Mountain bike gear isn’t cheap, and as buyers we want to know our equipment and clothing is going to last season after season. At minimum, we need reliable gear that we can count on during epic rides (read: getting lost and riding longer than expected) or when we’re pushing our technical limits.
Not only is long-lasting, reliable gear less expensive in the long run, it’s also good for the environment. We’ve tested hundreds of products over the years and these are some of the items that stand out for their overall quality, durability, and versatility.
We’d also be thrilled to receive any of these products as a gift. For more gift ideas for mountain bikers, check out these holiday gift guides or Black Friday mountain bike deals.
Marin El Roy Hardtail
If anyone is holding onto a classic mountain bike, chances are the frame is made from either steel or titanium. Not everyone has the budget for a Ti ride, but a steel bike like the Marin El Roy is well within reach. This is a versatile bike with geo that won’t feel stale after just a couple seasons, and it’s ready for any upgrades you might want to make down the road.
- Price: $2,399
- Available at Bikes Online and Jenson USA
Velocio Alpha System
Kudos to those dedicated mountain bikers who can ride year-round even on snowy, frigid winter days. A big key to not freezing your ass off on winter rides is proper cold weather gear. Velocio’s Alpha system — Alpha long sleeve midlayer, the softshell jacket, and the Alpha glove — is a “warm, lightweight, and highly breathable setup [that] excels when working up a sweat in cold temps.”
- Price $119 – $299
- Available from Velocio
Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Shoe
The Ride Concepts’ Hellion Elite flat pedal shoe will have you saying, “Bring on the chunk!” The soft and tacky sole is designed for the ultimate pedal grip and confidence through technical terrain. And the D3O insole helps absorb impacts and provides a bit of cushion so you can ride all day. Men’s and women’s styles available (2021 model shown above).
- Price: $60 sale (reg $140)
- Available at Ride Concepts
Solo Stove Ranger 2.0
Solo Stove, where have you been all our lives? Bike riding and campfires go together like college parties and red Solo cups, and the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is the perfect size for bringing the good times to any trailhead. This smokeless fire pit is self contained and delivers plenty of warmth, plus you can use it at home for chillin’ or grillin’ with a wide variety of accessories.
- Price: $199.99 sale (reg $229.99)
- Buy from Solo Stove
Icebreaker BodyfitZone™ Merino 200 Baselayer
This Icebreaker baselayer is the type of thermal shirt that you can wear at least 2-3 seasons of the year for the next 10 years. Made of 96% Merino wool, it’s breathable and warm with thoughtful mesh ventilation across the upper back and sides. Men’s and women’s styles available, also in lighter and heavier weights (warmth increases with weight).
- Price: $125
- Available at icebreaker
Abbey Bike Tools Decade Chain Tool
Some tools are forever. It’s said that during the development of the Decade Chain Tool, Abbey separated 10,000 chains with a single tool, which is equivalent to three chain breaks every day for 10 years. Home and professional mechanics alike can appreciate high-quality tools that have tight tolerances and are reliably comfortable each time they are used. Abbey Bike Tools may be pricey but they are also heirloom quality.
- Price: $185
- Available at Competitive Cyclist
Patagonia Dirt Roamer Jacket
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer is a do-it-all mountain biking jacket that is packable and ready for all conditions: cool temps, wind, and a little rain (it’s DWR-treated). All Patagonia products come with an Ironclad guarantee meaning rips or defects can be repaired during the product’s lifetime. Men’s and women’s styles available.
- Price: $249
- Available at Patagonia and other retailers
EVOC Stage 12L Bike Hydration Pack
This epic hydration backpack has 12L of cargo space to carry everything you could possibly need for an all-day adventure. The organization features are unmatched, with designated areas for a helmet, light, sunglasses, keys, and an integrated rain cover. Plus, there are pockets upon pockets for small items like tools, snacks, and even the excess waist strap.
- Price: $120 sale (reg $160, hydration bladder not included)
- Available at EVOC Sports
Moon Rigel Bike Light
Most of us will run out of energy long before the Moon Rigel bike light does. This night riding light is super bright and packs a massive battery that illuminates the trail for up to six hours. We’ve been getting 2-3 night rides per charge and love the ability to toggle between two different beam patterns depending on conditions.
- Price: $247.99
- Buy from Wiggle.
Kitsbow Denim Shirt
Kitsbow is known for crafting high-quality clothing at their Old Fort, North Carolina factory using premium materials, and it really shows. The Kitsbow Icon Denim Shirt Signature Fit looks great and includes cycling-specific features like a vented back panel and stretch material that feel great on the bike. This is truly one of the nicest pieces of clothing we own, and one we’ll surely wear for years to come.
- Price: $249
- Buy from Kitsbow
Stan’s Tire Sealant
This summer we conducted a tubeless tire sealant test and found Stans to be one of the best at sealing punctures. Not only that, Pat found it lasted the longest in his long-term sealant test in 2018. Stans may not be the newest, or flashiest sealant on the market but it’s still one of the most reliable we’ve found.
- Price: $20 for 16oz
- Available at REI or compare prices of Stans tire sealant.
PNW Components Loam Dropper Post
There’s really nothing like riding loam thanks to its consistent handling, soft and cushioned feel, and earthy smell. Those first two also describe the PNW Loam Dropper post, one of the most reliable and satisfying posts we’ve tested over the years. Home mechanics can adjust the cartridge pressure and set the travel length to suit the trails and the bike it’s on.
- Price: $159.20 – $167.20 sale (reg $199 – $209)
- Buy from Amazon.
Lazer Jackal Helmet With KinetiCore
Rotational impact protection? Check. Magnetic chin strap buckle? Check. This half-shell helmet has the features mountain bikers want PLUS quality construction that promises to last for more than just a season or two. With subtle and neutral color options it’ll continue to look good too.
- Price: $164.99 sale (reg $220)
- Available at REI and other retailers
This article includes a mix of sponsored placements and Singletracks staff-selected products.
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