmin fenix 7.
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS watch
Why It’s Great for Mountain Bikers:
Excellent battery life: It actually has 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).
Smart watch capability, fitness tracker data: 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.
Bike-specific features: It can connect them 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.
"There is nothing more iconic to give as a gift than a watch, and with the fenix 7X Pro, it’s one that they’ll have a lot of fun using to track activity." - Mike Unger, Treeline Review contributing writer
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a mountain bike ride near Crested Butte, Colorado. Photo by Dean Krakel.
Garmin Inreach Mini 2
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 might just be the best gift for your favorite mountain biker—because it’s a gift for you too! This lightweight, two-way satellite communicator allows hikers to stay in touch from anywhere, giving their loved ones peace of mind during solo adventures. It's the overall winner in our Best Satellite Messengers and Personal Locator Beacon because of its user-friendly interface and long battery life.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Two-Way Messaging: Paired with a smartphone, it turns into a reliable texting device, even when there’s no cell service.
Emergency SOS Feature: In case of emergencies, the SOS button alerts Search & Rescue, ensuring help is always within reach. This can be helpful after a crash.
Ultralight and Compact: Weighing only 3.5 ounces, it’s perfect for bikers who have limited room in their backpack or hip pack. Many mountain bikers now consider it an essential part of their gear.
For more details, check out our in-depth review of the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
“The Garmin inReach Mini 2 gets our vote as the smallest, lightest, toughest two-way satellite communicator in the outdoor world.” - Dean Krakel, Treeline Review contributing writer
A Guided Mountain Bike Trip
Guided mountain bike trip in Scotland. Photo by 57Hours.
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.
Why It’s Great for Mountain Bikers:
Makes it easy to bike in other countries: All guides are trained and certified and speak the local language taking the logistics out of traveling to ride overseas.
Guides can help up their technical skills: There are classes and clinics, and offerings from beginner to advanced.
Can search for destinations around the world: Classes are available for all levels, women's-only groups, and all around the world.
MTB Guided Trips
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 gifting the Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro. They’re one of the most popular MTB shoes on the market for good reason.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Makes it easier to pedal uphill: we like the sticky dot rubber outsole, which makes it easier to pedal uphill. If they're jumping or knocked off their pedals for any reason, it offers excellent grip the instant their foot reconnects with the pedal.
Comfort, even when walking: Many mountain bike shoes are for the bike only and lack versatility. The Freerider are comfortable to hike and walk in.
Can tailor to their style: 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.
"More than 4,000 customers on Amazon gave it an average rating of 5 stars, and for a good reason — it’s reasonably stylish, looking like skate shoes with an incredible grip that’s been leading the rankings for years. " —Chris Meehan, Treeline Review contributing writer
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild with his favorite bike lights from Light and Motion. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
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.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Excellent battery life: 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.
Easy mount: 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.
Be seen from front, back, and sides: 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
Author Stasia Stockwell riding in Colorado wearing the Wild Rye Freyah women’s bike pant.
Wild Rye Freyah Bike Pant
If you’ve got a lady shredder in your life who loves to mountain bike no matter the weather or season, give them a gift that’ll help keep them out there. And the Freyah mountain bike pants will do just that. These pants offer the ideal combo of comfort, light weather protection, and breathability for days on the bike when shorts just won't cut it. Bonus: They’ve got a super flattering fit.
Why They’re Great for Mountain Bikers:
These are women’s specific pants designed for mountain biking, so the wide and comfortable waistband and trim fit in the legs and ankles are great whether you’re pedaling or cruising downhill tracks.
The fabric of these pants has great stretch for freedom of movement, while still being abrasion resistant and offering some light protection from the elements. (If your gift recipient happens to have a fat bike she rides all winter long, consider the softshell version of the Freyah.)
The zipper on the ankles is generous enough so you can put on or remove knee pads under the pants without having to take them off.
Look good, feel good, safety third? Maybe that’s a little out of order, but I think especially us ladies love to feel good in the gear we’re wearing when we bike, and a lot of the mountain bike apparel out there leaves a lot to be desired in this regard. But not these. The Freyah are technical MTB pants that look just as good as they perform.
Are They Worth The Price?
In general, mountain bike pants aren’t cheap. But in the category, the Wild Rye Freyah are a worthy piece of gear to have for people who ride a lot. While you could spend a little less, we think these are absolutely worth it for the excellent features, premium quality, and super flattering fit. (Wild Rye is a small, women-owned brand doing awesome stuff in the outdoor space!)
Gifts $50 to $99
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
Abus uGrip Bordo 5700 Folding lock
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.
