Gifts for mountain bikers: Stefan Frey's top 3 Christmas presents for 30 - 100 euros

Are you still looking for a nice gift for your loved ones? Preferably something related to biking? Then you've come to the right place. To avoid recommending just anything, here are three products that may not have much of a bling-bling effect, but have already proven their practicality. Curtain up for Stefan's top 3 Christmas gifts:

Odi Vans V2.1 Lock-On Grips

Grips are a matter of taste, of course. But if I had to recommend a grip to a friend and they weren't currently struggling with their fingertips falling asleep or other problems with their hands and therefore needed an ergonomic grip, then it would definitely be the new Vans V2.1 Lock-On from Odi.

Two Californian originals have teamed up to develop a grip that not only provides a really comfortable feel - decent cushioning and grip - it also looks stylish. Odi has taken the classic waffle design of the Vans sole and placed it on the underside of the grip. This gives your fingers the necessary grip on the terrain. A slightly denser pattern is used on the upper for better cushioning. My personal highlight: the colour-coordinated aluminium clamp with a target flag design. The V2.1 Lock-ON is available in six different colours.

Data and price Odi Vans V2.1 Lock-On Grips

• Width 135 mm
• Diameter 31 mm
• Aluminium clamp with target flag design
• Vans waffle design for improved grip
• Six colours to choose from
• Price: 30,40 Euro >> available here

Spurcycle Bell

How do you ask pedestrians or hikers to move to the side in the friendliest possible way? With the extremely powerful and harmonious sound of the noble Spurcycle Bell, of course! When the bell came onto the market a few years ago, I knew immediately that I wanted one. At first I had to swallow dry at the proud price of 60. But I think the investment was worth it. The stylish stainless steel bell is manufactured by a small company in San Francisco and is made entirely of metal. Even the clamp, which fits around handlebars with diameters of up to 31.8 millimetres, is made without plastic. This makes the Spurcycle Bell extremely durable. No wonder the manufacturer gives a lifetime guarantee on the part.

Its mushroom-shaped bell measures just 31.8 millimetres. But when you pull the smooth-running spring lever and the small golden button hits the bell, you are surprised by the bright, powerful sound - and, above all, how long the bright tone lingers. Sometimes I pull the lever just for the sheer joy of hearing it ring again. On the way into town or on the approach to the trail, I always want as many passers-by as possible on the way so that I can politely ring the bell to the side. Most of them respond with a friendly smile or a nice greeting - no wonder, with this beautiful Pinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!

Data and price Spurcycle Bell

• Handlebar diameter 22.2 to 31.8 millimetres
• Weight 45 grams
• Dimensions 30 x 25.2 millimetres
• Price 59,99 Euro

Gonso SQlab Go Bib

Even if the Gonso cycling shorts are a little over the price limit, I still think they are absolutely worth recommending. Why? With the SQlab Go Bib, Gonso has taken a very special approach to seat padding. Instead of the nappy-thick foam padding found in most classic lycra, the innovative seat padding from ergonomics expert SQlab is used here. In the men's version, the padding measures a maximum of 6 millimetres and is particularly firm. Women get a maximum of 8 millimetres of padding on their buttocks. As with the saddle, a thick, soft pad also leads to a sagging effect the longer you sit on the bike. This causes the sensitive tissue in the perineal area to become increasingly irritated. The SQlab padding remains pressure-resistant even on long tours and also adapts perfectly to the body.

In addition to the padding, the construction of the SQlab Go Bib itself has already convinced us in several tests. Wide, seamless straps nestle comfortably over the shoulders. The wide leg cuffs sit comfortably without riding up or leaving pressure points. Thanks to the skilfully chosen cut, the trousers also have few seams. Initially, the bib shorts were only available in black. Three other colour variants have since been added. Gonso also tailors the SQlab Go Bib in sizes up to 6XL!

Details and price Gonso SQlab Go Bib

• Padding thickness 6 mm (men) / 8 mm (women)
• Seamless straps
• wide, seamless leg cuffs
• Sporty fit with few seams
• 4 colours available / Sizes S - 6 XL
• Price 129,95 Euro >> available here

Have fun shopping and give the gift of joy!