WebreaderShopNewsletterTop dealers & workshops

Gift ideas for mountain bikersChristmas tips - Top 3 by Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 13.12.2024

The supple carcass construction of the Schwalbe Albert Gravity scores particularly well in autumn or winter conditions. An ideal motivational boost for trail laps in the darker months of the year.
Photo: Max Fuchs

In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.

You want to give a biker a present? Lucky you! Because there are countless mountain bike-related products that look good under the Christmas tree. But which parts really bring joy? BIKE editor Florentin Vesenbeckh has compiled his top 3 gifts for mountain bikers.
Topics in this article

Admittedly: Creative Christmas presents are not my strong point. But if I know anything about anything, it's bikes and trails. As a test editor, countless products pass through my hands every year. And some parts you just don't want to give away. Curtain up for Florentin's top 3 Christmas presents for mountain bikers!

Tyres: Schwalbe Albert Gravity

Honestly, is there anything better than putting a fresh set of tyres on your bike and hitting the trails? Ok, a brand new bike naturally has a bigger wow effect. But it's much more expensive and is only suitable as a last-minute Christmas present in exceptional cases. So, go for new tyres! A fresh tread can have a significant impact on the handling characteristics of the bike and therefore the trail fun. This is especially true in the cold and wet season.

The supple carcass construction of the Schwalbe Albert Gravity scores particularly well in autumn or winter conditions. An ideal motivational boost for trail laps in the darker months of the year.Photo: Max FuchsThe supple carcass construction of the Schwalbe Albert Gravity scores particularly well in autumn or winter conditions. An ideal motivational boost for trail laps in the darker months of the year.

And the new Schwalbe tyres with radial carcass really deliver an aha effect. The special carcass construction makes the tread much more flexible so that the profile can mould better to the ground. Not only tech nerds should definitely give this a try. Traction and comfort increase significantly. It feels as if the suspension has been given fluffy extensions. And that gives a plus in riding safety.

Most read articles

1

2

3

But there is a but: the rolling resistance increases. This hasn't bothered me so far, because I've only ridden them on E-MTBs. This is where the Tyres especially on technical climbs with incredible traction. On tours without e-support, however, the tougher rolling could be annoying. The heavy gravity version in particular and the soft ultra-soft rubber (only recommended for the front wheel!) is definitely more suitable for hard enduro use and/or e-mountain bikes! I've also had better experiences with some of the competition when it comes to wear.

How do you like this article?
The version with the very soft rubber compound "Ultra soft" is particularly good on the front wheel. This significantly increases rolling resistance at the rear - this is only recommended in exceptional cases.Photo: Max FuchsThe version with the very soft rubber compound "Ultra soft" is particularly good on the front wheel. This significantly increases rolling resistance at the rear - this is only recommended in exceptional cases.

Data & Price Schwalbe Albert Gravity

  • Weight: 1250 g (in 29 x 2.6'')
  • Also available in a lighter trail version
  • Sizes: 29 and 27.5 inches, each 2.4 or 2.6 inches wide
  • Rubber compound: Soft and Ultrasoft
  • Price 79,90 Euro >> available here

Book: Tuscany Trails

Cosying up on the couch with a good book is a luxury! In times of social media and smartphone madness, this is all the more true. And if the book is also about the best hobby in the world and awakens longings for the upcoming bike season... Marvellous! "Tuscany Trails" is the ideal guide for bikers. And for me, Tuscany is something like the promised land: trails, beach, dolce vita - this combination is unbeatable, especially for bike-loving families.

Tuscany Trails: On 192 pages, the authors present nine regions in detail, each with three tours. Including GPS data, of course.Photo: Ines Thoma, Max SchumannTuscany Trails: On 192 pages, the authors present nine regions in detail, each with three tours. Including GPS data, of course.

The region is full of hidden gems. In addition to the classics such as Massa Marittima or Punta Ala, the authors Ines Thoma and Max Schumann also present unknown spots in their first book. For example, the wild trails on the Argentario peninsula or the seclusion of the Garfagnana mountain region. No matter where I've travelled in Tuscany so far, the combination of trails and Italian surroundings always works. It's great that the book also looks at the country and its people as well as the trails.

Sun, beach and trails: Tuscany's unbeatable mix!Photo: Max SchumannSun, beach and trails: Tuscany's unbeatable mix!In addition to the classics Massa Marittima and Punta Ala, the bike pros Thoma and Schumann have also unearthed some hidden gems.Photo: Ines ThomaIn addition to the classics Massa Marittima and Punta Ala, the bike pros Thoma and Schumann have also unearthed some hidden gems.

Data & Price MTB Book Tuscany Trails

  • 192 pages
  • Format: 23.2 x 26.6 cm
  • Nine regions with three tours each
  • incl. GPS data for all tours
  • Also available as an eBook for 27.99 euros
  • Price: 34,90 Euro >> available here

Cycling trousers: Canyon Baselayer with protector

While socks probably have a place on the podium of the most boring Christmas presents, special underwear always works, right? Admittedly, my tip is not about hot looks and big emotions. Especially as Canyon has also come up with a very dull product name for its special pants: "Bicycle pants with D3O protector", according to the sender's homepage. Phew!

Why did the black piece of nylon still make it into my top 3? Because it's just so damn practical! Since it's been in my wardrobe, I always reach for the shorts with that certain something. Because the D3O protectors don't get in the way, sit absolutely firmly and smoothly on the skin and prevent annoying abrasions on the thigh in the event of an accident. They are also surprisingly comfortable to wear in summer.

The thin protectors can be easily removed from the cycling shorts for washing.Photo: CanyonThe thin protectors can be easily removed from the cycling shorts for washing.

The design is very simple. Two pockets are sewn into the sides of the classic cycling shorts with comfortable seat padding. The D30 protectors can be quickly and easily inserted or removed here. That's all there is to it. And the Trousers a good figure. I'm not an expert on seat pads or seamless underwear, but I can say this about the Canyon Baselayer: this is how I imagine a comfortable pair of pants for biking.

The trousers have a non-slip fit without cutting in uncomfortably.Photo: CanyonThe trousers have a non-slip fit without cutting in uncomfortably.

Data & price for Canyon cycling pants with D3O protector

  • Sizes S to XXL
  • Jacquard knitted waistband
  • Flat seam construction
  • Two D30 protectors, removable
  • Price 69,95 Euro
Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE Magazine. For tests, photo and video productions, he is out on the trails a lot throughout the year and gets his hands on one or two exciting products.Photo: Max FuchsFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE Magazine. For tests, photo and video productions, he is out on the trails a lot throughout the year and gets his hands on one or two exciting products.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

Home
Gift ideas from the 2024 editorial teamCanyonSwallow

Most read in category Equipment