Freehub's 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Freehub's 2023 Holiday Gift Guide Gift Ideas for Every Mountain Biker

As a mountain biker, navigating through gear options can be a bit like finding a spoke nipple in a haystack. Fear not—we've got your back!

The Freehub Media crew is here to simplify your search for the ultimate gift for that hard-to-shop-for, fat-tire fanatic in your life. We're dishing out some of our favorites this holiday season, ranging from cool local finds to classic go-to staples. There's something for every budget, making it a breeze to pick the perfect present.

And, hey, we get that often the most thoughtful gifts aren't things you can wrap up. That's why we're throwing in a suggestion to donate to your local trail organization on behalf of your special someone. Having the latest and greatest gear is sweet, but let's not forget that the real magic happens when we make sure our local trails are accessible, advocated for, and are running as smoothly as Santa’s sleigh.

1. Tenet Icon Grips - $16
2. Freehub Icon Socks- $14
3. Reserve Wheels - Fillmore Valve - $59.99
4. Freehub Annual Print Subscription - $50
5. Yeti Polar Glove - $50
6. Local Trail Organization Membership - Varying Price

Gifts $15 - $60

1. Tenet Icon Grips - $16.00 | Tenet’s entrance into the grip market is something our team is excited about. This tried and true Bellingham, Washington brand released its new grips this season. And not only do they look sick, coming in a variety of unique colors, but Icon grips strike a perfect balance between soft and grippy to reduce arm fatigue. Tenet has also decided to split up the rings and grips. Now, instead of swapping out the whole grip when the rubber wears down, you can simply replace the part that needs a refresh. With so many grips on the market these days, why not go for an option that reduces waste?

2. Freehub Icon Socks- $14 | Ah, the classic gift—a fresh pair of socks! Our Freehub Icon wool socks are crafted with TURBOwool, a blend of 50-percent polypropylene and 50-percent merino wool. These foot tubes are as comfy off the bike as they are on it.

3. Reserve Wheels - Fillmore Valve - $59.99 | Reserve's patented Fillmore valve is a game changer. A favorite among our staff, we turn to these tubeless valves when we’re looking for something reliable; they’re sturdy, efficient, and straightforward. The high-flow design allows for three times more airflow than traditional valves, which makes seating tubeless tires a snap.

4. Freehub Annual Print Subscription - $50 | We take pride in presenting an in-depth look at our sport by way of four meticulously crafted journals each year. No software, apps, online doo-dads, or dongles are needed for reading—just a subscription and a desire to disconnect and absorb the apex of mountain bike storytelling at your own pace. A one-year subscription to Freehub magazine saves you 23 percent off of the cover price. Level up your subscription by signing up for auto-renew to make sure your gift recipient never misses another issue.

5. Yeti Polar Glove - $50 | Say goodbye to bulky discomfort in cool weather. These sleek gloves boast a windproof softshell fabric on the outside and cozy, brushed fleece on the inside to keep your fingers toasty. The palm is made of a non-insulated, touchscreen-compatible suede that ensures dexterity. Plus, the extended cuff with adjustable closures provides ample wrist coverage. Oh, and bonus points for using recycled polyester with solvent-free dyes for the palm fabric.

6. Local Trail Organization Membership - Varying Price | Our top pick for spreading holiday cheer? Consider donating to your local trail organization on behalf of your biking buddies. Take our local trail organization, the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, for instance. They're all about working hard to give back to the community by maintaining trails. What's the point of having the latest and greatest gear if you don't have trails to enjoy?

7. Freehub Seekers Pullover Hoodie - $60
8. Crankbrothers KLIC HV Mini Floor Pump - $69.99
9. MountainFlow Bike Maintenance Kit - $99.95
10. Volcom Trail Ripper Pants - $100
11. Akta Knee Pads - Starting at $107
12. Patagonia Houdini Jacket - $109

Gifts $60 - $120

7. Freehub Seekers Pullover Hoodie - $60 | Are you someone who likes to get cozy after your ride? Or really, at any time? Have you ever gone straight from the trail to your local taphouse? Do you even wear clothes? If you answered "Yes" to even one of these questions, chances are, you'll enjoy our pullover hoodie.

