Do you have a rider in your family or a friend in your riding group that is always complaining about being cold on their rides? Or is it you, who comes home as a human popsicle after each shred sesh?
Tis the season of gifts and giving!
So here is a guide to help warm up that year round mountain biker you’re shopping for.
Stocking Stuffers & Smaller Gifts:
An extra pair of gloves always goes a long way. Whether it is snowing, raining or just plain cold, packing extra gloves (in a ziplock baggie) will make someone’s ride that much better. The Cycling Co.’s coaches all live by the 100% Brisker Gloves; insulated padding across the back of the hand keeps in heat, while the thick but moveable palm keeps riders one with their bike. A pair of Briskers and a couple hot hand packets are a great duo for any rider who rips, no matter the temperature.
What pairs great with gloves? SOCKS!
Cold feet are hard to get away from when the trails are full of mud and slush. Pull on a pair of Rocky Gortex waterproof socks on top of your everyday riding socks and your feet will stay warm and dry throughout an entire ride.
Rocky socks not for you? Check out Giro’s Xtenic H20 sock! Wrap these up in a new water bottle with a couple ride snacks and call it a day!
Looking to really fill those stockings with some goodies? Mountain bikers can never have too many snacks on hand. LaraBars, Hornby Organics, Honey Stingers waffles/chews, GUs, and CLIF Bars all make for a quick and easy snack to throw into a pocket or bag for each ride.
Staple Pieces:
Looking for a bigger gift? Here are some of the coaches’ favorite staples: 
Coach Adam never leaves for a winter ride without his 7mesh Copilot jacket. It’s great to have on hand when it’s already wet out or the forecast is calling for rain. This Gortex jacket is water and windproof, has big pockets, an over the helmet hood AND packs down into a small, easily packable pouch. Any rider would luck out to have this under the tree with their name on it.
The 7mesh Anorak thermal hoodie is a staple layer for Coach Jules. The Anorak can be worn as a base layer for 
extra cold days or used as a thermal top layer. It keeps you feeling cozy and protected with its thick fabrics, soft waffle lining and hood. The quarter zip allows for ventilation once you get climbing, and provides ample protection from wind when shredding down the mountain. This hoodie will become a staple in any rider’s cold weather attire as well as everyday style.
Tired of cold legs? Check out Ride NF DP4 Team ride pants. They are thicker than a light summer ride pant, but still have the stretch and breathability that riders need. If those don’t catch your eye, check out the Fox Defend Pant. These pants will keep riders warm by shedding moisture, dirt and mud as they shred down the mountain. Both of these pant choices have color options and sizes to suit every rider on your gift list.
Coach Alan can’t say enough about how much a neck warmer will elevate a rider’s warmth on those days you can see your own breath. Merino wool buffs are a great layer to add on for crisp cold rides. Unzip your jacket, get that much needed airflow, but keep your neck protected from the cold. Iris and 7mesh buffs are a great addition to your cold weather gear pile as they keep you warm, breathe and don’t hold in moisture that’ll make you colder when you stop moving. Buffs are great for those riders who love to climb hard and descend fast.
Do you know a rider who never fails to hit every mud puddle in their path or a rider who can never get enough wet, sloppy, Prevost laps? Well, waterproof mountain bike pants might be a great gift idea. 7mesh’s Thunder Pant keep riders dry, even on the wettest days! These Gortex pants protect from the rain, mud, and wind. They make changing after a wet ride easy, as they keep base layers feeling untouched and they can be easily hosed off and put away for the next ride.
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