The right bike matters - it is a safety issue.

But buying the right bike can be confusing for families. While any bike made for mountain biking can work in the beginning there is a good, better, & best choice. Walmart or Dicks Sporting Goods are not the place to buy a bike for safe cross country racing. Brands to consider are Specialized, Trek, & Giant. Visit your local bike shop for guidance and ask about available NICA  discounts.

​Mountain Bikes Only: Student-athletes must compete using mountain bikes that have 26- to 29-inch wheels with tires not narrower than 1.75 inches.

In addition:

1. Tires must have knobbies - no slick tires are permitted;

2. No road bikes or mountain bikes equipped with drop bars;

3. No cyclocross bikes.

What type of bike should I ride?

Essential Equipment

Helmet

Helmets are required at all times.

Under no other circumstances may a student-athlete be on a bicycle without a properly worn and securely fastened helmet, even when riding a very short distance.

We take head protection seriously. Very seriously. Your brain is worth far more than the price of a helmet.

Please do not use a hand-me-down helmet or a helmet with cracks or dents from previous falls or mishandeling.

When purchasing a helmet, size matters. Coaches or your local bike shop can help you determine the right fit.

NICA-approved helmets must meet one of the following standards:

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets.

2. Snell Memorial Foundation Standard “B” or “N” series.

3. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F-1447. 4. European Committee for Standardization (CE EN1078) standard for bicycle helmets.

Student-athletes must wear appropriate footwear fastened with either straps, buckles, or laces. The outer soles normal tennis shoes are too soft to provide a safe grip on the pedals. Look for shoes with a stiff rubber outer sole and “dot” or “criss-cross” patterns that accommodate the pedal pins. These soles are designed to grip the pedals and prevent energy loss while pedaling. FiveTens by Adidas is a good brand to start with.

Footwear

Teams are required to race in matching jerseys. New and used jerseys (limited sizes) are available. More details will be communicated when the seasons opens in July.

Team Jersey

Eye protection is not essential but is strongly recommended. NICA recommends that athletes ride and race with protective eyewear unless wet, foggy, and/or muddy lenses impair vision.

Eye protection

Carrying water on the trail is essential. Students can choose bottle + cage or a hydration backpack.

water source