Archive for month: May, 2022

These gifts for mountain bike dads are sure to raise your status in the family! Want to solidify your rank as his favorite child or restore the youthful glimmer in his eye (even though nothing can be done about that receding hairline)? All you have to do is choose something that reinforces his love for mountain biking.

All kidding aside – here are a few gift ideas that may help you get something interesting for the old man. We’ve listed our top picks for dad in mountain bike apparel, MTB accessories, tools and components, and of course, mountain bikes.

MTB Apparel – Update dad’s kit!

Five Ten Freerider Pro mountain bike shoes 

Give dad all-day comfort on and off the mountain. We love five tens for mountain biking,. Here’s why. Firstly, the Five Ten Freerider Pro flat pedal biking shoes provide grip and durability for all-mountain and enduro riding. Secondly, an impact-resistant toe box complements the medium-stiff build for a responsive ride. Thirdly, the signature sticky rubber and purpose-built tread pattern keep dad’s feet firmly planted on his pedals. Fourthly, these shoes look as good in the café as on the trail. These shoes are useful gifts for mountain bike dads.

Wolf Tooth Logo Trucker Hat

Keep dad’s face out of the sun and his helmet hair covered! Dad will use this hat before and after epic family mountain bike rides. This hat has a mesh back, curved visor, and plastic snap back.

Columbia Watertight II Jacket – Men’s

Dads like to be outside, no matter the weather. Keep dad comfortable with the Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket. Firstly, the Omni-Tech two-layer nylon shell is fully seam-sealed, so it keeps moisture out. Secondly, the air-permeable design allows unwanted perspiration to escape. Finally, the adjustable storm hood with an abrasion-resistant chin guard will keep the elements at bay.

Fox Racing Ranger Short – Men’s

Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Jersey – Men’s

The Ruckus is Troy Lee’s longest-running jersey design. This 3/4-sleeve top offers warm weather relief for mountain biking dads who crave gravity-disciplines, without compromising fit with pads underneath. The wide, flat neck stays comfortable even with a pack. The fabric provides active moisture wicking and breathability to keep dad dry and cool. The Ruckus even includes two rear zippered stash pockets for snacks and essentials.

Oakley Frogskins Prizm Sunglasses 

Whether did is hitting the trail, strolling through the city, or soaking up some rays on the beach, these Oakley Frogskins Prizm Sunglasses will keep dad’s eyes safe and stylish.  These sunglasses boost contrast, offer protection from 100% of harmful UV rays and look cool. Sunglasses are some of the most inexpensive and most useful gifts for mountain bike dads.

Helly Hansen Holmen 5 pocket Pant

Is the dad in your life still wearing pants from 10 years ago? SAME! Get dad some new pants! Your Dad will love these versatile outdoor pants designed to offer full range of motion and great style! The warp stretch twill weave fabric is 100% bluesign® approved and made to be easy to move in.

Fox Racing Defend D3O Glove – Men’s

The Fox Racing Defend D3O Gloves are built to be aggressive. These tough gloves pair stretch Cordura construction with D30 padding at the knuckles to take the sting out of unfortunate encounters with branches and rocks. Fox’s D30 padding flexes when warmed, so dad’s hands  stay comfortable on the bars and can shift with ease. In the event of an impact, the padding firms up to absorb energy. Importantly, the gloves use Fox’s TruFeel internal texture that offers heightened feel and control of levers.

Garmin Forerunner 945 HR

Is dad obsessed with numbers? He needs a Garmin!  If dad wants to improve his athletic performance, nothing beats having quantifiable metrics to monitor and analyze his efforts both during and after mountain biking. Other features include barometric altimeter for tracking elevation changes, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo sensors for tracking speed and distance, Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate, and training status. Additionally, increased battery life allows dad to train for longer between recharges, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music, or up to 60 hours in UltraTrac mode.

Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard 

Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guards features neoprene construction with a breathable back panel for all-day comfort. Fit-Lock calf bandwill prevent slippage and the knee cap integrated w/flex panel provides flexibility for full range of pedaling motion. These pads also include abrasion resistant side padding for protection against bike frame & trail features.

Fox Racing Grainz Utility Flannel

Dads love flannel! The Grainz Utility Flannel by Fox is perfect for the post-ride campfire. Thanks to soft, brushed cotton infused with stretchy spandex, dad can get around freely with all the warmth he needs on cool days.

