The Bike
Well Maintained MOUNTAIN BIKES ONLY Student-athletes must only use mountain bikes that have 26- or 29-inch wheels (or between 26 and 29 inches)
TIRES
FRONT AND REAR BRAKES Bicycles must have fully operational front and rear brakes. Brakes must be adjusted to provide significant stopping power. Brake pads must not be worn below recommended limits. It is recommended that bicycles be inspected by a mechanic before every race.
NO BAR ENDS All riders must race with their hands holding the bars within reach of the brake levers. For safety reasons, no bar ends (forward pointing handle grip extensions that hold hands on brakes) may be used.
4.5. HANDLEBAR END PLUGS AND STEM CAPS REQUIRED For safety reasons, handlebar end plugs and stem caps are required.
TIRES
- Must not be narrower than 1.75 inches.
- Tires must have knobbies – no slick tires are permitted
- No road bikes or mountain bikes equipped with down-drop bars
- No cyclocrossbikes
FRONT AND REAR BRAKES Bicycles must have fully operational front and rear brakes. Brakes must be adjusted to provide significant stopping power. Brake pads must not be worn below recommended limits. It is recommended that bicycles be inspected by a mechanic before every race.
NO BAR ENDS All riders must race with their hands holding the bars within reach of the brake levers. For safety reasons, no bar ends (forward pointing handle grip extensions that hold hands on brakes) may be used.
4.5. HANDLEBAR END PLUGS AND STEM CAPS REQUIRED For safety reasons, handlebar end plugs and stem caps are required.
Other Equipment
HELMET Riders must wear helmets AT ALL TIMES- If your leg is over the bike a helmet is on!
FOOTWEAR Student-athletes must wear appropriate footwear. Footwear must be fully enclosed and fastened with either straps, buckles, or laces. Mountain bike specific shoes are encouraged for extra tow box pretection.
EYE PROTECTION Eye protection is strongly recommended. Unless wet, foggy, and/or muddy lenses impair vision, students should ride and race with protective eyewear. Shatter proof lenses are recommended.
CLOTHING
PEDALS
Clipless (shoes attached to pedals) OR Flats are acceptable. This is the rider's choice.
WATER RESERVOIR
A camelback is required for all fun rides. All on-trail items should fit inside the Camelbak. A water bottle with on-bike holder is acceptable for practices but is often not enough water for a trail ride.
ON-TRAIL ITEMS
Riders are responsible for their own "on-trail" bike maintenance during NICA races (flat tires, chain breaks etc) and encouraged during fun rides and practices. Coaches will provide maintenance clinics.
SUNCREEN
Apply before races and practices. Have some handy for re-application if needed.
Mask or Buff during Covid is required!
- No helmets older than 5 years old
- Must be a bike specific helmet (no snow or skate helmets)
- It should not be cracked, show major dents or flex under pressure
- Helmets must buckle securely
FOOTWEAR Student-athletes must wear appropriate footwear. Footwear must be fully enclosed and fastened with either straps, buckles, or laces. Mountain bike specific shoes are encouraged for extra tow box pretection.
EYE PROTECTION Eye protection is strongly recommended. Unless wet, foggy, and/or muddy lenses impair vision, students should ride and race with protective eyewear. Shatter proof lenses are recommended.
CLOTHING
- Padded cycling shorts are recommended
- Gloves are required for safety (they provide grip as well as shield from abrasions)
- Athletic clothing (no jeans!)
PEDALS
Clipless (shoes attached to pedals) OR Flats are acceptable. This is the rider's choice.
WATER RESERVOIR
A camelback is required for all fun rides. All on-trail items should fit inside the Camelbak. A water bottle with on-bike holder is acceptable for practices but is often not enough water for a trail ride.
ON-TRAIL ITEMS
Riders are responsible for their own "on-trail" bike maintenance during NICA races (flat tires, chain breaks etc) and encouraged during fun rides and practices. Coaches will provide maintenance clinics.
- Hand-held tire pump (must be compatible with tire valves)
- Extra inner-tubes
- Tire lever (best to have 2)
- Bike Multi-tool (with chain breaker)
- Extra chain link (compatible with bike gears)
- Cell phone for emergencies
- Weather appropriate layers
- Snacks (energy bars, GUs, dried fruit and nuts, anything with protein)
- Chain lube (optional)
SUNCREEN
Apply before races and practices. Have some handy for re-application if needed.
Mask or Buff during Covid is required!
