Season XV Mountain Biker Gift Guide
The best deals on the best gifts – all season long.
This holiday season, shop gear that gives back. We’ve rounded up our favorite finds from brands that directly support youth mountain biking in Texas. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite student-athlete, a fellow coach, or a trail-loving friend, these picks deliver great gifts and great impact.
1. Sunglasses
Every rider needs a reliable pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes on the trail…and to look rad. Check out some of our favorites below!
Budget Friendly
Founded by student-athletes from our league, RideLens makes sunglasses built by riders, for riders — durable, stylish, and trail-tested.
High Performance
NICA discount: 30% off – shop Rudy Project Sunglasses for top-of-the-line eye ware, including prescription sport sunglasses and everyday in-the-classroom glasses!
2. Apparel
You don’t have to wait for TC to show up at races to look your best!
NICA Apparel
Find great deals on last season’s apparel! All purchases directly benefit TX NICA. NICA apparel can also be found in most Trek stores across Texas!
Primal Wear
Get up to 50% off holiday sale. Primal is a proud Texas NICA sponsor providing our league’s Leader Jerseys, Adventure Jerseys, and Event Crew apparel. Shop their fun winter jersey collection to brighten up your holiday rides.
3. Game Changing Gadgets
These are our two favorite latest and greatest accessories from the past year!
One UP Components
Join the Pro program for NICA discounts on One Up components – the most clever bike tool storage around!
Trek Air Rush Electric Pump
NICA Discount: 25% off – Trek launched their Air Rush Electric Pump this year and we can’t help but ask… is the beginning of the end for carrying CO2 around?
4. Gloves
Whatever the season, a good pair of mountain bike gloves is essential They help riders keep a solid grip on the handlebars and offer a bit of protection during crashes.
Texas-Cold weather gloves
Once the weather starts to turn cold-cold, step away from the expensive winter cycling gear and go to the OGs. Get a pair of Carhartt winter gloves. Ride bikes in the frigid cold, then go build a snowman!
5. Bikes
It’s hard to beat #newbikeday no matter what time of year. Not sure where to start? Here are a few things to look for:
- Bike Fit: a good fitting bike is far more important than “better” components on a bike.
- Fork: Look for an air rather than a coil/spring fork.
- Wheels/Tires: If you can, get wheels and tires that can be made tubeless. You’re looking for a knobby mountain bike tire that is 2-2.5″ wide for our courses. Check out our FAVORITE Squirt easyfill sealant pouch!
- Brakes: Disc brakes offer far more stopping power than rim brakes, especially if the weather gets sloppy.
Head into your local bike shop learn more!
Trek Procaliber
For the short trackers and endurance rippers, the World Cuppers and the first timers, Procaliber is here to deliver the speed and power you need to stay at the front of the pack.
Trek Supercaliber
When it comes to course-scorching speed, what matters most is that it’s proven — and no cross-country mountain bike sets the bar quite as high as Supercaliber. Tested on the most demanding XC courses on the planet, Supercaliber charges ahead with hardtail efficiency and full suspension compliance.
High Performance
Trek Supercaliber is one of the most popular varsity level bikes we see on a NICA weekend. Our Rose City Cycling Team’s coach @thebikechick has a bunch of videos
Check out Trek Bicycle Hurst and Outlet in DFW for closeout deals on all things Trek!
Budget Friendly and awesome
Check out the league’s Texas NICA Bicycle Exchange on Facebook for deals on used bikes from current and former TX NICA athletes and families. This is a closed/private group and you must request access.
Check out NICA’s Athlete and Coach Benefits page for a full list of discounted brands!
6. Camping Essentials
Receive 15% off online and in store at Sun & Ski Sports! Use code 3193 – From mountain bikes and components to camping gear, apparel, and outdoor essentials.
Duffel Bags
Our NICA weekend’s are often multi-day events where you’re packing more than double what you would for a normal trip. Get a great duffel bag like the Patagonia Black Hole to fit all of your cycling gear, clothing and camping gear!
Coolers
Want to be the coolest coach at the finish line?? Fill up your Yeti backpack cooler with drinks for your riders!
7. Family Trail Time Together
The best gift doesn’t come in a box. Spend time exploring trails with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories. Plan your adventures with resources like Trailforks or MTB Project. Connect with other TX NICA community members through our league’s Adventure Challenge.
8. Hydration and Fuel
Hydration and fuel on the bike is key! Upgrade their setup with a durable CamelBak Podium water bottle or a reliable Osprey hydration pack and check out our latest favorite energy chew from Noogs!
Hydration Packs
It can be tricky on our tight and twisty course to find time to grab some hydration. A 1-1.5L pack is perfect for NICA races.
Budget friendly and awesome: Osprey 1.5 (and extra bite valves!) or Camelbak Rogue Light 1L
High Performance + High Stoke: USWE Outlander Pro 2L
9. The Next Generation
Inspire the next generation of mountain bikers with Gritty Gabby Rides a Mountain Bike! A children’s book written by one of our very own NICA student athletes, Aria Koberk (Lake Travis)!
That’s a wrap on This Season’s holiday gift guide.
Don’t forget to shop local and support TX NICA sponsors whenever possible.
