2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Cyclists

Alchemy Arktos Series

The Arktos series from Golden, CO based Alchemy bikes offers a travel range for everyone from the trail-focused rider (the Arktos 125) to the full-on enduro competitor (the Arktos 160).

Even better, you buy one Arktos, you get all three as it is easy to switch configurations while keeping the same frame and components

Commencal T.E.M.P.O.

Another one for the dirt fans! Fly up the hills and rip down the other side on the Commencal T.E.M.P.O.

Commencal is known for making some of the winningest DH bikes out there and they’ve turned their expertise to the trail category with the T.E.M.P.O. Ultra-efficient and full of character, it offers 125mm of rear travel with a 140mm fork. Perfect for lapping climbs, it is dynamic on hilly single track and brings confidence on descents. 

Available as a frameset for $1800 with complete builds from $3200 – 6500.

Wilde Rambler Gravel Bike

The Rambler continues a fine tradition in cycling, the drop bar all-arounder. It’s capable of gravel centuries, quick road loops, light touring, b-roads, and of course daily life. The Rambler is a fully modern adaptation of the genre with disc brakes, thru axles and generous tire clearance. The world is vast and so are the possibilities, the Rambler invites you to fully explore them all. 

Framesets start at $1200 with complete builds up to $3600.

State Bicycle Company 6061 Black Label v3

‘Big’ bicycles may be the current trend for urban cycling, but if it’s me, I’m opting for a high peformance fixed gear like the Black Label to keep me spinning.

A pinnacle in performance-focused urban cycling, the Black Label v3 is crafted with a lightweight aluminum frame, versatile 38c tire support, and a full-carbon fork.

Enhanced features and modern graphics, all tailored for the passionate urban cyclist, and priced at just $749.99.

Kona Shonky

On a trip to Ray’s Bike Park last winter, it seemed that every other bike was a Shonky. They must be doing something right!

Whether you’re a seasoned dirt jumper or just learning to cruise your neighborhood pumptrack, the Shonky is the perfect weapon of choice. A Cromoly butted frame holds a 100mm tapered fork that gives you just enough suspension to save your wrists. Fast-rolling tires ensure you whip around corners at top speed.

We’ve even got you hooked up with 10% off. Click below!

Velocio MTB Apparel

Already known for their premium road kit, Velocio released a whole new line of MTB wear in Summer 2023. I’ve been riding the kit almost exclusively since I got it in for review and it lives up to the brand’s ethos.

The new collection is defined by the types of riding that their team seeks out: long days on a mix of MTB terrain—flow, singletrack, up, down, big efforts, and occasional lift access. It’s equipment for riders who desire a refined and subtle look, sick of the logos and loud kit, but require the fit and performance of top-end, race-inspired gear.

Curious Creatures MTB clothing

A women-led MTB brand based out of Bozeman, MT, Curious Creatures launched earlier this year with a line of MTB apparel that’s a little different than the norm.

Curious Creatures reimagines mountain bike apparel by offering clothes that feel and look like clothes, not costumes, allowing riders to perform their best while staying connected to their own style and the natural world around them. 

Vasque Re:Connect Here Low shoe

Not exclusively a walking shoe, or a trail runner, but not really a hiking shoe either, the Vasque Re:Connect Here is just a shoe for life. It pretty much goes where were you want and does what you want, regardless of what the day brings. I received a pair for review in late summer and the Here Low pretty much did a good just whereever I went.

Also available in a Mid version that offers a little more ankle support if your day tends to get a little rowdy.

Ornot Micro Climate Jacket

The Micro Climate Jacket features a highly durable, lightweight, custom-milled fabric specifically for Ornot. The fabric comes from the same stretch woven process as the high-performance material found in Olympic swimsuits. Ornot designed a lofted pattern to insulate at strategic points, keeping you warm and dry.

Staying dry is key to keeping warm, and the fabric has a patented treatment applied permanently to each fiber strand, which resists moisture, making the jacket water-resistant and quick to dry. Additionally, this jacket stretches, making it comfortable while moving with you on the bike. 

Mission Workshop Baja LS Tech Tee

Incorporating the same proven performance as the Mission Pro Tech Tees, this limited edition tee features custom graphics inspired by the golden age of moto and off-road adventure. Crafted in Italy from an Italian open-knit dimensional mesh that exponentially increases surface area for tremendous breathability and rapid drying, making it ideal for all-day epics in the backcountry, hours at the bike park, or a spirited group ride on the down-country bike.

Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Tight

On the coldest days when the roads and trails are day, it’s hard to resist the call to get out, but those days often call for an extra layer for warmth.

The descendant of Hot Chilly’s first technical base layer created in 1985, the Micro Elite Chamois has developed a reputation for being their most reliable, durable under layer. The secret to the success of these thermal tights lies in the fabric’s intimate blend of enhanced polyester and spandex fibers. The result is a highly technical, high-performing piece of thermal underwear that’ll keep you warm for years to come.

Royal Robbins Snowcap Lined Flannel

Fleece meets flannel. Now you’ve got cold days covered. Outside you get a classic plaid made from durable, breathable cotton. Then we added stretch for freedom and comfort. Inside, you get the warmth of a lofty, soft recycled fleece. Diamond-box quilting joins them together and gives the Snowcap its old-school style. Available in men’s and women’s styles.

Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie

Made with a high-performing polyester/ spandex fabric, the Vigor Grid Fleece is a go-to mid-layer for winter warmth and moisture management. An integrated 3-panel balaclava hood and flat-seam construction make it super functional as a technical layer, but it’s equally at home for down days around town.

Velocio Women’s Indigo Dye Jersey

From the mountains of Vermont, the Indigo Dye SE (Special Edition) jersey pattern is hand-dyed and photographed before being printed on the jersey for a limited edition run. Combined with a precise on-bike fit and the performance Velocio’s Signature Jersey is known for, the Indigo Dye SE brings together a stunning pattern with top-tier functionality.

As part of Velocio’s SE release, the Indigo Dye print is a one-time unique jersey. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good

Bluegrass Vanguard Full Face Helmet

I don’t often dive into enduro terrain, but when I’m pushing it at the bike park, trying to remember the skills I had as a teenager, I appreciate the extra protection afforded by a full face helmet.

The Bluegrass Vanguard goes above and beyond a standard mountain bike helmet and provides lightweight, breathable protection so you can have the confidence to ride faster both on technical and flow enduro trails. It’s easily the lightest FF helmet I’ve ever had, BTW. 

For a similar FF available for purchase in the US, check out the Smith Mainline.

Portland Design Works ZigZag Basket

The Portland Design Works ZigZag Basket is a clean, sturdy take on the classic bicycle basket. It’s made from burly 304 stainless steel so it works just as well filled with gear for long adventures as it does for short trips to the store.

This medium-sized version comes in two colorways, black or chrome, and pairs perfectly with their medium Loot Bag.

Ninja MTB Performance Ramps

If you ride mountain bikes, at some point you’re either going to want to jump or you’re going to have to jump.

Ninja MTB Peformance offers a line of ramps that provide riders of all abilities the opportunity to play and develop skills from any location. The truss construction allows riders to adjust the radius of the ramp and ensures stability, adaptability to different surfaces and terrain, and easy assembly and breakdown. In addition, all ramps and accessories are water-resistant with a perforated surface that ensures excellent grip even in humid or wet conditions.

Chris King Espresso Tamper

Coffee and cycling go together like, well, coffee and cycling. Chris King feels the same way and their espresso tampers embody a deep appreciation for the art of this wonderfully robust beverage. The Chris King Espresso Tampers is meticulously designed and precisely machined to ensure the highest quality and exceptional feel. Its’ design mirrors the iconic shape of our legendary NoThreadSet headset, adding a touch of distinction to your espresso preparation.

absoluteBLACK Oval Chainrings

If you ask our tech editor about chainrings, be prepared for a dissertation on the benefits of oval chainrings, especially from absoluteBLACK. Their rings help to smooth out your pedals stroke by effectively reducing the gear size through the dead zones (top and bottom) and increase in the power zones. Not only does this help smooth out your pedal stroke, but also provides better traction in loose surfaces and makes hills just a little bit easier to climb. Their PDV rainbow finish adds some serious bling, but they also have more subtle finishes for road, gravel, CX, MTB, and e-bikes.

Bookman Lights

Bookman might be a newer name here in the US, but they are a well-known brand in Sweden. They have been making award-winning lights and urban mobile visibility products since 2011. That means lights, reflectors, headlamps, stickers, all products to help you stay visible in the dark, which is important in a country that sees 24 hours of polar darkness in the northern parts of the country in the winter.

Smith Convoy MTB helmet

I was going to say that sometime you just need a good, inexpensive helmet without all the bells & whistles, but the Smith Convoty helmet comes in at a value price point, but still ticks all the boxes of helmets costing twice as much. An adjustable dial on the back lets you fine-tune the fit for comfort. When it comes to comfort and protection, it has a Mips® liner system and all the ventilation you’ll need through the hottest days on the trail. In addition to easy integration with performance eyewear, it also features outside channels that store your shades when dusk sets in.

