THE LOAM WOLF’S
2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS
Finding the right holiday gift can be hard. This mountain bike gift guide has been curated by the team here at The Loam Wolf to bring you some of the best gift ideas for the mountain biker in your family. These mountain bike gifts range in price from stocking stuff affordable to outlandish and everything in between. Whether it is a new jacket, helmet, toolkit, or even a new frame, find the right mountain bike gift below!
DREW’S GIFT IDEAS
Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit
If you’ve just been getting by with standard tools but feel like it’s time to turn the garage into your own local bike shop, look no further than the Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit. Arguably, the most used tools at The Loam Wolf, Feedback’s Team Edition kit lives in my van and is (probably) used every time we ride bikes. There isn’t much you can’t do with this do-it-all kit, from minor cockpit adjustments to damn near building an entire bike.
Use code TLW-FBS-10 for 10% off your order.
MSRP: $350.00
Fox DHX Live Valve Neo Shock
We all want the plush, supportive descending quality of a coil shock with the climbing capabilities of an air shock. While some shocks have gotten close, this reality seemed to live in some rainbows and unicorn land — that is, until Fox released its DHX coil with Live Valve. We’re still testing, but so far…wow.
MSRP: $949.00 (Shock) + $399 (Live Valve Neo Kit)
Ninja Speed King Knee Pads
We’ve had the opportunity to try many, many different types of knee pads over the years. And while I’ve certainly been impressed with many of them, the knee pads I keep coming back to are Ninja’s Speed Kings. They’re breathable, comfortable, easy to get on and off, offer good protection, and fit as I would expect them to. Plus, we just can’t help but love the trail they are named after…
MSRP: $89.99
Fox Union BOA Shoes
We have hundreds of test products come through the office every year. I can’t even guess how many pairs of riding shoes I’ve tested over the years, but I can say that the Fox Union BOAs have been some of the most comfortable, problem-free, and durable shoes I’ve ever had. I have two pairs that have been through the wringer — pressure washed dozens of times, soaked in mud, sand, snow, and anything else you can think of. I love these shoes, and you’ll see me in them just about every time I ride. The only thing better would be if they made a high top for guys with bad ankles!
MSRP: $249.95
ROBERT’S GIFT IDEAS
Feedback Hex Wrench Set
When working on your bike(s) often, a set of quality hex wrenches is essential to keep your bolts fresh. A set of L-shaped wrenches typically offers the best compromise of accessing tricky places and feeling good to use. These Feedback hex keys are well made and at a solidly giftable price for a loved one.
Use code TLW-FBS-10 for 10% off your order.
MSRP: $30.00
Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle
I know a bottle is far from the most exciting item to unwrap, but the Camelbak Podium Chill bottle is somewhat exciting as bottles go and just damn good. It delivers water well and helps keep your water cooler for longer – much appreciated in hotter climates. The lid has never leaked on me, even when stored in a packed bag. I’d be stoked to get another one of these this holiday season.
MSRP: $18.00
COLE’S GIFT IDEAS
Fox Defend Pro Winter Glove
As the temps drop my hands suffer severely. Gone are the days of double-stacking gloves to stay warm! These Defend Winter Gloves have a fleece lining to help insulate your hands from the elements. While you give up some bar feel they have plenty of grip and most importantly a warm home for your hands on these short cold days. Here in Spokane, we are already seeing sub-freezing temps all day but with no snow, there is still plenty of riding to be had with the proper gear!
MSRP: $89.95
Muc-Off Tubeless Sealant
Let’s be honest: do you really check and change your sealant out enough? I for sure do not. Now is a good time of year to do those little things to your bike that have been pushed to the back burner. I have been using the Muc-Off sealant this year and have liked the way it performs compared to my old go-to, Stans. Muc-Off does a good job at keeping the inside of your tire clean and once it does dry out it is much easier to clean up than Stans. It’s a simple thing but makes a big difference.
MSRP: $39.99
Loam Coffee
If you are like me — a normal person — every day starts with a cup of coffee. Sure you can get the 3lb bag from Costco but you will be left with a lack of flavor and passion. Loam Coffee Roasters is a company built on uplifting the outdoor community, especially cycling. This small brand gives back to our sport by offering some killer coffee. I love their Trail Builder Blend, a lighter roast, but when brewed, gives that classic perfect cup of coffee flavor. If you are typically a dark roast drinker this one is worth a try!
MSRP: Starting at $10.00
Support Your Local Bike Shop
Did you know that most of your local bike shops have or can create gift cards? This is a great way to help your local shops during a generally slow time of year. While it may seem simple enough, many of us (including myself) opt for an easy way out by getting things online. All the little things do help your local shop keep their doors open. Even better, you could get them a bag of Coffee from Loam! These small gestures do not go underappreciated. So go out and support your LBS!
