2024 Mountain Biker Gift Guide: Gifts for the Shredder.
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Shopping for the mountain biker in your life? Whether they’re a trail newbie or a seasoned shredder, the right gear can take their riding experience to the next level. From helmets and gloves to bike tools and packs, this curated list of mountain biking gifts has something for everyone. These are all items I love, use, and trust to perform on the trail.
Let’s jump into the best mountain biking gift ideas for 2024!
1. Rapha Trail Knee Pads
The Rapha Trail Knee Pads offer lightweight protection and comfort for mountain bikers tackling tough terrain. Designed with a minimalist approach, these pads provide flexible, breathable coverage without restricting movement—perfect for long rides and technical descents.
Why They’ll Love It:
These knee pads are built for all-day comfort, offering a low-profile fit and reliable protection against unexpected spills. They’re breathable for warm days and fit seamlessly under most mountain biking shorts.
Why I Love It:
The Rapha Trail Knee Pads give me peace of mind on rough trails without feeling bulky or uncomfortable. They stay in place, breathe well, and protect where it counts.
2. Smith Mainline MIPS Helmet
The Smith Mainline MIPS Helmet is a premium full-face helmet designed for downhill and enduro mountain bikers who demand top-tier protection. Featuring MIPS technology (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), this helmet offers enhanced safety, excellent ventilation, and a comfortable, secure fit.
Why They’ll Love It:
This helmet combines advanced safety features with lightweight construction and superior breathability. It’s perfect for riders tackling technical descents or shredding bike parks. The adjustable fit system ensures comfort on long rides, while the integrated MIPS system provides added protection against rotational forces.
Why I Love It:
The Smith Mainline MIPS Helmet strikes the perfect balance between safety and comfort. I love how lightweight and breathable it feels, even during intense rides, and the extra peace of mind that comes with MIPS is unbeatable.
3. Oakley DRT3 Trail I.C.E. Helmet
The Oakley DRT3 Trail I.C.E. Helmet is designed for mountain bikers who prioritize comfort, safety, and innovative features. With a lightweight build, excellent ventilation, and advanced integration for eyewear storage, this helmet is perfect for trail enthusiasts.
Why They’ll Love It:
This helmet features Oakley’s I.C.E. technology for improved cooling, a BOA fit system for a customizable fit, and a secure docking station for glasses. It’s ideal for long rides on warm days when staying cool and comfortable is key.
Why I Love It:
This helmet was recommended to me at my local bike shop. I would never have thought of Oakley and bike helmets, but I love this helmet. The fit is spot-on, and and the ventilation is amazing. It’s my go-to helmet for all-day rides.
4. Glade Rambler Sunglasses
The Glade Rambler Sunglasses are a stylish and functional choice for mountain bikers who want a clear vision and reliable eye protection on the trail. Designed for both performance and durability, these sunglasses feature polarized lenses that reduce glare and enhance contrast, making them perfect for variable light conditions.
Why They’ll Love It:
The Rambler Sunglasses are lightweight, scratch-resistant, and built for active pursuits. Their polarized lenses reduce glare on sunny days, while the durable frame ensures they can handle the demands of rugged trails.
Why I Love It:
I love these sunglasses for riding. They fit great, and they shit in different light. Best of all, the price is excellent—no need to pay $300 anymore for riding glasses.
5. Stio OPR Shorts
The Stio OPR Shorts are lightweight, durable, and designed for mountain bikers who value comfort and performance. With a relaxed fit and technical fabric, these shorts offer excellent mobility and breathability on the trail.
Why They’ll Love It:
Made with durable stretch fabric, these shorts are abrasion-resistant and perfect for long rides. The adjustable waistband provides a secure fit, while the multiple pockets add practical storage for trail essentials like snacks or tools.
Why I Love It:
I have tried so many mtb shorts. The Stio OPR Shorts are my go-to for warm-weather rides. They’re super comfortable, tough enough for rugged terrain, and look great off the bike, too.
6. Rapha Trail Cargo Shorts
The Rapha Trail Cargo Shorts are built for mountain bikers who demand versatility, comfort, and durability. With multiple secure pockets and lightweight, stretchy fabric, these shorts are perfect for carrying essentials on long rides without compromising performance.