MTB Accessories

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler with Top Handle

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler with Top Handle is a great way to bring lunch and beers to the trailhead! Built from the same material used for river rafts, the Hopper Flip 12 is durable. The wide-mouth design secured with a leakproof HydroLok™ zipper means it can host up to 13 cans on ice and won’t make a mess when dad tosses it in the trunk.

Helinox Chair

Perfect for a campfire, BBQ, or post-ride parking lot relaxation! Five years ago, we purchased four Helinox chairs (one for each family member) as a Christmas gift. After 5 years of use, we remain impressed with the quality and durability of these chairs. The Helinox chairs are compact and light, taking up about half the space of our old heavy foldable camping chairs. This not only helps when we road trip in the minivan, but also makes it possible to put them into a backpack for short hikes. These chairs assemble easily – our kids can have their chairs built in less than a minute. Read our full review at: https://mtbwithkids.com/helinox-two-camping-chair-review/

Yeti Rambler 20oz Tumbler

One cup to rule them all. The Yeti Rambler 20oz Tumbler keeps dad’s coffee hot and his beer cold! The double-wall vacuum insulation ensures that dad’s drinks remain at the perfect temperature longer.  This tumbler is perfect for camping or road trips. The stainless steel construction withstands dents and dings.

NiteRider Lumina OLED 1200 Boost Headlight

Sometimes dad needs to get out for a ride after dark. The NiteRider Lumina OLED 1200 Boost Headlight has five light levels so dad can choose based on the conditions. The wide beam lens directs the light with even distribution to ensure that upcoming obstacles are seen. The digital display provides battery percent as well as run time, and the Lumina recharges quickly so it’s ready when its needed.

Kids Ride Shotgun seat and handlebar set

Dad wants to get junior out on the mountain bike now!  The shotgun combo is the ultimate setup for your mountain bike kid. Not only will you get the shotgun seat and handlebar accessory, you’ll also get our custom mudguard and one of a kind ‘shred til bed’ stem-cap too. This front mounted child seat will work for kids 2 – 5 years old (up to 48lb). The full rubber protection will keep dad’s bike pristine. The Shotgun seat and handlebars are adjustable width and angle to fit all mountain bikes. Installation and removal is a snap with quick release. Read our full article here: https://mtbwithkids.com/shotgun-kids-mountain-bike-seat-review/

My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit 

Dads love to keep everyone safe! The My Medic MyFAK (My First Aid Kit) was designed to be adaptive, functional, and indestructible. Importantly, this first aid kit measures 7.5”x6.5”x5” so it can fit in a hydration pack where it’s available when you need it. In addition, this kit comes in basic and advanced, so you can match the supplies with dad’s level of training. See our full MyFAQ Review.

CamelBak Mule 12L Backpack

Is “Be Prepared” your mountain bike dad’s moto? The Mule Hydration Pack is designed to make dad’s mountain bike rides a little sweeter. This pack is big enough to carry 3-liters of water and a day’s worth of snacks and gear. Importantly, the Air Director back panel keeps dad cool by wicking moisture. The stretch overflow pocket lets dad quickly shed layers as needed. Pump and armor gear loops ensure dad is prepared for all rides.

GoPro HERO9 Black Camera 

Help dad fulfill his desire to capture and share his mountain biking adventures. The GoPro HERO9 Black Camera makes it easier than ever before to capture professional footage in the outdoors. This action cam is waterproof rated to 33ft of submersion and features high-definition video at 4k60 or 5k30 and up to 23.6MP photos. Thanks to advanced processing power, this action camera includes HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization and a real-time TimeWarp 3.0 feature that stitches video together for ridiculously smooth time-lapse videos.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L

Dad could use a new Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag.  The 55 L Black Hole duffle has plenty of storage capacity for gear-intensive weekend travels or longer trips. The ripstop fabric will withstand wear and tear from endless adventures. It’s also highly water-resistant to keep your stuff dry in case of wet weather. Deployable backpack straps make it easy to carry while wheeling your bike. These duffles are one of our favorite gifts for mountain biking families. Read our full review.

Mountain Bike Components and Tools

PNW Components Loam Dropper Post

PNW made this post to honor dad’s most adventurous days on the trail. There are so many things to love about this ldropper post. First, the Loam Dropper capitalizes on PNW’s best-in-class reliability in our shortest, lightest, and most customizable package yet. Second, the new Loam also features swappable silicone bands that hug the midcap, giving you the opportunity to match your bike (or mood). The Loam dropper is available in teal, orange, grey, black and red. You should seriously consider getting dad some matching PNW grips, too!