TRAVIS’S GIFT IDEAS
RedSide Custom Tools
RideSide Custom Tools designs products that make at-home bike maintenance much more manageable. First is their Fork Seal Remover, which easily removes your fork’s dust-wiper seals, making at-home fork service much more manageable. It comes in all stanchion diameters — 32mm up to 40mm, including 35mm — and won’t damage fork lowers like the more “traditional” at-home method might (prying the wipers out with needlenose pliers).
But hands down my favorite Redside tool is their BleedPro Syringe Holder Kit. It always seemed like I needed another hand while doing a full bleed, exactly what RedSide gives you with their BleedPro Kit. No more syringe flopping around, leaking fluid, and allowing air to get in the line. And be on the lookout for RedSide’s update to the BleedPro with an adjustable length holder.
MSRP: Starting at $8.99
Engel Cooler
I have spent a little over $100 on three different coolers in the past few years. The story repeats like this: It’s summer, we’re going camping and need a cooler. I spend roughly $35 on a cooler at some big box store, only to find a $35 cooler keeps ice for maybe one day. The following year, I repeat the process, as I am just not willing to spend nearly $500 on a cooler, despite how cool it may look on my social media page.
At nearly half the price of their competitors, Engel Coolers are a great option if your cooler experience has been like mine. Even when I’ve left my Engel 50QT in the back of my SUV for multiple days in the summer sun, I return to ice, equaling cold post-ride beers.
MSRP: $199.99
Swiftwick Socks
I’m a sucker for Merino wool. It keeps you warm on cold days and, despite being wool, it doesn’t overheat in the summer. Merino wool wicks moisture away, dries faster, and doesn’t get cold when wet like many other materials do — something that can be a lifesaver when you’re pedaling in cold weather. Best of all, it doesn’t stink!
I especially prefer Merino wool socks, and I have spent the end of summer, and all fall living in my Swiftwick Pursuit socks. They keep my feet comfortable, offer just the right amount of compression, and don’t stink up my gear bag after a ride!
MSRP: $20.00
MSR Trailshot Pocket-Sized Filter
Big rides require a lot of water, which takes up a lot of space and adds significant weight to a pack. Throwing a water filter, like the MSR Trailshot Pocket Filter into your pack means you can significantly cut back on the amount of water you bring, granted there are water sources along your ride. It’s easy to use, is roughly 6 inches long, and only weighs 5.2 ounces. I regularly carry the Trailshot on big trail rides and hikes with my kids…it’s a no-brainer!
MSRP: $62.95
SEAN’S GIFT IDEAS
Fidlock Twist Bottle + Base System
If you saw our Handpicked Black Friday Deals feature, you may remember seeing Travis’s initial praises and recommendations for the Hip Belt + Double Bottle Base from Fidlock. While he would undoubtedly continue to make that recommendation, there are others out there like myself who aren’t the biggest fans of wearing any sort of pack while riding. That’s where Fidlock’s bike mounted Water Bottle + Bike Base system come into play. I like the incognito appearance of the bike base on the frame over a traditional water bottle cage. Connecting the bottle to the base is just as simple. Fidlock offers a multitude of bottle sizes depending on how much water you want to carry or how much bottle your frame is capable of holding. An added feature of the base system, you can also use it with Fidlock’s TWIST Toolbox or TWIST Essential Bag.
MSRP: Starting at $49.99
Michelin DH22 Racing Tires
Hands down one of my favorite tires I’ve used in recent memories. The Michelin DH22 tires offer unmatched grip on just about every terrain type you can imagine, from wet roots to dry, dust covered corning and everything in between. They instill confidence and trust and wont let you down. 10/10 would recommend for those who ride nothing but downhill bikes.
MSRP: $101.99
Tifosi Optics Sunglasses
Years ago, I would have put glasses that were close to $200 in a gift guide like this. Over the years, my perception has changed a bit as we get to test similar products at different price points. This year, we worked with Tifosi Optics on a couple projects and the quality of their sunglasses at the price points they offer is nothing short great. Their Swick and Swank XL glasses are great for pulling double duty whether is behind bars on the trail, or behind the wheel on the open road. Their glasses will make for the perfect stocking stuffer that wont break the bank.
MSRP: Starting at $25
Gift Cards
Gift cards might seem like an easy cop out to finding the perfect gift, but sometimes it’s necessary. Maybe you don’t know what the mountain biker in your life needs or wants, or maybe what they want is just out of the budget you set aside. A gift card to their favorite online retailer, like JensonUSA, Competitive Cyclist or what have you would be the ticket. Or follow Cole’s recommendation, get a gift card at your local bike shop. The gift card options are endless.
It wouldn’t be a Gift Guide if we didn’t plug some of our own merch. We’ve got just about everything you could want. Custom jerseys made in California, short sleeve and long sleeve shirts, hoodies and even bike accessories like frame protectors and mud guards. Head to the store to check everything and use code “giftguide” to save 20% on your order. Thanks for looking!
JERSEYS
$54 – $59
PRIVACY PONCHO
$45
TLW SOCKS
$12