Why They’ll Love It:
These shorts combine a tailored fit with practical storage options, including reinforced zippered pockets for tools, snacks, or even a small phone. The durable, breathable fabric ensures comfort on hot days while standing up to the wear and tear of rugged trails.
Why I Love It:
I wear these under my Stio OPR shorts. I love the two side pockets for essentials like my iPhone, and the fabric moves so well that I barely notice I’m wearing them, which is very Rapha in all their wearables.
7. Specialized S-Works Epic
The Specialized S-Works Epic is a high-performance cross-country mountain bike designed for speed, efficiency, and precision. With its lightweight carbon frame, cutting-edge suspension, and race-ready components, this bike is perfect for shredders who want to push their limits.
Why They’ll Love It:
The S-Works Epic is built for speed and control, featuring Brain suspension technology that adapts seamlessly to trail conditions. The lightweight design makes climbing a breeze, while the aggressive geometry ensures stability and confidence on technical descents.
Why I Love It:
The S-Works Epic is a dream ride. It’s incredibly fast, responsive, and handles like a pro on challenging trails. Whether racing or just tackling tough terrain, it’s the ultimate bike for XC riders who want the best. I shaved so much time off my rides after I got this bike. The Epic 8 is the evolution of my 2022 Epic Pro.
8. Shimano SH-GF800 GORE-TEX Bike Shoes
The Shimano SH-GF800 GORE-TEX Bike Shoes are perfect for mountain bikers who ride in all weather conditions. With a breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and rugged construction, these shoes keep feet dry and comfortable no matter the trail.
Why They’ll Love It:
These shoes combine a sturdy sole for efficient power transfer with a comfortable fit that’s ideal for long rides. The GORE-TEX lining ensures protection from rain and mud, while the grippy outsole provides excellent traction off the bike.
Why I Love It:
The Shimano SH-GF800s are my go-to shoes for wet or unpredictable conditions. They fit great, keep my feet dry, and perform well both on and off the bike. They’re a must-have for all-weather riders.
9. Shimano SH-GE500 Bike Shoes - Women’s
The Shimano SH-GE500 Bike Shoes are versatile and comfortable shoes designed for women mountain bikers who need reliable performance on and off the bike. These shoes combine a casual style with a grippy sole and SPD compatibility, making them perfect for both trail riding and casual adventures.
Why They’ll Love It:
These shoes are lightweight and durable, with a secure fit that’s great for long rides. The grippy outsole provides excellent traction for hike-a-bike sections, while SPD compatibility ensures efficient power transfer when clipped in.
Why I Love It:
The SH-GE500s are as comfortable on the trail as they are around camp or in town. I love how they combine a casual look with serious performance, making them perfect for all-day riding adventures.
10. Rapha Women’s Trail GORE-TEX Infinium Jacket
The Rapha Women’s Trail GORE-TEX Infinium Jacket is a lightweight, weather-resistant layer designed specifically for mountain biking. It offers protection from wind and light rain without sacrificing breathability, making it ideal for variable trail conditions.
Why They’ll Love It:
This jacket is built with GORE-TEX Infinium fabric for maximum weather protection and freedom of movement. Its minimalist design ensures a comfortable fit while packing easily into a backpack when not in use.
Why I Love It:
The Rapha Trail GORE-TEX Jacket is my go-to for unpredictable weather. It’s breathable, easy to move in, and keeps me protected from wind and light rain while staying comfortable during intense rides.
11. SixSixOne Raji Glove
The SixSixOne Raji Glove is a timeless classic in the world of mountain biking gear. Known for its lightweight, ventilated design, this glove has been a favorite for over 20 years, continuously refined to offer unparalleled comfort, control, and durability.
Why They’ll Love It:
With a stretch twill back, perforated single-layer palm, and touchscreen compatibility, these gloves are perfect for long rides. The silicone fingertip grip adds enhanced control, while the secure hook-and-loop closure ensures a perfect fit every time.