Lezyne Digital Pressure Over Drive Floor Pump

Dads love tubeless tires. Fewer flats mean more time riding trails! The only problem is getting them to seat properly. Lezyne’s Digital Pressure Over Drive Floor Pump equips your home mechanic with a compressor-esque blast of bead-seating pressure, so the simple act of installing new tires won’t cost dad a trip to the LBS and a 12-pack of microbrews. The Over Drive’s big supplemental can is manually inflatable by toggling a foot lever. When it’s full, pop the lever, throw some shade at your sealant, and hope that your frame does have clearance for the new tires. Dad can also bypass the high-pressure can and use the pump as a regular floor pump while not trying to pin down those evasive beads.

Park Tool’s Professional Tool Kit

Give dad the ultimate bike tool kit. Park Tool’s Professional Tool Kit includes 88 different tools so dad can complete repairs and bike maintenance at home. This kit includes a huge array of wrenches and chain tools galore. The included case will help dad keep everything organized. Tools are always appreciated gifts for mountain bike dads.

Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Pedals  

New pedals are colorful gifts for mountain biking dads. Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Pedals are made of strong yet lightweight composite. Riders can choose between the large or small sizes based on their shoe size. This will provide for the most optimal shoe to pedal interface possible. Crank Brothers Stamp 1 Pedals also have premium bearings and a solid chromoly spindle so dad can ride with confidence. These pedals come in a variety of colors!

Mountain Bikes dad will love!

Santa Cruz Bicycles 5010 Carbon S Mountain Bike

Your dad definitely wants this bike. The Santa Cruz 5010 4 Carbon S bike flies downhill, climbs efficiently, and loves to jump and rail corners. This full-suspension mountain bike has a poppy feel that makes even the most mundane rides feel like they’re loaded with fun. It has a Carbon C frame that uses 140mm of travel on the front, 130mm of travel on the rear, and nimble 27.5″ wheels. The frame features a lower-link VPPTM configuration that leaves you feeling like there’s a lot more travel at hand on the rear. The frame also has internal cable routing, integrated frame protection, and a threaded bottom bracket.

Yeti SB150 C-Series C2 Mountain Bike

Does dad love enduro racing? If so, this bike may be just the ticket! The Yeti SB150 C-Series C2 Bike is capable, stable, efficient, and astonishingly fast. It has a forward bias frame that gives racers the room they need and centers them on the bike. The SB150 has a C-Series carbon frame that provides 170mm of travel on the front and 150mm of travel on the rear. 29″ wheels, a 77° seat tube angle, and 64.5° head angle make this a beast on the trails. The frame also features Boost spacing, internal cable routing, an in-frame water bottle mount, ISCG-05 mount, and is coil shock compatible. The C2 version of the Yeti SB150 comes with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. This includes a cassette that has a hill-crushing 10-52T gear range that makes climbing and pedaling through rough terrain a breeze. SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power so you can descend under control. DT Swiss E1900 wheels are paired with Maxxis tires that can be set up tubeless for a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer flats. With the Fox Transfer dropper post, you’ll be able to quickly lift and lower your saddle with the press of a lever.

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Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12-speed 29″ Mountain Bike

The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12-speed 29er is ready for singletrack, doubletrack and even bikepacking trips. There are many great things about this bike. First, the 6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame provides lightweight performance for the trails. Second, the 120 mm suspension fork is great for absorbing bumpy terrain. Third, the included TranzX dropper post can adjust your saddle at the press of a button to tackle steep descents and technical terrain. Finally, hydraulic brakes offer confident stopping power.

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Our favorite mountain biking knee pads for kids: The six different knee pads for kids reviewed here, all have one thing in common – they are specifically built for young mountain bikers. Many use the same technology as adult mountain bike knee pads, only on a smaller scale. The features, from the level of protection to things like the use of breathable fabrics, are the same. However, these knee pads will fit your children properly.

When it comes to safety gear, the fit is incredibly important, since levels of protection can be lost when things like knee pads are too large. Are you ready to find your child’s next set of mountain bike knee pads? One of these five might just do the trick. Want to use your elbow pads on the kids’ knees? Try it. You may already have a good solution at home.