Enve Road Handlebars

Enve’s line of carbon fiber road bars have proven their mettle over the years and have evolved along with cycling.

Thanks to disc brakes, wide rims, and high-volume tires, road riders are able to venture from the main road to the backroad in complete confidence. While brake and wheel technology has driven frame and tire manufacturers to rethink road frame design, Enve took a close look at the handlebar, your primary contact point on the bike, to reimagine the ultimate handlebar for any road, and any event.

Velo Angel Saddles

Velo is the world’s largest saddle manufacturer and actually makes the saddles for many brands you already own. They also happen to make great saddles under their own brand too.

The Angel line offers various lengths, widths, rail materials, and cushioning to help you find the perfect saddle for you butt, budget, and ride.

Orange Seal Tubeless Kits

Whether you’re already running tubeless wheels or ready to make the switch, Orange Seal’s comprehensive Tubeless Conversion Kit includes everything that you need to go. The kits contains rim tape, two 48mm removable valve core (RVC) valve stems, RVC tool, twist-lock injector, and an 8 ounce bottle of their sealant. Each of the products in the kit has been engineered with you and your time on your bicycle in mind. Push yourself, not your bike!

BikeFlights

If you or someone you love is getting ready to travel to a cycling event, BikeFlights offers a reliable, affordable and guaranteed way to ship their bike.

Trusted by riders, BikeFlights is the official Bike Shipping Service for the Tour de France, Unbound Gravel, GCN Global Bike Festival, UCI Track 
Champions League and Gran Fondo National Series.

Hunt Wheels

UK brand Hunt has you covered for performance wheels, especially with their Black Friday/Cyber Monday 25% off sale.

We reviewed their entry level road wheels, and are wrapping up another on the top end Limitless line, and really don’t want to take either off our bikes. They offer wide internal diameters to work well with 28mm wide tubeless tires, and will help you reduce drag with wind tunnel and real world proven rim shapes.

Chris King MTN30 Wheelset

The MTN30 is the second wheel in Chris King Precision Components’ (CKPC) new wheel lineup. Like its predecessor, the GRD23 all-road wheel, the MTN30 chases high-end carbon fiber performance with the smallest possible carbon footprint. This is a wheelset that rolls as fast and tracks as true as any wheel on the trail, without the energy-intensive, toxic manufacturing process that produces most carbon fiber wheels.

The key components are Chris King’s legendary mountain bike hubs, known for their quality, durability and eco-friendly production, and FusionFiber™, a relatively new rim material that uses nylon to bond its carbon fiber structure rather than epoxy.

Berd Polylight Spokes

Berd spokes are made from an advanced polymer called ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that has 12 times the strength-to-weight ratio of steel, yet floats on water. Berd spokes have an improved fatigue life compared to steel and are impervious to the elements.

Wolftooth Color Kits

I always liked how you could make your bike your own with just a pop of color. The Color Shop at Wolftooth Components makes it easy to customize with everything from water bottle bolts to seatpost clamps in any of ten colors.

Dress up your ‘out of the box’ bike or visit the Color Shop when you want the right look for a custom bike build.

Twisted Spoke Daily Support Nano CDB Capsules

Daily Support CBD in a convenient pill! “Nano” means the CBD is much smaller than normal formulations. We notice these capsules work much faster than our oils. Unlike oils, these mix with liquid. 

Each plant based pill contains 25mg of Isolate CBD. These are third party tested and have no detectable THC. Available in 6, 30 or 60 count options. These are lightweight and portable. A 6 count makes trying these inexpensive but also nicely fits in your bag or jersey pocket. 

Tailwind Sports x Bigger Than The Trail Endurance Fuel – Apple Cider

This might be a little more of a fall treat, but why not enjoy some apple cider during your fall and holiday rides? Tailwind has partnered with Bigger Than The Trail to bring this limited edition flavor to support BTTT’s mission Bigger Than The Trail, we’re proud to support their mission of promoting mental health awareness, fostering a supportive community, and providing essential counseling services to those facing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel is a perfect blend of electrolytes and calories, using dextrose and sucrose. These sugars are easily digestible and help quickly fuel your body for the long haul. There are no dyes or preservatives, and is easy on your gut.

Cider is available in 4 packs of single servings only, but other flavors are available in 30 and 50 serving pouches.