8. Crankbrothers KLIC HV Mini Floor Pump - $69.99 | Meet your new go-to pump—lightweight, efficient, and all about convenience. Need to fill those tires in a flash? It’s no problem with the fold-out foothold and easy-to-use head. The hidden hose makes this a compact option for traveling and on-the-go use. Keep it in your pack, car, or stash it in a bike bag for your next adventure.

9. MountainFlow Bike Maintenance Kit - $99.95 | The whole kit and kaboodle! The MountainFlow bike maintenance kit provides everything you need to keep your bike shiny and shifting smoothly in a self-contained box made from bamboo that doubles as a wash basin. The kit includes all-weather bike lube, wash, polish, grease, two bamboo cleaning brushes, and bamboo and cotton towels. Plus, all of the products are plant-based and petroleum-free. We're total suckers for well-conceived aesthetics here at Freehub. And that packaging design is just irresistible.

10. Volcom Trail Ripper Pants - $100 | Another staff favorite, the Volcom Trail Ripper pants, strike a balance between durability and comfort while also looking rad—not too tight, not too loose, a Goldilocks pair of pants. The slim fit, tapered leg, and lightweight material provide maximum mobility. Made of technically crafted V.Co-Tech material, these pants were designed in partnership with the Volcom mountain bike team to give them the versatility and comfort they wanted on the trails.

11. Akta Knee Pads - Starting at $107 | Akta provides a pedal-friendly pad that doesn't compromise on protection. They strive for a perfect fusion of durability, with super-breathable materials and top-notch features. Hitting the trails hard shouldn't mean sacrificing comfort or, more importantly, safety!

12. Patagonia Houdini Jacket - $109 | Crafted from 100-percent recycled nylon, the Patagonia Houdini jacket is your trusty companion for high-output adventures. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, this jacket not only provides weather-resistant protection but also brings a sustainable touch to your outdoor gear collection. This jacket also features a durable, water-repellent coating without any perfluorinated chemicals.

13. Outdoor Research Men's Cirque Lite Pants - $139
14. Ibex Sun Hoodie - $145
15. SQLabs 611 ERGOWAVE - $179.99
16. SMITH Forefront 2 - $250
17. GoPro HERO12 - $399
18. LEATT Neck Brace 4.5 - $319

Gifts $120 - $400

13. Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants - $139 | With Outdoor Research (OR), fast ’n’ light is the name of the game; the Cirque Lite pants are no different. Made with 88-percent nylon and 12-percent spandex, these pants are breathable, durable, and compliant. Finding pants that fit perfectly is usually a pain, but OR includes an adjustable belt that ensures a comfortable and custom fit. The Cirque Lite pants are wind and water resistant and are ideal for 3-season adventures.

14. Ibex Sun Hoodie - $145 | A good sun hoodie is a must for anyone who spends a lot of time outside. The Ibex Sun hoodie stands out from the crowd by using their signature, sustainably sourced merino wool combined with Tencel, a fiber derived from eucalyptus. The merino provides protection from the sun while the Tencel wicks moisture to keep you cool on those sunny days. We really think Ibex has perfected the merino game—always sustainably sourced from Australia and New Zealand, soft fabric, and rad designs.

15. SQLabs 611 ERGOWAVE - $179.99 | SQLabs has saddle design down to a science. Finding a saddle that fits just right can be a challenge, especially as a woman, and the ladies at Freehub can attest to the comfort of SQLab’s saddles. The 611 Ergowave active 2.1 is made for all-mountain and enduro riding, providing support and power while climbing due to its unique dish shape.

