Gifts for mountain bikers: Florentin Vesenbeckh: My top 3 Christmas presents for 30 - 100 euros

The run-up to Christmas is shopping time. Finding presents for your loved ones can easily turn into stress. But if your loved ones are bikers, it doesn't have to be. Browsing through the manufacturers' offers can actually be a lot of fun. Some of them are currently offering "cool items" at bargain prices. You can even find a practical and attractive gift for less than 30 euros. Here are some personal tips from EMTB editor Florentin Vesenbeckh.

1st DIMB membership for 28 euros

DIMB - never heard of it? Then you should do some research! The German Mountain Bike Initiative is the only interest group that specifically campaigns for the rights of mountain bikers in Germany. The organisation is committed to promoting an environmentally friendly MTB sport. Challenging driving bans, legalising trails or simply giving mountain bikers a voice in political bodies: that's what the DIMB does. And the more members the organisation has, the more it will be heard. You can make your contribution for 28 euros a year. You also gain access to local IGs that organise meetings and joint tours. By the way: With a family membership, you can also bring your partner and children on board for 40 euros and thus give the number of members a boost.

Admittedly, a club membership doesn't exactly have the sex appeal of a custom component in a special paint job. But think about it the other way round: what's the coolest bike worth if there's a big prohibition sign on every one of your home trails or even trees being felled on the path? For less than 30 euros a year, you can help ensure that mountain bikers are given more weight on narrow trails! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB editor

2. 100% Brisker Glove for 34.50 euros

Biking in the cold was a problem for me for years. Because I had two options: Either a lack of fun on the trails because my cold fingers had hardly any feeling. Or a lack of fun on the trail because the knobbly winter gloves left a similarly undefined feeling on the handlebars and brake levers. Since I discovered the 100% Brisker Gloves, I can look forward to the cold season in a much more relaxed way from a biking perspective. Because these gloves offer 100 per cent the same riding experience as classic bike gloves. And with significantly better insulation. Admittedly: The Brisker Gloves are not real winter gloves for sub-zero temperatures. But in the transitional seasons, they have always served me well on intensive trail rides, even in single-digit temperatures. Motto: Give your loved ones what you are convinced of yourself. These hand warmers have my blessing.

Contact with the handlebars and brake levers is essential for me when biking. Knobbly gloves that cut off the feeling can spoil my enjoyment of biking. That's why I love the 100% Brisker Gloves. I can cope with the fact that they are overstretched in sub-zero temperatures. Because when it's really icy, I'd rather get on my touring skis than go for a trail ride anyway. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB editor

3rd Specialised Swat conceal carry tool for 93 euros

Specialized was one of the first manufacturers to use hidden spaces on the bike for small gadgets. The mini-tool in the headset has since established itself as a trend. However, probably very few bikers own such a MacGyver tool. I can fully understand that, because the real added value compared to a simple mini-tool is manageable - and 93 euros is a lot of money. So it's just the thing for a Christmas present. Because I predict that the recipient will regularly enjoy their "always at hand and ready to hand tool". At least that's how I feel when another test bike with the "Swat conceal carry tool" arrives at the editorial office. As bulky as the name is, the function is simple. The small tool is easy to install, fits without rattling and is easy to remove. Top!

The real added value may be manageable, after all, a classic multi-tool can simply be put in your pocket. But in everyday biking life, small gadgets like an integrated tool in the head tube are simply a joy. Always with you, always to hand, one less thing to worry about. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB editor