Why I Love It:
I discovered these gloves from a YouTuber I follow, Remy Mateillar. The Raji Glove is light, breathable, and offers fantastic grip. I also love the touchscreen compatibility, so I can check maps or take photos without taking them off. The pricing is great too.
12. Specialized Women’s Body Geometry Dual-Gel Long Finger Gloves
The Specialized Women’s Body Geometry Dual-Gel Long Finger Gloves are thoughtfully designed for female riders who value comfort, grip, and protection on the trail. With gel padding strategically placed to reduce pressure and absorb vibrations, these gloves make long rides more enjoyable.
Why They’ll Love It:
These gloves offer excellent comfort with padded gel zones that minimize hand fatigue. The durable synthetic leather palm ensures a secure grip, while the long-finger design provides extra protection for cooler weather or challenging terrain.
Why I Love It:
These gloves make every ride more comfortable, especially on rocky or bumpy trails. The gel padding is a lifesaver for long rides, and the fit is designed perfectly for women’s hands, offering both comfort and control.
13. Specialized Neoprene Gloves
The Specialized Neoprene Gloves are a must-have for mountain bikers who ride in wet and cold conditions. Designed with fully waterproof neoprene material, these gloves keep hands warm and dry while maintaining excellent grip and control.
Why They’ll Love It:
These gloves are perfect for rainy or muddy rides, offering full waterproofing and wind resistance. The seamless construction prevents water penetration, while the textured palm provides a secure grip even when wet.
Why I Love It:
The Specialized Neoprene Gloves are my go-to for cold, wet rides. They keep my hands warm and dry, and I love how well they maintain grip in slippery conditions.
14. Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer
The Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer is the ultimate tool for mountain bikers who want to maintain their fitness and hone their skills indoors. With advanced features like power measurement, realistic ride simulation, and seamless integration with training apps, it offers an immersive and effective indoor riding experience.
Why They’ll Love It:
The KICKR Smart Trainer is quiet, accurate, and compatible with a wide range of bikes. Its realistic road feel and ability to simulate gradients make it perfect for mountain bikers preparing for steep climbs. Pair it with apps like Zwift or TrainerRoad for a fully connected training experience.
Why I Love It:
The Wahoo KICKR is what I have used to train for years. There is no other trainer as great as this one, IMO.
15. Wahoo ELEMNT Roam GPS Bike Computer
The Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM GPS Cycling Computer is a top-tier navigation and performance tool for mountain bikers. With a high-contrast color screen, advanced mapping capabilities, and seamless connectivity, it’s perfect for tackling unfamiliar trails or optimizing training sessions.
Why They’ll Love It:
This GPS cycling computer provides turn-by-turn navigation, live tracking, and detailed ride metrics. Its rugged design and long battery life make it ideal for extended adventures, while integration with apps like Strava and Komoot adds even more functionality.
Why I Love It:
The ELEMNT ROAM makes navigating trails effortless and keeps all my ride data in one place. The clear color screen is easy to read in bright sunlight, and the live tracking gives me peace of mind when exploring remote areas.
16. Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch
The Wahoo ELEMNT Rival GPS Watch is a versatile, performance-focused smartwatch designed for athletes, including mountain bikers. With advanced tracking features, a rugged design, and seamless connectivity to other Wahoo devices, it’s perfect for those who want to monitor their rides and fitness goals.
Why They’ll Love It:
This watch offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with apps like Strava. Its rugged build handles the demands of trail riding, while its sleek design transitions effortlessly from the bike to daily life.
Why I Love It:
The ELEMNT Rival keeps all my stats in one place—whether I’m on a ride or doing other training. I love how easily it syncs with my Wahoo bike computer, and the battery life is impressive for long days outdoors.
Final Thoughts:
I hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect present for the mountain biker—or even something for yourself. These are all products I own, trust and use on the trail. If you have any questions about the gear or need recommendations, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help.
Ride on, and happy trails! 🚴♀️
More Outdoor Gift Ideas for Hikers, Campers, Snow Lovers, Shredders, and Adventurers.
We’re excited to bring you even more curated gift guides tailored to all types of adventurers! Whether you’re shopping for a national park enthusiast, a mountain biker, or a seasoned camper, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire your gift-giving.
Be sure to check back for more ideas.