Christmas Gifts for those who have everything
We've compiled a list of the most exclusive, most sort after and most anticipated kit around.
Stuck to know what to buy the mountain biker who has everything? We’ve compiled a list of the most exclusive, most sort after and most anticipated kit around to solve your problem! Be it a bike holiday, the lightest wheels around, or even mountain bike themed BBQ tongs we’ve got you covered.
Park Tool BBQ set
Somebody who has everything will undoubtedly love a BBQ, and now they will be able to flip burgers in cycling style. Try not to get the tongs and spatula mixed up with the tools in the garage, although being from Park Tools you know they’ll probably do other jobs just fine. Add the Penny Farthing Pizza cutter to the mix and you’ll undoubtedly have the best set of utensils around!
RRP $10
Availble from www.parktools.com.au
XTR Di2
Shrouded in mystery and exclusivity, Shimano’s first ever mountain bike specific gear system is set to redefine the way you control and use your gears, even if it does come with a hefty price tag. This is quite possibly the most highly anticipated gear system ever so keep an eye out for it to become available early to mid next year and get your hands on one the most highly developed pieces of kit around.
RRP expected to be between $3000 and $4500
Available early to mid 2015
Rockshox RS1 fork
The experts at Rockshox have turned forks on their heads, literally, with this new offering. A design never seen before with the stanchions at the bottom of the fork has enabled them to create the lightest and stiffest set of forks on the market weighing in at only 1666g (29”), plus they are visually striking to match. An expensive upgrade, but for those who have everything, this fork is certainly going to stand out from the crowd.
RRP $2200
Available from www.pushys.com.au
Mega Avalanche 2015
This famous: mass start, all out, close your eyes and bomb it to the bottom race has got to be on the list for any downhill, enduro, all mountain lover. Starting at the top of the Alpe d’Huez, over 1000 riders tear down the snowy slopes in waves before tackling rock gardens and scree slopes to reach the finish line. Remember to pack a spare pair of undies and leave your brain behind if you want to mix it up with the likes of Dan Atherton in this race.
RRP $5000, race entry is cheap but flights not quite so much
Available from www.megaavalanche.com
Heli Biking NZ 5-day holiday (keep an eye out for this in the next issue)
Tired of trekking to the top of your local mountain and the popular uplift spots just too ‘popular’ for you? Then why not hire a helicopter for 5 days and treat you and your mates to some of the best riding possible down the mountains of New Zealand. Get dropped at the top by your personal helicopter, smash it to the bottom then repeat until the sun goes down. And then once you’ve finished relax in 5 star accommodation and share a beer before you tackle the next day’s riding.
RRP $3320pp plus flights to NZ
Available from www.helibikenz.co.nz
Cape Epic 4-day pre event package plus the event itself
Luring the strongest and the bravest riders from all over the world, the Cape Epic is one of the most gruelling marathon races there is, testing competitors with over 700km of riding involving 16,000m of climbing over 8 consecutive days. The race is a true test of man and machine, but with the 4-day deluxe package you’ll be well rested for the challenges ahead. 5 star accommodation plus personal chauffer’s and wait staff will be on hand 24 hours a day to cater for your every need. You can even go on tours of Cape Town’s famous observatories conducted by local university students.
RRP TBC but around $10,000
Available from www.capeepic.com
ENVE 27.5DH Wheelset
Continuing downhill’s move to 27.5” rather than the traditional 26”, Enve has led the way by creating the only carbon downhill wheelset on the market. The wheels are reportedly around 10-15% lighter than the next best available, but don’t worry about them giving out on your final run as the carbon design will infact offer superior stiffness whilst reducing trail vibration. Be the ultimate envy of your friends and competitors with these carbon hoops.
RRP $3850
Available from www.tbsm.com.au
Thomson Titanium Riser bar
Had enough of carbon and alloys too heavy for you? Then its time to swap out your bars for this titanium set from Thomson. Titanium offers unrivalled strength and weight saving over its alloy counterparts, plus the stunning silver finish will be sure to add some bling to your ride. And being from Thomson you know they will be able to stand up to any abuse you can throw at them for years to come.
RRP $549.95
Available from www.tbsm.com.au
Chris King headset
We’ve all drooled over the highly sought after Chris King headsets at one time or another, so now’s the time to add a touch of Rasta to the front end of your bike. Developed and constructed under a cloak of secrecy, the headsets from Chris King are undoubtedly in a class of their own, get one of these and you’ll never go back.
RRP between $150 and $300
Available from www.tbsm.com.au
Oakley Radarlock Path polarized glasses
Protect your eyes with only the best with these Oakley Radarlocks, complete with different sets suitable for every light condition you can find to ensure you’ll never have to squint again. Worn by the pros you will not only look the part, you’ll be protected by the class leaders in eye wear, your only concern will be what colour to get to match your bike.
RRP $349.95
Available from www.tbsm.com.au
Garmin Edge 1000 GPS
Everyone is uploading ride stats and Strava KMs nowadays, so buck the tried and tested routes and venture out into parts unknown with this GPS computer. The large screen provides a live map plus all the usual data to enable you to ride off and always be able to find the way home. Challenge yourself and set out on an adventure for a few days, a week, a month or even a year – you’ll be in safe hands with the Garmin Edge 1000.
RRP $699
Available from www.garmin.com.au
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 27.5
Setting the bar even higher than before for trail bikes, Trek evolves the Fuel EX 9 into a new beast designed to blend race day technology with all day trail adventure riding. A lightweight carbon frame is paired with Kashima coated Fox forks and rear shock to improve the suspension response, feel and durability. Internal dropper post routing, lightweight Bontrager wheels and Shimano XTR 1×11 makes this one of the most impressive trail bikes available.
RRP $9,999
Available from your local Trek dealer