Abus uGrip Bordo 5700 Folding lock
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Small footprint for easy carry anywhere: It’s almost as secure as a U-lock but takes up half the space when unused. The lock folds down into a small footprint and mounts to the water bottle bosses on any bike. This feature will make any cyclist’s life a little easier, making it a great gift.
Won't scratch their bike frame: 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.
Comes with rubber bracket: 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.
It's secure: 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
Treeline Review writer Sam Schild with his favorite Topeak Barloader handlebar bag. Photo courtesy Sam Schild.
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.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE TOPEAK BARLOADER HANDLEBAR BAG
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Easy to use with great capacity: 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.
Easy to mount on a bike: 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.
Plenty of storage: 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.
"The Topeak Barloaded Handlebar bag is not only great for bikepacking, this bag is a great addition to your daily ride." —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
Oneup Components EDC Tool System V2 and EDC Pump
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.
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!’ Mountain bikers will be stoked to receipt this as a gift!
Oneup Components EDC Tool System V2 and EDC Pump
Tool system
Pump
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Everything a biker needs: On its own, the EDC Tool System V2 is a hidden multitool system with just about everything you need that fits in your bike’s head tube—with some modification.
A true wonder bike repair kit: 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 a biker could 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 they don’t want to pump their tire up with the pump itself.
"Each piece is 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
Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3 Mountain Bike Hip Pack
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. The Evo Hip Pack Pro is the overall winner in our Best Mountain Bike Hip Pack guide. Years of testing backup overwhelming customer praise due to its winning combo of versatility, features, comfort, and solid construction.
Testing the Evoc hip pack pro in Colorado.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
"The Swiss army knife of hydration options:" The pack comes equipped with a 1.5-liter bladder and two bottle pockets on either side of the pack. This additional equipment means it’s easy to maximize your water storage for long, hot rides or use any combination of bladder and bottles according to your preferences and hydration needs.
Excellent and well-sized pockets: The main zippered compartment has a sleeve for the bladder and room for snacks and an extra layer. The front zippered pocket has three mesh compartments for organizing tool and repair gear, plus an additional internal, zippered, water-resistant pocket that fits most phones and other essentials.
Incredible comfort and carries well: The waist strap is different from any other in our test. Instead of a traditional buckle, the Pro has a stretchy Velcro band with an additional adjustable buckle that allows them to dial in the fit to a tee.
Plus, it's a gift you can stuff with smaller presents: 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.
"This pack is more expensive than many others out there, but it also has the best features and is the most comfortable. So while the price tag is a little higher, we think it’s worth it." —Stasia Stockwell, Treeline Review writer
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 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.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
They can see the location of their bike: The Scout allows you to see the location of your bike, so if it gets stolen, you can track it down.
Comes with an alarm: It 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.
Easy to attach to bike and pair with phone: 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.
Easy to use app: 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.
Extremely accurate tracking: 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.
"The Knog Scout is one of the coolest bike gadgets we’ve seen in a long time. " —Sam Schild, Treeline Review contributing writer
Gifts $20-$49
Bike Accessories from Bryn Merrell Art
Treeline writer Stasia Stockwell has geared up her bike with this unique top cap by artist Bryn Merrell. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
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.
Top Cap
Fenders
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
Adds personality to their bike: 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.
Brings a smile when they look down at their bike: Is your friend a mountain biker in the wet PNW? An artsy fender makes a perfect gift. 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.
Reasonably-priced: 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.
"For bikers of any style, a fresh top cap painted with colorful wildflowers or rad mountains adds personality to any bike." —Stasia Stockwell, Treeline Review contributing writer
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
Gifts $20 and less
Gifts for bikers that are between $1 and $20 can include accessories and stocking stuffers. For more suggestions for stocking stuffers for outdoors people, see our entire gift guide dedicated to small and affordable gifts for hikers, campers, runners, skiers, and bikers.
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 overall winner in our Best Electrolytes guide and 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.
Chafing and uncomfortable rubbing are just a part of the bike riding experience. Nothing says 'I care' like a stick of chamois butter.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
A practical gag gift: 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.
Practical size: 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
Our writers and editors included a few of their favorite biking organizations:
Wheels4Life: Founded by a former professional mountain biking world champion, Wheels4Life 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 inspires women.
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.
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.
Why it’s great for mountain bikers
They last: REI Gift cards never expire.
Gift cards qualify for anything: this includes bike gear, bike classes, or bike repair and maintenance. It also can go towards REI-led trips.
They can get exactly what they want: It takes the guess work out of it for you.
—Treeline Review staff
REI Gift Card
