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still looking for a birthday or special occasion gift for the Mountain biker in your life? here’s a few of my top-tips:

No affiliate links or similar here just some handy hints based on my own experience or use.

• Cycle Skull Cap - useful addition to trail or road cycling kit especially in winter. Acts as a thin absorbent and insulating layer between a rider’s head and helmet helping them to keep warm in cold or wet conditions. Most are made of a synthetic stretchy material (avoid cotton) and are usually multi-fit. Best to choose a style that covers the riders ears! Price c£10-15.

• Cable Ties – Great for a multitude of trail side repairs for your bike or your equipment, no self-respecting MTB’er leaves home without these 😊 Best to get a bundle of different lengths and widths. Available from your local bike store, hardware shop or online. Price c£3-£5 for bundle

• Bike Handlebar Bell – the most effective and polite way to alert your presence to other trail users. If possible, try to check that the ‘ping’ of the bell is loud enough as many trail users wear headphones. Low cost ‘ping’ bells start from £2-£3 although for something a little funkier try an Oi Bell (c£15) or a Timber Bike Bell (c£25)  

• Ruck Sack Cover – Great for all year use although doubly practical in the winter when there’s more mud and rain and when it’s easier to get caught out in low light conditions. Best to go for a fully waterproof cover in Hi Viz colour. LOMO covers are good value but all good bike shops will sell a wide range. Price c£10-£15

• Chain Lube – most MTB’ers get through a stack of chain lube especially if riding all year. This a gift that you’ll be sure will get used. Best to get a small tube (100ml) that can easily be carried on the trails. Price c£3-5   

• Water Bottle – time to ditch that old water bottle with a chewed-up drinking valve in favour of a new one that doesn’t leak and that (ideally) has a flip top cover to keep mud away from the drinking valve. Water never tasted this good! Price c£3-£5

• MTB Socks – always appreciated so, why not get some top-notch ones. Usually lots of options available online or in your local bike store and best not to skimp on heel/toe reinforcement and padding. I wouldn’t bother with waterproof socks……better in my view to put the money towards a decent pair of waterproof MTB shoes/boots. Sock price c£15-25

• MTB Gloves – most MTB’ers will already have a few pairs of riding gloves but not all will have waterproof gloves. Cold hands can be low point of riding so good gloves are a boon. Lots of quality brands available although I’ve had good experience with ‘100 per cent’ and have bought several pairs of their winter gloves in Hi Viz colour in order to add additional visibility. Price c£25-£30  

• Spare Tube – maybe not the most exciting gift but it will be one that always gets used! It’s a better bet to carry a new spare tube rather than one that has been repaired but do check the wheel size before you buy – usually 27.5” or 29” for MTBs. Price c£3-£5

• Hip Bag – a flexible alternative to a small day ruck sack and useful for all sorts of outdoor activities not just cycling. When I’m guiding, I wear a 20-litre rucksack to carry all my gear. When I’m out on my own or with a couple of buddies, I wear a 5-litre hip bag that can also carry two water bottles. I prefer it as I sweat less and therefore don’t get as damp/cold when riding especially in winter. I’ve had good experience with an Osprey 5 litre hip bag at price range c£50-60        

• CO2 Bike Tube Inflator (plus CO2 capsules) – a fab gadget which helps makes light work of trail-side tyre inflation. Small and lightweight its best to get one that has an on/off valve control and that can fit both Schrader and Presta valve types. Ask at your local bike store for more info. Price c£15-£20 for the Inflator but don’t forget buy a few CO2 capsules too.  

• Handlebar Grips – an ideal Xmas gift as most grips get heavy use and wear yet most riders rarely replace them. Bars/grips are generally a standard size but if in doubt ask at your local bike store. I’ve had good experience with Gusset S2 bar grips which also come in a range of funky colours!  Price c£18-25  

• Bike frame bag – useful extra storage that doesn’t have to be worn by the rider. I use a 4-litre frame bag that compliments the hip bag so giving me nearly 10 litre combined storage without wearing a ruck sack. Look for a bag that is fully waterproof with watertight zips. Also be sure there are plenty of fixing points – usually Velcro straps. There are a lot of options online or at good bike stores. I’ve recently purchased a LOMO frame bag - early days but so far, so good. Price c£15-25