Mountain Biking Knee Pads For Kids Comparison Chart

Fox Racing Launch Pro Knee Guard – Kid’s

Available in all black, except for the trademark white fox silhouette logo, the Fox Racing Launch Pro Knee Guard allows your kids to make a positive impact on the trail in more ways than one. These knee guards have two hook and loop straps, one at the top, the other at the bottom, allowing for a customized, yet comfortable fit. Made of a lightweight neoprene fabric that’s breathable, yet strong enough to provide a good first layer of protection, these pads are comfortable to wear no matter the temperature on the trails. Right at the knee, there’s an embedded plastic cup that protects the joint and absorbs the force of the fall. It’s built to withstand an impact, keeping your child’s knee as safe as possible. There’s also a layer of built-in Kevlar (yes, the same material used in bullet-proof vests) that provides plenty of protection as well. Sleek and anatomically correct, these knee guards are a force to be reckoned with.

G-Form Rugged Knee-Shin Guard – Kid’s

If your kids need a little extra protection on the trails or prefer a single device that covers both their shins and knees at the same time, then you’ll love the G-Form Rugged Knee-Shin Guard. Living up to its name and purpose, these knee pads extend from the upper thigh to the ankle, with a hard-shell protective area ranging from right above the knee to the bottom of the shin, protecting an entire swath of the leg. Compression fabric – not fasteners – hold the guard comfortably in place, and make it machine washable. The protective guard is very flexible, allowing your child freedom of movement while riding, but at the same time, it’s designed to harden upon impact, preventing injury. These knee guards are CE-certified and meet a number of safety requirements. Plus, the fabric wicks away moisture and includes a breathable mesh panel at the back of the knee.

G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pad

Leatt 3DF 5.0 Knee Guard – Kid’s

The Leatt 3DF 5.0 Knee Guards come in one size and fasten with a hook and loop that’s easily adjustable. The snappy black and white color combo matches everything from mountain bikes to other protective gear, ensuring that your young rider will look nice and be safe while on the trails. Lightweight, these protective pads come in at a mere 400 grams (that’s .88 of a pound, for the record), so they won’t weigh your child down in an uncomfortable manner. This doesn’t mean that the pads are light on safety however, as they include an abrasion-resistant outer layer, as well as inner impact foam that cushions blows. On top of that, the foam is ventilated, preventing moisture, like sweat, from building up and becoming uncomfortable. This keeps the pad securely in place as well. The cuffs are designed to help them in place while riding, and the odor-resistant fabric ensures that the guards won’t smell up your car after a long ride.

Seven iDP – Transition Knee Pad youth

With two different sizes to choose from – youth small/medium and youth large/extra-large, as well as a compression fit fabric with built-in four-way stretch mesh and a base layer of poly and spandex, the Seven iDP Transition Knee Pads will fit kids of all sizes. These pads come in black with the Seven iDP logo in blue right below where the knee hits. Unlike other knee guards, this pair covers most of the leg, ranging from mid-thigh to mid-shin, with the protective layers of foam located in the knee region. The double-layer custom foam is designed to conform to your rider’s legs, making them comfortable to wear, as well as less likely to slip mid-ride. On top of this, the foam is breathable, keeping the knee pads lightweight while allowing for plenty of airflow. When off, these knee pads roll up and are easy to stash in a gear bag.

Troy Lee Designs – Speed Knee Sleeve (Youth)

Made by one of the best-known names in the business, the Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Sleeve is designed specifically for young mountain bikers. Troy Lee, son of motorcycle racer Larry Lee, opened up the business in 1981, giving them almost 40 years’ worth of experience in creating protective equipment for mountain bikers and other athletes. What does this mean for you? It means that these knee sleeves are among the best on the market. Available in two different sizes, either youth medium or youth large, these knee guards come in a snappy black and white combination with some red accents. They have silicone gripper bands that keep them comfortably in place, as well as 360-degree seamless comfort. You won’t have to hear your kids complain about uncomfortable seams ever again. As far as safety is concerned, the D30 padded insert and abrasion-resistant cover provide plenty of protection.

Keeping your kids safe during mountain biking requires the use of multiple types of protective equipment – including knee pads. These pads, also called knee guards, are designed to handle many different bumps, from those that occur while riding too close to trees and rocks, to the ones that happen when your young one falls off of the bike. You need to find the right knee pads that are designed with young riders in mind since the circumference of their legs are often smaller. Adult pads won’t fit properly and may slip or slide down mid-trail, causing plenty of problems.

Need more kids MTB accessories? Check out our Bike and Gear Reviews page.