What present should I buy for a newbie biker?

mikkybgs

Hi people,

It's my brothers birthday this week (I know I left it late!) and he has recently purchased a mountain bike (Although he's still awaiting delivery of the bike)
Anyhow, I'm wanting to get him something related to biking for his birthday and was wondering what everyone suggests?

I thought a good idea might be to get a saddle bag and stuff it with an inner tube, levers, multi tool, and puncture repair kit - like a bike first aid kit! or is this too boring?

Other ideas I had were:
GLOVES
GLASSES
PEDALS (as the standard ones fitted to the bike I suspect will be rubbish)
GRIPS (Same as reason above)
DRINK CAGE/BOTTLE
LIGHTS

What do you think is a good beginner present? All your comments/ advice gratefully received!

mountaingoatimnot

Whether riding on or off road a basic toolkit is always a good idea.
tyre levers (2 min, 3 better)
puncture repair kit
a multitool - in basic form just allen keys from 2mm to 6mm, more complex ones feature chain breakers and screwdrive heads
a spare inner tube > you'll need to know the tyre size he has, and the type of valve - probably Schrader (as car tyres), but road bikes and some MTBs use the finer Presta valve
A nice small under saddle bag is useful for carrying all these items !

If he intends doing longer rides such as off - road trails then a backpack/hydration pack is useful allowing him to carry 1.5-2l of fluid and drink as he rides.Tesco do one complete with the bladder and drinking tube for just over £7 and is more than a match for £40 versions from the cycle brands.

mikkybgs

mountaingoatimnot wrote:

Whether riding on or off road a basic toolkit is always a good idea.
tyre levers (2 min, 3 better)
puncture repair kit
a multitool - in basic form just allen keys from 2mm to 6mm, more complex ones feature chain breakers and screwdrive heads
a spare inner tube > you'll need to know the tyre size he has, and the type of valve - probably Schrader (as car tyres), but road bikes and some MTBs use the finer Presta valve
A nice small under saddle bag is useful for carrying all these items !

If he intends doing longer rides such as off - road trails then a backpack/hydration pack is useful allowing him to carry 1.5-2l of fluid and drink as he rides.Tesco do one complete with the bladder and drinking tube for just over £7 and is more than a match for £40 versions from the cycle brands.

Hydration pack sounds like a good idea. Just not sure how far he'll be travelling at this point. Perhaps a bottle and cage will suffice for now and go for the saddle bag option too.....

Thanks for the idea...

mikkybgs

Still taking ideas......? This is a plea for help!

.blitz

Hip flask + single malt
Park Tools mug
Race Face pint glass
Strength In Numbers/From The Inside Out/Follow Me/Life Cycles/3 Minute Gaps/Vast/Seasons
Chain Reaction vouchers
Anything from Lezyne
Mastering Mountain Bike Skills by Brian Lopes

mountaingoatimnot

hydration pack is now £11 something in Tesco. Noticed they have a saddle bag (Ca £10) now too, and also the multitools (several different ones, the type with chain breakers were £11) - probably only available in the bigger stores though

I'd steer clear of gloves as they can be a personal thing (short or full finger coverage, gel pads etc) as weel as fit/size.

Lights is another mindfield - loads out there, size type etc. From £4 to £400 !

£30 in Tesco would have got..
multitool
saddle bag
puncture kit
spare inner tube
bottle cage and bottle

DanDax1990

I'd get him a hydration pack... Bottle cage and bottle is a pain in the backside tbh... So much easier to use a hydration pack. Plus if you got him a decent hydration pack there will be room to keep multitool etc in there... Much better idea

The Rookie

Hydration pack from Tesco (unbeatable at that price)
or
Decent Multitool (not Tesco), I like Lezyne and the chain tool works!
Aldi/Lidl do the best value saddle bags but not really needed with that Hydration pack, put the stuff in there!
Spare tubes (make sure you get the right valve)
What budget? A skills session (around £60-80) would be a great buy.
Bottles and cages work OK for roadies, for an MTB 80+% prefer a hydration pack.

Dirtydog11

Chaincleaner , Multi-tool or pump.

mikkybgs

These are all great options, thanks guys (and any gals).

Hydration pack sounds good, will investigate that Tesco one......

May even chuck in a few extra things......if he's lucky.

DanDax1990

If you go for a pump... Get a track pump

bartimaeus

Shorts. Pedals. Shoes. Cheap GPS so he can see where he's been - and so he can become addicted to Strava (he may already have GPS on a phone).

chrisw333

I'd say track pump, good quality small hand pump (Lezyne?) and decent multi tool rather than going for the very cheapest.

If it were me I'd rather have 1 or two good quality items than lots of bits and bobs.

passout

Track Pump or Multi-Tool. Failing that, wiggle vouchers.

allthegearnoidea

Padded liner for his shorts!! that way his butt wont hurt after the first few rides and be put off!!! :-D

as above, allen keys, Park do a great set will pretty much all you'll need for a tenner, Great quality allens, pump, repair kit, tyre levers etc. basic essential kit really!

Mark909

This bag he'll be very happy

http://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/Hyper-3.0-colour-option-of-all-black-or-red-black.html