Gift ideas from the editorial team: Christmas presents for XC & gravel

We test all sorts of products – sometimes because they’re brand new on the cycling market, sometimes because they’ve been updated, and sometimes simply because we find them exciting. Although two of the following gift ideas are primarily aimed at XC and gravel cyclists, the sunglasses in particular are a top tip for everyone. Let’s start with this nifty little rucksack from Sweden.

>> You can find lots more Christmas gift ideas here

USWE Race 2.0 Hydration Pack

USWE has, in fact, been designing hydration rucksacks for mountain biking for some time now, most of which are large and designed primarily for downhill and freeride. With the Race 2.0, the Swedish brand is taking racing to the next level. Like all USWE rucksacks, it features the patented 4-point ‘No Dancing Monkey’ (NDM) retention system: no matter what happens on the trail, the rucksack no longer bounces about like a wild monkey. For those who don’t want or need to carry much and are out for a fast, race-style ride, the USWE Race 2.0 hydration rucksack is the perfect little companion, with space for a large 2-litre hydration bladder. The mesh material in the straps and back panel helps keep you cool.

• Price: 119 euros (RRP) >> available here
• Chest measurement: 84–110 cm
• Dimensions: 32 cm x 16 cm x 9 cm
• Volume: 2 litres
• Weight: 420 g (including hydration bladder, tube and insulated bag; weighed by myself)
• Hydration system: Elite Hydration hydration bladder with Plug-n-Play connector; 2-litre capacity

>> You can read the full review of the USWE Race 2.0 hydration rucksack here.

Naked Optics The Blade sunglasses

Naked Optic’s range includes ‘The Blade’, a pair of sunglasses designed specifically for cyclists, featuring a half-frame design and interchangeable lenses. These sports sunglasses offer excellent value for money at 75 euros.

The moment you put them on, you’ll notice the secure fit, which is achieved by rubberised temple tips and a rubberised nose bridge. The nose bridge can be adjusted to suit your face. The Blade also scores highly for its good ventilation, which minimises fogging of the lenses whilst at the same time offering protection against wind and dirt.

The tint of the lenses on the model we tested (red, protection category 2) seems particularly well-suited to road cycling, as it offers high contrast against grey and black backgrounds. Naked Optics generally offers a range of different lenses for the Blade 7.

• Price: 79.99 euros (RRP) >> available here
• Dimensions: 145 x 59 mm
• Weight: 33.8 g
• A wide range of replacement lenses available: €19.99 (clear / orange lenses) // €24.99 (a further 5 colours)

>> You can find the full review of the Naked sunglasses, The Blade, here.

Leatt Bib MTB 6.0 Endurance Cycling Trousers

The Leatt MTB Endurance 6.0 cycling shorts feel like a second skin. The straps are made from mesh fabric and are designed to be exceptionally breathable. The leg cuffs feature silicone grips and stay 100 per cent secure. The cycling shorts even offer 50+ sun protection.

Leatt itself states that the Endurance 6.0 Bib is suitable for cross-country rides lasting up to 7 hours – but you can definitely go for longer without any problems, provided you take a few breaks at ice-cream parlours. The Elastic Interface chamois is firm and provides a very secure fit, which, for my taste, is a definite advantage on long rides. A little extra feature to finish with: there’s a small transponder pocket on the back.

• Price: 159 euros (RRP)
• Premium seat pads from Elastic Interface with 4 densities
• Ventilated straps with an ultra-thin profile and mesh fabric
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Sizes: XS–3XL

>> We have tested a number of products from the Leatt Endurance collection, which was launched in the spring. You can find the full test results here.