It’s time. It’s dad’s day. Pops. Pappy. The ol’ man.
And we know it would be easy to get him a card and a gorgeous new tie. But if you are honest with yourself, you know this is not what he really wants. He doesn’t want a nice dinner and quality time with the fam. He wants to be out raging in the dirt, doing some questionable drops and ripping the flow trail. So suck it up and give daddy what he really wants. Whether it be a new bike or just a bomber multitool, you know he deserves it. These fathers day gift ideas will help get him out there.
Kali Viva
This little bucket helmet is described by Kali as the lid they built … no one will care about.
But if you care about how your dad rolls and also worry about how he rocks, then this is exactly the helmet you should consider for the old man.
This bright green little number is a BMX/Dirt jump lid which packs all the technology Kali is capable of into a form factor the kids won’t cringe at and even dads can appreciate.
Using Kali’s Composite Fusion Three technology and an ABS shell the Viva is designed to keep you protected, styling and if green is not your thing it also comes in Black and White.
—Jim Merithew
Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29 XX1
Here in New Mexico we don’t have as much pristine singletrack as Colorado or Utah. But we don’t have the crowds either. Me and the dogs got out for long ride last week and didn’t see another sole the entire time. Granted, I was riding some fairly obscure terrain in up in the Sangre de Cristo mountains—-but still—-it was lovely to have the place to myself. While meandering through the aspens and pine trees and following a 200-year-old hand-dug irrigation ditch, I also solidified my love affair with the Trek Fuel EX 9.9 29 XX1.
The frame and wheel setup along with RockShox’s RS-1 fork make the bike whippy fast on climbs but smooth and creamy-as-butter on technical descents. SRAM’s XX1 drivetrain is efficient, reliable and makes riding nearly mindless, almost Zen like. I was quickly reminded how lovely it can be to roll along on a beautifully designed bike through some of the world’s most stunning terrain. I’m already counting the days until I go again.
—Jakob Schiller
Osprey Rev 18
I put this bag on at the beginning of my ride, then immediately forget about it. That’s the highest recommendation I can give. It fits so well, and so snug that I never have think about it again, even when rolling through bumpy and variable terrain. The incredible fit is thanks to things like dual chest straps, an ample wait belt, and super plush and comfy shoulder straps.
It also stores everything you need. A dedicated pocket holds a 2.5-liter reservoir of water, or enough for several hours on the bike, and another large, main compartment pocket is big enough for all your spare tubes, bike tools, a rain jacket and lunch. Smaller waist-belt pockets are great for jells. There’s a dedicated flip-down media pocket on the shoulder strap that fits an iPhone 5 or other, smaller smartphones. My iPhone 6 was slightly too big, but still fit in the shoulder strap mesh pocket of the Rev 18 for quick access when I wan to snap a selfie.
—Jakob Schiller
Specialized Command Post Blacklite
If you ever take a bike clinic from Gene Hamilton at Better Ride he’ll tell you all about the attack position and if you’re going to break out your wallet the first thing to buy is a dropper post. According to Gene a dropper post will make your riding experience better in oh so many ways. And we couldn’t agree more.
The ability to put your junk right where you need it, when you need it there offers the rider more control and less worry. The dropper post has come along way in the last couple of years and their are a few excellent choices available, including the Blacklite Command post from Spesh. Available in a three adjustment, either internal or external routing and even a version specifically for the cross country set. Help dad get his game on with the gift of a dropper post.
—Jim Merithew
Blackburn Toolmanator 16 Multi-tool
If this multi-tool can’t help you fix your problem on the trail, then you know you’re up shit’s creek and better start walking. It includes everything from hex keys to a shock pump and always sits in my pack. It’s not the lightest multi-tool out there, but versatility is well worth it. At 45 clams it’s not the cheapest either, but when it saves your ass miles out on the trail, you’ll be glad you spent the cash on the Toolmanator.
—Jakob Schiller