Christmas Gift Guide - the best presents for the gravel bike rider
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite Tool
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite tool is a smart ratchet style multi-tool with an extender bar and neat pouch. It’s a nifty and useful tool that won't break the bank and just as capable, it'd be a great addition to any tool pack.
Schwalbe G-One Bite TL-Easy tyres
Schwalbe's new G-One Bite Microskin TL-Easy tyre is an do-a-bit-of everything all-rounder, with bigger knobbles and a more pronounced shoulder making them more suited to gravel and hardpacked trails. We've been using these as our go-to tyre to gravel adventures this winter and road.cc gave them four stars in a recent review.
Apidura Expedition Top Tube Pack
A useful addition for bikepacking tours or on its own for commuting and single day adventure rides, the new waterproof Expedition Top Tube Bag is easy to use and works a charm, with more than enough space for all the essentials. We thought you could fill it with your loved ones favourite riding snack/sweets ready for their first post Xmas ride....ahhh, cute.
Restrap Bar Bag Holster & Dry Bag & Food Bag
The Restrap Bar Bag Holster, Dry Bag and new, larger Food Bag are an excellent choice for carrying luggage on your road or mountain bike. On or off-road, this rugged, made-in-the-UK solution is practical, looks good and should last you a lifetime. Road.cc have a review here.
Syncros Matchbox Coupe HP2.0 Integrated Bottle Cage
The Syncros Matchbox Coupe HP2.0 Integrated Bottle Cage is a bit of a mouthful but fortunately, the execution of this multitool system is much more simple. The tool is of a good size and the pump is pretty high volume too for a mini pump, great for getting tools off your back or out of a frame pack where space is at a premium. We reviewed this here and really rated it.
Ottolock Cinch bike lock
This lightweight lock is supposedly stronger than a cable lock and certainly more compact. It looks like a good option for riders on the move, it won't take up much space and a combination lock means that you don't have to worry about losing keys in the wilderness.
Guy Martin Proper Cleaner and fender bundle
Proper Cleaner from Guy Martin is a general purpose cleaner for any type of machine with wheels, including our shed full of mountain and gravel bikes Touted as having a tiny carbon footprint it cleans bikes as well as the next but in a more eco-friendly manner. The refill sachets are easy to transport so if you have a gravel buddy with a propensity for cleaning, this will be the product for their travels.
Camelbak Chase bike vest
Camelbak’s Chase bike vest is designed as a lightweight minimalist pack for runners and riders, with a 1.5L bladder and a unique design that allows you to still access jersey pockets. We found it to be perfect for fast mountain bike blats or enduro races as well as being ideal for longer gravel bike rides, here's our review.
Anker PowerCore 20,100 power bank
High power and relatively low weight, this power bank will charge your phone multiple times (5) at high speed. It also re-charges itself fully in 10 hours.
Exposure Diablo front light
The USE Exposure Diablo front light is to night riding like Heinz is to ketchup there are cheaper options but once you’ve tried it, you’re unlikely to want to use any alternatives. With even more intuitive features added, including TAP technology the MK9 or 10 offers yet more bang for your buck, a great light for bike packing adventures!
ADDTOP Solar Power Bank charger
One better than the regular power back the ADDTOP Solar power bank has a high capacity of 24000mAh, it can fully charge your iPhone, Samsung for 8-10 times, then recharging itself in the sun. It weighs 454g and could be a great partner for super long adventures if you need power at the cost of the weight.
Bikepacking: Mountain Bike Camping Adventures on the Wild Trails of Britain
To whet the appetite for 2019 adventures you need - Bikepacking. It'll take you on an off-road adventure, cycling and wild camping some of Britain's most beautiful hidden trails and ancient trackways. Laurence McJannet sets off to find the 30 finest multi-day rides our island has to offer. From easy city-escapes with the family to epic trails in the Scottish Highlands, this ultimate adventure guide is filled with inspiring stories and packed with tips on kit, planning, camping and route-finding.
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