Looking for a Vermont-centric last minute gift idea for your favorite mountain biker? Here is an assortment of options that we own and love, or definitely would love to own. We’ll each be posting our top 5 picks for must haves this week, just in case you need to make a last minute trip to the bike shop to pick up some gear for the rider on your list.
Ibex Meru Hat
Under a bike helmet, ski helmet or on its own this nifty Merino wool skull cap from Ibex is a must have. Wool’s incredible wicking powers and its remarkable ability to insulate even when wet make it a great option for three season use. Ibex is also based down the road in White River Junction in case you needed another reason.
Available in several different colors.
shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Ride/Meru-Hat
DaKine Syncline short
Available with or without the padded chamois liner these are a great baggy option that fits well and stays put. Breathability is pretty good and the added thigh vents help on really hot days. After a season of use they have held up well and snag less on the saddle than some bib shorts we’ve used in the past.
Shown here in versatile black but also available in more daring camouflage options.
http://www.dakine.com/p/bike/shorts/mens/syncline-short-with-chamois
Thomson Seatpost Collar
Thomson’s reputation for quality is unmatched- have you ever heard of one of their stems or seatposts breaking? Neither have we, and not surprisingly their products find their way onto many of our personal bikes.
So there’s a good chance you’ve already got a Thomson post, and maybe even the matching stem, but how about the seat collar? Thomson applies the same CNC machining wizardry to their seat collar and have taken it a step further to include a unique sliding nut that keeps the bolt from bending under torque.
Make sure you measure the old one to get the right fit, but this is one small upgrade that will be appreciated for years.
Available in black and silver and machined in Macon, Georgia.
http://bikethomson.com/clamps/
SDG Duster RL Saddle
For off road riding the SDG Duster saddle is an easy winner (read our review here). The comfortable shape, durable cover and competitive weight make this a great option for everything from ‘cross to all mountain… or over mountain.
Color options are almost too plentiful for this one.
http://sdgcomponents.com/products/railed-seats
King Cage Titanium Bottle Cage
Bottle cages are always worth having even if you run a hydration pack, and you can beat just filling a single bottle for a short ride or being able to carry a lighting system battery pack on the bike. If you’re going to bother with a bottle cage you might as well get a ridiculously lightweight and bulletproof one that will move on to your next bike (with your Thomson seatpost collar).
Then there’s the special edition Moots version of the King Cage that they bead blast in-house so the finish matches the trademark matte titanium luster of their framesets.
American made quality like this doesn’t come cheap, but this will last for a good long time and if you’re a racer you’ve probably seen these on some top pro’s bikes. Welded and blasted in Colorado.
http://moots.myshopify.com/collections/components/products/king-cage-water-bottle-cage
