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Hey folks, my pal's son is MTB mad and she and I are looking for Xmas presents for him - main thing being a compact tool and a bag (going under the top tube, by the seat tube) - or alternatives if better exist.
Any suggestions THANKSYOUPLEEZ?
I've only ever had one multi-tool, a Topeak that my missis bought me, must be over 15 years ago but probably not 20. So in terms of quality and longevity, one of them. Think it's an Alien 3, but they probably don't make that exact model any more.
My Topeak Alien XT is always in my pack and is over 20years old & still functions fine. So +1 for Topeak.
ps: is he Enduro, bro? if so maybe some kinda strap to attach stuff like tube / CO2 etc
& if using C02: Lezyne Control Drive head is a tiny thing of functional beauty.
Gloves. Can never have too much choice... winter, summer, xc, enduro, lairy, ...
What's the budget?
Gloves, glasses and grips are things always being worn out or lost IME.
Tools - I really like the Topeak Nexus that most of my family have, I've got an SKS which is even better. We've bought one of ours a steerer tube tool set (One Up V2), but it's spendy just for 'hidden'.
Funky bags:
https://www.camelchopsgear.co.uk/
C&H?
Chains and Handlebars are always handy.
A Huck Enduro Strap and mini drybag. I’m happy with mine.
A One Up EDC Lite tool and carrier.
A decent multi tool. I have a 15 year old Topeak (not Alien) that’s still going strong and a Crank Bros one that’s about 7 or 8 years old. Both have never failed (the only CB product I’ve ever tried that isn’t made of cheese).
One Up EDC pump/Tool.
Hope. Everyone loves shiny Hope stuff
Hope. Everyone loves shiny Hope stuff
Boak.
Fidlock bottle
Troy Lee gloves
Dynaplug (if he's tubeless)
Transition Spur.
If he's 15 being 'cool' is one of the most important things if he's going riding with his mates. What sort of MTB is he into? If he's enduro incliced for example then the bag under the top tube next to the seat tube won't be 'scene' enough and you want to look at more of the enduro strap to hold spare tube concept or maybe some of the subtle storage solutions like maybe the oneup tool in the fork steerer.
15 year old? - Do Cyclepassion still do those calendars?
Race/event entry for the both of you? Something to work towards for next year.
APF
Might sound a bit boring but what about a magazine subscription to one of the MTB mags?
Might sound a bit boring but what about a magazine subscription to one of the MTB mags?
pickle Free Member
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">Is that what you've asked for pickle?</span>
Steerer tube stash tool?
Can move from bike-to-bike if he changes frame.
Might be a tad expensive, but I’m using this one, which doesn’t need tapping/threading etc:
Parks big blue book of bicycle repair.
When I was fifteen I really wanted some ti bar ends. Don't buy him this.
Gloves if you're not feeling spendy. Gucci pedals if you're feeling spendy (OneUp / Crankbrothers / Burgtec).
Left-field choice... some tuition (but acknowledging that he probably won't be able to take advantage of it until the weather gets a bit less crap, in which case you should probably throw in some gloves too).
Basically, gloves.
a bag (going under the top tube, by the seat tube)
Vaude do just the thing, not available in flouro yellow unfortunately...
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That was a joke BTW, get him some toeclips really.
OK, seriously then... find a nice multi hex tool with a T25 and reasonably long keys (something like the Park AWS 9.2), and get him the little Park chain tool as well.
I'll leave the framebag suggestion to the more serious endurobros.
Has he already got a decent pump though?
Evoc do a decent frame storage bag but it's front of triangle, not sure how Enduro it is but it's better looking than that one ^^^.
I really like my one up pump & tool combo but that's very spendy.
Cash or a voucher from the LBS?
My auntie bought me a porn mag for Christmas when I was 15. I'm not sure how was more shocked - me or my mum. So in that vein, porn hub subscription?
Topeak Nexus or Ratchet Rocket Lite multi-tool.
I’m a bit partial to Restrap bike bags and accessories. Not cheap, but the quality is top notch.
Depends on your budget really.
Thump is 15.
Nobody cool has a bag on their bike.
He uses a OneUp steerer tool, a OneUp pump with CO2, and a tube strapped to his frame.
He also has a Evoc hipbag for big days out.
.