16. SMITH Forefront 2 - $250 | What can we say about Smith helmets that hasn’t already been said? They’re tried, true, and trusted for a reason. The second rendition of the award-winning Smith Forefront mountain bike helmet keeps your brain at the forefront of its priorities, thanks to Mips and Koroyd impact protection. When it comes to the very thing that defines one as a person, price should never be an object. That's why the Forefront helmet is the top pick for many of Freehub’s team members.

17. GoPro Hero 12 - $399 | GoPro’s new Hero12 Black is taking image quality to the next level. With HDR, 5.3K, and 4K video capabilities, along with HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization and an industry-leading 177-degree field-of-view, this camera is the whole package. If you're serious about video quality and want the best technology to help capture your adventures, we recommend this powerhouse.

18. LEATT Neck Brace 4.5 - $319 | If you’re looking for comfort and security while taking your riding to the next level, we suggest the new Leatt 4.5 neck brace. Offering multiple adjustment options for a snug fit, this lightweight brace is crafted to divert potential injury-causing forces away from the neck in case of impact. Feel protected and ride with confidence.

19. Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD Repair Stand - $495
20. Kuat Sherpa 2.0 - $629
21. Lolo Racks 6 Bike Rack - $1,150
22. Fox 38 Factory - $899
23. NOBL TR37 Wheelset -$1,500
24. RockShox BoXXer Ultimate - $1,899

Gifts $400 - $2,000

19. Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD Repair Stand - $495 | Looking for something to make bike maintenance easier? The Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD repair stand does the job and looks good while doing it. With oversized, anodized aluminum tubes, a wide and stable base, stronger jaws, and fast, one-handed clamp jaw closure, the Pro Mechanic HD matches the capability of today’s mountain bikes. Lightweight at just 18 pounds and 8 inches by 43 inches when folded, this stand is also ideal for travel.

20. Kuat Sherpa 2.0 - $629 | Kuat puts it perfectly on their website when they asked, “Ever lifted a can of beer and thought, ‘It’s just too heavy!’” Nope. Aluminum is light. Furthermore, the aluminum Kuat Sherpa is secure and straightforward, so you can spend less time fiddling with your rack and more time riding.

21. Lolo Racks 6 Bike Rack - $1,150 | This bike rack is your trailhead squad's new best friend—perfect for hauling all the bikes, big or small, to your next big group ride. It comes with a new foot-activated tilt system for hassle-free hatch or tailgate access. The Lolo 6 bike rack is one of the rare vertical racks out there that can handle everything from mountain bikes and small kids' bikes to BMX, fat bikes, and road bikes. Also, the Lolo Racks design leans toward your vehicle for better ground clearance and less bounce.

22. Fox Factory 38 - $899 | The Fox 38 Factory fork is a dream gift for dedicated riders looking to push their speed and technical riding. We can vouch for its reliability and consistency, making it a stellar choice for aggressive trails. Engineered for 160-180 millimeters of travel and packed with the same top-notch features as the 36, it delivers a confident ride with top performance and durability.

23. NOBL TR37 Wheelset -$1,500 | Nobl has completely redesigned the shape of its rims with the TR37. Designed and tested on the World Cup circuit, the TR37 is right at home chasing podiums at your local enduro or crushing a quick after-work lap with pals. We also love the lifetime warranty. This wheelset uses front- and rear-specific rims, each with its own custom layup. The wave shape embedded into the molds aids side stiffness and is intended for heavier-duty wheel builds.

24. RockShox BoXXer Ultimate - $1,899 | For riders serious about upping their gravity game, the RockShox Boxxer Ultimate is our top pick. The latest Boxxer is a ground-up redesign engineered to win races—or to help you chase your fastest friends down the mountain if that's more your style. RockShox underwent a two-year intensive development journey on this new fork to hone in on the best blend of bending and torsional stiffness ratios. The result is the brand-spanking new 38-millimeter Boxxer chassis. If progression is your game, this is your ticket to ride.